Alongside our strong U18 Boys programme Biggar RFC also has a strong U18 Girls setup. Our U18 girls age group is for those aged 16 or 17 before September 1st 2022. Training is on a Monday and Wednesday night from 7-8:30pm. The squad coaches are a committed and knowledgeable bunch with a broad range of playing and coaching experience. They have a range of SRU training qualifications from the annual rugby right to UKCC Level 2. All players train hard and learn the key skills and basic rugby ideas and ethos during the week and express themselves with freedom in the Sunday fixture.
Key Contacts
Katie Mellanby is Girls Convenor at biggarrfcgirls@hotmail.com
Girls U18 Achievements
2016 – U18 Girls National Bowl Winners
2018 – U18 National Cup Winners
2018 – U18 National 7s Winners
2019 – U18 Girls – Clydesdale Sport Council Youth Team of the Year
2019 – U18 National Shield Winner
2023 - U18 National Cup Winners
Donald Voas
Paul Kane
Neil Laing
Season 2024-25
1st Sept 2024
U18 v Penrith
A challenging and worthwhile away game to Penrith for the U18’s today. The girls played some excellent rugby despite this being the first game together as a team. We knew coming into this that Penrith play a tough forwards game leaning heavily on offloading in the tackle.
The first half went our way and Biggar were in the lead 24-12 however this seemed to spur on the home side who quickly came back into the game coming out on top 38-31 at the final whistle.
We had 3 key objectives for this game which they all met:
1) Play as a team and support each other
2) Do your best
3) Enjoy the game
Although the result didn’t go our way and there are things to work on, the girls absolutely played with those 3 in mind and should give the squad confidence for the challenge ahead
Season 2023-24
October 1st 2023
U18 Team Sheet
1. Emma 9. Annabel
2. Tash 10. Poppy
3. Kyra 11. Niamh
4. Eve 12. Abi
5. Lucy 13. Freya
6. Emily 14. Iona
7. Ash 15. Fiona
8. Holly
16. Ella
17. Mhairi
18. Eilidh
19. Tilda
20. Ruth
For additional pictures visit: https://1drv.ms/f/s!AveKImf77BWBwSZ71qmdvPVV7lLY?e=f3p7EP
Report
Opponents: Stirling County Date: 01.10.23
Venue: Hartree Mill, Biggar Score: 27-24 to Biggar
Sunday 1st October saw the much anticipated game against Stirling who always provide good opposition and a challenging game. Today was no exception. With our captain (Imy) out due to Injury, Emily duly stepped up to the plate to lead the girls for this game. We also had a couple of other players out (Lisa and Sarah) which added just that little bit more to the tension. Stirling kicked off and signalled their intent from the get-go with some powerful forward running from an obviously well drilled forward unit. Biggar managed to match this early onset with some good early work at the breakdown however Biggar seemed to let Stirling fluster them a bit and in the first 5-10 mins things were very frantic. This is despite Freya latching on to an interception to put in an early score for Biggar which was converted by Poppy. Biggar received the subsequent kick off where everyone on the side-lines were thinking that this would settle the nerves and the girls can now get into their game – things weren’t going to plan. Stirling came back with determination and used their bigger forward pack to make gains in their attack and shortly afterwards they were rewarded with their own try. This was clearly going to be a closer game than previous encounters between these two sides and for the next 15 mins or so, Stirling were camped within Biggar’s half, and nothing seemed to be working for the girls to get
the team out. The display of defensive work was immense from every single Biggar player which paid off with some good turnovers and breaks and it was then our turn to put Stirling under pressure and after positive running and determination, Holly got Biggar back on the score sheet. Unfortunately, a lapse in concentration allowed Stirling to almost bounce back immediately to take the score into half time at 14-12 to Biggar.
The second half almost mirrored the first, however Biggar were coming into their own, but it was still not plain sailing with Stirling determined to win and showed this with a very well planned drill on attacking the breakdowns.
