Mini Update 14/3/10
The excitement of the previous day at Murrayfield behind them, the Minis spent last Sunday on the training pitches preparing for the tournaments coming up from now almost to the season’s end.
With the P3s and some of the P2s joining the other groups, Hartreemill was a busy place with many of the players trying their best to emulate the international players they had seen in Edinburgh and throughout the Six Nations Championship so far. Only time will tell!!
The New Image group continued indoors at the sports hall and enjoyed another very good session with yet another improvement in skills noted by the coaches.
This Sunday, the P4s, P5s, P6s and P7s will all make the trip to Dumfries to participate in that Club’s Tournament. Defending two age group wins from last year’s event will not be easy, but, as always, the Biggar squads will travel with confidence. Kick-off is scheduled for 12:00 noon with registration for the event from 11:00am. In a slight change from the listed schedule, those leaving the clubhouse are asked to do so at 10:00am, those going direct to be at the Dumfries ground no later than 11:15am.
The P3s and older P2s that have been training outside over the last two weeks will continue at the clubhouse – the usual 11:00am start. The rest of the New Image group will be indoors at the sports hall – again an 11:00am start. Players and parents should note that this will be the last weekend indoors, with a return to outside coaching at the clubhouse from Sunday 28 March.
Another date to put in your diaries is Saturday 27 March when Biggar’s 1st XV play a re-arranged league game at Hartreemill. The Club is looking to hold a “Family Lunch” in the run-up to the kick-off at 3:00pm. Starting at around 1:00pm, the lunch will cost £25 for a family of four – pro-rata for different numbers. If you’re interested in coming along, contact Keith, Aird for the Midis or Gordon Young.
Mini Update - 7/02/10
It was a training Sunday for the Minis last weekend and, as it was ahead of the international at Murrayfield, a relatively short and sharp session for all. The P4s, P5s, P6s and P7s were all concentrating on the upcoming games at Jedburgh against the hosts Jedforest and other visitors, Melrose. Undoubtedly, this will be a good and challenging test for all the Biggar sides.
The New Image players enjoyed another session in the sports hall, with the P3s and older P2s continuing the build up to their games in March and April.
Back to this coming Sunday, the games at Jed all start at 11:00am which means an early 9:00am departure for those leaving the clubhouse. Those travelling direct, should aim to be at the Jedforest ground no later than 10:30am. New Image will continue in the sports hall, beginning at their usual 11:00am start time.
Meantime, Ants is looking to run a Foundation Course at Biggar for all those who completed the application form previously, as well as any others who have decided since that they would like to join in. Contact Ants or Keith for any more details.
Mini Update 31/01/10
With the weather taking it's toll - again - following cold overnight temperatures, an opportunity for some of the squads to travel through to Heriot's was knocked on the head early on, so it was training all round for the Minis last Sunday. And even with the ground equally hard at Biggar, the coaches and players were all able to put in some useful sessions in preparation for the games at Jedforest on 14 February.
The New Image group, basking in the warmth of the sports hall, continued their good work too, with the P3 players starting their build-up to games scheduled for later in the season.
It's a training and coaching session again this Sunday with all squads starting at 11:00am: P4 to P7 at Hartreemill, New Image in the sports hall.
Tickets for the Scotland Six Nations' internationals at Murrayfield are now all allocated with, unfortunately, insufficient available to ensure all those interested in going to the games were able to. Keith and Aird offer apologies to all who have been unsuccessful and add that those concerned have been placed on a standby list for returned tickets. Should any become available, they will be in touch with those named. To confirm, the first game is Scotland v France on Sunday 7 February. The bus for this game will leave the clubhouse at 12:45pm, returning around 6:15/6:30pm. The second game - Scotland v England - takes place on Saturday 13 March and with this being a later kick-off, the bus will leave the clubhouse at 2:45pm, returning around 8:15/8:30pm.
On Sunday Dumfries take in Biggar en route to Murrayfield and consequently kick-offs are earlier with an 11am start.
