The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Another challenge for bruised Caithness
Caithness face a stiff examination in their bid to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat at Gordonians, when they entertain third-placed West of Scotland in National 3.
Tom McGee’s side were beaten 29-8 at Countesswells and the Caithness head coach is anticipating another tough test this weekend.
He said: “We’re coming off the back of a disappointing performance at Gordonians where we really didn’t back ourselves enough to play the way we wanted.
“It was frustrating but that’s what you’ve got to do against the teams at the top of the table – or any team for that matter.
“You have got to go and express yourself. The way you play and your levels of belief and confidence all come into play when you’re under pressure.
“We have a way to go to really develop that strong resolve you need to give you confidence, but this weekend’s game gives us another great opportunity to respond off the back of a disappointing performance.”
Orkney, meanwhile, host the team directly below them in National 3 when Hillhead Jordanhill visit Pickaquoy with the game kicking off at 11.30am.
Club captain Scott Rendall said: “Only one point separates ourselves and Hillhead Jordanhill will be a good test.
“We couldn’t really have asked for a better game to look forward to after securing our first away win of the season at Haddington last weekend.
“We will go into this game with confidence and a belief we can win the game, so hopefully we’ll go on and do that.
“We want to make Pickaquoy a fortress and make it a bit of a physical battle for visiting teams.
“The game kicks-off so it at 11.30am because of the logistics of Hillhead Jordanhill getting up here and away again after the game.
“We’re used to kickingoff at a variety of times so it certainly doesn’t bother us.
The Orkney hooker says his side can take a lot of confidence from their 37-0 win at bottom club Haddington. He added: “It was definitely our best away performance of the season so far.
“That result has been coming. Everything just clicked on the day.”