Biggar Minis at Heriots

Mini News
This weekend Biggar Minis took 4 teams (P4 - P7) to the Heriot’s Tournament in Edinburgh. The day was glorious and the wet and cold of the winter season was forgotten and sun cream and plenty of liquids was the order of the day.
The P4s started with a game against Madrascals. Biggar supported well in the tackle and recycled the ball fantastically well however they found it hard to get round or through the opposition and ended up going down 8 - 2. The P4s second game was against the tournament hosts Heriot’s, and again Biggars continuity was impressive, this time the tackling was also up to scratch and the game was a joy to watch as several players had good runs and tackles. With tries coming from Murray (4), Fraser, Jonathan and Conner the game ended to soon at 8 - 8. In the final game Biggar came up against the giants from Musselburgh again and they found stopping the fast running bigger players very difficult eventually losing 8 - 2. The tournament allowed a lot of the squad to get more experience which will help them play better as a team later this year and next.
At P5 Biggar played a strong first game against Madrascals, who were a well-matched team. Biggar displayed good strong tackling and consistency throughout and broke for some really great tries. The boys seemed to have taken heed and managed to pop the ball free more often earning a well deserved 7 - 6 win.
In the second match Biggar were dominated by Heriot’s who were undeniably much faster, much more forward moving and much more together as a team. The Biggar boys moral went down quickly given their defeat against Heriot’s last week, and that combined with a back to back game in the heat, resulted in a 10 - loss.
The third game against Musselburgh also proved to be very difficult, once again the opposition were faster but the Biggar boys worked better as a team and were capable of running in a few tries. If the Biggar boys had not hung back so much they may have been able to win this one but in the end lost 9 -4. Over the day Jack, Hector, Euan, Cameron, Gregor and Harry all contributed tries.

The P6s first game was a very competitive match against Madrascals with the best team play seen from this Biggar P6 team this year. The game eventually finishing 3-2 to Madrascals. In the second game Biggar came up against a very focused home team losing 6 - 0. In the final game against Musselburgh a lot of the team work and support which has been practised in training came through with Douglas and Drew scoring tries and eventually winning 4 - 2.

Biggar U-15’s fall at Bowl final

U-15 Edinburgh Bowl final – Musselburgh.
RHC 44 Biggar 19
There is little doubt that this score flattered the Edinburgh side. Two late scores put RHC well ahead and while there is little doubt that on the day they deserved their win this was nevertheless, an excellent performance from the Biggar side.
The league game had seen RHC triumph by 31-0 (Biggar lucky to get 0), and so this was always going to be a tough encounter.
The opening exchanges were fairly even although the pace of the Edinburgh side was soon in evidence as they blitzed past the Biggar lads on a couple of occasions. The defence initially held
firm however until the overlap was too great. Biggar replied via a really well constructed score from Biggar, which saw ball well recycled before Richard Morgan ran round the RHC cover to score under the posts.
RHC came back into things with another two tries from their pacy wings before Liam Black crossed for a very well deserved try, this after the pack had ground away at the RHC line.
Half time came at 22-12 and all to play for.
The Biggar pack ran well with Mark Ewart, Andrew Orr, Gregor Stewart and Jamie Campbell in fine form but the side failed to take their chances, a period of real pressure on the RHC goal line seeing ball eventually lost in the drive. Indeed the RHC scores this half seemed all to come from Biggar errors in attack and ruthless counter attacking from the Edinburgh outfit.
With the game drifting away a little as ball failed to go to hand a lifeline came via a try created by Simon Denholm who timed his pop pass to Stuart Manock to perfection. The centre crashed over for a try converted by Stewart (his second of the day).
Biggar visibly tired in the final few minutes however and RHC took full advantage, running in two long-range efforts to take the stuffing out of the Biggar lads.
A big disappointment then but so many positives can be taken. So many of the squad are still so new to the game that they can only improve while this latest performance comes hard on the heels of a similarly very tough semi-final win last week.
The side has games against Moffat on Sunday followed by Uddingston and Orrell in April and the Gala sevens in May.

