Highland U16 squad made the short trip through to Elgin this Sunday for what is always a tough game against Moray. With Injury problems and unavailability issues there was a real sense that we could struggle.
The game kicked off in a light drizzle and very heavy underfoot conditions and both sides laboured to control the ball and set up any great continuity. Highland started to gain dominance but Moray were defending well and were not going to be easily opened up. Some good play from the backs saw the ball moved wide a typically hard running from Harrison Wright saw him go over in the corner to get Highland on the score sheet.
Highland kept the pressure up and were camped in the Moray 22 for much of the rest of the first half, but again the home defence was very strong, however John Falconer crashed over for the second score as the half drew to a close. Hamish Hepburn made the difficult conversion and the half finished with Highland 12 points up.
Half time 0-12
The second half saw Highland up the pace and an early score by Harris Ross,( again converted by Hamish) gave a bit of breathing space and allowed the lads to play with more freedom. Further scores by Fionnlagh Call and Johnny Grant took the game away from Moray but they continued to compete well, particularly at the breakdown. Harrison rounded of a good day for him with his second try with Hamish adding the extras.
The game finished with Moray showing the same spirit they had displayed from the start, camped in the Highland 22 a very unlucky not to turn good possession into points.
Full time 0-36
Thanks to our hosts for a great game which was much close than the score would suggest.