CQP Vs Highland - Match report

Cartha Queen's Park v Highland Saturday 24th Nov. 2018. Cup game

Injury ravaged CQP exit cup to Nat. 2 Highland

The CQP team which took the field for this game was a pale shadow of the squad which would have started at the beginning of the season. In addition to those already out through injury a further clutch had been added after the GHA game. The bench consisted of three props and neither of the two back subs would normally have played at nine or ten. Rumour has it that a number of those currently out through injury maybe back for next weeks away league game at Gala.
Just over ten minutes had been played when Stewart Hamilton went off with a dislocated finger to be replaced by Andrew Noble. By this time Highland had opened their account with a converted try. With fifteen minutes on the clock Highland scored again when their attacker broke through several attempted tackles to score close to the posts to give the visitors a fourteen point lead. CQP hit back and Liam Howieson grubbered then ball into the in goal area and got to it first. Dru Pengelly converted 7-14. With twenty three minutes played the ball was kicked close to the CQP line. Instead of kicking clear the CQP defender decided to try to run it out. He was caught quickly and a penalty was conceded for failure to release and shortly afterwards Highland scored their third converted try. With half an hour played Jake Graham broke through to add CQP's second try which Dru converted to move the score to 21-14 where it stood at the break.

Shortly after play restarted CQP potted a penalty and Michael Robertson got over for a converted try to give CQP the lead for the first time. Before the end however Highland scored twice more. Neither try was converted and when no side was blow the final score was 31-24 to Highland. Highland are a decent side and will probably be playing in the same league as CQP next season but a full strength CQP would almost certainly have won this game.

Our prospects at Netherdale will very much depend on how many of those unavailable for the Highland game will be fit to play against Gala. We will travel in hope..