Biggar RFC U-16’s beat Waysiders

U-16’s
Biggar work hard in heat to leave opposition by the Wayside
Waysiders U16   21 Biggar U16         33
After the game against Musselburgh was postponed due to one reason or another, Biggar, with the cup match being suspended for a few more weeks, had a friendly up in North Lanarkshire. The opponents were a familiar foe: Biggar had played Waysiders earlier in the season and won emphatically but they were a strong unit and it may be different this time around with home support.
The visitors were looking to stick to winning ways but it was evident from the kick off that the hosts were going to be keeping it in the forwards. Mauling, rucking and driving constantly, gaining metre after metre. The Biggar pack were going to have to be strong and tackle well to keep the home team at bay.
Of course, Biggar had to concede an early try. It is almost a tradition now. With the Biggar backs being offside from a Waysiders line out in their own twenty two, the home team took advantage. They put the ball up their jumper, not literally, and drove to the line. The try was converted, leaving the away team trailing by seven.
After a slow start, this try shook the Biggar side, forcing them into action. They got more possession in the opposing half and got a try of their own. After good ball retention in the Waysiders half, Jardine put in a chip, which the full back caught on the bounce. On catching, he was greeted by Jardine and was shoved backwards. Panicking, the full back flung the ball, hoping it would land in the hands of a teammate. It didn't and, after it bobbled around in the hosts' in goal area for a while, a Biggar hand was put on the ball, the try scored, the conversion converted by Jardine in the absence of the ill Warnock and Biggar were level.
The game became tight but, half time looming, Biggar conceded a penalty in their own half which was kicked into their twenty two. The resultant line out was something off the training ground from the team from Coatbridge, catching Biggar off guard. The defence then couldn't withstand the battering from the Waysiders' forwards and the home team crashed over for a score. It was a tough pill for Biggar to swallow with the try coming on the brink of half time but they had to deal with a seven-point deficit instead of the scores being level.
The whistle for the second period blew and only seconds later, Waysiders were under their own posts. Biggar went straight on the attack and, after good work to keep the ball and go forward, they spun in wide for McCarry who finished well near the touchline. Jardine expertly dissected the uprights, equalling the scores once again.
The home side fought back. Biggar's indiscipline didn't help them though. They were chatting back to the ref for anything that went against them, unjust or not, and the ref was awarding Waysiders with penalties. They were putting Biggar under extreme pressure on this hot day in the West of Scotland and the visitors melted, conceding another try after another surging maul. Biggar were back to where they started the half; seven behind.
Tiredness however seemed to be creeping into the Waysiders game. Scrums were being lost against the head and missed tackles were becoming a more frequent occurrence. And the visitors took advantage. The started to control the game, creating all the chances. After McAllister broke, chipped over the defensive line and was brought down metres from the line, the visitors went wide again where Leek finished in the corner with a dramatic dive. Jardine missed the extremely tough kick and Biggar still trailed by two points.
They were now in the ascendancy though. Only one team looked like they would get the next vital try and that was the side from South Lanarkshire. After more pressure from Biggar, a clearance kick from Waysiders went straight to full back Leek who ran it back, passed to Adams who scored under the posts due to poor tackling. With the conversion kicked, Biggar led for the first time in the match.
Despite Waysiders trying their hardest, and asking questions of the Biggar defence, the defence stood strong. The forwards, who worked away brilliantly throughout the game, tackling everything, denied them. Biggar then sealed the game after a turnover, which resulted in a very strong run from Scott who went over between the uprights.
Jardine added the extras and the game finished 33-21 to the away side. This scoreline flattered Biggar a bit as Waysiders played well throughout the match but the forwards from the visiting team were able to keep their counterparts at bay in another excellent competitive friendly match.

