Biggar edge out Peebles

Biggar 8 Peebles 3
In bitterly cold conditions Biggar managed –just - to stem the Peebles tide which swamped the home 22 for the best part of the last quarter of the game. In so doing they hung on to their slender 5 point lead to collect another 4 vital Premier C points and move into 2nd spot, 13 points clear of their visitors who now look to be perilously close to losing their National league status.
The score suggests a tight match and this it indeed was with neither side able to convert whatever pressure they had into points. Biggar enjoyed the lions share of possession and territory in the first half and in the second it was Peebles who took the game to Biggar, their tactic of pick and drive, although perhaps not the most exciting to watch, proving to be very effective and ensuring that the large crowd were kept to the end despite the cold.

Biggar fielded a virtually full strength XV with Hata Wilbore and Conor Lavery starting as they finished last week’s game at stand off and centre respectively. The teams managed to complete their warm ups in bright sunshine but the game itself began in dark, dreich conditions as one of the days driving snow/sleet showers swept the length of the pitch. Fortunately this eased after the game started and so, while still bitter, the overhead conditions were fair.
Biggar, who have had a more consistent season then their visitors whose win against West last week was their first since they defeated Biggar back in October, began strongly and managed to register the first - and what was to be the only - try of the day. A penalty award, and unlike tries these came at frequent intervals, saw scrum half Iain Renwick tap quickly to feed prop Suti Faamausili whose strength over 3 metres was too great to stop. Amo Wilbore was off target with the conversion but at 5-0 this was an excellent start.
At this stage it was all Biggar, the side taking up from where they left last week with players of all positions appearing all over the pitch to take ball to, and in many cases through, the Peebles defence. Faamausili, Colin Arthur (prominent in the loose and in defence), Lewis McLachlan, Conor Lavery, Hata Wilbore and Michael Rutherford were all to the fore in this period as Biggar ran at Peebles. The visitor’s defence was fairly sound though helped in no small manner by Biggar handling errors. Those off-loads which went to hand ensured forward momentum but there was a suspicion that there were too many which were forced and a tad risky. After 23 minutes however Biggar crossed for a second score, or so it seemed, the referee having signalled for a score before chalking it off as his touch judge deemed the ball to have been held up over the line. Had the score been awarded the game may well have taken on a different shape but as it was this let off gave the Peebles XV a little breathing space which they gladly took and try as Biggar did, they could not force another score of any sort.
This ‘score’ coincided with the retiral of Peebles flanker Euan Jackson who took a big blow to the head from his own player Tawhiri Walsh who hit the ruck at great pace. The injury at first seemed much worse as Jackson lay prostrate and became the attention of physios and bagmen from both sides but happily the youngster was able to walk off although clearly still very dazed.
Penalties were flying around as players lay on the ball, on the tackled player, failed to release, crept off side….indeed every law seemed to be broken and the game began to degenerate into a very scrappy, error-strewn affair with neither side managing to dominate. It was therefore hardlysurprising when a Peebles foray into the Biggar half resulted in a kickable penalty which was
converted by Greg Raeburn for 5-3.
The half ended with Biggar on the attack but unable to add to their tally as their errors and Peebles defence prevented a try.
Given that Biggar had been playing into the breeze, most supporters would have settled for the lead, believing that a sound second half performance would result in a good win. That this was not in fact the case was down to a very committed Peebles defence and to Biggar errors of judgement.