With the game finely balanced, the moment of the match was where Biggar were awarded a penalty within kicking distance, however the girls were setting up for a tap and go – with some ‘encouragement’ from the coaching staff, the decision was made to go for posts which was duly converted by Poppy. Biggar continued with what can only be described a gritty determination as things just didn’t seem to be working for them against a well-rounded Stirling side and both seemed to match each other try for try. With the last play of the game Stirling managed to push themselves over for their last try, the game finished Biggar 27, Stirling 24.
U18 v Dumfries 17th September
Team Sheet
1. Lucy 9. Annabel
2. Tash 10. Poppy
3. Kyra 11. Niamh
4. Eve 12. Abbie
5. Holly 13. Freya
6. Tilda 14. Iona
7. Ash 15. Sarah
8. Emily
16. Ella 19. Fiona More pics to follow
17. Mhairi 20.
18. Eilidh
Report
Opponents: Dumfries Date: 17/09/2023
Venue: Dumfries Score: 55-5 to Biggar (67-5 unofficial)
The latest fixture in the Girls U18 league for Biggar was away to a very decent Dumfries side who we knew would be a physical challenge.
It seemed that Biggar were beginning this one slowly as 15 minutes into the game and despite having gone 14-0 up by taking advantage of mistakes by the opposition, allowing Poppy to dart through the middle and Iona to show her speed on the wing, Biggar were very lethargic and slow to react to the game.
The second spell of the first half saw Biggar starting to come alive (or some would say they realised they had a game on their hands) and began to put the structures in place that they have been working on. This paid off several times with some good turnovers, with one such turnover leading to Emily being able to create space for Sarah through a great attacking run and offload giving her the space to run in for Biggar’s next score. With the girls starting to come into the game, the effort and determination continued through a great defensive effort across the board for the whole duration which wasn’t easy with some powerful girls in the opposition. This was very evident within the forward pack who worked very hard in the scrums to deliver a solid platform for Annabelle and the backs, which didn’t always work out but from 1-8 they all put in a shift with some extra asks of the back row in developing that defensive mindset off the scrums. Biggar started to control the game better although the wet conditions didn’t help, however the girls showed their game management and ability to look for space where after a sustained attacking period, Biggar moved the ball to Niamh on the wing who ran in for Biggar’s 4th score. One thing the coaching team have been working on is getting the girls to take opportunities when they arise and through quick thinking, and a quick penalty, Biggar scored their 5th try just before half time. The second half was a very similar story with Dumfries benefitting from their strong running and managing to pull a score back early on however the immediate response from Biggar was again to use the width and after creating the overlap through great offloading, Iona ran in to get the scoreboard going for the second half. This period of play in the second half showed the defensive effort from Biggar where they managed to gain several successful turnovers and penalties from effective rucking work. This effort in defence led to Biggar’s 7th score through a great turnover and positive run from Eve, committing defensive players and offloading to Poppy to run through the gap and score. From the retake, Dumfries put Biggar under a period of sustained pressure and continually made progress to the try line however the girls managed a solid defensive effort holding up the try attempt and through the next few attacking phases and pressure involving passing, rucking, kicking and a penalty, progressed the girls up the pitch allowing Freya to run in what was definitely a team effort to take Biggar to 55-5 which after discussions with the official ended the match with a Biggar victory.
The game continued as a development game with the final score being 65-5.
10th September v Edinburgh harlequins
Team Sheet
1. Tash 9. Mhairi
2. Ash 10. Poppy
3. Holly 11. Ruth
4. Lisa 12. Fiona
5. Tilda 13. Emily
6. 14. Iona
7. 15. Sarah
8.
16. Eilidh
17. Annabel
18. Niamh
19. Abi
20.
**Number not reflective of positions**
Report
Opponents: Edinburgh Harlequins
Date: Sun 10th Spet Venue: Strathaven Rugby Club Score: 60-15
This match report is not in as much detail due to the development game implementation.
This week saw the U18’s, in a twist of fate adopting Strathaven Rugby Club as our temporary home venue as the
younger section at Biggar had a full on festival and tournament at Hartree mill. As we have a few girls who hail
from that neck of the woods it was good to take the Biggar bandwagon across the M74.
