Arthur’s men are ready for task at Orkney

Aberdeen Wanderers travel to Orkney tomorrow hoping to be the first team to lower the colours of the runaway Caley Division 1 leaders, who are 13 points clear of the chasing pack.

Russell Arthur, the Aberdeen side’s director of rugby, acknowledged the enormity of the task but said: “They will pose a huge challenge on their own ground but we have been playing well and travel with a near fullstrength side, apart from lock Craig Lawson, one of our key players who is not available.”

The Kirkwall men for their part will be confident they can maintain their 100% record which has seen them clock up 493 points in 10 games.

Ellon, one of the teams bidding to claim the runners-up slot, have a much easier task at Hillfoots but will be fielding a youthful side.

Head coach Craig Parslow said: “It’s all part of the plan to build up for a crack at promotion next season.”

At Kellands Park, Garioch take on secondplaced Dunfermline bidding for their first win of the campaign, although the Inverurie head coach Charlie Catto is adamant his side can survive in the top division.

He said: “We have been unable to have any consistency due to injuries suspensions and work commitments. We have not been able to field the same back division at any point in the season, but we are one point above the relegation area and have some very winnable home games to come.”

In Caley 2 North, Banff find themselves in the running for promotion and play Mackie FPs at home, while their rivals, Aberdeenshire, have a much tougher derby game away to 2nd Aberdeen Grammar.