Uncertainty over relegation issue as Greens play host to Aberdeenshire
Caithness men’s 1st XV go into their penultimate Caley 1 North Conference home match with Aberdeenshire on Saturday unsure about whether they are facing the spectre of demotion.
Scottish Rugby says the number of promotion and relegation spots in what is the sixth tier of the league set-up will not be known until it completes a review following a consultation with clubs.
That announcement followed bottom side North Police’s surprise 49-33 win over Highland Seconds on Saturday and the reinstatement of three points which Ross Sutherland had been docked for the non-fulfilment of a fixture.
That intensifies the Greens’ relegation jitters as it leaves them second bottom, a point below Ross, with both having two games left, and four points better off than North Police, who entertain Ross on Saturday before away fixtures against Ellon and Caithness.
Caley North 2 North Conference table-toppers Stornoway are poised for promotion, while no club from the area is in danger of dropping down from National League 4.
The conference initially comprised eight sides but last season’s Caley North 2 champions Kinloss Eagles dropped out and did not take up their spot.
It had appeared logical that Kinloss would fill the eighth spot in the league which was earmarked for demotion, with the islanders and one, if not two, other sides promoted.
But Scottish Rugby said the jury remains out on the make-up of next season’s leagues.
A spokesman said: “That decision is still yet to be made due to the ongoing review of the male adult season structure ahead of the new season in August.
“The current structure of the male adult season requires reviewing to ensure the game remains competitive, sustainable and aligned with the needs of the wider rugby community both now and in the future.
“Additionally, we need feedback on the match load; rest, recovery and player welfare; travel considerations; player involvement in decision-making; and more.”
The spokesman added: “Clubs have until the end of the month to submit their returns and therefore at present we are not in a position to comment on the league or season structure for season 2025/26 or make any decisions that may affect the coming season.”
Head coach Cameron Boyd is determined his squad should retain an exclusive focus on the field.
“Regardless of what happens off the pitch, we can't shy away from the challenge we face, which is to win our last two games,” he said.
“We don’t want to be left waiting at the end of the season for a committee to decide what is happening.
“From my perspective, a decision over what is to happen should have been made by now but it is in our hands to decide our fate on the field.”
The Greens suffered one of their worst-ever thumpings when they shipped 88 points without reply at Woodside at the start of September.
Boyd said: “Shire are a good team and perhaps the season hasn’t worked out as they hoped. They will be targeting a win on Saturday but if we play as I know we can, I’m backing us to come out on top.”
Squad-wise, skipper Cole Wilson and Scott Webster will be back after missing the home defeat to Ellon. Kick-off is at 2pm.
Reece Coghill, recovering from a fractured fibula, remains on the casualty list but is hoping to return to training in advance of the final match versus North Police on April 5.
Caithness Seconds had an enforced idle day on Saturday after their Caley North 3 fixture away to Skye was postponed because of a frozen pitch. The game has been rescheduled for April 26.