The heat again was a huge impact factor and the opposition, from Edinburgh were somewhat of an unknown
entity with a couple of the girls being involved in various national set ups. Unfortunately, Harlequins could only
gather a team of 10 and under competition rules effectively forfeited the game. So even before the start, Biggar
had the win. As a result, a development game was played, understandably the girls were a bit down heartened
but a quick re-jig of the team sheet by head coach Donald and we were set to go.
When the game did start, Biggar showed the ability and quality of a team to turn up, have the game changed at
short notice, adjust to these changes, and get on with the job at hand. At 10-a-side on a full pitch, Biggar quickly
recognised where the space and gaps were and stretched Harlequins defence to only then exploit the gaps made in
the middle of the park. It was by no way a one sided effort with Harlequins showing their power and using their
size effectively, ensured that Biggar defence had to be on point with their tackles and rucking with some excellent
turnovers being won in this area. This game played out with Biggar being the better team across the board and the
girls kept the scoreboard ticking over.
So, after 2/3rds of the game played and at the agreed time check the game was decided to be over with Biggar U18’s
in a commanding 60-15 lead – there was also a matter of a Scotland World Cup game to get home for…….
This was a challenging afternoon for the girls (again) with the heat, playing a home game away from home, hoping
for 15 a side, expecting 13 a side and ending up with 10 a side and all the configurations that it takes to ensure that
girls get decent game time in their preferred positions whilst covering required positions (not sure Donald envied
this task), but they displayed maturity and a strong mental attitude in their approach. All girls played brilliantly in
both defence and attack and showed a skill level that keeps improving and will hold the club in good stead in the
coming months where games will get more challenging.
3rd September v Garioch
Team Sheet
1. Imy © 9. Annabel
2. Tash 10. Poppy
3. Holly 11. Mhairi
4. Iona 12. Tilda
5. Sarah 13. Abi
6. Eilidh 14. Niamh
7. Ash 15. Fiona
8. Emily
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
Opponents: Garioch Rugby
Date: 03/09/2023 Venue: Ellon Rugby Club Score: 57-7 win
Finally, the U18’s had their first competitive match with a league game away to Garioch. If that wasn’t far enough,
the game had to be played at Ellon Rugby Club which was even further North!! After a very long journey, during a
spell of weirdly hot weather, we arrived at Ellon Rugby Club looking forward to firstly getting off the bus and
secondly getting the game underway.
After head coach Donald set out the goals for the game, Biggar set up to receive the kick off. At this point most of
the side-lines (or maybe just me) were still getting sorted only to look up to see Emily running down the side-lines
for Biggar’s first try of the game with Poppy adding the extras. Garioch certainly didn’t let this early score phase
them and proved to be very challenging in the forward pack which called upon some hard defensive action from all.
After some jostling back and forth and with the penalty count getting on top of Biggar, the girls seemed to settle
themselves down and produced some training ground moves with excellent handling skills and running from Fiona,
Sarah and Mhairi, allowing Tilda to take advantage of the gaps created and go in for Biggar’s second score. This was
probably the story of the first half with Biggar looking frustrated and Garioch certainly providing a challenge but the
girls continually managing to keep the scoreboard ticking over with Holly and Iona scoring as the half came to a
close.
At half time the score was Biggar 34 – Garioch 0.
The first 15 minutes saw a more relaxed team, despite losing a score to Garioch early on, which was almost the line
in the sand that shouldn’t be crossed, this focused the minds of the girls, and the team started to pull together. The
defensive response was better, the attacking running and using space improved, the speed to breakdowns was
quicker and the supporting runs were present, and the scores started to mount up. From the side-lines it was very
obvious that although the work rate was still high with some excellent tackling and hard work from the forwards
(who were mostly backs) the girls were enjoying themselves and the standard of rugby was much improved which
saw Niamh, Holly and poppy getting on the score sheet for the club. This took the girls to a 57-7 lead and with the
official win the game went into a development phase.
