Fantastic physical game as rugby team takes on league favourites

September 29, 2013 0

After last weekend’s gruelling 600-mile trip to play Ross Sutherland the Shetland rugby team yesterday faced another tough challenge at Clickimin.

Scrum half Jon Pulley scores Shetland's three points from a penalty kick during the RBS Caledonia League Division 2 North match against Highland at the Clickimin Pitch. Photo: Kevin Jones — Scrum half Jon Pulley scores Shetland’s three points from a penalty kick during the RBS Caledonia League Division 2 North match against Highland at the Clickimin Pitch. Photo: Kevin Jones

Visitors Highland are league favourites and prior to the visit to Shetland had scored 176 points in three games without conceding.

Prior to the game the Shetland club made it clear that the newly-promoted squad had shown it is capable of surviving in RBS Caledonia Division 2, but conceded the challenge against second-placed Highland would be the “sternest test so far”.

And so it proved. It was a bruising encounter but Shetland will take positives from the fact that Highland were restricted to 31 points, the fewest they have scored in a game this season, and a penalty from Jon Pulley were the first points the title challengers have conceded.

Shetland's Stewart Mouat puts in a strong tackle. Photo: Kevin Jones — Shetland’s Stewart Mouat puts in a strong tackle. Photo: Kevin Jones

After the game club spokesman Bryan Leask praised the effort from the players. In a Facebook post he said: “Fantastic game between two committed teams. One of the most physical games I have seen in Shetland for some time.”

Next weekend Shetland face a trip to Lochaber who are sitting fourth in the table after a strong start.

For a full match report and latest tables, see Friday’s Shetland Times.