Biggar RFC pitch and clubhouse re-development

Drainage and clubhouse alterations
Visitors to Hartree Mill cannot fail to notice the works being carried out to the pitches and clubhouse. The first two lateral drains are now in place on the training area with the whole of the 1st and 2nd XV pitches to be treated in the same manner.
The clubhouse development will be underway soon with the extension to dressing rooms the main thrust. After the groundworks and foundations and concrete base have been completed the membership – via volunteers – will erect the timber frame. Please keep an eye out for texts, e-mails and requests for your support for this project. The funding allows for work in kind to be counted towards the final costings and so the support of all is essential if the project is to be completed successfully and within budget. Bearing in mind that this was also the case in 1989/90 when the clubhouse itself was built - largely by the members - this latest project should not be beyond the membership today.

Foundations have now been cast for the new extension

Drainage pipes installed in pitch no 1

Golden Oldies and Biggar RFC Club Dinner

On Saturday an intrepid bunch of 13 Over-35’s travelled to Perth for a Golden Oldies tournament with 4 sides in attendance. Despite a first game defeat Biggar and guest players from Penicuik quickly improved and managed to give a good account of themselves.
This weekend the same group journey to St Andrews and Madras RFC for the Scottish Golden Oldies festival. It is expected that there will be a full XV and more in attendance although perhaps not all those who ‘volunteered’ on Saturday evening at the Club dinner will remember or want to be reminded of their inclusion!

Meanwhile back at Hartree Mill the club hosted it’s Annual dinner on Saturday evening. Despite the attractions of Ayr Show and the Bain/Cunningham concert a respectable 60+ members and friends were present. This included several of the club’s founder members several of whom have yet to miss this annual extravaganza!
President Doug Ward presided over the evening with Bob Drife proposing Grace, old club friend Doug Telfer, Davy Reive and guest speaker John McKelvey providing some excellent entertainment. Very good though the other speakers were, John McKelvey was an absolute stand out with 45 minutes of rapid fire stories and jokes. Vice President Peter McDonald proposed a vote of thanks which included the top table, Carolyn Cairns and her team and Jim Arthur for the meal and bar.

Match report 22nd January 2012

There was no 1st XV game on Saturday and so the spotlight fell on the 2nds and Colts XV’s both of whom were in action at the Showfield.
In bitterly cold and windy conditions all players and match officials deserve great credit for their efforts. The wind was so strong and biting that the Colts referee was unable to record the last two Biggar scores as his hands were numb and virtually unworkable!
The 2nd XV managed to get the better of their visitors from Musselburgh. In a close fought contest Biggar opened with an early score but couldn’t make their pressure tell, Musselburgh coming back to tie the scores with a first half try of their own.
The 7-7 score lasted until almost the death when, after both sides had kicked and missed penalties, Richard Peacock eventually notched the score which put Biggar ahead at 10-7. This was just enough and the win pushes the Biggar side into joint 4th spot in the RBS Reserve League Division 2. There are still 6 games to go however so things could get better still. Clear at the top and uncatchable are Aberdeen and Selkirk A who will deserve their promotion to Division 1.
The colts hosted Livingston U-18’s in the Edinburgh Regional Cup. Having put Ross High to the sword last week the boys were keen to maintain their top spot with a second victory. That they achieved with some ease, Livingston having a really difficult task in attempting to stem the tide as the wind swept play downfield in the first half. Things didn’t improve much after the break as Livi turned to get the benefit of the gale but by that time the home side were in control of proceedings and resolute in defence.
The Colts travel to face Portobello next week for what is their last cup game and with both the U-15’s and U-16’s also in action against the Edinburgh club on Sunday it will be interesting to see which club has the bragging rights come Sunday evening.

Sunday should have seen the S1 and U-16 sides in action at Dunfermline and Biggar respectively but with waterlogged pitches in Fife making play impossible and Cambuslang short of players neither game went ahead. Training was the order of the day instead.

2nds XV defeat Dalziel

Biggar 20 Dalziel 12 (check that score line for what was the 2nd XV's first game in 2012!!!)