Although the score counting stopped, the scoring certainly didn’t and neither did the effort and determination from
the girls with an excellent try saving tackle from Eilidh. With so many girls playing out of position it was great to see
the new (or newish) girls Holly, Sarah, Tilda, Mhairi and Niamh getting their first competitive game for Biggar Rugby
Club and also getting on the score sheet
Season 2022/23
Nov 6th 2022
SRU Club Festival at Stirling County U18 Girls Part 1
Usually at a festival it’d be a single wee set for pics from me, today I’m breaking my own rule. Two sets – one for each game.
Game one was against Edinburgh Harlequins.
Biggar opened the scoring after 3 mins by Erin driving through from No8. The game was tight for the next 14 mins, Quins scoring off a sliced kick, they converted the score. Three mins later Quins scored again after a mix up at the ruck, perhaps caused by a misinterpretation of the laws by the ref. Once again they converted. Bigger were far from out of it and hit back with a try (through traffic) for Cerys. It was 14 – 10 to Quins at the break. It was supposed to be 20 mins per half but it was 25 mins between the scores and nearly 28 mins to the whistle.
The 2nd half started off with a Quins try, from an interception. Biggar then spent some time between their own 22 and the halfway line, offering stern defence. They worked their way up the pitch and topped the phases off with a try by Poppy.
Game ended 24-15 to Quins.
We were joined by our friends from Annan Girls U18, and this allowed subs to be used and spread the load. This was much closer than the last time we played Quins in the “league”.
If we could have had a tackle count today it would have been huge, and some big hits put in by both teams.
SRU Club Festival at Stirling County U18 Girls Part 2
The second game was against the hosts – Stirling County. We knew this would be a challenge – and it was. The score often does not tell the whole story of a game, I hope that the pictures might.
Much of the game was played in Biggar’s own half. The first try could have happened at anytime, but it was an interception, and it was of course by one of Stirling’s fastest players, 5 – 0.
A passage of play followed where Stirling scored from the restart, twice. Biggar were at their most vulnerable. This could’ve become a landslide, but no. Eight minutes passed and Biggar were frustrating the Stirling pack, and rucked well. Phases were worked, but a kick through of a loose ball gained another score to Stirling. This time Stirling worked the phases and tried to exert control, the phases were slower. It culminated in a forwards’ try. On the stroke of half time Stirling once again scored under the sticks. Score 40-0.
A lesser team might have been looking at this becoming a development game as 50 points beckoned. Not today! The Biggar girls steeled themselves and seemed to talk a little more. Whatever was discussed at half time obviously worked. Stirling tried and tried again, camping in the Biggar half for much of the second half. The tackling was strong, as was the resolve of the team. Biggar did not score, but significantly neither did Stirling.
I’ve tried to capture as much of the Biggar attacks in this game, the score suggests that there few. That is not the case.
There will be a few bruised, tired and sore girls tomorrow. They did the Club, but also themselves proud today.
There were 4 teams present today, and logic might have suggested an arrangement of playing time to allow a proper round robin, but no. We did not get a chance to play the Kelpies (and others) team, but I suspect we would have had a win if we did.
Thanks to the Annan girls for making the huge trip up.
Well done girls!
Match Report 2nd October 2022
U18 Girls
Biggar U18 Girls Festival @ Ayr
Hello folks! I am briming with pride and smiles for our girls from their efforts today.
We made our way to Ayr to take part in a festival against Dumfries, Ayr, Annan and Cartha/Lenzie/Wigton. As Iain Glennie has alluded to in his post our girls put in an excellent display of skill, attitude and persistence.
First off, it was really weird competing against Annan! However, the match that was fought was a brilliant exhibition of our game. It provided an excellent session for the girls to start with. So that by the time the next game started they were on fire!
We saw fantastic hands, support play/runs, good ‘D’ and use of width. They were a well-oiled machine, and they were purring!
We played 8-a-side, 16 min games. Coach’s brief was leave everything on the field – use what we have been doing in training. This they did.
