Biggar Rugby Football Club
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Sunday, 2nd march, 2008.
Biggar U-16’s 5 tries : Ross High 1.
This was very truncated game, as having arrived with just 12 players Ross High lost three others through injury, the last being serious enough to warrant a stretcher and ambulance. Man-of-the-match was Andrew Peacock.
It is hoped to play against a touring XV from Carlisle on Saturday but this will be dependant on the number of boys travelling south with the Colts.
S2 Report
Opponents: Ayr at Biggar = Score : Biggar 6 – 10 Ayr.
Match Report – Biggar vs Ayr
In the first of two matches on Sunday, Ayr with the assistance of a big Boroughmuir forward in their ranks got off to a quick start and in the first half of this close run match scored three tries and one conversion to lead 0 – 10 at half time.
A different Biggar side showed up for the second half and in 8 minutes a crunching tackle by Craig Hewitt set up Connor Palmer for a powerful drive through the centre. The ball was worked left out to Andy Fleming and from half way he outpaced the Ayr defence to score under the posts.
Another powerful drive from Connor Palmer gave Graham Jamieson the opportunity to make good ground up the right hand side. The Ayr side, however, regained possession but their kick to safety was well taken by Andy Fleming who punished them by running the ball from half way to score in the corner. With Biggar in the ascendancy it was looking like we would overcome the tiring Ayr side, but they were saved by the ball as full time was called shortly after the second Biggar try to finish the game at 6 – 10.
Opponents: Boroughmuir at Biggar - Score : Biggar 0 – 33 Boroughmuir.
Match Report – Biggar vs Boroughmuir
In what turned out to be a lacklustre performance from the Biggar lads, they were unable to maintain the positive end to the Ayr match and went down in flames to a well organised and technically superior Boroughmuir side losing 10 tries and 3 conversions in the process.
Biggar U-
This was very truncated game, as having arrived with just 12 players Ross High lost three others through injury, the last being serious enough to warrant a stretcher and ambulance. Man-
It is hoped to play against a touring XV from Carlisle on Saturday but this will be dependant on the number of boys travelling south with the Colts.
S2 Report
Opponents: Ayr at Biggar = Score : Biggar 6 – 10 Ayr.
Match Report – Biggar vs Ayr
In the first of two matches on Sunday, Ayr with the assistance of a big Boroughmuir forward in their ranks got off to a quick start and in the first half of this close run match scored three tries and one conversion to lead 0 – 10 at half time.
A different Biggar side showed up for the second half and in 8 minutes a crunching tackle by Craig Hewitt set up Connor Palmer for a powerful drive through the centre. The ball was worked left out to Andy Fleming and from half way he outpaced the Ayr defence to score under the posts.
Another powerful drive from Connor Palmer gave Graham Jamieson the opportunity to make good ground up the right hand side. The Ayr side, however, regained possession but their kick to safety was well taken by Andy Fleming who punished them by running the ball from half way to score in the corner. With Biggar in the ascendancy it was looking like we would overcome the tiring Ayr side, but they were saved by the ball as full time was called shortly after the second Biggar try to finish the game at 6 – 10.
Opponents: Boroughmuir at Biggar -
Match Report – Biggar vs Boroughmuir
In what turned out to be a lacklustre performance from the Biggar lads, they were unable to maintain the positive end to the Ayr match and went down in flames to a well organised and technically superior Boroughmuir side losing 10 tries and 3 conversions in the process.
Saturday - 08-03-2008 - U16’s : Biggar 10 Carlisle 12.
On Saturday, and for the second year in succession, Biggar faced Carlisle RFC in the annual Calcutta Cup day fixture.
Having been heavily beaten last year and struggling for players, Biggar played very well to finally concede by 12-10. Biggar tries were scored by Man of the Match Alistair Scott and Richard Peacock. Following the game, Scotland’s victory over England was watched in the clubhouse to the dismay of our travelling visitors. Roll on 2009 for the return fixture in Carlisle.
This XV have one outstanding fixture, this to be played on Wednesday evening under the Lasswade floodlights.
On Saturday, and for the second year in succession, Biggar faced Carlisle RFC in the annual Calcutta Cup day fixture.