Mini Update 6/12/09
Following the cancellation and the poor weather of the previous two weekends, the Minis were delighted to get back onto the paddock last Sunday. Although, as Stirling County were the visitors, it was never going to be an easy day.
Under their new coaching team, the P4s are continuing to find their feet and progressing well. The Stirling squad however, proved a little more skilful and streetwise compared to the locals and although the Biggar players improved from game to game, the results reflected the difference between the two sides - 0-8, 0-7 and 2-7. Still plenty of work to do then, but the enthusiasm of both the players and coaches bodes well for the rest of the season.
The P5s meantime, featured in several high scoring games, competing well and drawing the best from the visiting squad. A see-saw opener produced 18 tries and a share of the spoils. A 14 try game followed, with Stirling taking the honours by scoring 9 of them. Everything on the last game then and, like the previous two, there was no shortage of excitement and tries. But try as they might, the locals just couldn't get the better of a strong Stirling outfit and eventually went down 5-7.
The P6s and P7s tackled the games differently, each playing four sessions of 10 minutes each.
Both Biggar and Stirling P6s put on an excellent demonstration of Mini Rugby - skilful, competitive and played in great spirit. The first three quarters were very close, neither side being able to secure the upper hand. At the end of 30 minutes, the score was 1-1 with the game looking as if it could go either way. A couple of mistakes by Biggar though, saw the visitors take advantage by scoring on each occasion, resulting in a deserved (but only just!) 1-3 victory.
The P7s proved themselves to be quicker out of the blocks and at the end of the first quarter were 2-0 up. It was a different story in the second though, with Stirling going up a gear or two and scoring 4 tries against a further 2 from the local side. 4-4 at half-time with both sides looking forward to the next two sessions. A mistake by Biggar saw Stirling take a 0-1 advantage in the third session and unfortunately this was repeated in the final quarter, giving the visitors a 4-6 victory overall.
The New Image group continued their development - this time concentrating on hand skills, support play and tackling. And very well they all did too!
This Sunday, the New Image players will remain at Hartreemill - the normal 11:00am start for them - while the P4s, P5s, P6s and P7s will all travel to Edinburgh to play Stewart's Melville. Kick-off time 1:00pm. Those travelling direct should be at Inverleith no later than 12:30pm, those leaving from the clubhouse will do so at 11:15am. As it's not a tournament, the coaches will be looking to take all available players.
A reminder about the Mini Christmas Party: this year's event is scheduled for a 2:00pm start in the new sports hall at the High School. All players are welcome.
And finally, following last Sunday's games, a number of clothing items seem to have been picked up by the wrong people. Keith asks all parents to check kit bags and to repatriate anything that shouldn't be in there.
Mini Update 15/11/09
With the Scotland v Fiji international the previous day still fresh in their minds, the Minis returned last Sunday to the coaching and training sessions prepared by their coaches. With Ants having held an update session for the adults immediately prior to the Minis beginning, there were some new and pretty fancy exercises and drills for the young players to concentrate on. And, it has to be said, the coaches too!
This coming weekend, the Minis will be in Edinburgh on both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday will see a second visit to Murrayfield, this time to watch Scotland take on Australia - please note all tickets have been allocated - while on Sunday, the P4s, P5s, P6s and P7s will all travel to Myreside to take on Watsonian's. Kick-off is at 1:00pm. Those travelling direct should aim to be there no later than 12:30pm. Those leaving from the clubhouse will do so at 11:15am.
The New Image group will continue their coaching session which will start at 11:00am at the clubhouse.
A reminder for those travelling to watch the international on Saturday - please be at the clubhouse for 2:45pm: the bus will leave at 3:00pm prompt.
The final game at Murrayfield this year will feature Argentina on 28th November. Again all tickets have been allocated and those travelling to this international are asked to be at the clubhouse no later than 12:00 noon.