I would like to individually praise each player, should I? But suffice to say each and every one of them contributed to today’s play which had a fundamental impact on the team play…
Oh! I’ve got to call out 3! Leah Murray who is becoming a force to be reckoned with – she ran the length of the pitch and put some points on the board, fantastic run!
Catriona Glennie who is fast becoming a much relied on defender and ball carrier.
And finally, Elise Knights for her vocal talents! After scoring and running back with the team she let rip ‘COME ON BIGGAR!’ Love it!
I could tell you about each player, do you want that? They were all fantastic!
They all looked like they had a blast!
Nathan, Emelia Knights and Neil Laing
Biggar v Stirling 18th September
So rugby is a contact sport. The girls faced a strong Stirling team at Hartree Mill today. Battered, bruised, and in some cases bloodied. But Biggar were bloody brilliant.
Never a head went down, always there for their team mates.
Hard yards, big tackles.
When you start a game with no subs and you know the shift you have ahead its difficult. Look at the team pic – did they enjoy it – I think I know the answer.
A lot of proud parents here today.
5th September 2022
Biggar U18 Girls
Our opening game of the season pitted us against Edinburgh Harlequins.
40-19 defeat.
Unfortunately, to the Quins! It looked like we were going to open the scoring within the first few minutes of the game with an excellent break through, but alas not. Harlequins took the first few tries. What I am exceptionally proud of is that our girls stayed absolutely positive and stayed focused. Which resulted in them dominating the end of the first half notching up 2 tries from an excellent display of rugby skills and teamwork. This continued into the start of the second half. We have the makings of an outstanding team that is just currently lurking! If we can get ALL the girls to training and the games, we will be a force to be reckoned with. Even as we stood on this day, 11 girls put in a very hard shift and did us proud against Harlequins’ team of 16.
We had
Lana Bell – loose head
Cerys Forrest – hooker (Acting Capt) 1 try
Catriona Glennie – tight head
Grace Robertson – second row
Ellie Ritchie – second row 1 try
Ella Baillie – scrum half
Abbie Barrett – standoff
Elise Knights – inside centre
Freya Lejkowski – outside centre 1 try + 2 conversions
Eilidh Armstrong – wing
Leah Murray – wing
We will need to work on our handling under pressure as this was the main reason for losing possession, which Harlequins exploited. Everyone did their best and it showed. The girls looked like they enjoyed their first game as spirits were high and smiles a plenty at the end of the match.
Girl of the Game – Freya Lejkowski
A big thank you to Iain Glennie for the pictures and action shots!
Season 2021/22
December 12th 2021
Biggar U18 12 Stirling County 93
I know! I know! It’s gone the wrong way, but this was actually a better game than last time! It was an intense, action packed and flowing game of rugby.
We started well, if memory serves me right scoring the first two tries of the game making the first half of 30 mins a joy to watch, but alas the second half was not ours!
I think we had an excellent mindset entering the match, but County’s rucking got into the girls’ mind and using this they (County) were able to break our defence. Breaking it well they did! I must give it to them, the discipline in their breakdown is exemplary. This resulted in a dis-jointed return play from us. I think only two set-plays came from our backline – one produced an excellent display of skill, determination and panache with a try being scored.
Tackling was very good from our girls, but just exposing enough gaps for County to exploit. Our hands were also something I was pleased with. When the points started to rack up against us the girl’s heads went down a bit to start with, but I am SOOO proud – they got it together THEMSELVES! I went over and listened to their group ‘huddle’ and there were strong positive voices ringing out!
This game was fantastic from a learning perspective, we played the game that County wanted – we need to be able to switch and play ‘our’ game. We have some excellent players and they all bring something to the field. We will build a strong ‘play-maker’ in role and get our moves on!
Anyway, our girls stuck at it to the last minute and did us proud again. I am never interested in the score (well you know what I mean!) against whether or not the girls enjoyed themselves! They left the field of conflict singing festive songs!!! Nuff said!! Try scorers Kirsty and Zoe (Zoe kicking conversions).