Having been heavily beaten last year and struggling for players, Biggar played very well to finally concede by 12-
This XV have one outstanding fixture, this to be played on Wednesday evening under the Lasswade floodlights.
On Sunday, 9th March, the S1 and S2 sides took the field at The Showfield where David Adams, who was still in shock following England’s defeat on Saturday, completed a busy day by officiating at S1 level, this after doing the same role for the P7’s.
Hawick were first up for the S1 side. The Borderers had been far too strong at the start of the season but Biggar have come on in leaps and bounds and although the Hawick outfit won again, the margin was a solitary score, at 4-3. Tries from Paul Davidson (2) and Jack Edmunds with a conversion from Richard Adams.
Kingshouse were next up, their squad numbering 45, ensuring that Biggar were run ragged. A 3-0 lead was reduced following the introduction of a couple of S2 players, this to try and balance things up as Biggar had the bare 13 players available. This steadied things up a little but the touring English side still ran out 5-3 winners. Scorers Andrew Fleming, Graham Jamieson and Edmonds with Adams kicking 2 conversions.
Kinghouse then took on Hawick with the touring side recording another good win by 6 tries to 2. Presentations and speeches were the order of the day at the clubhouse following the games.
Biggar S2 14 : Hawick S2 13.
The S2’s brought a 5 game losing streak to an end in this well fought and enthralling game against a Hawick side that beat them easily in the 2nd game of the season back in early Sept 2007.
A sustained period of pressure by the Biggar side, where for the first time in several games the forward line played as a cohesive unit, winning ball and retaining possession against a well drilled Hawick pack was followed, at 10 minutes, by a great drive by John Muir supported by Rhuridh Thompson and Connor Palmer producing a great scoring opportunity on the Hawick 22. The ball was worked well through the backs to Douglas Gibson who outpaced the field to score in the corner.
5 minutes later a scrum on half way delivered a training ground move with the ball moved cleanly through the back line to Douglas Gibson who again powered through the Hawick lines to score under the posts from a midfield position. Graham Jamieson converted for the extra point.
In 22 minutes a fine pass interception by Sean Cragg following a Hawick line out on their own 22 saw him rip through the Hawick defence to score under the posts.
Whilst Hawick managed to get one back in 25 minutes, Biggar hit back a few minutes later when Andy Fleming picked the ball up on our own 5m line and ran the ball into the opposition half. Ross Hughes picked the ball up and made good ground before passing to Graham Jamieson who cut back across the gain line to wrong foot the opposition and score under the posts. He subsequently converted for his 2nd kick of the day bringing the 1st half to a close.
The Hawick side started the 2nd half in a much more controlled and positive manner and scored 3 tries without reply to bring the score to 14 – 13. Despite some overly aggressive tackling by the Hawick side, this was a well matched game played with spirit and passion by both sides. The last 10 minutes were played out in a very competitive midfield but no further points were scored as the Biggar side held on to their narrow lead to rack up a well fought and thoroughly deserved victory.
Hawick were first up for the S1 side. The Borderers had been far too strong at the start of the season but Biggar have come on in leaps and bounds and although the Hawick outfit won again, the margin was a solitary score, at 4-
Kingshouse were next up, their squad numbering 45, ensuring that Biggar were run ragged. A 3-
Kinghouse then took on Hawick with the touring side recording another good win by 6 tries to 2. Presentations and speeches were the order of the day at the clubhouse following the games.
Biggar S2 14 : Hawick S2 13.
The S2’s brought a 5 game losing streak to an end in this well fought and enthralling game against a Hawick side that beat them easily in the 2nd game of the season back in early Sept 2007.
A sustained period of pressure by the Biggar side, where for the first time in several games the forward line played as a cohesive unit, winning ball and retaining possession against a well drilled Hawick pack was followed, at 10 minutes, by a great drive by John Muir supported by Rhuridh Thompson and Connor Palmer producing a great scoring opportunity on the Hawick 22. The ball was worked well through the backs to Douglas Gibson who outpaced the field to score in the corner.