It was a fine January day on Saturday when the 2nd XV re-started their league campaign. The game was a re-scheduled fixture with Dalziel, our local rivals. The league points were important but the bragging rights were equally important.
Dalziel kicked off playing towards the road; the ball was caught and immediately driven straight into the heart of the Dalziel defence. Biggar worked hard up the hill, attack after attack being thwarted by resilient Dalziel defence. The turning point was the continual infringements by the visitors around the breakdown, the referee eventually penalising Dalziel. Ali Dow stepped up to land the penalty but the ball slid past the upright and the chance of a lead was gone. Biggar were galvanised by their near miss and continued to pressure Dalziel, it became obvious that the referee would run out of patience and he did, one of the visitors was yellow carded. He was probably not the perpetrator but it was an accumulation of offences.
The penalty was 5 yards inside the Biggar half, up stepped, the returning Scott Watson, who coolly stroked the ball over the bar. Biggar 3, Dalziel 0 That was how the half would end. It looks on paper to have been a poor half but the endeavour and commitment shown by both sides made for excellent entertainment.
The second half kicked off with the same vim and vigour as had been shown in the first half both sides going at each other with gusto! It was Biggar who shone first with a confident switch move the ball passing through numerous pairs of hands for the flying winger Ali Dow to dive over in the corner, it was a brave decision as he dived the two covering defenders both tried to carry him down the high street. The try went un-converted.
Biggar again took the upper hand and again the referee felt the need to go to his pocket and card another Dalziel player. Biggar showed control and patience and then Stuart Moffat, playing with authority ghosted past the defence to score un-opposed, the conversion was missed, Biggar 13, Dalziel nil. Biggar were not done yet and the home side again pounded away at the Dalziel line and then Biggar un-leashed the flying winger again, when Ali Dow was on the end of great work from the whole team to dot down close to the posts. This time Scott Watson added the conversion Biggar 20 – Dalziel nil.
Dalziel were not going down easily, back to fifteen players and a couple of sage subs of a vintage that would suit a good Claret, Dalziel grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and went after a bonus point or maybe the game that was the grit and determination they applied to their game. It has to be said that Biggar took their foot off the gas a bit! That does not detract from the Dalziel application; they drove straight at Biggar and found a weakness. The home side’s inability to go down on the ball when covering back, attempted one handed pick-ups, guddled snatches meant Dalziel capitalised on these mistakes and scored two quick fire tries and one conversion. The second try was well into stoppage time and the conversion would mean a bonus point for the visitors…… The kicker stepped up, made clean contact, Biggar had let the point slip….but no, the ball narrowly missing the upright, no bonus point for the visitors.
This was a creditable display for the first game of 2012 and would you believe it the score Biggar 20 Dalziel 12! An omen for the remainder of the season! The second team were a credit to themselves but they all agreed there was work to do during the week. The 2nd XV travel to Hamilton for another local derby this week, the hosts took the points at Hartreemill when the sides met earlier on in the season. It is up to Biggar to return the compliment down at Leigh Bent.

2nds V Hamilton

The 2nd XV had an encouraging win by 30-8 over local rivals Hamilton. This was a good result end evens things up after Hamilton took the honours in the game at Hartreemill earlier this season.
Biggar move up to 6th spot in the Reserve League Div 2.
Report to follow

Biggar 0 Aberdeen 5 - 2s Match Report

There was no 1st, 3rd or Colts fixture at the weekend and so the spotlight fell on the 2nd XV who entertained Aberdeen Grammar at Hartreemill. The match report for this game has agin been penned by coach John Bogle while the U-16 report was written by U-16 player Richard Adams. Well done and thanks to both for their literary skills.

Biggar 2nds v Aberdeen Grammar FP 2nds Biggar entertained Aberdeen Grammar at Hartreemill and the resultant clash could be felt in the High Street. Aberdeen brought a big side to do battle but as usual the home side were up to the task, Biggar strengthened by the return of Cameron Thomson and Michael McKeand. The Biggar side were further bolstered by some first team players unused last week, Club captain, Davy Reive, Andrew Peacock, Kevin Anderson and Lewis MacLachlan.

The usual start to 2nd XV games ensued with the home side tearing into the visitors. Aberdeen were up to the task however and soaked up the pressure. As the half wore on it was Aberdeen who started to exert pressure, being camped in the Biggar half for most of the half. It was a huge defensive performance that saw Biggar hold out until half-time only 5 – 0 down. The half was not without incident, as when Aberdeen were almost over in the clubhouse corner it was brilliant pirating of the ball by Lewis MacLachlan to steal the ball and present it beautifully. He was on the ground and isolated however and what can only be described as an errant boot sliced open his head around the ear, meaning the in-form flanker had to leave the field and was unable to return. A stramash a moment later ended in a penalty to the visitors, the attempt was unsuccessful, bringing the half to an end.

