Highland v Gala: Last league game of Season 23/24

The 1st XV are looking for a big crowd to roar them on against Gala Rugby on Saturday in their final league match of the season. 

2nd place is up for grabs – but the outcome is far from certain as results over the last few weeks have tightened up the league placings. Only 5 points, a bonus point win, separates Highland, in 2nd spot on 51 pts, from Glasgow Accies in 6th Place on 46pts. 

Melrose (3rd) and GHA (4th) also sit on 51pts, with Watsonians in 5th on 50pts.  But it will be the Glasgow sides who have the advantage as Glasgow Accies have three games to play, and GHA have two games to go.  Where as Melrose and Watsonians like ourselves only have the one game left. 

Even then the final placings are up in the air. GHA have to go away to Dundee, who have been in decent form recently. Whilst Accies welcome bottom side, and near neighbours GHK, tomorrow. A formality for Accies? Not really as GHK are still in the fight as they could still catch Dundee at the bottom of the table. 

Then Glasgow sides Accies and GHA  have to play each other on the 2nd March, before Melrose play their last game at Accies on 16th March. 

All of that is largely irrelevant we can only control what we do, and the coaching team will be looking for a bonus point win at home tomorrow. But this game against Gala, currently 8th in the league, is no gimmie. 

Gala’s form has been erratic again this year, but on their day they can be a match for anyone in this league. 

Highland literally stole the game down at Netherdale, where Highland were 18-5 down with 5 minutes to go. Highland won the game with a last minute try to snatch an unlikley 18-22 win. 

Once again we see the side reshuffled, the Army are off on exercise and work committments see a number of players unavailable for selection. We see the return of Co-Captain Callum Carson to the side after the injury he picked up against Ayr. It’s also good to see James Blair back in the side after a lengthy injury lay-off.

With the Raptors also in action at Canal Park, in an important game against Ellon Rugby, which kicks off at noon. There’s plenty of rugby on offer at Canal Park this weekend. 

So it would be great to see a big crowd down to support both sides. 

Highland 1st XV Squad:

Backs

15. Adriu Muritoki, 14. Dan Corr, 13. James Blair, 12. Callum Boyd. 11. Magnus Henry, 10 Scott Fraser (CC), 9. Hugo Crush

Forwards

1. Stephen Murray, 2 Kevin Brown, 3. Patrick Ratumaisese, 4 Grant Jamieson, 5. Rory Mighton, 16. Calum MacPherson. 7. Gordon Gregor, 8. Callum Carson  (CC)

Replacements

23. Jonny Milton, 17. Ollie Smith, 18. Svend Dale Pedersen, 19. Ross Gibson, 20 Andrew Kellock