Greens looking to regroup after difficult start to campaign
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Caithness coach Kenny Russell is looking for a big Millbank crowd to get behind his injury-ravaged squad on Saturday as they seek to regroup after their ill-starred start to the season.
Last Saturday's Caley 1 programme was cancelled following the Queen's death.
The Greens had 17 to travel to face newly promoted Aberdeenshire but they were woefully light on experience.
The outlook is brighter for the club with a clutch of experienced campaigners back in action for the match against Hillfoots.
Russell's men are looking to bounce back after conceding more than 100 points in their opening two defeats.
He was impressed by the number who put their hands up to travel to Aberdeen before the game was called off.
"We had 17 or 18 boys ready to go down despite all the injuries we have picked up and those who were unavailable," he said.
"Five were 18 or 19-year-olds who would have started. I was very proud of them and think it showed the true character of what the Greens are all about."
Russell said the unexpected free week had allowed much-needed extra time for niggling injuries to heal and to get others back into service.
Among those poised to return are scrum-half Euan MacDonald, centres Charlie Quinn and Stuart Crichton, hooker/prop Hamish Coghill, lock Kevin Budge and number eight Grant Anderson.
Back-rower Reiss Coghill is out while he observes protocols for concussion.
Skipper Marc Anderson (shoulder) and Jack Macleod (knee) could well face spending the season on the sidelines.
Gordie Macleod is unavailable on Saturday.
The Greens defeated Hillfoots 43-3 in last season's opening game but lost the return 12-7 in Tillicoultry in December.
Saturday's match kicks off at 2pm.
Caithness 2nd XV have an away Caley League 3 encounter at Turriff.
