Raptors pushing for playoffs against Ellon Rugby

The Raptors have an early start on Saturday with a noon kick off against  fellow play off contenders Ellon at Canal Park.

The Raptors currently occupy the vital third play off spot on 34pts in the Caledonia (North) Region League 1  table, with three games to play including this one. The opposition are in 5th place on 28pts but they have 4 games to play. 

The Raptors lost out 49-28 down at The Meadows, Ellon at the end of January.  They’ll be looking to improve on that performance especially on home ground. 

The Raptors are without playmaker Ruaridh MacDonald, who picked up a fractured eye socket in the game at Ellon. Jamie Carson comes into Stand Off. 

Saturday also sees the return of Owen McDonald in the second row after a long time out of the game through injury. 

Coach Blair Lockwood said,

“It’s a huge game for us with a lot riding on it. We’re still trying to push for the 3rd place spot so we can get into the playoffs against the midlands teams. At the start of the season that was our aim to get into the playoffs. After a big Ellon side beat us through there, we’re itching to get one over on them at home.”

Highland 2XV Squad

Backs

15. Rhuairdh Cameron, 14. Josh Tablot-Heigh, 13. Fergus Riach, 12. Craig Irvine, 11. Jacob Powell, 10. Jamie Carson, 9. Cammy Grant

Forwards

1. Thomas Reid, 2. Dougie Darling, 3. Mac Donnelly, 4. Roddy Thomson, 5. Owen Mcdonald, 16. Owen Wemyss, 7. Freddie Talbot-Heigh, 8. Liam Quinn

Replacements

17. Dave Marnoch, 18. Alex MacDonald, 19. Etuate Masuwale, 20. Finlay Howell