The second half kicked off with Biggar trying to impose themselves and gain some territorial advantage; this was achieved in part and Biggar created chances but stout defence by the visitors kept the home side out. The game was end to end. Biggar had to make changes due to injury, Neil Wolfendene had to come off - the veteran lock again produced a huge performance only for a groin injury to cut his game short. The other changes were Calvin Henderson having to leave the front row after a hard day at the office but to the big prop’s credit he stuck to his task against a very experienced operator. Kev Anderson moved to prop and the new club hooker came on, Andrew Muir. He was taking up the berth for only the second time but he is relishing the challenge and looks like a prospect. David MacArthur took his place at scrum half with Davy Reive moving to flanker and he must be bulking up as at his first line out the lifters failed to get him off the ground! All these changes did not affect the home side as the squad system is really working. Biggar made one more change with Ali Dow coming on for David Paterson, the young wing not getting much ball on Saturday but whenever he did he posed problems to the Aberdeen defence.

There were no scores in the second half, a missed penalty by Richard Peacock the only blot on the big centre’s performance - a return to form for Richard bodes well for the rest of the season. The game sounds dull at 5-0 but for the purist it was an enthralling encounter and the commitment from both sides was immense. The large and much appreciated crowd went into the bar satisfied they had seen an old fashioned Biggar performance, the only negative being that the home side could not secure all the points. The 2nds travel to Kirkcaldy for the first return game of the league season, the first encounter at Hartreemill seeing Biggar win comfortably. I am sure, knowing Kirkcaldy well that there will be a warm Fife welcome waiting for Biggar. A quality training session during the week will be needed to make sure the points come back to Biggar.

The Colts were frustarted when Haddington couldn’t find a pitch at Neilson Park to host their fixture. Unable to travel, Biggar’s squad were left with a blank Saturday. It was much the same for the 3rd XV who were left without a fixture after Dunbar called off the scheduled game. A ‘gather up’ between the 3rd and the 1st XV for a bounce match failed to materialise! Just as well for the 1sts!

Biggar v West of Scotland - 2s Match Report

Biggar v West of Scotland

It was a beautiful autumnal day on Saturday when Biggar entertained West of Scotland. The Biggar side showed a few changes from the squad that drew against Dunfermline, lats week.
Christopher Lawrie coming in at hooker, briefly for the unavailable Callum Moorehouse, Truck would be replaced by the late arriving Andrew Muir who got an hour at hooker. The big forward looked to relish the front row, given his size this maybe a positive move for Andrew. The other changes saw veteran club captain Stuart Harrison come in at centre, Murray Thomson slip back to full back, David Paterson move onto the wing and Cameron Jackson come in at second row.

There was a third club captain playing Ewan MacAlpine returning to the back row and also skippering the side. Biggar also had a last minute injury worry when in form prop Michael Dunlop arrived sporting a still very bruised ankle from an Agric’s game midweek, The ankle was a beautiful violet and a little tender but after some TLC from the Medi Man, he was good to go.

Biggar kicked off towards the clubhouse and as has been the case Biggar came out firing and immediately made their presence felt the line coming up fast and making hits especially Harri, who introduced himself to his opposite number immediately if not a little late. This set the pattern for the Biggar defence, West would not be allowed time on the ball and so it continued throughout the game, Biggar’s defence was resolute against what has to be said was a huge West side. The first half continued to to and fro between the 22’s until sustained pressure from the Biggar pack led to the backs taking the game deep into the West half and the resultant score from Lewis MacLachlan. The try went un-converted from Richard Peacock the big centre’s boot being out of sorts to begin with.

The half ended with Biggar 8 – 0 up after a successful penalty attempt from the Richard Peacock the kick was wide out and it was sweetly struck and immediately the flag of past-president Bobby Boyd was hoisted aloft to signal success and the score moving onto 8 points.