Biggar should have been able to pin Peebles down in their own 22 via use of the boot but a relative lack of tidy possession and a reliance on pick and drives meant that instead they tried to make hard yards with ball in hand. This paid off for some of the time but due to a series of handling errors it did mean that Peebles were allowed to spend longer in the Biggar half than they would have expected.
Penalties continued to be awarded as both sides tried to close out their opponents, Lavery’s intrusion from centre – this was a tactic which worked well – ending as Peebles lock forward Jake Serex prevented fair release, the big lock shown a yellow for his sins. Another penalty allowed Wilbore to extend Biggar’s lead to 8-3 but then Peebles found themselves further hampered as they lost another player – fullback Donald Anderson - to a yellow.
With minutes gone the referee used his cards again as Faamausili failed to roll away from the tackle. This coincided with the return of Serex. Had there been a door to the sin-bin it would surely have swung off its hinges!
Faamausili’s absence led to a restructure of Biggar’s line up, Douglas Notman taken off to allow Kevin Anderson to appear at prop. Jade Gardiner also came on for Davy Reive at wing. A crossing offence from Anderson, a harsh penalty against Joe Scheres who made an excellent turnover all prevented Biggar from taking a grip of the game and despite their shortage of players Peebles weathered the yellow card penalty to stay in the game.
With the game entering the last quarter Biggar were then reduced to 14 as Iain Renwick was shown yellow, Peebles taking a greater control of things as Biggar’s defence was put to the test. Michael Rutherford retired with an ankle injury, his replacement Anderson but just after Renwick made his return Faamausili was shown a second yellow which - two yellows equal a red – took Biggar back to 14.
Despite all the cards this was not a dirty game with scarcely anything more than a wee scuffle throughout the 80 minutes.
Peebles really cranked up the pressure in this last quarter as they virtually camped out in the Biggar 22, play being switched from left to right and the forwards picking and driving to the line. Held up on at least 3 occasions there was a certain inevitability about the situation and it would have been no surprise had Peebles crossed the line for what would have been an equalising if not match winning try.

As it was however Biggar managed to hold the Peebles effort out via a combination of stout and well-organised defence to claim the points, Peebles claiming what could yet be a crucial losing bonus.
Biggar
A. Wilbore, D Reive, C. Lavery, C. Thomson, C. Parker, H. Wilbore, I Renwick, S. Faasaumili, M. Rutherford, C. Arthur, G. Owens, J. Harvey, D. Notman, J. Scheres, L. McLachlan Replacements, J. Gardiner, A. Peacock, K. Anderson, C. Cochrane

Bonus point win at Whitecraigs

For the first time in Premier C league action Biggar travelled west to Whitecraigs and a slightly warmer but equally grey day as the one they left in Biggar. It was a new experience for both sides to have a lady refereeing as it was for Mhairi Hay who was in charge of her first Premier C match. The match stared with both sides looking very competitive and very little to chose between the teams, Whitecraigs seemed to have the upper hand
in the scrum with prop Colin Arthur being spoken to about his binding which later resulted in a yellow card for persistent offending in the scrum.
The first score came from Biggar via a penalty that was comfortably kicked by Amo Wilbore. However within a couple of minutes Biggar had offended and gave Whitecraigs the opportunity to level the scores but fortunately for Biggar the kicker pulled his kick wide. Persistent pressure from Whitecraigs in the Biggar half resulted in a further penalty which this time was kicked to level the scores. Biggar were attacking from the restart and from a scrum just inside the Whitecraigs half which, despite the pressure being applied by Whitecraigs, saw a break from Lewis McLachlan who broke through two or three players to offload to Douglas Notman. He continued forward in similar vein before making a wide pass to Amo Wilbore who, with his speed and agility, easily outpaced the Whitecraigs defence to score for Biggar. His conversion kick was however off target.  shortly afterwards Biggar were reduced to 14 men as Colin Arthur was yellow carded and
Whitecraigs, after a spell of persistent pressure, managed to score a try but were unable to convert leaving the scores level at half time and 8-8.
The second half continued with very little difference in quality or performance and the Biggar support were expecting a hard fought contest to keep the scores close. Further infringements by both sides resulted in each team kicking a further penalty taking the scores to 11-11.  Whitecraigs superiority in the scrum resulted in Biggar being shunted backwards each time they had the put in and the pack did well to stay on their feet. A spell of persistent pressure from Biggar in the Whitecraigs 22 gave Conor Lavery an opportunity for Biggar to take the lead with a neatly converted drop goal. Not to be outdone Whitecraigs once again were on the attack and a further infringement from Biggar for not rolling away after a tackle saw them get another opportunity to level the scores with a penalty, however
once again they were off target and Biggar remained in front.