Biggar end season with defeat

Hillhead Jordanhill 24 Biggar 20
Biggar completed their Premier C programme with what was ultimately a successful, yet at the same time largely uninspiring performance against a fired-up and much more dynamic Hill Jills XV.
That Biggar lost is of no real consequence although they, and their supporters, would have dearly preferred that they had played better. In actual fact however, the losing bonus point gained puts any thoughts or mathematical possibilities of Regional rugby to bed. Biggar will finish in 3rd or 4th spot, their final placing dependant on whether or not Hill Jills can get the better of Selkirk who they are due to meet in April. If the Glasgow side can win that game they will tie with Biggar on league points but if they can gain an all-important bonus point win – a feat they achieved on Saturday against Biggar – then they will go above Biggar to finish in 3rd spot themselves.
In perfect spring weather – those who had been on Scotland duty last week commenting that the temperatures in Italy were akin to those in Glasgow – Biggar had the worst possible start as directly from the kick-off and as Biggar seemed half asleep, Hill Jills opened the scoring with an opportunist try from livewire scrum half Hadden MacPherson converted by Andy Leslie.
The Glasgow side were behind only once after this score and that at just about the death. Michael Rutherford’s breenge to the line should have resulted in Biggar’s first try but his pass to Suti Faamausili going forward. The score was merely delayed and came after some super combination play between the Wilbore twins which saw Amo cross for the try.
A huge driving maul paved the way for Hills second score this going to stand off Stuart Howie and again converted by Leslie. Biggar came right back into things as both sides revelled in the dry pitch – this surface clearly much improved from a fortnight ago when the Selkirk game was postponed.
Some great support play from Colin Arthur, Rutherford, Jade Gardner saw Amo pick up his second try, this converted by Craig Parker for a 14-12 halftime score.
The second half saw the same pace maintained. Biggar continued to take some great lineout ball as Grant Owens duelled with ex-Biggar man David Fisken but their fringe defence and handling, which had been so good the previous week against Falkirk deserted them somewhat.
Almost from the restart Biggar yielded ground at the scrum base and this ultimately led to a chance for Hills fullback Daniel Osugo to round the cover for a try but a quick riposte came from Biggar stand-off Conor Lavery who dropped a neat goal. 19-15 to the Glasgow outfit.
At this point the game lost a good deal of its shape as changes and injuries began to affect both teams. Iain Renwick replaced Davy Reive, Andrew Goodall came on for Douglas Notman, Lewis McLachlan replaced the tireless Charles Cochrane, and Rutherford, who has been carrying an ankle knock for some time (and after receiving attention) was forced off to be replaced by Andrew Peacock . Meanwhile a string of Hills players were also hurt, this eventually leading to uncontested scrums as prop Paul Sheerin became the second Hills front row man to go off. While understandable uncontested scrums are never fun for those watching or indeed for those playing.
Biggar managed to reduce the deficit again via another Wilbore try – touch judge Gaffney ruling that he had not put a foot into touch – to take the score to 20-19, the only time Biggar would lead.

An hitherto unlikely win just about looked on the cards but Hills had other things on their mind and despite an excellent restart from Faamausili and Lavery, Hills engineered a break from Leslie which took him almost home. A superb covering tackle denied him the try but his offload was
scooped up by MacPherson who rounded off the day with the bonus point try.
At 24-20 Biggar could scarcely afford to concede another try and indeed might have recorded another of their own Lavery just knocking on as he went for an interception. As it was Hills held on and celebrated their lifeline to National league rugby.
This is the last real 1st XV game for Biggar and as such it marks the last appearance of Suti and Jade who depart for home as their visas have come to an end. It is hoped that the popular Wilbore twins and the hugely combative Joe Scheres will return next season to link up with Biggar’s locals. Watch this space!
It was good to meet up with ex-Hills coach Aaron Collins on the touchline. The big Kiwi has no rugby connections now but still lives close to Hughenden. He of course coached Hills before coming to Biggar with the excellent Sam Muir and Jeff Wright in tow.
Biggar
A. Wilbore, H. Wilbore, J. Gardiner, C. Thomson, C. Parker, C. Lavery, D Reive, S. Faasaumili, M. Rutherford, C. Arthur, G. Owens, J. Harvey, D. Notman, J. Scheres, C. Cochrane Replacements, I Renwick, A. Peacock, L. McLachlan, A. Goodall

Colts Training

The Colts are reminded that training is now only on Thursday evenings
 

Colts Training

The Colts are reminded that training is now only on Thursday evenings
 

Colts Report for 24th March 2012

Boroughmuir 15                Biggar 7

In an excellent game of rugby through at Meggetland, the Colts came close to securing their first win over Boroughmuir this season in the Edinburgh Shield. The match was close throughout, but Boroughmuir turned round at half-time 10-0 ahead as they took their chances to score. The second half was the same but Biggar opened their account after twenty minutes after some good support play resulted in Robbie Swann crashing through three defenders to score beside the post. Craig Parker added the conversion to set up an exciting last fifteen minutes. However, it was Boroughmuir who took the chance and secured victory in the final five minutes.

All who attended the game were very proud of the Colts, their commitment to the task, the style of rugby and their behaviour ion and off the pitch - a great credit to the club.

Biggar U-15’s in jubilant pose after their win at Linlithgow

Thanks to Leigh for the photo!!