5 minutes later a scrum on half way delivered a training ground move with the ball moved cleanly through the back line to Douglas Gibson who again powered through the Hawick lines to score under the posts from a midfield position. Graham Jamieson converted for the extra point.
In 22 minutes a fine pass interception by Sean Cragg following a Hawick line out on their own 22 saw him rip through the Hawick defence to score under the posts.
Whilst Hawick managed to get one back in 25 minutes, Biggar hit back a few minutes later when Andy Fleming picked the ball up on our own 5m line and ran the ball into the opposition half. Ross Hughes picked the ball up and made good ground before passing to Graham Jamieson who cut back across the gain line to wrong foot the opposition and score under the posts. He subsequently converted for his 2nd kick of the day bringing the 1st half to a close.
The Hawick side started the 2nd half in a much more controlled and positive manner and scored 3 tries without reply to bring the score to 14 – 13. Despite some overly aggressive tackling by the Hawick side, this was a well matched game played with spirit and passion by both sides. The last 10 minutes were played out in a very competitive midfield but no further points were scored as the Biggar side held on to their narrow lead to rack up a well fought and thoroughly deserved victory.
Biggar are taken down by a determined Carlisle side in their annual Calcutta Cup Day game which Carlisle won by just 2 points.
Picture courtesy of Nigel Pacey.
Picture courtesy of Nigel Pacey.
Sunday, 16th March, 2008.
U15 : Biggar 22 : Forrester 15
U15 : Biggar 22 : Forrester 15
The two teams met earlier in the season and Forrester ran out quite easy winners against a slightly weakened team from Biggar who did not play to their best potential. However, this was the final game of the League season and the teams were now contesting the Bowl Cup for the U15 Edinburgh District. The teams were very well matched and both showed great spirit with most of the play being played as rucks and mauls.
All the early play was from Forrester, playing well into the Biggar half and they were rewarded with one try. After that Biggar regrouped and tidied up their rucking. This forced Forrester to give away two similar penalties and from each one Ross Pankhe was given the ball 10 metres out from the Forrester line and produced a typical powerful run to cross the try line. Chris Mulligan converted the second try.
Forrester came back, however, and the first half finished with two tries each.
The second half started with a series of penalties given against Biggar, which unsettled the boys. Forester failed to capitalise on the penalties and soon Biggar were back pushing for the try line. Again a penalty tap to Biggar was passed to Ross Pankhe who, running at speed, and then diving low crashed over to score. Then just to stretch the score further the three quarters showed they can also score tries as Alistair Scott ran in one more after a good passing move using most of the backs. With the game nearly won, Forrester’s strong winger did run through numerous loose tackles to get one final consolation try. However, Biggar picked up the defence again and saw out the game with no further points being scored.
The afternoon finished with multiple photos and numerous proud parents. Well done the U15s.
The S1’s were in action at Preston Lodge where they also took on a side that had been too strong earlier in the season.
It was Biggar who came out on top this time round with a 3-2 try count. Biggar were forced into a few changes, Richard Adams moving to No 9, Keith Buchanan taking over from the injured Tom Stott and Peter Millar opening at fullback.
Happily this did not seem to upset the side too much and it was Mark Bertram and Adams who provide the two scores before the break to give Biggar a 2-1 lead. Adams then went one better with a try and a conversion to seal the win.
This performance augurs well for the rest of the season though they will have to step up again when they host Heriots on Sunday.
All the early play was from Forrester, playing well into the Biggar half and they were rewarded with one try. After that Biggar regrouped and tidied up their rucking. This forced Forrester to give away two similar penalties and from each one Ross Pankhe was given the ball 10 metres out from the Forrester line and produced a typical powerful run to cross the try line. Chris Mulligan converted the second try.
Forrester came back, however, and the first half finished with two tries each.
The second half started with a series of penalties given against Biggar, which unsettled the boys. Forester failed to capitalise on the penalties and soon Biggar were back pushing for the try line. Again a penalty tap to Biggar was passed to Ross Pankhe who, running at speed, and then diving low crashed over to score. Then just to stretch the score further the three quarters showed they can also score tries as Alistair Scott ran in one more after a good passing move using most of the backs. With the game nearly won, Forrester’s strong winger did run through numerous loose tackles to get one final consolation try. However, Biggar picked up the defence again and saw out the game with no further points being scored.