With approx. 20 minutes to go it looked like being a tense final quarter. Despite Biggar's frailty in the scrum some quick work from Ian Renwick and the switching of Hata Wilbore to stand off, saw Biggar in a far more attacking mode with penetrating breaks into the Whitecraigs half. The first to break cleanly through was Hata Wilbore himself who evaded at least 4 players to score for Biggar under the posts, the kick was converted easily by brother Amo. Further pressure again from the Biggar pack, especially in loose play, saw Suti Faamausilli score in a similar position resulting in another seven points taking the score to 28-11.

The Biggar supporters were now hoping for a bonus point try and once again good work by the forwards resulted in Joe Scheres making the vital breakthrough and with support either side offloaded to Jade Gardiner who got the final try and well deserved bonus point. Unfortunately that was the last of the scoring leaving a final score of 33-11 and a very happy team, coach and travelling support.
To round off a good day for Biggar, Whitecraigs then selected Amo Wilbore as their man of the match.

Edinburgh Cup

Having won our section of the Edinburgh Cup qualifier, Biggar have been drawn against Boroughmuir in the 1st round of the knock out stage.

Tie will be played at Meggetland on Saturday 25th February.

Whitecraigs preview

After another blank Saturday to allow for the start of the 6-Nations championship – and what a disappointment that turned out to be – Biggar return to Premier C action with a trip to Whitecraigs RFC.
The Glasgow side are currently on the same number of points as Biggar although they have played one more game as their match against Hill Jills last weekend was one of the few in Scotland to be played that day (Biggar’s match against Selkirk postponed because of frost).
This is another crucial match for Biggar then as a win would keep them ahead of the pack while a defeat would see them drop out of the ‘top 4’ who are destined for National league rugby next season.
Coach Derek Armstrong will hope to have a full strength squad to select from but the trip will not be an easy one. The two sides met back in September with Biggar taking the honours courtesy of an 11-8 scoreline. Whitecraigs took an all-important bonus point in that game and will doubtless start as favourites in this game as they have home advantage.
Please note that the kick-offs are now back to 3pm for the remainder of the season.

Andy Tither Resignation

I regret to have to announce that our Development Officer, Andy Tither, has tendered his resignation and will be leaving us with effect from 29th February.

I am sure that everyone at Hartree Mill will join me in wishing Andy every success in his future career and offer our sincere thanks for all his hard work with the surrounding schools and at the Club.

Ian Conn,

Hon Secretary

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.

Selkirk preview

This weekend sees the return of RBS Premier league C rugby with a visit from Border side Selkirk.
The game in September at Philliphaugh saw the Borderers triumph by the narrowest of margins at 23-22. The game this time round will see new coach Derek Armstrong in sole charge after taking over from Oz-bound Gary Parker.
Selkirk are virtually ‘safe’ as they currently lead the Premier C table and are clear of both 3rd and 2nd places. They will, nevertheless, be taking this game very seriously and as Biggar are in real need of points to ensure they play in the National league next season this promises to be a tough contest.
Kick off is 2pm and a large turnout would be very much appreciated.