Biggar RFC headlines for 18th March

Development Appeal
Those in attendance at Hartreemill these past two Saturdays, or at the meeting held at Coulter Mill last week, will be well aware of the current appeal for funds to help complete the first phase of the clubhouse redevelopment.
Very simply the club must raise around £25K in order to complete this first phase, with some £200K on offer. Additional changing rooms, improved clubhouse entrance, revamped toilet facilities, draining of the 1st XV and training pitches are all included in this first phase.
This is a fantastic opportunity for the club and is without doubt the biggest project at Hartreemill since the clubhouse was built and opened 22 years ago.
Anyone who would like to support this project – Life memberships, 10-year memberships, Honorary Vice–Presidentships, donations etc are all methods which the club are willing to explore -
should speak to any committee member asap.

Comic Relief Mile ; the Biggar mile!
Have you signed up yet? This is the first time the Comic Relief mile ahs come to Biggar and the club are looking for as many to turn out at Hartreemill as possibly can. You can pick a 1-mile, 3-mile or 6-mile course – basically whatever you think you can complete. Fancy dress would be good too! If you are running BRING a FRIEND!!! The more the merrier.

This weekend
Saturday
1sts v Hillhead Jordanhill RBS Premier C away KO 2pm
2nds v GHA  RBS Reserve League National Division 2 : away KO 3pm
3rds v Dalkeith 2nds ; RBS Reserve league Pod C away KO 3pm
Colts v Boroughmuir

Sunday
New Image training at 11am
P4-P7 Minis at Heriots, arrive 11.15 for 12noon KO.
S1 and S2 v East Kilbride - away
U-15 tbc
U-16 tbc

Biggar Minis have a tough day at Edinburgh Accies

Mini news
Biggar RFC took 5 age group teams to their first Edinburgh Tournament of the year at Edinburgh Academicals ranging from P3s to P7s.
The P4s started with a wake up call from a strong home team Biggar despite having many good runs were always halted just before the try line the home team getting the ball wider quicker and running in 11 tries to Biggar's 2. In the second game Biggar tackled well and kept the game with Heriots close losing 6 - 4. In the last game Biggar led Currie most of the match running in trys from 3 different players but ended losing 7 - 5.
The Biggar P6s came up against 3 strong teams and had some good attacks but never got onto the front foot losing to North Berwick 11 - 0, Heriots 4 - 1 and to Currie by 8 - 0.
The Biggar P7s started against Heriots with some good running but losing 6 - 1, Biggar upped their game in the second match tackling and linking up well keeping the game close but losing 5 - 2 to Stewart Melville. In the final match against Watsonians Biggar were 7 - 0 down at half time but through strong tackling held the score to 8 - 0 at the end.
All the Biggar teams and players played in the true spirit of rugby and enjoyed their day in Edinburgh and the experience will help bring the teams together.

Biggar U-15’s in Linlithgow thriller

U-15’s Edinburgh Bowl
Linlithgow 24 Biggar 27
In this bowl semi final Biggar eventually triumphed in what was a cracker of game and the very epitome of a ‘to and fro’ contest.
Biggar opened with a try from Simon Denholm before Linlithgow replied. Back on the attack Biggar scored again from Manock but L’gow scored their second to draw level again.
With the scores tied at full time after Richard Morgan sped over and L’gow added a third on the stroke of full time neither of the coaches or referee knew for sure if the result should stand with the ‘away’ team going through or whether extra time should be played.
As this was such a good game it was decided to play 2 x 10 minute halves but with proviso that Biggar would win if the ‘away’ team ruling was in the league rules.
This additional time saw Biggar streak into a two try lead courtesy of tries from Denholm and Morgan before L’gow replied with one of their own which, converted, made the score 27-24.
A minute remained but in a purple patch for the home side they managed a final fling which looked certain to end with a winning try. The referee however blew up on what was the final pass, deeming it to have been forward. This was a brave decision but to L’gow’s credit there were no complaints.
As it turned out Biggar had in fact already ‘won’ as the away rule was indeed applicable.
Biggar now prepare for the bowl final which is to be held at Musselburgh (yet to be confirmed) next Sunday and against the winners of the RHC/Haddington game.