The afternoon finished with multiple photos and numerous proud parents. Well done the U15s.
The S1’s were in action at Preston Lodge where they also took on a side that had been too strong earlier in the season.
It was Biggar who came out on top this time round with a 3-
Happily this did not seem to upset the side too much and it was Mark Bertram and Adams who provide the two scores before the break to give Biggar a 2-
This performance augurs well for the rest of the season though they will have to step up again when they host Heriots on Sunday.
Josh Harvey has been selected for the Glasgow U16 squad to play in the IDC programme against Lancashire and Yorkshire on 11th and 13th April, respectively. Glasgow also play Caledonia on 23rd March and Edinburgh on 30th March. Well done Josh.
Youth Section members who have been selected or are under consideration for selection to a youth group selection squad are as below. Congratulations to all the boys are offered to all these boys. We hope that you continue to be successful moving forward :
Josh Harvey
Selected Glasgow U16
Andrew Goodall
Selected Glasgow U17
Chris Mulligan
Glasgow North U15 Squad v South Glasgow Selection Wed Mar 19th HHJH
Danny McGinn
Glasgow North U15 Squad v South Glasgow Selection Wed Mar 19th HHJH
Hamish Wallace
Selected South Lan Schools S1 v North Lan Schools Wed Mar 19th HPSG
Mark Bertram
Selected South Lan Schools S1 v North Lan Schools Wed Mar 19th HPSG
Paul Davidson
Selected South Lan Schols S1 v North Lan Schools Wed Mar 19th HPSG
Graham Jamieson
Selected South Lan Schools S2 v North Lan Schools Tue Apr 1st HPSG
Angus Thomson
Selecetd South Lan Schools S2 v North Lan Schools Tue Apr 1st HPSG
Ben Montgomery
Selected South Lan Schools S2 v North Lan Schools Tue Apr 1st HPSG
Andrew Gibson
Selected South Lan Schools S3 v North Lan Schools Thu Mar 27th HPSG
Chris Mulligan
Selected South Lan Schools S3 v Noth Lan Schools Thu Mar 27th HPSG
Sunday, 30th March, 2008 - Biggar S2 8 : Currie 7.
When Biggar played Currie earlier in the season the S2’s were well beaten by this well organised side. However, when they visited Biggar on Sunday they met a far more determined team who from the outset took the game to them with determination and controlled aggression to win 8 - 7.
In the first of 3 twenty minute periods the game was played predominantly in midfield with neither side prepared to give much ground, but following a period of sustained pressure on the 10 minutes mark, Danny McGill managed to break a couple of tackles through the midfield and streaked through to score under the posts.
The second period was a torrid affair with strong aggressive tackling as both sides fought for possession and territory. Biggar certainly had more of the ball in this period but were unable to convert the possession that the forwards were providing into a score as both sides failed to hit the mark.
In the 6th minute of the third period, Currie managed to pull a try back when, under questionable circumstances, they dived over from a tap and go penalty on the Biggar 5m line. This was cancelled out 10 minutes later when after another sustained period of Biggar pressure, Euan Sanderson broke away to score a fine individual try under the posts.
This was a great all round team performance and the lads deserve credit for the determined way they approached the game and the hard work that went into it against a strong and determined Currie side.
There were several notable individual performances that deserve special mention where both Angus Thompson and Ben Montomery put in tireless shifts making tackle after tackle. Craig McDonald achieved a 100% kicking record for the first time this season and the back line did a stalwart job in making many try saving tackles.
Sunday, 16th March, 2008 - Biggar S2 18 : Preston Lodge 22.
With no referee and Preston Lodge showing up with only 11 players this was never going to be a classic. We used the opportunity to play a development game of 11 a side which turned out to be a high scoring affair which Preston Lodge narrowly won 18 – 22.
The Biggar side managed to score 6 trys on the day, Andy Fleming (1), Steven Snel (2) and Sean Cragg (3), with notable performances in support of these trys by Craig McDonald, Graham Jamiesion and Cameron Donald.
