Caithness new head coach Ewan Boyd guided his side to a much-needed 29-20 win against Perthshire in his first home game in charge at Millbank.
Boyd said it was the perfect result, as his side moved five points clear of bottom side Carrick and equal on points with their Perthshire opponents in the race to avoid demotion from National League 3.
He said: “It was hard-earned, but well-deserved against a Perthshire side who pushed us all the way.
“It was a scrap from start to finish, but we came through in the middle of the game after falling behind to an early try. Full back Scott Webster was a standout, turning in a cultured performance to win him the man-of-the-match award.
“It was a good allround showing and the clubhouse was buzzing on Saturday night.”
Next up for Caithness is a trip to promotion contenders Ardrossan, with Boyd adding: “There are no easy games on the road for us, but we can build on this win.”
A try conceded in the first five minutes was the last thing Caithness needed, but they battled back with two of their own, scored by Jack McLeod and Grant Anderson, and both converted by stand-off Marc Anderson to lead 14-7.
But they shipped another converted touchdown right on the stroke of half-time, making it all to play for at 14-14 at the break.
Caithness took over the second half, thanks to a touchdown from Marc Anderson. Kevin Budge’s late try gave Caithness a welcome try bonus point, denying the Perth side even a losing bonus point as they were restricted to two penalties in the half. Marc Anderson kicked a penalty as well as the three conversions.