The second half kicked off with a rejuvenated West side keen to play rugby fast and loose, the previously mentioned Biggar defence stuck to their task and tackled anything in red and yellow. The workload was intense at times but Biggar must take great heart from the ability to soak up the pressure and when the chances come they retaliate with interest. This bruising encounter was taking it’s toll on the home side with Euan Sanderson coming off to rest his shoulder which the flanker had put to good use when chopping down West attacks, he was replaced by Bo Brown, who was playing his first game for a couple of months. Bo made his presence felt in a pack in the ascendancy. Biggar made a further couple of replacements Truck coming back on for David MacArthur who suffered a knee knock, only to return 5 minutes later assuring his coach he was not limping……much.
The last replacement was David “Chopper” Robertson who also came into the back row as Derek “Bo” Brown moved up to second row and the exhausted Cameron Jackson left the field.
West threw on their replacements and the game continued hammer and tong and again Biggar repelled the Glasgow hordes and advanced to the visitor’s line which saw a move started by the forwards taken on by the backs and finished decisively by Calvin Henderson.

The score 13 -0  and time running out West gave it one last effort only to see themselves stripped of the ball and driven back up field only for Biggar to lose the possession and have the West backs almost create a consolation try but yet again the Biggar defence was up to the task.

The game ended 13 – 0 the score may look meagre but that does reflect the effort from both sides in a thoroughly entertaining game. The home side again strengthening the team spirit which is coming through now the side is settled.

Biggar await the arrival of high flying Aberdeen Grammar on Saturday at Hartreemill. A big turnout at training will be required to prepare for this game.

Dunfermline v Biggar - 2s Match Report

Biggar travelled to Dunfermline on Saturday with a strong squad, bolstered by the return of Bob Aitken at centre and in form Paul Kane at lock, both coming down from the firsts. Bob was a straight swop for Haksa and Paul slotted in with the un-availability of veteran Ewan MacAlpine, Callum Moorehouse came in at hooker for un-available skipper Kevin Robison.
It was a huge Dunfermline pack that warmed up. Biggar’s plan was to run them around and test their fitness, thinking initially the tight exchanges maybe Dunfermline’s ace card.

The Game kicked-off at a cracking pace with Biggar as is their trademark taking the contest to the opposition. It was evident that size is not necessarily everything; the tight exchanges were going Biggar’s way with some impressive scrummaging from Michael Dunlop, who roasted his opposite numbers all afternoon, he was ably assisted by his fellow front row colleagues Calvin Henderson, who, himself is in a rich vein of form and the returning Callum Moorehouse, who put up a feisty performance at hooker.
The back row and locks rampaged around the park all afternoon but were frustrated by Dunfermline’s ability to snaffle the ball at the breakdown, the old heads of Dunfermline knew how to work the blindside which snuffed out the bulk of Biggar’s attacks in the first half.

The backs were always dangerous when the chances appeared, Soapy always looking to break and the pace of the young backs was scintillating, David Patterson coming into the line from full-back ably supported by the wings Trusk and Ali Dow it was they who took us to the Dunfermline line, for the forwards to finish the move off through Lewis MacLachlan, the big flanker had a powerful game with his return to full fitness nearly there, he will put pressure on the first team back row. It was a credit to his performance that the referee’s assessor made a point of shaking his hand after the game. The conversion was narrowly missed by Richard Peacock.

Biggar’s second try came from another well worked move involving backs and forwards, again, this time it was Andrew Muir who barrelled over close to the posts the make the score 10 -0. The conversion was successful this time 12 -0. With little time left of the half Dunfermline managed to get a score to keep themselves in the game. The half time score 12 -5.

The half time team talk was simple the only department Biggar were short in was the ruck and the inability to remove the tackler. The plan was to go back to old fashioned rucking and clear everything out. There was an enforced change at half time with Murray Thomson coming off with a knock; his replacement was the returning Stuart Moffat, who went on the put in a telling performance at stand-off. Biggar carried the plan out brilliantly and scored within 5 minutes of the re-start, three beautiful rucks and the backs silkily moving the ball wide ending with big Cameron Jackson barging over to score, 17-5. Cameron having come off the bench for the unlucky Andrew Muir, who seemed to tweak an Achilles tendon just after the start of the half.

Biggar were now in the ascendancy they had Dunfermline by the scruff of the neck, only for the referee for a second week take a dislike to Black shirts with curious decisions being made much the bemusement of the Biggar fraternity. This kept Dunfermline in the game and frustrated Biggar which lead to various penalties being awarded. The ground being lost to infringements told on the Biggar defence and eventually the home side scored a well worked backs try, unconverted, 17-10.

