Irvine shines as Highland stay in front

Highland maintained their three-point lead at the top of the table, comfortably seeing off bottom side Livingston 32-5.

Livingston had no answer to the early plays of the visiting Inverness pack, which dominated on the way to a 20-5 lead by halftime.

Highland’s Craig Irvine had a great day at stand off, scoring two tries and kicking two conversions and a penalty to give him a haul of 17 points.

Dave Carson, the High- land head coach, said: “We have a new confidence and are getting into winning positions early in games and making life easy for us for the rest of the game.

“We were completely in charge in the second half and pushed Livingston all over the pitch.

“We are taking nothing for granted but it is a good feeling and we can’t wait for next week’s game with Glasgow Accies at Canal Park.”

Winger Craig Findlater and his brother and number eight Andrew also grabbed tries, while winger Harrison Wright marked his debut for the club with a fine performance, capping the day with an excellent try for the league leaders.

An inspired Orkney looked like springing the surprise of the day against second-placed Dumfries Saints only to concede late tries as they fell 28-11, but pleasing head coach Paul Livingstone for at least 70 minutes of the game.

He said: “We were immense in defence, confining the home side to a 7-0 lead at half-time before going on to take the game to them, scoring a try through CameronGray while centre Graham Poke kicked two penalties.

“We ran out of steam in the last few minutes. The final score of 28-11 was not a true reflection onhowthe game went, but I am so proud of the team.”

A home game against Livingston this Saturday will be welcomed by the islanders and an opportunity to move back into the top six of the league.

“We were completely in charge in the second half”

Photographs: Jim Irvine West of Scotland during Saturday’s National 2 match.