December 5th
Today was a fantastic day for our U18 girls/young woman! We travelled to Ravenscraig and faced off against Strathendrick/Strathaven team for game 1 and East Kilbride/Cartha/Lenzie team for game 2. We played 12-a-side, uncontested scrum and lineouts on a slightly reduced pitch. 20 min games.
We paid tribute to Siobhan Cattigan (Scotland Woman) with one minute of applause.
The girls were focused right from the start and it showed. The tackles came thick and fast as our opposing teams were of a good calibre. The standard of rugby was high in all aspects of the game. The pace was fast and a lot of excellent handling was demonstrated by all. Our rucking was fabulous!
A special callout goes to Rosie Dykes who got her first ‘cap’ with the team today! She stepped up and displayed what it takes to put on the Biggar shirt! Well done Rosie.
We played back-to-back, which I was please with as it meant our girls could stay in the ‘zone’.
Our girls are gelling and as commented on by several on-lookers to me they are a well mannered and respectful team. Today was ‘watched’ by the SRU, which I think most, if not all, of our girls did not know about. Suffice to say what the girls did today must have surely impressed them!
We had a starting line-up in the Forwards of Cerys Forrest (VC) – Loose head / Mhari Duncan – Hooker / Lana Bell – Tight head / Ellie Ritchie Second row / Olivia Bradley Second row / Kirsty Ritchie No8
For the Backs we had Anna Baillie – Scrum-half (Capt) / Eilidh Armstrong Fly-half / Elise Knights Inside-centre / Georgia Steele Outside-centre / Rosie Dykes Wing / Eve McAlteer Wing
Farah Conn came on for the second game and took over the play-maker role and Eilidh moved to play Full-back. I know that makes the numbers wrong! Don’t worry, Kirsty came off for a breather!
There was a very short time at the start of the second game that play/possession went against us, but the girls pulled it back. Kirsty stepped into the backline at 13 and they played some set pieces and it worked fantastically! Ladies and Gents these girls are a pleasure to watch playing rugby! Their heart is tremendous.
Oh I almost forgot! We need to watch for Ellie’s kicking! She did a marvellous clearing kick!
Scorers are:
Game 1 (8/1)
Lana 4 – Kirsty 2 – Elise 1 – Cerys 1
Game 2 (8/3)
Lana 3 – Elise 2 – Eilidh 1 – Kirsty 1 – Cerys 1
GO GIRLS!!!!!
1, 2, 3…
November 14th 2021
Penrith Panthers 19 vs. Biggar U18 Girls 73
Thanks go to Nic Humpries and Susan Wylie for getting this series of matches underway. Also, to the team managers that put in a power of work too.
Now! The young ladies today repaid that effort in kind. They were in good spirits and already focused on their task. We jumped on the coach with our younger counterparts and went on our trip to Penrith.
Last game I said for them to have fun, this time I asked them to come out blazing and blazing they came out. They formed up right from the start, Acting Capt Cerys Forrest got the girls moving at the blast of the whistle.
We played 13-a-side (rolling subs) with a squad of 16 players – we were joined by Zoe Mitchell, Sarah Hunter and Lily Gallagher from Annan and Eve McAller (9) from Whitecraigs. We also had Catriona Glennie, Fiona Laing, Grace Robertson and Abbie Barrett from our U16 squad playing up with us.
4 x 15mins – Full pitch – 1min silence
Folks today we had excellent handling skills and team play, with great lines and a powerful pack of forwards. The game today was about taking it in. A lot of powerful running pushing through Penrith’s defence and progressive passing. Rucking was good, but with some development needed on the height going in. Speed was also good – winning some possession back.
Tackling on the whole was very good – we need to increase the number of players committing to tackling rather than letting the same players putting the effort in. That will come because all the girls showed enough grit, but just need to close the deal!
The backs showed off with some set plays! Resulting in tries scored (I think!).
This is the making of a blooming great team – the 16yo players were fantastic supporting the older girls, being in the right place at the right time AND showing them what to do! Amazing lines from Grace / Abbie stepping into 10 and other backs positions / Fiona excellent support running / Catriona smashing the ball carrying into defensive lines.
Farah Conn – Player’s player – excellent (well everything!) but in particular – lines!