Colts Report for 17th March 2012

Dunbar 12                           Biggar 31 

The Colts continued their Edinburgh Shield campaign with a good away win at Dunbar. Dunbar only had 13 players, so conceded the game but accepted two of Biggar’s subs so that the game could go ahead. Biggar started well and opened the scoring after taking a 5m scrum against the head allowing No 8 Robbie Swann to pick up from the back of the scrum and power over. However this just stirred Dunbar who responded with two good tries to take a 12-5 lead. On the stroke of half time, Biggar pulled one back after several good phases of play sucked in the Dunbar defence allowing Graham Jamieson the score in the corner.

The second half was closely fought for the first fifteen minutes, and then Biggar cut loose with three unanswered tries. Jamie Orr stole the Dunbar line out and fed the ball to Danny McGinn who fed the ball out the line. Graham Jamieson can into the line at pace and was held up 2m from the line, but offloaded to the supporting Callum Whyte to score. Jamie Orr then stole another Dunbar line out ball and Danny McGinn passed to Callum Whyte on the blindside to make a good break. He passed to Stephen Campbell to continue the break who passed back inside to Callum Whyte for an excellent score. The final try came from a No8 pick-up from James Simpson who broke up the blindside and outpaced the cover for a fine individual try under the posts. Craig McDonald converted three of the tries for a final score of 31-12 to Biggar.
 

Colts Reunion anniversary

Yogi’s Colts Reunion : 5th May
As he approaches 10 years in charge of the Colts XV what better way to celebrate than to get as many players from the various years to come and play in an Invitation match prior to a celebratory dinner.
Ian Barr has advanced plans underway for this event which will take place on May 5th at Hartreemill. Around 50 guests, players and Mums and Dads have already confirmed their participation, so if you have had an invitation – or would like one – then please get in touch with Ian (07808 761599) to confirm your interest. Tickets are a snip at £15/person.

P2/P3 Team Play First Competitive Games at Musselburgh

The P2/P3 warriors fired up for their first competitive games at Musselburgh.

Ben looks for a way through the Musselburgh defence.

Musselburgh have possession in Biggar territory.

Fergus is off and running.

Musselburgh are clear to score.

Tom goes around the defence.

Angus in the thick of it.

Ed, with a burst of speed.

Portabello look to move the ball out wide.

Thomas about to score a try.

Portabello with posession.

Max heads for the space.

Fergus on the move, with Cole in support.

Portabello just about to score, just out of reach of the chasing defence.

Thomas evades the Portabello defence.

P7s at the Melrose Mini Tournament 2012

P7's played four games in their pool:

Melrose 4 - Biggar 0

Langholm 2 - Biggar 1

Kelso 1 - Biggar 2

Jed-Forest 1 - Biggar 2

Biggar Mini section travel to Musselburgh at the weekend

Mini news
P3/2
A strong squad of 12 P3s and P2s turned out for the first touch game for this age group at Musselburgh.
Bags of enthusiasm and excitement were translated into a commendable win, draw and loss, although it could have gone either way in all the matches, as all teams were very well matched.
Considering Biggar have only had one training session together as a team they really showed what talent exists within this age group, organising themselves well in attack and defence, against sides who have played together considerably longer.
All in all we aimed to have fun and learn something at Musselburgh, and we can certainly say we achieved both of those aims.
Biggar -v- Musselburgh A draw 4-4
Biggar -v- Musselburgh B win 2-1
Biggar -v- Portobello lost 3-2

P4’s
Something about the sea air must make the kids in Portobello and Musselburgh grow big. The P4s took a squad of 10 against the East coast giants. The first game saw some good running and link up play however Portobello were too strong, winning 9 - 4.
The second game against Musselburgh saw some great tackling and running with the ball in the first half from Biggar who led 4 -2 at half time . In the second half the team tired and ended up losing 9 - 7. All enjoyed the games and sea air.

P5’s
Twelve P5's took on the 'giants' of the East Coast - we were slightly outsized today !! Biggar played well and showed some really strong tackling combined with great passing against two very formidable and 'together' teams for their age group.
Biggar kept trying to pull back but today we just never quite made it. That said the P5's did put in a good performance and managed to hold their own against two physically stronger sides, making for close scoring.

There was no rugby for either the P6 or P7 sides due to a scout camp. Normal service will resume next week!

Club News for 12th March

Comic Relief Mile ; the Biggar mile!

Have you signed up yet? This is the first time the Comic Relief mile has come to Biggar and the club are looking for as many to turn out at Hartreemill as possibly can. You can pick a 1-mile, 3-mile or 6-mile course – basically whatever you think you can complete. Fancy dress would be good too and why not chase or race the McSween Haggis! If you are running BRING a FRIEND!!! The more the merrier.

