Highland Rugby Club look to take five points victory at Dundee to set up dramatic finale in Scottish National League Division 1 relegation battle
Dave Carson wants embattled Highland to set up a rousing end-of-season occasion at Canal Park by taking five points back home from Dundee.
Nothing less than a bonus points win on Saturday will do Carson’s men as they fight for their lives near the foot of the National League Division 1 table.
Highland’s tough season hit a low last weekend when they crashed 79-7 to title challengers Stirling County.
But two maximum point triumphs away to already relegated Dundee and then back home next weekend to third bottom Peebles would give them an outside chance of survival if results elsewhere go their way.
Carson said: “They are two massive games, but it is out of our hands now. The boys are pretty focused and nobody is giving up the ghost.
“We need five points this week and five again next week from the final league game and, then, what will be, will be.”
Unusually, Highland edged their last meeting with Dundee 29-28 at home, while securing the exact same scoreline away to their final day opponents Peebles.
Boroughmuir and Peebles, the two teams immediately above them, clash at Meggetland tomorrow in a match that could hold great significance to Highland’s hopes.
All of Highland’s focus will be on Dundee, though, and Carson is buoyed by the spirit and attitude shown this week by his players in the face of disappointing results and injuries troubles.
He said: “Dundee are already down now, so that can either play into our hands or go against us. There’s no pressure on them whatsoever, and they will probably want to go and have an enjoyable game of rugby.
“But hopefully they won’t be able to replicate the fight and real determination we will have in trying to eke five points out of it.
“Hopefully it will work in our favour that way.
“The great thing is the attitude and mood of the players in training. It has been difficult, but the boys have been spot-on. We had 49 out training on Tuesday night, with no slacking off at all.
“We’ve talked about it within the club and it is just where we are at the moment.
“We have young guys being relied upon with Josh Talbot-Heigh making his debut at outside centre against three Scottish Sevens’ players and two ex-Glasgow players.
“It is day and night. It is hard for these young guys and not the place you want to chuck them in.
“But with our injuries, he took his chance and didn’t disgrace himself one bit.
“It is not a place for learning, that’s for sure.”
Carson, no matter the outcome, will relish a final fling at home this season, adding: “Whatever happens, it will be nice to finish the season in front of what will be a big crowd at Canal Park.
“We’ll look to get a win and put smiles back on everyone’s faces.”
Gordon Gregor (shoulder), Rory Mighton (dislocated shoulder) and Callum Carson (hamstring) are absent, while servicemen Adrui Muritoki and Timoci Waqanibau are unavailable through army duty. Ruaridh Knott returns