The game started to get edgy with Biggar being unable to do anything right in the eyes of the referee. The Dunfermline attack was buoyed by the decisions and instead of disappearing out the game as looked likely they lifted their game for a last push culminating in a try under the posts, which was converted, 17-17.

Biggar again tried to gain field position only for the referee to penalise the visitors, the exemplary discipline which Biggar had shown throughout the game frayed slightly and cost valuable yards to take Dunfermline close to the Biggar line and it was a credit to the defence that they held out for the draw, which was a travesty for Biggar.

There were many positives to take away from this game the composure shown for most of the game under intense pressure from the whistler. The way the team took instruction at half time and carried out the plan to such effect. Also the team spirit which is building, now the side is settling down and training together bodes well for a better second half to the league campaign.

Biggar entertain West of Scotland this Saturday. With the good numbers training last week it is evident what a good Thursday session can bring, this will be required again this week to maintain the improvements seen on Saturday.

Biggar v GHA - 2s Match Report

Biggar V GHA

Biggar entertained GHA at the Showfield on Saturday, a game that would have a huge bearing on the rest of the season. It was imperative that Biggar recorded a win against their Glasgow opponents after the disappointment of last Saturday’s defeat at Selkirk.

As has been the case all season Biggar took the kick-off and immediately took the game to GHA, the pressure mounted on the visitors and eventually the holes appeared in their defence. Haksa Wilbore darted through on of the gaps making a seering break to the opposition 22, when he was eventually brought down he made a great pass out of contact to the ever-present Lewis MacLachlan who was the only player able to keep up! Lewis dotted down under the posts, Haksa  then converted the try, Biggar were up 7 – nil.

The pressure continued from Biggar and again forward dominance in the tight and to some extent the loose exchanges allowed the backs to torment the GHA defence. Credit must go to GHA for the resolute defence or this could have got away from them by half-time.

Biggar’s second score came again through hard work from the forwards and incisive running from the backs to culminate in a try for Haksa Wilbore. This time the conversion went abegging. Biggar were awarded a penalty just outside the GHA 22, Haksa opted for posts, the kick looked over and stalwart 2nds line judge Bobby Boyd indicated success only to be overruled by the GHA touch judge and ultimately the ref. This was not the only low point regarding decisions, which beggared belief at times most of the first half decisions went against Biggar wich kept GHA in the game to an extent. Then the referee to the belwilderment of all concerned handed out a yellow card to a GHA back at a ruck. This allowed Biggar to apply extra pressure and another try was inevitable, again the backs and forwards combing and culminating in a score and second try for Lewis MacLachlan. The conversion was successful and the half time score was 17 – 0.

The second half started with the same incredible decisions taking all the flow out of the game. Biggar being pinged for all sorts of infringements, which were hard to fathom from the touchline, however it became obvious that at some point the patience of the referee would break, and it did. The second yellow card of the game being shown to, of all people…… Murray Thomson for being offside at a ruck, if there was one person who had not infringed it was Murray! GHA stepped up and slotted the penalty.

The yellow card had a negative effect on Biggar and concentration lapsed to the cost of another penalty, the referee now stopping play at almost all breakdowns to issue warnings to individuals and team warnings. Biggar rallied and took the game back up the hill at the showfield only to be penalised time and again at the breakdown, when in complete control. GHA responding in kind with huge clearance kicks which gave them territorial advantage, which in turn led to a ruck infringement and a further penslty chance which was well taken, the score now 17 – 9.
The game stuttered to a conclusion with Biggar, I would say running out creditable victors, against a stuffy GHA side who made the game a proper contest, had it not been for over-zealous refereeing the game would have been a cracker. This will hopefully kick start the league campaign for Biggar. The side is starting to look a more settled side and the rugby they play is exciting. To build on this success  means the squad must get to training during the week to work on the fine tuning for the trip to Dunfermline this Saturday.

Selkirk v Biggar - 2s Match Report

Selkirk v Biggar

Biggar travelled to Selkirk on Saturday with a slightly depleted squad due to the sunny day Saturday turned out to be. The squad that started was one of the best seen in a 2nd’s strip in a long time and it showed from the kick-off. Biggar tore into their opponents playing rugby of a high calibre. The game twoed and froed Biggar the more dominant and eventually the pressure told and after committed driving from the forwards and good runnignlines from the backs a try was scored by scrum-half David MacArthur, the conversion was successful from Haksa Wilbore, who slotted into the team and made the back line tick with well disguised passes bringing players onto the ball at pace which caused the Selkirk defence ral problems.