When Biggar played Currie earlier in the season the S2’s were well beaten by this well organised side. However, when they visited Biggar on Sunday they met a far more determined team who from the outset took the game to them with determination and controlled aggression to win 8 -
In the first of 3 twenty minute periods the game was played predominantly in midfield with neither side prepared to give much ground, but following a period of sustained pressure on the 10 minutes mark, Danny McGill managed to break a couple of tackles through the midfield and streaked through to score under the posts.
The second period was a torrid affair with strong aggressive tackling as both sides fought for possession and territory. Biggar certainly had more of the ball in this period but were unable to convert the possession that the forwards were providing into a score as both sides failed to hit the mark.
In the 6th minute of the third period, Currie managed to pull a try back when, under questionable circumstances, they dived over from a tap and go penalty on the Biggar 5m line. This was cancelled out 10 minutes later when after another sustained period of Biggar pressure, Euan Sanderson broke away to score a fine individual try under the posts.
This was a great all round team performance and the lads deserve credit for the determined way they approached the game and the hard work that went into it against a strong and determined Currie side.
There were several notable individual performances that deserve special mention where both Angus Thompson and Ben Montomery put in tireless shifts making tackle after tackle. Craig McDonald achieved a 100% kicking record for the first time this season and the back line did a stalwart job in making many try saving tackles.
Sunday, 16th March, 2008 -
With no referee and Preston Lodge showing up with only 11 players this was never going to be a classic. We used the opportunity to play a development game of 11 a side which turned out to be a high scoring affair which Preston Lodge narrowly won 18 – 22.
The Biggar side managed to score 6 trys on the day, Andy Fleming (1), Steven Snel (2) and Sean Cragg (3), with notable performances in support of these trys by Craig McDonald, Graham Jamiesion and Cameron Donald.
Sunday, 20th April, 2008.
S2 v Ellon
The boys from Ellon were well travelled on Sunday, with their S2 side at Biggar while the Mini section were in action at Stirling.
Biggar got off to the best possible start in this difficult fixture when they raced into a 4 point lead inside the first 5 minutes. Following a turn over on the Biggar 22, Ben Montgomery made good ground before laying the ball off to Sean Cragg who broke through the Ellon defence to get within 15 meters of the score line. The ball was taken on by Jack Noble who managed to break two tackles on his way to his first try of the season which was then skilfully converted by Craig McDonald.
Ellon rallied from this early blow and over the next ten minutes ran in 3 tries and 1 conversion to bring the first half to a close at 4 – 10. The Biggar side managed to contain the well disciplined and stronger Ellon side for the first 15 minutes of the second half, but eventually their sustained possession and pressure paid off and they managed to finish Biggar off with a further 3 tries and 1 conversion to win convincingly.
The squads then moved on to play a couple of development 7’s games, Biggar losing the first and winning the second with tries from James Simpson, Andy Fleming and Cameron Donald.
Scottish International Festival of Rugby – April 12th/13th 2008.
The U15 squad were in Ayr over the weekend to take part in the 2008 International Festival of Rugby. The U15 competition was contested by 7 teams and Biggar’s first match was against familiar opposition in the shirts of the Royal High Cougars from Edinburgh. However, the pitch conditions were very poor and our fast but lighter weight team were never able to turn ball possession into points despite often being in the Royal High twenty two. In contrast, Royal High were efficient driving at the ruck and a few well timed runs from their three quarters gave them the first win of the series. This match was actually the last game played on this pitch, as the referees deemed it unplayable at the end of the game. The second game was against Ayr and again Biggar played well but slipped up and let in 2 fairly easy tries after missed tackles.
Undeterred, the team were back on Sunday in a changed strip and much better weather. The sun was out and the pitches were already drying out. First up was Aberdeen Grammar. Both teams had been disappointed with their showing in the wet conditions the previous day. The match went from end to end as the teams showed good ball retention and then followed with attacking running from the backs. Good to see Andrew Gibson and Craig Lovell combining well at centre and some steady catching and running from Alistair Scott and Jonathan Huntley as Aberdeen tried to break the Biggar defence by kicking deep and then chasing. Also some good hooking by Molcolm Craig against the head meant we won the ball back, even after an infringement, resulting in a scrum to Aberdeen. Despite the best efforts of both attacks the game ended with no scores.
