Caledonian Leagues

By Jack Nixon Orkney who are only four wins from clinching promotion from Caley Division 1 to National League 3 can clock up the first of them in a run of three games at home to Grangemouth Stags, but warned by their head coach Garry Coltherd of any complacency. “They are fifth in the league and have sprung one or two surprises along the way. We will certainly not be taking them for granted, as will be the case when we host games against Hillfoots and Glenrothes before we head for Aberdeen Wanderers and than our final game at Grangemouth. But the outcome of the league is now firmly in our hands,now that leaders Dunfermline have finished their campaign,” said Coltherd. In the meantime at Thurso, Caithness and Ellon will be scrapping it out for third place, but both with an eye on next season when they are likely to feature in the title race. In Caley 2 North, 2nd Highland will be crowned champions at Rubislaw should they pick up just one point from their final game against 2nd Aberdeen Grammar but by virtue of the competition rules cannot be promoted; an honour which has already gone to Aberdeenshire who have completed their programme. Highland can also feature in the honours in Caley 4 North should their 3rd team win their last three games, including their top of the table clash tomorrow with leaders Dyce in Aberdeen. In a tight finish to the division Deeside and Caithness who meet at Banchory can also feature, especially if Deeside were to triumph, and then go on to beat Highland at Banchory on March 26. As it stand all four sides still win the league, making for a nerve jangling day in two weeks time. In the women’s game, Garioch Ladies, the newly crowned National League 1 champions will get an early taste of playing a Premiership side when they travel to Edinburgh where they play Watsonians in the Sarah Beaney Cup. Head coach Stuart Corsar warned it would be a tough test for his side. “Watsonians ended up top of the Premiership this season but we have