Yogi’s Colts Reunion : 5th May
As he approaches 10 years in charge of the Colts XV what better way to celebrate than to get as many players from the various years to come and play in an Invitation match prior to a celebratory dinner.
Ian Barr has advanced plans underway for this event which will take place on May 5th at Hartreemill. Around 50 guests, players and Mums and Dads have already confirmed their participation, so if you have had an invitation – or would like one – then please get in touch with Ian (07808 761599) to confirm your interest. Tickets are a snip at £15/person.

Midi section raise a fantastic sum on Sunday

Congratulations to all the Mums and Dads, sons and daughters who helped realise the magnificent sum of £215 from post match catering on Sunday!!!

Biggar RFC Midi section in action at The Showfield and Hartreemill

Hartreemill was a hive of activity on Sunday as all Midi sides were at home.
The S1 and S2 sections hosted the mighty Stirling County while the U-15’s and U-16’s hosted Lasswade and Falkirk respectively.
The Ladies who were on hand to provide Biggar’s trademark excellence in post match catering are to be applauded and congratulated on their efforts as a total of £215 was raised for the club funds!! Well done and thanks again to all.

S1 and S2
Stirling County are always a very difficult club to match and so it proved on Sunday with Biggar lacking in numbers as well as in physical size. Stirling had over 20 boys at both age groups while Biggar mustered a creditable 15 in each.
The S1 squad played a much tighter game than last week and despite running in a couple of good scores saw Stirling run in several long range efforts before losing out by 28-10. Commiserations and ,of course best wishes, to Alex Denholm who broke his wrist in a fine attempt at a try-saving tackle on Sunday.
The S2’s had a more difficult task and lost out to a very well drilled outfit by 37-0.

U-15's

The U-15’s Cup programme was completed on Sunday with Lasswade coming to Biggar. This was initially an away game for Biggar but with Lasswade’s pitches unavailable due to SRU bookings Lasswade agreed to come to Biggar.
The league game had seen Lasswade run out 12-5 winners in a close fought affair but hopes were that Biggar might this time get the better of their guests. That this was not in fact the case was again down to a size issue, Lasswade fielding a handful of strong running athletic players who did a good deal of damage by running in four straightforward tries.
Simon Denholm crossed for a great first try and Biggar should have gone ahead when Mark Ewart lost control of the ball as he prepared to touch down. As it was Lasswade replied with a breakaway score and then followed this up with another try to take a 12-5 half time lead.
Using the slope to their advantage Lasswade ran hard at Biggar after the break and crossed for another 4 tries before Biggar were able to reply with one of their own, this rounding things off and being scored by Liam Black. Denholm kicked the conversion to this last try while Lasswade added two conversions for the 36-12 score line.
All the sides now go into another draw with Biggar most likely to find themselves up against Haddington, RHC and Linlithgow. There will, therefore be another two games at the minimum.

Biggar U-16’s put fierce Falkirk into submission
Biggar U16s        Falkirk U16s
After two losses on the bounce and with the cup match in two weeks Biggar were looking to build some confidence and put in a good performance against Falkirk in this week’s friendly. Biggar had already played their opposition away and won, but Falkirk were a good side so the home side needed to perform well to take victory.
The match started and it was clear the word "friendly" wasn't one to be used for the occasion. It was a feisty encounter with handbags being exchanged by both sides. Despite this, the home side began to grow into the match and take control, creating chances but being unable to convert any of them. Finally though, after more Biggar pressure, the opening try came through some smart play by Warnock and Jardine, leading to Warnock scoring in the corner and then expertly converting it from the left flank.
Jardine soon got a try of his own after more pressure and good work from the forwards allowing the try to be scored again wide left. Warnock didn't quite manage to kick another very tough conversion, leaving the hosts 12 points to the good.
The game was being played in 3x20 minute periods and Biggar got another try before the first third ended through Campbell rounding three players before crashing over.
In the second period it was clear the visitors were more bothered by the ref than they were the match. Biggar just kept up the momentum from the first third and continued to score points. Firstly though, a Falkirk player was sent from the field due to an incident in a ruck which caused yet more abuse aimed in the ref's direction. From the resulting penalty in the visitor's 22 ball was tapped to Stewart who powered his way to the line. Warnock converted to make the score 26-0.
Falkirk had their moments during the half, spending time deep in the Biggar 22 but the home team's defence soon strong and Falkirk were unable to get themselves on the board.
Biggar however kept scoring points. After a loose pass on their own 5 metre line from the travelling team, Jardine pounced and added another try to Biggar's tally. The score stayed like this until the end of the third but Biggar could have had more if they had converted all their chances and, if it hadn't been for strong defence, they may well have leaked a try.
The final period of the match started with Falkirk running the game. They had the ball in the host's territory for long periods of time but, after more good work from the forwards, Biggar turned the ball over and mounted their own attack. This ended, like many of the attacks before, in a try. Biggar shipped the ball wide and Sinclair, after beating a couple of men went in for the try to extend Biggar's lead yet further.
Two more tries and the sending off of Campbell following yet another meeting of the two sides completed the match. Despite Falkirk’s assertion that the ref was the main culprit for their defeat the game was not so tight and ended 46-0.
It was a very good all round performance from Biggar and the scoreline could yet have been more emphatic. Both wingers and full back deserved tries for the chances they created throughout the game. It was good for Biggar to get back to winning ways after two defeats back to back and build towards the quickly approaching cup match.

