Biggar RFC’s pride in Scotland ‘double’.

Biggar RFC were doubly proud on Tuesday when the announcement was made that Fraser Brown would be flying out to join the Scotland squad - and Scott Lawson - currently on tour in South Africa. This is a notable double for Biggar as both players began their rugby career at Hartree Mill.
Fraser left Biggar to play at Melrose and has also played at Watsonians and has been on Edinburgh’s books. After leading Scotland U-20 in 2010 a series of very unfortunate injuries have limited his game time in recent years although he has had better luck during the season just past when he played for Heriots.
His run of form resulted in a call up for Glasgow for their Rabodirect squad and his displays were rewarded last month when he signed a professional contract with Glasgow Warriors.
His elevation to Scotland squad membership has come as a result of injury to, amongst others, hooker Pat McArthur, although his ability to play at flank forward has prompted the media to claim that he is going out as cover for Kelly Brown.
Whatever the reason he is one very excited and proud young man – he is just 23 – and the fact that he will meet up with Scott Lawson is, as suggested, cause for massive celebration at Hartree Mill.
Scott, incidentally, was the BBC analyst for the game played on Saturday against Samoa. Although really nervous prior to the game Scott quickly gained in confidence and enjoyed the whole experience. Not so much however that he would be more keen to be back behind the microphone this weekend than on the field of play doing battle with South Africa! Scott has been in SA for the whole tour having been called into the squad just prior to the original departure after Ross Ford was injured in training. On his return to these shores he will rejoin his new team mates at Necastle after having played for London Irish in the season just ended.
Good luck to both players!

Story date: 12/06/2013

Programme editor

Could YOU be the next Club Match
Programme Editor!?
There are around 12 home games each season each requiring a match programme.
There are 8 A5 pages in each programme.
Sounds a lot BUT
1. Welcome (Al Stewart)
2. Centre pages are Teams/Refs/Match sponsors etc. (GY)
3. Last page is details of League table, other league fixtures, forthcoming home games etc ie Copy and Paste!

That leaves 4 pages to fill.
That would be up to you – but it could be that a request is made to each section on a rota basis to provide an article for inclusion (ie Mini, Midi, Youth, Girls, 2nd XV, 3rd XV),

Write the articles, e-mail then to the printers on the Wednesday evening. They can be collected/delivered. Enjoy the read at the game!
What could be easier? Contact Al Stewart for more details 07796175381

Story date: 04/06/2013

Or if that doesn’t suit. Could you be our next Club Match reporter?

If Programme Editor doesn't suit..................Could you be Biggar RFC’s next Match reporter?

You get a touchline/ringside ‘seat’…..OK, not true. You stand at the barrier – but you can choose where!
§ jot down a few notes on the day,
§ edit the report on Sunday
§ collate the reports from the other sections
§ fire it up onto the website
§ e-mail it all to the papers.

What could be easier?
If you think you could do it, please contact
Al Stewart asap for full details
Mobile : 07796175381

Story date: 04/06/2013

The S1 season in poetic verse.

Biggar RFC S1 2012-13
Cold, Wet, Rain, Snow
Does anyone want to play Rugby?
The answer is NO

A great start against Strathaven – Our first S1 win ever
The odd knock-on, a forward pass……Never!

Boroughmuir next, through Edinburgh we trek
Six studs in the head for Ali, gives him a pain in the neck.
Stuart looked strong and many players he snubbed,
Did we win the game?
Naw….we got gubbed!

We’ll go to Dunfermline, don’t know what to expect,
When we turn up, the fear I detect,
6’2”, Five o’clock shadow you’ll know,
That was the scrum half…..you should have seen the front row!

A windy road to Gala ensued,
Sam Grieve was car sick, and spewed!
Coach Simon had to clean it
Nearly spewed himself having seen it.

Training continued, set plays the order of the day
Encouraging signs, I have to say
Livingston visit, we’re full of glee
We dispatch them comfortably….11-3

To Cartha Queens Park to play in the spring snow
Can you believe this weather…..No!
Lewis gets a sore one right in the kidney
Did we win there?....Naw we didnae!

Onto the Livi Tournament which was a real mixed bag
Cause for concern and morale to sag
Cammy gets injured, a trip to A&E
Checks from the doctors just to see,
Head still intact we’re glad to say
Returns to the club wanting to play.

Gala 7’s saw some boys come of age
Perhaps we’re starting to turn a page
Strong running and great support from all
These boys are now standing tall

A mixed S1/S2 game left Kilmarnock in ruin
To be honest…….we gave them a doin!
Matthew and Lewis, over the pitch they dart
A shout from the crowd…….”Can you put a mark on them or somethin’….so we can tell them apart!”

