It’s a dismal weekend for north teams
Published: 24/11/2008

NORTHERN rugby endured one of its worst weekends of the season as both Caithness and Highland failed to score a point in crashing to defeat against opponents Newton Stewart and Glasgow Accies in National League 2.

The Caithness side’s 23-0 reverse against Newton was made all the more depressing as having travelled all the way to Dumfries and Galloway it did not get home until 1.45am on Sunday.

“It’s a long haul, especially when you lose,” said coach Jim MacMillan, who admitted his side had been totally outplayed in all phases of the game.

“Our consolation was in finishing strongly, though by that time the damage was done and we were down 23-0 in what was a poor, long day for us,” said MacMillan.

The Thurso side travelled with only 16 players, although the coach listed himself as a replacement.

Highland’s head coach Hugh Mackintosh was even more unhappy after his side had slumped at home 21-0 to Glasgow Accies.

“It was our worst performance of the season.

“We never looked like scoring. I just wonder where we go from here,” said a depressed Mackintosh who was left to rue missed tackles, as well as failing to kick five penalties. The Canal Park side were 5-0 down at the interval, but on a cold, grim day Mackintosh could find little to cheer him up, as his young side failed to cope in the second half.

This article was posted on 25-Nov-2008, 09:01 by Hugh Barrow.