The last game for Biggar was against West of Scotland and finally the team began to score tries. First was to Alistair Scott from a quickly taken No 8 pickup from Chris Mulligan who slipped the ball to Alistair Scott to take just the right angle to cut through the West defence. The Biggar scrum began to take control of the loose play and were unlucky not to have a second try awarded as they drove the ball carrier, Ben Montgomery, over the line try line to touch down. Unfortunately, the referee gave a 5 metres scrum as he could not see the ball go down. Undeterred, the next opportunity came from a quickly taken penalty by Euan Sanderson who passed out to Alistair Scott to take the second score. The team should probably have increased the points but on too many occasions waited too long to pass out of the tackle and the overlap opportunity was lost. Although Biggar had most of the ball, a likely try to West was saved when James Simpson confidently caught a high kick from West and immediately ran back into his own support to avoid being isolated with the ball.
Overall, a useful couple of days rugby and another chance for the team to spend a sociable time together as a squad and to mix with teams from all parts of the UK. The squad supported each other well and most of the team played in a variety of positions to cope with the injuries and knocks. Thanks to all the supporters who came down to watch the team and to all those who stayed overnight, provided food and supervision for the players, without whom a residential trip away would not be possible.
Results :
Biggar 0 : Royal High Cougars 20
Biggar 0 : Ayr 15
Biggar 0 : Aberdeen Grammar 0
Biggar 12 : West of Scotland 0
The squad at the Tournament was :
Alastair Scott, Andrew Gibson, Andrew McGammon, Angus Thompson, Ben Montgomery, Blair Pearson, Chris Mulligan, Craig Lovell, Danny McGinn, Euan Sanderson, Harry Thundow, James Jackson, James Simpson, Jonathan Huntley, Molcolm Craig, Ross Hendrie, Ross Paknhe, Scott Blake.
S2 v Ellon
The boys from Ellon were well travelled on Sunday, with their S2 side at Biggar while the Mini section were in action at Stirling.
Biggar got off to the best possible start in this difficult fixture when they raced into a 4 point lead inside the first 5 minutes. Following a turn over on the Biggar 22, Ben Montgomery made good ground before laying the ball off to Sean Cragg who broke through the Ellon defence to get within 15 meters of the score line. The ball was taken on by Jack Noble who managed to break two tackles on his way to his first try of the season which was then skilfully converted by Craig McDonald.
Ellon rallied from this early blow and over the next ten minutes ran in 3 tries and 1 conversion to bring the first half to a close at 4 – 10. The Biggar side managed to contain the well disciplined and stronger Ellon side for the first 15 minutes of the second half, but eventually their sustained possession and pressure paid off and they managed to finish Biggar off with a further 3 tries and 1 conversion to win convincingly.
The squads then moved on to play a couple of development 7’s games, Biggar losing the first and winning the second with tries from James Simpson, Andy Fleming and Cameron Donald.
Scottish International Festival of Rugby – April 12th/13th 2008.
The U15 squad were in Ayr over the weekend to take part in the 2008 International Festival of Rugby. The U15 competition was contested by 7 teams and Biggar’s first match was against familiar opposition in the shirts of the Royal High Cougars from Edinburgh. However, the pitch conditions were very poor and our fast but lighter weight team were never able to turn ball possession into points despite often being in the Royal High twenty two. In contrast, Royal High were efficient driving at the ruck and a few well timed runs from their three quarters gave them the first win of the series. This match was actually the last game played on this pitch, as the referees deemed it unplayable at the end of the game. The second game was against Ayr and again Biggar played well but slipped up and let in 2 fairly easy tries after missed tackles.