I’m going to stop there, but every girl today did something that worked and contributed to the team effort. Which allowed the following to score:
Eilidh Armstrong (2) with 7 conversions
Abbie Barrett (2)
Zoe Mitchell (2) with 2 conversions
Kirsty Ritchie (2)
Farah Conn (1)
Lana Bell (1)
Elise Knights (1)
The pressure was ramped up on the girls due to their dominance in the first two quarters, after discussions with the Referee. Panthers upped their numbers to 14 then to 15 (we stayed at 13). This did yield a good result for them, securing some points on the scoreboard – and well played points they were too! We mixed it up too! Allowing the girls to play in team positions that they hadn’t before. Um, that worked for a bit, but when the Panthers started getting the upper hand (slightly) we rotated back to the norm!! The girls were fantastic and made this a very enjoyable day and a day to remember.
November 7th 2021
U18s Girls Biggar vs. East Kilbride/Strathaven
Hello Folks!
I was hoping that my poor admin this morning was not a sign of things to come today… it was not!
After a slight hiccup in the running order of things when we all got to East Kilbride, we became aware that we did indeed have a game to play today – EK/Strathaven vs. Biggar.
We were joined by Abbie McDonald (Waysiders) and Eve (Whitecraigs) taking our squad to 12. Eve saved the day by stepping into play 9!
Cerys Forrest Act. Capt lead our girls onto the pitch and the entertainment commenced! We played 11-a-side (rolling sub!) on a slightly shortened pitch. The girls came out of the gate with attitude! Their handling skills were fantastic, with off-loads, pop-passes and passing under pressure being the staple diet. Their lines were straight and strong with excellent support running. Rewarding them with the first two scores. Good, hard tackles were made. Although some were missed the girls gave chase and pulled back most.
Our rucking wasn’t the best, but luckily EK/S didn’t exploit this. That said, Isla and Cerys did some excellent clearing. Our defensive line needs work, it became fragmented at times allowing for some break throughs.
It is evident that the girls are ‘thinking’ and ‘assessing’ their opponents, structuring a strategy and communicating their plans to each other effectively. This was shown in Abbie (10) calling a blindside move, much to my surprise!
Top tackler for the game is a choice between – Isla, Elise and Cerys
Handy hands I would say was – Farah Conn
Rapid runner (from try line to try!) – Ellie
Dodging damsel (evading tackles) – Eilidh
Of note were Mhari Duncan for some quick thinking in defence and Kirsten Rose who was outstanding on the wing and got herself involved in much of the play, to great effect! Well done to you both!
Abbie McD has moulded into the team very well. Our girls demonstrated some of their training with some set moves, which not only looked great, actually produced some points!
Ah sorry! Points!?!?
80-20
Try scorers
Elise Knights (4)
Lana Bell (3)
Kirsten Rose (2)
Farah Conn (3)
Eilidh Armstrong (1)
Ellie Ritchie (1)
Cerys Forrest (1)
Abbie McDonald (1)
But I cannot emphasise enough, the incredible level of support exhibited by ALL team players today. They really worked together to get the above girls in the right place at the right time to place the ball down over that line!
The girls were beaming from ear to ear! They said it themselves ‘a much better game than against Stirling’. Not meaning the score, but how they played. Damn, PROUD of them!
October 25th 2021
Drum roll please………..
Biggar U18 Girls 12 Stirling 77
I was going to say bad news first but actually this score isn’t bad news!