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

Watsonians friendly

Watsonians 19 Biggar 29
These sides met on Saturday for what was the third time this season after Premier League and Edinburgh Regional Cup games.
In what was one of only a few games to beat the frosts – in sharp contrast to the Biggar pitches which were under a couple of inches of snow Edinburgh was a green oasis on Saturday and – Biggar made it two from three with a 5 try performance which will further boost confidence prior to the resumption of Premier league rugby in January. That this is at the moment the last scheduled game prior to league rugby is still a frustration though again the weather may well play a big part in what goes on. If at all possible Biggar will seek a friendly of some sort around the turn of the year and under floodlights if necessary – please check the website for details.
Biggar fielded a fairly standard selection save that Hata Wilbore started at stand-off in place of the unavailable Conor Lavery, and Richard Peacock started on the wing. Bob Aitken, who with Grant Owens recently returned from New Zealand, resumed at centre for Cameron Thomson who is another on Antipodean travels such is the smallness of our world!
In spectacular style Biggar opened strongly and after just 20 minutes found themselves 19-0 up. Tries were scored by No 8 Lewis McLachlan, Joe Scheres and Amo Wilbore with Craig Parker kicking two conversions.
Not surprisingly Watsonians came back into things and replied with points of their own to make the score at half time 19-12.
After the break the Edinburgh outfit reduced the deficit to just 4 points after a penalty but Biggar secured the game with two more tries, these from Craig Parker and Colin Arthur. Watsonians managed a second try of their own to make the final tally 29-19.
Biggar
A. Wilbore, C. Parker, J. Gardiner, B. Aitken, R. Peacock, H. Wilbore, I. Renwick, C. Arthur, K. Anderson, S. Faamausili, J. Harvey, A. Peacock, J. Scheres, C. Cochrane, L. McLachlan
Reps; D. Reive, M. Rutherford, G. Owens
To record another win against a side in Premier B is certainly good news and gives a great indication of what the side is capable of, the trick being to maintain this run of form into the New Year. Instrumental to that will be a continuation of the hard work currently being undertaken inside at Hyndshawland Farm Stables where the coaching duo of Gary Parker and Derek Armstrong are ensuring that fitness levels are kept high.

Colin Arthur plays for Scottish students

Scottish Students
While the majority of the 1st XV are struggling to get games and when training is hampered by severe weather one of their number is still hard at work on the training pitch and getting games to boot – prop Colin Arthur. Many congratulations to the youngster who was selected for Scottish Students in their game against Connacht A at Murrayfield on Friday past.
The Irish side proved too strong for the Scottish side however and ran out convincing winners.

 The side will play their next game against Scotland U-20's in March

Biggar Oldies v Peebles Oldies battle it out

Biggar Over 35’s 21 Peebles Over 35’s 0
With the 1st XV unable to fix up a friendly, the 2nd XV forced to postpone their trip to Aberdeen in the wake of the storms, and the Colts game against Hamilton cancelled due to a water-logged pitch, the Hartreemill faithful turned towards the club’s oldies for rugby action with near neighbours Peebles providing the opposition.
The Medwyn Valley Farms sponsored match ensured a healthy support in the clubhouse and on the touchline although the prospect of watching some of the veterans of both clubs strut their stuff led to a good number of inquisitive supporters.
Both clubs listed large 22 man squads but in the end Peebles were a little short-handed with just 16 managing the trip. That Biggar have a large number of Over-35’s turning out in the 3rd XV and that they were able to ring the changes at half time was undoubtedly a bonus as the sticky conditions took its toll on less-than-fresh legs.
Starting off at a cracking pace Peebles spent the first 20 minutes of the game camped in the Biggar half, but try as they did they could not find a way through the home defence although their handling at crucial times also let them down.
Despite their advancing years and the festive nature of the season this was a real rugby contest with many players resuming rivalries of 10, 15, 20 and possibly 25 years ago! There were players from both sides who were returning to the field for the first time this century (!) with Peebles’ oldest player being John Swanson. This honour in the home colours befell to Gordon Young who came on at half time. Both these gents featured in the front row where, despite their voluble assertions that they both out-scrummaged each other, honours were pretty well even. The lineouts invariably went against the put-in and loose play was typically feisty. Biggar edged ahead via their three-quarters who had better ball to play with and who used this well throughout, scrum half Denis Lavery - who played for Peebles for several years before joining Biggar - orchestrating play well.
With a half hour lapsed Biggar engineered an opening score from deep in their own half, centre Stuart Harrison who played alongside Peeblian Ian Cornwall as a youngster, making a huge breenge prior to passing to fellow centre (and joint match sponsor) Jim Wallace to touch down. As someone in his 50’s and who has kicked over 800 points for the club Lavery had little time for a modern kicking tee and in time honoured fashion dug a hole prior to stroking the ball over for a 7-0 lead.
A second score almost came after Biggar debutant and P5 coach Justin King scythed through the Peebles defence before visibly slowing, the supporting Malky Bruce eventually over running his winger and taking a forward pass.
Half time then and a deserved break for all with water and a gargle of port to warm the body in preparation for the second half.
Official referee John Jackson was given a few typically helpful hints from the touchline and far more most unhelpful advice throughout the contest, ensured that the game continued and all credit to him for his efforts which of course ensured that the game took place!
Peebles ran hard again at Biggar with Jim Currie and Jim Weir in typically combative mood but while their side possessed pace in fullback Keith Nisbet the ball was often too slow in getting to him and the Biggar cover mopped up his runs.

