Caithness hit back to win after trailing at interval while Highland pay for their inexperience
Published: 01/09/2008

THE north’s leading two rugby clubs enjoyed mixed fortunes in their opening National League Division 2 games of the season.

Caithness comfortably saw off the challenge of Newton Stewart, although they had to recover from a half-time 10-3 deficit to triumph 27-10.

“We lost a converted try right on the break, but as we were playing into a stiff breeze I was not concerned and knew we would come good,” said head coach Jim McMillan.

The Millbank side justified its coach’s faith, running in three tries in the second period as the visitors failed to cope with the elements and the direct running of the home side.

Teenage scrum half Chris Hamilton proved his worth to the Thurso men, scoring two well-taken tries and when full back Chris Gove scored one of his own, the home side looked set to pick up a bonus point for four tries.

It was not to be, but McMillan was happy with his young side’s performance: “It was a good run out and great to get a win under our belts in the first game of the season. We’ll get better.”

Centre Blair McIntosh kicked three conversions and two penalties to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

Highland suffered a 24-3 defeat at the hands of Glasgow Accies with a side containing eight players under 20 years of age.

“They played well and had we taken our chances would have come away with a win, as it was Accies scored two tries in the last three minutes.

“We were by far the better side in the second half, but showed our inexperience at key moments,” said head coach Hugh McIntosh, who saw positives against a side which is being widely tipped to win the League 2 title.

Johnny Wylie kicked a first-half penalty for the Canal Park side which, according to McIntosh, will have learned from its inability to push home the advantage when in control.

This article was posted on 1-Sep-2008, 10:28 by Hugh Barrow.