Undeterred, the team were back on Sunday in a changed strip and much better weather. The sun was out and the pitches were already drying out. First up was Aberdeen Grammar. Both teams had been disappointed with their showing in the wet conditions the previous day. The match went from end to end as the teams showed good ball retention and then followed with attacking running from the backs. Good to see Andrew Gibson and Craig Lovell combining well at centre and some steady catching and running from Alistair Scott and Jonathan Huntley as Aberdeen tried to break the Biggar defence by kicking deep and then chasing. Also some good hooking by Molcolm Craig against the head meant we won the ball back, even after an infringement, resulting in a scrum to Aberdeen. Despite the best efforts of both attacks the game ended with no scores.
The last game for Biggar was against West of Scotland and finally the team began to score tries. First was to Alistair Scott from a quickly taken No 8 pickup from Chris Mulligan who slipped the ball to Alistair Scott to take just the right angle to cut through the West defence. The Biggar scrum began to take control of the loose play and were unlucky not to have a second try awarded as they drove the ball carrier, Ben Montgomery, over the line try line to touch down. Unfortunately, the referee gave a 5 metres scrum as he could not see the ball go down. Undeterred, the next opportunity came from a quickly taken penalty by Euan Sanderson who passed out to Alistair Scott to take the second score. The team should probably have increased the points but on too many occasions waited too long to pass out of the tackle and the overlap opportunity was lost. Although Biggar had most of the ball, a likely try to West was saved when James Simpson confidently caught a high kick from West and immediately ran back into his own support to avoid being isolated with the ball.
Overall, a useful couple of days rugby and another chance for the team to spend a sociable time together as a squad and to mix with teams from all parts of the UK. The squad supported each other well and most of the team played in a variety of positions to cope with the injuries and knocks. Thanks to all the supporters who came down to watch the team and to all those who stayed overnight, provided food and supervision for the players, without whom a residential trip away would not be possible.
Results :
Biggar 0 : Royal High Cougars 20
Biggar 0 : Ayr 15
Biggar 0 : Aberdeen Grammar 0
Biggar 12 : West of Scotland 0
The squad at the Tournament was :
Alastair Scott, Andrew Gibson, Andrew McGammon, Angus Thompson, Ben Montgomery, Blair Pearson, Chris Mulligan, Craig Lovell, Danny McGinn, Euan Sanderson, Harry Thundow, James Jackson, James Simpson, Jonathan Huntley, Molcolm Craig, Ross Hendrie, Ross Paknhe, Scott Blake.
Sunday, 27th April, 2008. - U15 at Seven’s Tournament at Livingston.
This squad do not have much experience at the Seven a-side game but they gave a very presentable performance at Livingston. Their first match was against a Currie side well drilled in the game and Biggar initially gave away easy points. Biggar made the mistake of getting pulled into the loose rucks so that they could not defend once the ball was moved away from the ruck. However, a good breakaway interception gave one try to Chris Mulligan and near the end of the match Ross Pankhe ran in from the Currie 22 metre line to score under the posts. The last try was converted by Molcolm Craig.
The next match was against Boroughmuir who took advantage of occasional missed tackles to quickly take a lead. However, one excellent run down the wing by Andrew Gibson did at least give one try to Biggar.
The last game was against Livingston. In this game the Biggar confidence was boosted by a very quick try by Chris Mulligan who caught the ball from the kick off and immediately spotted a weakness in the Livi defence and ran in a try. Livingston did come back with a score but Biggar maintained the better ball possession and scored twice more, including one from Danny McGinn who showed his pace on the firmer ground that so often suits the lighter players.
Final Scores were:
Biggar 12 : Currie 27
Biggar 5 : Boroughmuir 25
Biggar 21 : Livingston 7
This squad do not have much experience at the Seven a-
The next match was against Boroughmuir who took advantage of occasional missed tackles to quickly take a lead. However, one excellent run down the wing by Andrew Gibson did at least give one try to Biggar.
The last game was against Livingston. In this game the Biggar confidence was boosted by a very quick try by Chris Mulligan who caught the ball from the kick off and immediately spotted a weakness in the Livi defence and ran in a try. Livingston did come back with a score but Biggar maintained the better ball possession and scored twice more, including one from Danny McGinn who showed his pace on the firmer ground that so often suits the lighter players.
