Highland crashed out of the League Cup in the quarter-finals – but only after a rousing game which went to extra time before St Boswells eased through in the Borders mud.
Highland coach Dave Carson was justifiably proud after their long journey from Inverness.
He said: “We gave it everything in a great game of rugby although we were disappointed that one of the touch judges failed to pick up a tip tackle on one of our players at a vital stage. It was a red-card offence and happened right in front of the official.
“But now we can concentrate on getting promotion from National 3, which has always been our priority. I just hope this effort has not taken its toll on the players.”
Highland were slow to get out of the blocks, falling 10 points behind in the early stages of the game. But they battled back to lead 12-10 on the back of tries from Steve Routledge and Andrew Findlater, who was back in action after injury. A converted try for the home side enabled St Boswells to regain the lead, only for Ruaridh McDonald to tie up the scores and take the game into extra time.
The Borders side proved the stronger thereafter, scoring a converted try and two penalties to take them into the semi-finals of the competition where they will meet Dumfries Saints away from home.
Highland return to league duty on Saturday at Ardrossan Accies before having a weekend off, followed by an opportunity to gain revenge against St Boswells at Canal Park in Inverness.
Carson said: “It promises to be another great occasion as we are both in the race to go up.”