Why? Because it was a damn good game of rugby! The score doesn’t related the quality that the girls displayed. Sure we got some things to work on but we’re a new team with our reacquaintance with Annan and our new friends from Waysiders. We have 4 girls from each club to strengthen our squad. Once we get our defensive line sorted that 77 won’t be there!!! Well unless it’s on the other side of the scoreboard!! We made two breakthroughs as can be seen and they were a sight to see! An excellent display of determination and skill – try scorers being Sarah Hunter (14) and Kirsty Ritchie (8) with one conversion by Eilidh Armstrong. But as usual it was teamwork that got them there. The first half just wasn’t ours! But even when the girls’ heads were down a wee bit they dug in and put some points on the board making the second half very entertaining. They experimented with some kicking and tried to change tactics which did produce some gains. At the end they were smiling and in high spirits because I hope they realise they played well and we can build on what we did. We have skill, passion, commitment and an awesome team. Finally, a huge congrats to our Capt Anna Baillie who in her debut match in that role lead the girls with calm and structured inputs (that’s not just me saying that, others made mention to me of her composure!!) Also to Cerys Forrest (VC), not only when Anna was subbed for a while, but throughout the game she demonstrated her leadership qualities too. Well done everyone!
22nd August 2021
BIGGAR U18 GIRLS at Maroon’d at Gala
Well hello folks!
This has been a long time since I typed something for the Girls Rugby! But here is the first update for the U18s Biggar Girls outing at Gala ‘Marooned’ event on Saturday.
Here is a phase I hope to use a plenty ‘WE WON’ – however on this occasion we were really the ONLY team in it!!! With all the other teams pulling out bar the hosts, but they unfortunately were only able to field four players, we lent three players to Gala and played 7v7 in a 2×7 min game.
We held two ‘heats’ with a final in front of the main stand at Netherdale. Needless to say, folks our Girls were awesome! We have the makings of a good season ahead. There was some excellent rugby from them after this long break. The ‘heats’ were held on the rear pitches, but when the girls played on the main pitch in front of the crowd they showcased their style, determination and skill. The rain dampened spirits slightly, but our girls had fun and smiles were exhibited.
A few ‘mentions in dispatches’ are:
A cracking chase by Isla Sheridan resulting in tackling Sammy Shaw / Excellent chase by Anna Bailie of Lana Bell / Elise Knights running in support for Lana / Ellie Ritchie in support of Elise as above.
Heat/Game 1
Biggar 35-5 Gala.
Biggar scorers.
Eilidh Armstrong (3)
Ellie Ritchie (2)
Cerys Forrest (1)
Lana Bell (1)
Gala scorers
Elise Knights (1)
We gave 3 players to Gala Vixens – Elise Knights / Farah Conn / Sammy Shaw
Heat/Game 2
Biggar 30-15 Gala
Biggar scorers
Farah Conn (3)
Emily Wood-Kidd (1)
Ellie Ritchie (2)
Gala scorers
Lana Bell (2)
Eilidh Armstrong (1)
We gave 3 players to Gala Vixens – Cerys Forrest / Lana Bell / Eilidh Armstrong
Final
Biggar 30-0 Gala
Biggar scorers.
Ellie Ritchie (3)
Lana Bell (2)
Cerys Forrest (1)
We gave 3 players to Gala Vixens – Emily Wood-Kidd / Anne Bailie / Isla Sheridan
Biggar Rugby Football Club logo
5th October
Our under 18 girls, bolstered by a few Wayside Drumpellier girls, took on Hillhead Jordanhill in extremely wet conditions, a hard fought game with tries scored by Geraldine Kimm, Kaylee Fraser, Mariana Finlayson(x2) and Katie McPherson (x2). A big thank you to all of the supporters who braved the rain to cheer the girls on. If you would like to try rugby, no matter your age or experience we are always happy to welcome new players at Biggar RFC. We are looking forward to our next festival on the 3rd of November at Clydebank.
5th October
Our under 18 girls, bolstered by a few Wayside Drumpellier girls, took on Hillhead Jordanhill in extremely wet conditions, a hard fought game with tries scored by Geraldine Kimm, Kaylee Fraser, Mariana Finlayson(x2) and Katie McPherson (x2). A big thank you to all of the supporters who braved the rain to cheer the girls on. If you would like to try rugby, no matter your age or experience we are always happy to welcome new players at Biggar RFC. We are looking forward to our next festival on the 3rd of November at Clydebank.
November 3rd
Elsewhere the U18 girls in faraway Aberdeen teamed up with Strathaven to play in the Caledonia series festival matches. The combine side lost out by 22-17 and 20-7.