Biggar were awarded a penalty just outside the Selkirk 22 and Haksa opted for posts, he slotted the kick with no trouble, Biggar now 10 -0 up. The score made Selkirk work harder and the game was played between the 22’s. No more scores came before half-time and the score remained 10- 0.

The second half unfortunately saw a change in the Biggar line-up Andrew Goodall coming off after a valiant first half in which he played on with a shoulder injury. The replacement for Biggar was Christopher Lawrie, who slotted in at wing, as usual. This brought the highly effective Charles Cochrane forward from centre into the back row, where he again excelled.

The meagre squad numbers eventually began to tell on Biggar as Selkirk refreshed their team Biggar looked a bit tired given the work required to stem the challenge now being mounted by Selkirk. It was inevitable that the pressure would tell, it did with Selkirk scoring 25 points and running out worthy winners of a hard fought contest.

Biggar must now regroup for the home game against GHa next Saturday.

Perthshire v Biggar - 2s Match Report

Perthshire v Biggar 2XV league 1st October 2011

Biggar 2xv travelled to Perth on Saturday for the first match in over a year between the clubs due to both clubs being unable to field a team on the due dates last season. Biggar numbers were swelled by the travelling support, the Bogle Family and Una and Niamh Stewart (who were actually in Perth for a netball tournament) however the noise from the touchline was deafening.

The Biggar XV to face Perthshire was slightly different again from last week with David Robertson (chopper) coming in at second row, for the unfortunate John Hyslop who suffered a knee injury last week, he certainly made his whole 5’ 9” tell during the game, putting in a fantastic shift alongside his middle row colleague Neil Wolfendene.

The game kicked off and Biggar were straight into their stride scoring right away through Charles Cochrane, who rampaged over the line for the first of his three tries. A good game for the rumbustious flanker, the try success meaning he had to buy a bottle of Port for the hat-trick.

Next on the board was Murray Thomson, another returning to the fray after a coupe of weeks off to run a few 10k’s. The rest has done the big 10 well he looked sharp and took his try well. He later came off with a bang to the knee, which should not keep him out the team for next week.

Biggar had started well but during their scoring spree they leaked a try and a penalty which gave the opposition hope, however slim. A half time score of 26-8, there were some observations surrounding the cavalier style Biggar were adopting and a “back to basics” approach for the second half would bring the scores Biggar were so desperate to get.

The second half started like the first with a couple of changes Lewis MacLachlan coming on at centre and scoring almost from the kick-off. This was followed up by a try from “the cornet” James Tawse. Lewis then ran in his second try, which was quickly followed by one from in form scrum-half David MacArthur.

The tries were converted in the main with a couple of misses by Richard Peacock who after a scare last week, when he received a bang to his knee, returned to scintillating form this week.
The try count was finally completed by Alex Williams playing his last game before returning to Uni, next week. Along with a try and two conversions Richard Peacock’s tally was 11 points.

The final score being 56-8. This was a more complete performance from Biggar, although the try scorers have been mentioned the whole team contributed and worked together to make this score. It is evident there is a lot to this team and it can only improve with training numbers going up.

Biggar entertain Dumfries this weekend at Hartreemill, Dumfries are on the crest of a wave at the minute so this will be a real test of where we are and what we want to achieve.

Musselburgh v Biggar - 2s Match Report

Biggar travelled to Musselburgh full of optimism after a good turnout at training on Thursday night. The loss of Veteran back row Ewan MacAlpine was a blow his experience always pays dividends.

It was again a mix of young and experienced players and a mix of Seconds and Thirds, the boys stepping up are now looking fairly settled within the team and are enjoying the faster game!! (GY)

The game kicked off bathed in Autumnal sunshine and the prospects were good, however Musselburgh had different ideas and the side we played and beat last year was certainly not in evidence. This was a bigger faster and well drilled side that ran in 38 points in the first half. One of the few brights spots for Biggar was the return to the fray of Lewis McLachlan who for 20 minutes did everything one man could to stem the flow of scoring and in doing so the blood flowed… from his head, a gash that would require stitches no doubt later in the day, patched up and helmeted he returned to the fray and lasted 30 minutes, replaced by Murl Midgely. He must be happy with the amount of work he put in and the time lasted; only game time will improve on what is and impressive level of fitness. Biggar first half woes were not helped by the loss of winger David Patterson, who left the field with an ankle knock.