Colts Report for 10th March 2012

Preston Lodge 7        Biggar  26

The Colts traveled through to Preston Lodge hoping to complete a double after the earlier win in the league. With only 5 minutes gone, the Colts secured their own lineout ball and fed it out the backs. They were held up about 10m from the line, but the supporting forwards set up good ruck ball and from the 3rd pick and go Robbie Swann crashed through to score under the posts. The teams were evenly matched and it was almost 30 minutes before there was another score. Liam Harvey had a great steal at the PL lineout, then drove through the line and passed to Danny Beagan. He and Robbie Swann then passed several times before Danny was illegally stopped 5m from the line. From the penalty, Robbie Swann took a crash ball to score his and the Colts second try of the day for a lead of 12-0 at half time.

With a sluggish start to the second half by Biggar, PL scored in five minutes. However, within 3 minutes normal service was resumed from an attacking scrum. Craig McDonald took the ball at pace and broke through the first line of defence and was held up 2m from the line but managed to offload to the supporting Danny McGinn to score a try. The Colts secured the game 15 minutes later from good ball from a scrum. Mark Bertram took the ball at pace to break through the defence then handed off both the fullback and then the winger for a great individual score. Craig McDonald converted three of the tries for a final score of 26-7 to Biggar.

Colts Report 3rd March 2012

Biggar 49                  Haddington 10

The Colts started their Edinburgh Shield campaign with an emphatic home win over Haddington. With only five minutes on the clock, the forwards took a scrum against the head and the ball was fed quickly through the hands to Graham Jamieson to run from 10m out. The second came from an attacking line out when the forwards took clean ball and drove to 5m out from the Haddington line. The ball was popped out the side of the maul to Craig McDonald to squeeze in at the corner. With less than twenty minutes gone the backs fed the ball through the hands to Graham Jamieson who drew the last man and passed to Mark Bertram for a score under the posts. The Colts were totally in control of the game at this stage and another fine move was finished off in the corner by the ever supporting Steven Campbell. Biggar’s final score of the half came from a ruck on the 22m line; Paul Davidson spotted a gap up the blind side and ran in unopposed. Graham Jamieson converted one of the tries for a 27-0 lead at half time.
The Colts made a very poor start to the second half and some poor tackling allowed Haddington to score two tries in the first 10 minutes. However after some quiet words from Mr. Barr, normal service was resumed. A good drive up the middle saw the ball passed to Aird Jardine (jnr) who timed his pass to Steven Campbell beautifully for Steven’s second try in the corner. Neal Cowan got on the score sheet with a pick and drive from the base of a ruck. Robbie Swann, who had several great breenges during the game, finally scored after some good recycling work by forwards and backs allowed him to drive over from 10m out. The final score of the day went to Andrew Fleming who collected a pass from Paul Davidson who had made a great break through the heart of the Haddington defence. Aird Jardine converted the final try.
In agreement with Haddington, both teams field some U-16 boys in the second half to give them some game time at the higher level. Biggar played Grant Hamilton, Aird Jardine, Danny McAllister, Kevin McCarrie and Alistair Sinclair in the second half. All played well, contributed to the win and were definitely not there just to make up the numbers.