Caithness aiming to keep North Police in bottom spot
The Greens could be forgiven if they do not know whether to look up or down the North Conference of Caley 1 in which just 12 points separate top from bottom.
A win away to North Police on Saturday would see them in contention for one of the two play-off spots at the halfway point in the campaign.
But defeat would see the service side leapfrog them and consign Cameron Boyd’s men to the foot of the seven-team conference.
Their away record gives little grounds for hope, with no match points recorded and 217 points conceded in three chastening defeats.
This contrasts starkly with two stylish bonus-point victories earned from their two home outings.
Head coach Boyd again has no shortage of headaches as he prepares for Saturday’s first meeting between the sides.
Skipper and number eight Cole Wilson and backs Scott Webster and Cammy Ryder remain crocked, while centre Charlie Quinn is also set to miss out because of a knee knock he picked up in the National Shield victory over Panmure.
Back-rower Lachlan Jardine is still subject to concussion protocols, while locks Kevin Brims and Kevin Budge have work commitments and Aaron Brook has gone after the end of his work stint in the county.
Prop Mark Nicolson is also unavailable for the trip to Aberdeen but lock Dave McIntosh is back from a break in Mexico.
Their opponents combined the former Northern and Grampian Constabulary XVs following the formation of Police Scotland in 2013.
Runners-up in Caley 2 last year, they lost their first three games this season before defeating Mackie 41-34 in Aberdeen on Saturday to move within two points of Caithness.
Boyd said: “Given the guys that are missing, it’s going to be a tough challenge and we need to win or we would find ourselves in an uncomfortable position after this weekend.”
The title race was blown wide open on Saturday after leaders Aberdeenshire suffered their first reverse, losing 38-21 at Ellon.
Ross Sutherland also lost ground after being defeated 24-15 at home to Highland Seconds.
