2nd XV look to maintain good recent form
The Raptors have completed the Caledonian North Region League Div 2 fixtures for the 1st half of the season, and embark upon the 2nd half away to Moray on Saturday 3rd December (KO 2pm).
This is a a top of the table clash, with Highland currently top of the league with 8 wins from their 9 matches. The solitary loss was a 20-19 defeat at Ross Sutherland back in October. The Raptors have been tested by Moray (on the opening day of the season) and more recently by RAF Lossiemouth & Gordonians but have come through to win on each of these occasions.
Coaches Blair Lockwood and Nathan MacLaughan will be confident of their charges with ball in had given their recent free scoring form, but they may be a little concerned with a number of soft tries conceded in the last few games. More tackling drills are likely to be the order of the day.
In the mean time Moray currently lie 2nd in the league.
They are 11 points behind the Raptors, their points differential is only 7 points less than our 2nd XV, but notably they have only played 7 games so far.
Moray have not lost since their opening day 29-10 defeat at Canal Park back at the start of September. They have also been scoring pretty freely.
Their last outing was on 22nd October when they won 29-28 away to Gordonians. So they will have to contend with old situation. The team will be well rested and it’s likely that any minor injuries will also have cleared up because of their extended break, but then they’re also no substitute for playing. They could be a little rusty as it will be 6 weeks since their last competitive game come kick off on Saturday, but I wouldn’t cont on that.
At this point neither team will be thinking about past form, they will be intensely focused on the task in hand which is winning Saturdays game.
Given that both teams have put a lot of points on the board maybe it would be reasonable to expect a very open and high scoring game. Then again it can be the case that our games against Moray turn into a low scoring arm wrestle, maybe more so at Morriston Park.
Both teams will be looking to lay down a marker for the 2nd half of the season.
Moray can make inroads at the top of the league with a win, whilst still having the games in hand.
Whilst recognising it won’t be an easy task, the Raptors will be looking to consolidate their position at the top of the league and take themselves further away from Moray.
This should be a cracking game.
Good Luck Raptors.