Highland U16 squad maintained their 100% home record in impressive style against league leaders Mackie Academy. Having lost by 2 points in the away fixture the squad was determined to reverse the result and took the game to the visitors from the start.
In sharp contrast to the previous match were 20 minutes passed before the first score, the points came thick and fast. Iain Crush touched down in the corner after some sustained Highland pressure to get the score board ticking over. Highland doubled their lead straight from the restart, Fionnlagh Call taking a clean catch and kicking it back with interest beat the defender to the ball and hacked on to score under the posts, Hamish Hepburn making the conversion.
Lyall Archer was next to go over with a powerful short range run that was just too strong for the defence Iain Crush making the conversion this time.
Mackie are not top of the league without good reason and despite a poor start stuck to their task well. Some time spent in the Highland 22 saw them move the ball well finding a hole in the defence and gaining a well worked try.
Highland responded well with good handling and quick movement seeing Ruari Casey free to round the defence and score under the posts, Iain again on target with the boot. Mackie however gained the last score of the half to remind Highland they were still very much in the game.
Half Time 26 – 10
Highland started the second half just like they started the first and Lyall Archer was again on the score sheet quickly followed by Bruce Flockhart, with Iain making both kicks the lead was stretched to 30 points and things started to look comfortable. As always in rugby you should never get too comfortable and Mackie reminded everyone with a well worked try which was comfortably converted.
Highland quickly reasserted their dominance in the closing period with both Lyall and Ruari getting their hat trick scores. Mackie deserve great credit for remaining competitive right to the end and showed good discipline despite being under the cosh in the closing stages.
Johnny Grant playing at 8 for the first time this season got the final score of the day which was well deserved for an excellent performance.
This was probably the best performance so far this season and every player on the pitch played their part. As such it is difficult to single out any individuals, however kudos to both Aiden Kent and Cameron Grant who stepped up from the U15 squad. Both lads came on in the second half and both look very much at home.
Thanks to Mackie for making the journey and playing the game in the hard but fair style we expected of them. And a special thanks to the ladies who worked hard in the background to ensure everyone was fed and watered after the game.