Mini Update 25/10/09
While the other squads travelled to Ayr, the New Image players braved the wind and the rain at a very blustery Hartreemill last Sunday. And after some early disquiet caused by the weather, the youngsters - all 26 of them - put in an excellent training session before, extremely happily, running off to the heat and comfort of the clubhouse or waiting cars.
This weekend sees all the Minis back at the clubhouse for another coaching session prior to home games the following Sunday against Dumfries and Moffat. Starting time for everyone, including New Image, is 11:00am.
With the imminent Autumn Internationals, Keith is reminding all to complete and return to him the ticket preference form included in the newsletter at the start of the season. The games at Murrayfield will feature Fiji (14th November), Australia (21st November) and Argentina (28th November). Tickets will be being allocated from Monday 2nd November.
And finally…….. something that is likely to be of interest to the Minis, the SRU has recently launched three Junior Supporters Clubs. There are a number of benefits to Mini players including meeting and possibly training with some of the Glasgow or Edinburgh professional players, going to some of these sides' games and possibly even becoming a mascot at one of the Scotland games at Murrayfield.
Mini Update 18/10/09
The Minis enjoyed a second consecutive Sunday on the training fields last weekend. And although still on holiday, the turnout remained impressive - maybe could have taken some fixtures after all. Sod's Law! New faces continue to join - many of them having experienced the Tag or Touch Rugby Ants, Hani and Andrew are undertaking in the schools. Well done guys.
This Sunday, the Minis are on the road again - this time to Millbrae, Ayr where they'll play the host Club as well as fellow visitors, Ardrossan. Kick-off is scheduled for 10:30am. Those travelling direct should aim to be at the Ayr ground no later than 10:00am; those leaving the clubhouse will do so at 8:15am.
Meanwhile the New Image players will meet at the clubhouse at 11:00am to continue along their learning curve.
Mini Update 11/10/09
Following the previous weekend's exertions, the Minis were back into coaching and training mode last Sunday. And with many of the coaches fresh from Ants' mid-week skills update session, there was a mind-boggling array of different exercises and grid work on display.
It will be much the same again this Sunday, as Keith, wary of player availability during the October school break, opted not to take on any fixtures. All age groups from New Image - who saw yet another significant increase in their numbers last week - through to P7 should be at Hartreemill for the normal 11:00am start time.
A reminder that those still to pay their memberships for the current season should do so as quickly as possible - and that includes the coaches! Speak with Keith if you're not sure of the different levels and costs,
Mini Update 20/9/09
After the exertions of the Mini Tournament, it was back to the norm last Sunday for the Minis - well almost.
Ahead of the training session and in front of a large gathering, Keith, joined by Ants, presented the Player Awards for the 2008/09 season. Awarded in Memory of John Hair, the winners are players who, in the view of their coaches, have demonstrated not only skill but also commitment and endeavour - turning up for training even in the foulest weather; listening, learning and applying as best they can. John wanted to make sure that everyone had the opportunity to win and to this day, his wishes have been honoured.
So who received their shields from Ants on this occasion?
New Image Drew Brewster
· P4 Finlay Stott
· P5 Andrew Jardine
· P6 Ross Jackson
· P7 Simon Denholm
In recognition of his attitude and performances throughout the season, Simon also won the John Hair Memorial Shield.
Well done to all.
This Sunday, the Minis are back in game action. Originally, both Lanark and Moffat were due to visit Hartree Mill, but a dates mix-up means that only the Lanark club will be making the trip to Biggar. (Moffat will visit later in the year). With kick-off scheduled for 11:00am, coaches and players are asked to be at the clubhouse for 10:15am. And a reminder that the P7s are in the catering chair.
The New Image group will continue their training and coaching sessions which will return to their normal 11:00am start time.
Mini Update - 13.9.09 - The Tournament
8 clubs, 32 teams, 370 players and the same again for spectators……….yes it was the Biggar Mini Rugby Tournament last Sunday. Some say Keith Fulton, our Mini Convenor, has made a pact with the devil - all we know is that for the umpteenth year on the trot, the Tournament took place in glorious conditions with many even picking up some late summer tans! And who would have thought that just a week or so ago.
