Highland’s vaunted youth set-up looks like paying dividends after an eight-try thrashing of previously unbeaten Gordonians.
Despite the heavy defeat, the Aberdeen men remain top of Caledonia 1, although Highland have a game in hand.
Highland coach Dave Carson said: “This was a result I could only have dreamed of. We were at the peak of our game. All of the team has come through our youth structure. It is a great tribute to all our coaches who have helped make this result possible.”
Highland were impressive from the off, inspired by a superb back row led by Stuart McDonald.
The athletic number eight was immense, capping a wonderful day for the Canal Park side with a hat-trick of tries, while his equally effective team-mates Andrew Findlater and Paddy Bryden were a continual menace to the outplayed Aberdeen side.
Findlater, who has played for National 1 side Edinburgh Accies, put his mark on the game with two well-taken tries.
Significantly, seven of the eight tries came from a dominant home pack. Prop Steve Murray, another Highland standout, scored a touchdown as did lock Oscar Baird.
Replacement winger Richard Sim struck a late blow for the Highland back division, while stand off Ruaridh MacDonald kicked five conversions.
Gordonians assistant coach Ryan Morrice said: “We can have no complaints as we were outplayed by a very good team. Hopefully the lessons of the day will have been learned for our Caledonia Shield game here again next week.”
Elsewhere in the division there were first wins of the season for Mackie FPs and Hillfoots who had 27-22 and 22-19 victories at home to Carnoustie and RAF Lossiemouth respectively.
Second-placed Glenrothes beat Caithness 42-17 in Fife.
In Caledonia 2 North, Deeside kept up their title charge with a crushing 96-8 win at home against Lochaber, who are now bottom of the division after Ellon’s 87-5 demolition of Stornoway.
The first derby game between Fraserburgh and Peterhead in Caledonia 3 North ended 62-0 in favour of the visiting Blue Toon side.
