Dundee High feel frustration of losses

Having built a bit of momentum before Christmas, it all turned sour again for Dundee High Rugby after the break with defeats of more than 50 points at the hands of Biggar and 40-plus against Heriot’s.

But the most frustrating aspect for coach Colin Sangster is that in the week between those hammerings they went to the Greenyards and lost to Melrose by just 15-14.

“We had to convert our last try to win, the kick didn’t go over and we were stuck with one point instead of four, and that was hard to take,” said Sangster.

“We would have no fear of any side in the league if we had anything close to a full squad out and I honestly believe that we could be sitting at least around mid-table, but when you have used over 60 players in 17 games, that makes it difficult.”

That statistic speaks for itself and Dundee go into their Tennent’s National 1 clash with Stirling at Mayfield tomorrow firmly anchored in bottom place in the league and having lost 38-17 at Bridgehaugh; they can only hope that they are able to close the gap on second bottom Boroughmuir who are nine points ahead with a game in hand.

Had they managed to win against Dumfries a fortnight ago, Kirkcaldy would have bounced to second in National 2 but now go up against Newton Stewart having come off a 17-7 defeat at Park Farm, and sit currently in fifth slot.

There are only five points between Kirkcaldy and National 2 leaders GHK so that result at Dumfries was a real dunt but the prospect is there for a really tight run-in.

When Kirkcaldy went to Bladnoch, a try by Connor Wood converted by Finlay Smith bested Newton Stewart’s two penalties from James Gaw which had given them a 6-0 half-time lead so with two league places and eight points between them, this is a chance for Kirkcaldy to consolidate that title challenge.

It is equally tight at the top of National 3 with Ardrossan second behind Berwick making it a tough trip for seventh placed Strathmore when they travel to Memorial Field.

They lost by 36-26 to Ardrossan at Inchmacoble but a fortnight ago a trip to Ayrshire saw Strathie come away from Maybole with a 39-7 win over Carrick.

A similar return from a second visit to the seaside would be more than welcome.

The two sides shared almost 70 points when Howe of Fife beat Perthshire 39-30 at Duffus Park and a similar result when the two meet at North Inch could take Howe into fourth spot above Greenock Wanderers who have to face the long hike to Caithness.

The 31-19 loss to Berwick on their own patch last time out was a real disappointment for Howe and stalled the momentum which had been building.

“Berwick are a very strong side and very well organised” admitted Howe president Chris Reekie “but we have to take that on and keep moving forward.

“We have a good young squad who are now enjoying their rugby and we want to get back into our stride after the Berwick game.”

For Perthshire, it is a game that will see them become either further detached in second bottom slot in the table or – with a win – possibly narrow the 12 point lead over them held by Caithness.