Blues' captain out for season

Kirkcaldy will be without captain Liam Neilson for the rest of the season after the number eight forward suffered serious damage to his knee in Saturday's game against Ardrossan.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Oct 2016, 14:00 BST
Updated 25th Oct 2016, 16:38 BST
Liam Neilson (picture by Michael Booth)Liam Neilson (picture by Michael Booth)
Liam Neilson (picture by Michael Booth)

His absence will be keenly felt as he has been a virtual ever-present in the middle of the back row for the last three seasons since the retiral of Craig Wilson.

It remains to be seen to whom head coach Quintan Sanft will turn to fill this vital role, as no one else in the squad has had any real experience of this back row position.

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Another key decision will have to be made over who will fill the two lock positions. This is an area with real strength in depth, with James Pow, Connor Wood, Michael Harper and Steve Mitchell all in contention. Mitchell made a strong impression when he came on in the pack reshuffle last week after Neilson’s injury. It’s likely one of this quartet may well start at number 8.

The Blues will be wary of this Saturday’s opposition, Preston Lodge, who surprisingly beat league leaders Cartha QP last Saturday.

PL currently sit one league place and two points ahead of Kirkcaldy in the NL 2 table.

After their impressive win against Ardrossan, the Beveridge Park side will be anxious to record two successive wins, which they have failed to do so far this season.

The 2nd XV are also at home on Saturday (KO 3pm), playing erstwhile first XV opposition, Morgan Academy FP.

Related topics:KirkcaldyThe Blues