A few stern words at half time and a belief we could still pull something from this game saw Biggar start impressively only to see possession lost from the kick off drive and Musselburgh score. This was a huge blow to the team’s confidence and it was apparent for sometime as Musselburgh ran tries in at will. The Biggar team again had a talking to which saw the desire they have shown previously return and even though the score ran to 82-0, the final 10 minutes must be what the boys grasp when they look back at this game for the last 10 minutes they held possession and drove with everything to the Musselburgh line first driving tight through the forwards then shipping the ball wide but the Musselburgh defence would not be breached and the score ended as previously stated.

It will take a bit of rallying during the week but we must lift our heads and prepare for the visit of Hamilton, who come to Hartreemill on Saturday for the next instalment of the League programme. Another good turnout Tuesday and Thursday will help immensely in the improvement of this squad.

Dalziel v Biggar - 2s Match Report

The seconds travelled to Dalziel for their second game of the league campaign. The team knew it would be a very different test from that of last week.

Again the team was affected by holidays and un-availability, however the boys who stepped up from the thirds acquitted themselves well, this lack of cohesion was the main reason Biggar went down 31-12.
The Dalziel team were well organised and got into their stride far quicker than Biggar, scoring 3 first half tries. The half ending, 17-0.

Biggar were by the end of the first half starting to make inroads into Dalziel territory. When the turnaround came Biggar had the wind, the slope and concentrated their efforts in dalziel 22, they were kept out by stout Dalziel defence and incredible refereeing decisions, this lack of consistency lead to some frustration and concentration being lost. Biggar dug deep and re-asserted themselves scoring a magnificent try from continuous battering at the Dalziel line the points coming from xxxxxx.

Biggar went straight back into the  Dalziel 22 from the kick off, hammering away again at the try line, only for the ref to penalise Biggar again for something only he saw, this allowed Dalziel to ease the pressure and scamper the length of the field, scoring their second try of the half and taking the game out of Biggar’s reach. Biggar kicked off immediately and again were camped on the Dalziel line until the pressure told and Ewan MacAlpine barged over for a well deserved try.
Ali Dow kicked the conversion to bring an end to the game, 31-12.

The effort from the team was a credit to them; the only disappointment was the 30 minutes that it takes to get know each other at the beginning of a game. Training during the week is imperative; when this happens then the effort exerted on a Saturday will bring the results the team deserves.
.

It was good to see Richard Peacock return to the fray, coming through an hour with no knee problems there was also a return to action for Fraser Campbell the veteran prop coming on midway through the second half and immediately making an impact driving the scrum back and making telling drives leading up to the first try.

Ali Dow making an appearance at scrum-half, played well, giving good service to Murray Thomson, who had another authoritative game at 10. It is obvious when this team settles they will get the results they are working so hard for.

The seconds travel to Musselburgh next week, we will require a good turnout at training this week to get the team settled.

Biggar v Kirkcaldy - 2s Match Report

Biggar 2nd XV took to the field on Saturday against visitors Kirkcaldy. This was the first run out this year combined with the first full training session.
The plan for the game was to concentrate on basics and tidy-up any mistakes that would occur as efficiently as we could.

The game kicked off with Biggar taking the game straight to the visitors applying pressure in every phase, Kirkcaldy started fairly strongly and the play was midfield until Biggar broke the deadlock with a fine passage of play resulting in a try for Ewan MacAlpine, who incidentally was making his first appearance since his terrible injury at Kirkcaldy, last year. The conversion was added by Ali Dow.
As the first half progressed the mistakes became fewer and the confidence grew, resulting in scores for Captain Kev Robison another for Ewan MacAlpine, one for Ewan Sanderson and another for Alex Williams, two of which were converted by Ali Dow, who added a penalty for a half time score of 34 -0.

It must be mentioned that veteran lock David Ireland performed the play of the day when covering back in the old no.8 position as all mobile locks do, He gathered the ball from a kick ahead by Kirkcaldy, when the on-rushing stand-off was in position to tackle the giant lock, he dummied in field then revolved the other way to sprint 40 yards up the touchline with the ball and set up a perfect ruck, when the rampage was brought to a premature end (much to Davy’s relief) by a despairing tackle from the opposing scrum-half.

