Caley Thistle Women bound for Caledonian Stadium for rest of the season
While uncertainty remains over when Inverness Caledonian Thistle Women will return to action, they at least know where their home matches will be.
With their usual home unavailable for the time being, Caley Thistle started the Championship North campaign at Highland Rugby Club’s Canal Park.
Last week they had been due to turn out at the Caledonian Stadium, but the match against Dundee West was postponed as the entire league’s hiatus continued due to Covid-19 regulations.
Manager Karen Mason now knows though that her squad will play at the Caledonian Stadium for the rest of the season when matches resume.
“Scot Gardiner, John Robertson and Dale Stephen, the groundsman, have all agreed that we can play our home games there,” Mason said.
“They have realised we’ve got to help each other out in these situations.
“So we’re really thankful that they have stepped in to help us out.
“Obviously if games don’t go ahead then the pitch will be nice and preserved, but the offer is there which is excellent, because it’s been a difficult one trying to get pitches booked in for these dates.
“With them being cancelled or postponed, thankfully venues have been really understanding of the circumstances and now that we will be able to have the stadium if and when required, that’s a bonus.”
It will be an exciting prospect for the ICT Women squad to run out in a professional stadium, and Mason admits there has been a tangible enthusiasm in training since the move was confirmed.
“The girls are buzzing about it to get a chance to play there,” Mason explained.
“It’s something that we can look forward to, it’s a carrot at the end of this that when we do get back playing it will be there.
“That’s a real incentive for everyone to work hard and eventually get back playing through the lockdown again.”