As we move forward with Daniel and Scott
Niall and Finlay and also Finn Stott
All put in effort that has often thrilled
Friendships through teamwork we’re looking to build

Iain and Shawn flying up the line
Remember boys…keep a hold of the ball, you’ll do just fine
Strength from Sam Wallis, passing the ball about
Proud parents on the sideline, no doubt.

So that was the season, but still more to come
Summer Rugby, not before time say some
Let’s raise the belief boys, desire and skill
They’ll get it tough when they come to Hartreemill!

Story date: 03/06/2013

S1 and S2 Presentation Evening

Presentation evening.

This was the last of this years Presentation evenings and in similar fashion to those previously hosted by the Colts and then by the U-15/16’s age groups this was another excellent evening with good food, good company and a host of positives about youth rugby at Biggar RFC.
Not least of these came at the ‘break’ between the meal and the presentations when virtually every boy present made a sharp exit from the clubhouse to the pitches to play rugby!! And all were ‘suited and booted’ as well!
On their eventual return the Presentations at S1 level were made by coach Alistair Stewart (from Lanark as opposed to the Alistair Stewart from Biggar!). Alistair read out a very appropriate poem which he had written especially for the occasion - and which can be read in its entirety on the website. It charted the S1 boys season and was a great hit with all present.
S1 awards went to
Commitment and Determination on the Field of Play ; Lewis Stewart
Most Improved Player : Sam Wallis
Coaches Player of the Season and Alasdair Tucker Memorial Award : Daniel McConkey.
Players’ Player of the Season : Stuart Forrest
Finlay Barr proposed a Vote of Thanks on behalf of the players and thanked the coaching staff for their efforts.

David Raftery hosted the S2 awards in more traditional fashion by way of a speech but it was no less appropriate or entertaining.
S2 awards went to
Taylors of Biggar Award for Excellence and Endeavour : Jordan Gray
Players’ Player of the Season ; Rowan Stewart
Coaches Player of the Season : Alex Denholm
S2 Captain Rowan Stewart thanked a number of individuals for their assistance throughout the season – including Hugh Barr for the pitches, Aird Jardine for administration and the parents for transport and catering. He then presented the coaches with a bottle to lift their spirits(!).

Rowan also paid tribute to Graham Kerr who is to step down after coaching the sqaud from P3 onwards.
Graham also received a gift – a collage of rugby photos – from the players. He spoke of his delight in being a club member and a coach, and in particular watching the boys progress not just as rugby players but as young men and wished all well. He will still stay in touch as son Angus will remain playing with the group.
Club President Peter McDonald, who presented the awards to the boys, rounded of the evening with thanks for those who had made the event possible including Gordon Young (bar) and Carolyn Cairns (catering).

All Mini and Midi players are reminded that Street rugby resumes this Wednesday (5th June) for Mini age group and on 26th June for Midi ages.
Calum Taylor is in charge and no experience is necessary – come along and join the fun. Full details on the club website.

Story date: 03/06/2013

SUMMER CAMPS / STREET RUGBY

SUMMER CAMP

Email development.officer@biggarrfc.org.uk with dates you want to attend to. New participants please provide: name, school year (2013/14), emergency contact and any health issues we should know about.

STREET RUGBY

Just turn up!!!

Story date: 21/05/2013

Biggar Colts Tour to Aberfeldy

Colts Tour to Aberfeldy confirmed as weekend of 9th/10th/11th August

Following the success of previous Colts trips to Aberfeldy and Keswick, a trip to Aberfeldy is planned for August this year. This is viewed as a great teambuilding event where the players, old and new, get to spend a whole weekend together. As well as the three coaches Yogi, Muzz and Gavin, it is anticipated that several fathers will go on tour as well to provide assistance. The following are the details of the tour.

Friday 9th August

• 9.00am cars leave Biggar Corn Exchange
• 10.00am go-karting at Newbridge
• 3.00pm arrive at Aberfeldy, staying at hostel run by Dunolly Adventures (www.dunollyadventures.co.uk)
• 4.00pm training session
• 6.00pm dinner in Dunolly House

Saturday 10th August

• Activity Day - white water rafting (10.30) and duckeying (2 man raft) (13.30) arranged by Dunolly Adventures (accredited outward-bound company)
• Dinner at Dunolly House
• Evening – cultural and social activities centred on the Aberfeldy Agricultural Show – white or blue shirt with club tie to be worn on Saturday evening

Sunday 11th August

• 9.00am breakfast
• Cars to Biggar around midday

Costs

The fixed costs (accommodation, activities and meals at Dunolly) will be in the order of £160. This also includes a Tour Polo Shirt. Additional monies will be required for snacks and refreshments.

Fundraising

No fundraising activities will be carried out; the tour will be fully self funding

Next Steps

All names and deposits (£100) to be with Muzz by 31st May latest; final monies to be with Muzz by 30th June latest. All cheques to be made payable to Biggar RFC

Muzz can be contacted on 07786 158710

Story date: 12/05/2013