The second half got underway with Biggar attacking the clubhouse and the progress continued with the front row of Michael Dunlop, Kevin Robison and Calvin Henderson proving hard task masters for the Kirkcaldy eight. The second rows which during the game were David Ireland, Neil Wolfendene and replacement lock Cameron Jackson putting in a power of work and a total dominance of the line-out. This power base set up a great platform for the back row of Ewan Maclpine, Ewan Sanderson and comeback man, John Hyslop, who ruled the breakdown and snuffed out any attacking thoughts Kirkcaldy had.

Scrum half Iain Baillie has obviously enjoyed the sojourn to New Zealand, his confidence and service set the backs up on the front foot. He coupled well with veteran club captain Murray Thomson, who playing at 10 was the orchestrator of the back play and the spot kicker near the end slotting 2 conversions. The back line of centres Ali Dow and Alex Williams resumed where they left off last year brimming with confidence and tormenting the opposition with searing breaks and thunderbolt defence. Our wingers of David Paterson (a colt of last year, was a revelation in attack and defence scoring three second half tries) and Billy Scanlon were arch predators any sniff of a hole in the defence was exploited. Biggar’s full back was the inimitable Wullie Steel who reeked havoc in the Kirkcaldy defence with his wizardly attacks and penetrative kicks.

The second half scores came from Iain Baillie rounding off a good performance which can only get better as the season continues. Alex Williams scoring his second of the game after fantastic work by the forwards then the backs. A game played with this amount of possession could not have been just unless Wullie Steel got a try and he did indeed torturing the Kirkcaldy defence then passing the ball on only to be there in support to dot down the try, abley converted by Murray Thomson. The last score of the game was the third try from “man of the match” David Paterson when he dotted down his third try again Murray Thomson stepped up to convert.

The seconds must take great heart from this performance and the spirit with which they play. It is important to mention the squad who played a big part in this victory, Malcolm Bruce who made a big impression when coming on in the second half, I am not sure Kirkcaldy could believe the pace of the Lomuesque  full back. Andrew Howatson sidled on at centre and also showed he is a contender for a centre berth when the harvest is finally over. The final replacement was Johnathan Huntley making his first senior appearance for Biggar since Colts.

We must move on from this solid foundation and build the game to the level we had last year. It is vital that the whole squad trains both Tuesday and Thursday, this will enable the whole squad to benefit and again mount a challenge to the league title.

Biggar travel to Dalziel this coming Saturday, which will be a stiffer challenge but one which will really let us know where we are.

Biggar 17 GHA 8

22/10/11

The seconds secured a good win over GHA by 17 points to 8 at home

Perthshire 8 Biggar 56

Biggar 2nds travelled to a wet Perth on Saturday hoping to gain a win that was elusive against Hamilton the previous week. The team travelled with a strong squad with the two’s gaining strength and numbers every week. Biggar started well with a grubber kick from the wing which was thrown directly out by the full back resulting in a penalty. Biggar chose to kick to the corner for a line out which after some phases of play Charles Cochrane put down for biggar first try of the afternoon. Biggars ill-discipline and a few missed tackles allowed Perth back into it not long after when their flanker went through for a try. However Biggar rallied and after some good forward play and slick backs hands James Tawse crossed the line in the corner to restore Biggar’s lead.  Michael Dunlop pulled biggar further away from Perth when he dived over the line not long after .Charles Cochrane’s inclusion in the seconds was a huge boost for the team with his constant strong running and first’s experience which showed when pure strength and powerful running allowed him over for his second of the game.  The second half saw Lewis McLachlan come on at centre and it was not long before he was involved. Lewis known for his strong running picked the ball up at 12 and from around the half way line bombarded his way through the Perth defence to extend Biggar’s lead with a great try under the posts. In a similar position not 5 minutes later Lewis scored his second with another characteristical powerful run. Biggar remained the better team for most of the second half with only a few mistakes allowing Perth into the Biggar half. After some good play by biggar into the Perth half, Perth turned over the ball only to knock on inside their 22. Charles now playing 8, broke from the back of the scrum drew in two defenders and offloaded to David Macarthur to dart over the line. Charles was not done their however and before the end of the second half he managed to storm his way over the line yet again for a well-deserved hat trick. Final score 56-8. Biggar 2nd’s host Dumfries this weekend all support welcome and everyone try get to training.

Biggar RFC Second XV

Here is a page for the second team to use