A hack downfield by Harrison led to Biggar’s second score, flanker Ewan McAlpine on hand to pick up and touch down for a well-deserved try. The third score went to Davy Ireland, the big man latching onto a tap penalty and proving unstoppable from 5 yards out. Lavery added conversions to both these tries for his sides 21 point tally.
With both sides tiring the boot was used more often - though neither the Willie Steel reverse punt or the Jim Currie cross-kick are ever likely to feature in any coaching manuals – until referee Jackson’s whistle brought an end to the action with handshakes and applause from all at the end of an excellent game.
Post match fare and craic was excellent with old friendships renewed and new ones kindled…..and to next year….could this be an annual event? The feedback from Saturday would suggest definitely YES. Watch this space!
Big thanks to GY and Jim Currie for putting the teams together, to Gemma and her team for staffing the bar, Carolyn and Jan for the tuck and to everyone else who made this a great CLUB day!
Biggar
G. Deere, S. Webster, D. Fleming, D. Ireland, N Wolfendene, R. Ramsay, R. Halley, E. McAlpine, D. Lavery, A. Tither, H. Dykes, S. Harrison, J. Wallace, J. King, M. Bruce, G. Young, J. Muir, W. Steel, S. Ward, A. Stewart, I. Barr.
Peebles
I. Cornwall, J. Swanson, J. Currie, J. Weir, S. Gray. G. Anderson, A. Cleghorn, S. Fox, S. Brockie, P. McBride, S. Taylor, N. McIvor, K. Gibson, A. Lament, K. Nisbet, A Moffat.

Derek Armstrong to take over

On the coaching front and following the resignation of coach Gary Parker, Hawick man Derek Armstrong will take charge of the side with Gary in a ‘handover’ period before taking the side through the remainder of this season. Deke has had a long association with Biggar having been a player and then coach with Eday Manawaiti and knows the club and its players well. His first spell as coach came coincidentally after Gary left the club in season 2006-7.
Having had valuable experience as coach to Hawick in the interim, Biggar RFC is delighted Deke is able to take over with the handover period also a massive bonus as the two men will work to make the transition as clean and seamless as it can be.

Premier ‘C’ Fixtures

The fixtures for Premier 'C' have just been announced and see Biggar with 3 home and 4 away games in the new year league deciders. The games are:

14th January 2012  West of Scotland v Biggar KO 2.00pm

28th January 2012  Biggar v Selkirk  KO 2.00pm

11th February 2012  Whitecraigs v Biggar  KO 2.00pm

18th February 2012 Biggar v Peebles KO 2.00pm

3rd March 2012 Kelso v Biggar KO 3.00pm

17th March 2012 Biggar v Falkirk KO 3.00pm

24th March 2012 Hillhead-Jordanhill v Biggar KO 3.00pm