Yet again, the rugby on display was superb and whether it was the P4, P5, P6 or P7 age groups, the skills shown made everyone present feel very good about the future of Scottish rugby.
There are many people due thanks for their input - in particular though Angie Stott and the ladies in the catering team and all the referees, including Ants and the senior players deserve great credit for their unstinting efforts during the course of the day. And we shouldn't forget Club President Roy Weller, local MSP Karen Gillon, MP David Mundell and local Councillor Hamish Stewart who all came long to Hartree Mill on the day and presented the winners and runners-up with their various spoils.
All the Biggar sides competed well, but ultimately found the competition a little too strong at this stage of the season. The P4s, playing against Dalziel, Melrose and Selkirk were on the wrong end of three close results; the P5s, with three straight pool wins against Dalziel, Boroughmuir and Edinburgh Accies went down in their semi-final match against Currie; following wins against Edinburgh Accies and Melrose and a defeat by Stirling County in the pool stages, the P6s also reached the semi-final stage where they also lost out to Currie; an increasingly understrength P7 - they lost 3 or 4 players to injury during the afternoon - started with a hard fought draw against Boroughmuir and then suffered a couple of close defeats to Stirling County and Currie.
For the record the Currie club won the Tournament at P4 and P6 level with Melrose winning at P5 and P7. Melrose's P5 team also won the Airtricity Team of the Tournament award.
This coming Sunday, all the Minis - New Image to P7 - are asked to be at the clubhouse for 10:30am. Prior to training, the Player Awards for the 2008/09 season will be made with First XV coach Ants Posa doing the honours. The Awards, presented in memory of John Hair - a rugby supporter who saw the good in all players - are given not only for the level of skill a player has, but also for the level of commitment and endeavour they have shown throughout the season. Everybody's included and everyone has a chance of winning.
Training will commence at 11:00am.
Mini Update - 6.9.09
The 'phone lines were red hot between Mini coaches and their charges last week. The postponement of games at P4 and P5 level were known about, but with the poor weather continuing during the course of the week, the P6 and P7 games were also lost - this time due to water-logged pitches at Peebles High School. Such is life.
Unperturbed, all the Minis put in excellent training sessions in advance of the Biggar annual Mini Rugby Tournament which takes place this coming Sunday.
With much of the groundwork planning already completed, it's now down to everything falling into place in the run-up and on the day itself. As always, a tremendous band of volunteers has put in a considerable amount of work. This will continue until the end of the event and, as in past years, Keith would be delighted to receive any further offers of help to ensure the day runs as smoothly as possible. It will be very much appreciated. As a reminder, as well as the locals, sides from Boroughmuir, Currie, Dalziel, Edinburgh Accies, Melrose, Selkirk and Stirling County will all be taking part. That's over 360 players at Hartree Mill and, if you add in referees, coaches, volunteers and spectators, it's going to be a busy day.
Now, if anyone can do anything about the weather!!
The early season training stint continued for the Minis last weekend and with new faces continuing to appear at the different age groups, things are looking pretty good for the year ahead.
This Sunday sees the young players travelling through to Peebles. However, in a change to the programme, only Biggar's P6 and P7 squads will be making the journey. And all should note that as well as the kick-off having been brought forward to 10:30am, the games will take place at the Peebles High School pitches as Hay Lodge Park is out of commission. Those travelling direct should aim to be at Peebles High School for no later than 10:00am, with those leaving the clubhouse doing so at 9:15am.
Playing numbers in the early part of the season can be a bit of a lottery and, unfortunately, this has proved to be the case for the Borders club on this occasion. The result of this is that Biggar's New Image, P4 and P5 squads will all remain at Hartreemill for an unexpected training session. Again though there will be a change. As the Midis have a home fixture, the Minis will start their session at 10:30am.
And just to make sure everyone gets the right message, the coaches will be in touch during the course of the week.