Final Scores were:
Biggar 12 : Currie 27
Biggar 5 : Boroughmuir 25
Biggar 21 : Livingston 7
Midi Section report - 11th May, 2008.
On Friday evening the Midi section, under the leadership of Patrick McGinn, hosted what was their 2nd Annual dinner and Presentation evening. The occasion was made all the more special with the attendance of 1st XV hooker Fraser Brown (see also list of awards below), 1st XV scrum half Sam Muir and ex-Biggar Ladies Player (and Scotlands Most Capped Player ever) Donna Kennedy who made the presentations to the boys.
In a very enjoyable evening the following awards were made :
S2 Coaches Awards
Most Improved Back : Cameron Donald
Most Improved Forward : Conor Palmer
Best Back : Andrew Fleming
Best Forward : Cameron Weller
Player of the Season : Graham Jamieson
S3
Top Scorer : Chris Milligan
Most Improved Player : Ross Hendrie
Players Player : Angus Thomson
Player of the Season : Angus Thomson
Special Recognition Award : Craig Lovell
Perpetual Awards
The Allison Award to an Incoming Midi Player : Ryan Anderson
Taylors of Biggar Award to an S2 Player : Graham Jamieson and Andrew Fleming
Hendrie and Milligan Award to Player from Year 1993 : Jonathon Huntley
Alistair Tucker Memorial Award to an S1 Player : Mark Bertram
David Robertson Memorial Award to a Teenage Player : David McArthur
Recognition was also made of those players who have achieved district honours this season
Lanarkshire Lions (Year of 1995)
Mark Bertram
Keith Buchanan
Paul Davidson
Danny Beagan
Lanarkshire Lions (Year of 1994)
Graham Jamieson
Dean Montgomery
Angus Thomson
Glasgow Chiefs (Year of 1993)
Andrew Gibson
Ross Pahnke
Chris Milligan
Danny McGinn
Glasgow Chiefs (Year of 1992)
Josh Harvey
Glasgow Squad U-17
Andrew Goodall
Scotland U-20
Fraser Brown
A final award will be made on the occasion of the Girls Team awards evening. This is to be the Donna Kennedy Award for a Teenage Female player. The club is delighted that Donna retains a healthy interest in her old club and looks forward to announcing the winner.
On Friday evening the Midi section, under the leadership of Patrick McGinn, hosted what was their 2nd Annual dinner and Presentation evening. The occasion was made all the more special with the attendance of 1st XV hooker Fraser Brown (see also list of awards below), 1st XV scrum half Sam Muir and ex-
In a very enjoyable evening the following awards were made :
S2 Coaches Awards
Most Improved Back : Cameron Donald
Most Improved Forward : Conor Palmer
Best Back : Andrew Fleming
Best Forward : Cameron Weller
Player of the Season : Graham Jamieson
S3
Top Scorer : Chris Milligan
Most Improved Player : Ross Hendrie
Players Player : Angus Thomson
Player of the Season : Angus Thomson
Special Recognition Award : Craig Lovell
Perpetual Awards
The Allison Award to an Incoming Midi Player : Ryan Anderson
Taylors of Biggar Award to an S2 Player : Graham Jamieson and Andrew Fleming
Hendrie and Milligan Award to Player from Year 1993 : Jonathon Huntley
Alistair Tucker Memorial Award to an S1 Player : Mark Bertram
David Robertson Memorial Award to a Teenage Player : David McArthur
Recognition was also made of those players who have achieved district honours this season
Lanarkshire Lions (Year of 1995)
Mark Bertram
Keith Buchanan
Paul Davidson
Danny Beagan
Lanarkshire Lions (Year of 1994)
Graham Jamieson
Dean Montgomery
Angus Thomson
Glasgow Chiefs (Year of 1993)
Andrew Gibson
Ross Pahnke
Chris Milligan
Danny McGinn
Glasgow Chiefs (Year of 1992)
Josh Harvey
Glasgow Squad U-
Scotland U-
A final award will be made on the occasion of the Girls Team awards evening. This is to be the Donna Kennedy Award for a Teenage Female player. The club is delighted that Donna retains a healthy interest in her old club and looks forward to announcing the winner.