Second XV Match Reports

6/3/10

Biggar 42 RHC 3

Given the usual call ups, call offs and non availability that are a regular feature of second team rugby at this time of the season, a number of changes to last week’s team were necessary. Cameron Jackson made his debut at senior level, joining fellow Colts David MacArthur, Richard Peacock and Ally Dow. In addition, Joe Harper and Davey Ireland joined the bench having played a full game for the thirds. Along with seasoned veteran, Ewan McAlpine, a brace of Stuarts (Wright and Harrison) dusted off their boots for the day resulting in a team with an ideal blend of youth and experience.
 
Given that a few of the starting fifteen were “warming up” as part of the third XV fixture, preparations were not ideal. However, 2nd XV coach John Bogle rallied the troops and had the squad focussed in time for the kick off.
 
RHC competed well from the start and absorbed a lot of pressure until conceding a penalty after twenty minutes which was successfully taken by Gary Morrison. Five minutes later John Galloway, playing in his favoured position of Nr8, powered over for a try which was duely converted by Morrison. With Stuart Wright joining the front row around the thirty minute mark, it was only a matter of time before he found his way across the line resulting in a half time score of 15-Nil.
 
At the break Boab Aitkin (temporary backs coach), slotted Harrison in at 12, moved Moffat to 10 and dropped Morrison to fullback. Early into the second half the change in the backs paid dividends resulting in a well worked try with Harrison drawing their defence line leaving a gap for James Cochrane to exploit and run in unopposed. Shortly thereafter, Harrison followed this up with a try of his own.
 
In reply to a stud to the top of the head, of all places, David MacArthur found his way over the line for the fifth and penultimate try of the game. The final try went to Colin Arthur, just reward as he was a powerful threat for the full eighty minutes.
 
Ally Dow contributed well throughout the game. Richard Peacock’s pace was a constant threat and Cameron Jackson acquitted himself well at senior level and will hopefully be a valuable addition to the squad when fixtures permit.
 
With the exception of one successful penalty (and a possible drop goal) RHC had little opportunity to score. The final score of 42-03 is another good result for Biggar as the team now looks to take on Currie in their next fixture.

21/02/10

Biggar 64       Forrester 0    

All of Biggar was under such a heavy blanket of frost and mist on Saturday morning that it looked initially that play anywhere would be impossible. By 10am however the sum broke through and by 3pm things had improved dramatically yet it was with some relief that the 2nds managed to play at The Showfield after the visitors from Forresters said that they did not want to play at Hartreemill due to some minor ice on the pitch.

The 2nds took to the field with a relatively young team which contained eight players aged 21 or younger and a subs bench with three 18 year olds. The opening phases were reasonably equal with Biggar opening their account with a penalty by Gary Morrison after 5 mins for a deliberate knock on by Forrester. This was followed 5 minutes later by a No 8 pick up and drive by Alan Warnock from a 5 m scrum. After these two scores Biggar dominated the game in virtually all areas and kept the scoreboard ticking over on a regular basis.

Alan Warnock turned provider for the next try with a good charge into the defence from the 22 then offloaded to Mark Fowler for a drive over the line from 10m out through three defenders. John Galloway scored the fourth showing good strength to drive over from 15m out following a pass from the ever present Mark Fowler who had rampaged up the middle of the park causing havoc in the visitors defence. Five minutes later, Mark Fowler broke from a maul just inside the Biggar half, handed off a defender and sprinted for the corner for what would have been a fantastic individual try. However the covering winger got to him just before the line and managed to force him to put a foot in touch. From the line out, Biggar spoiled the Forrester ball and won a scrum which was fed out to the wing and the recycled ball was popped back inside to Davy Reive to score on the stroke of halftime, for a 31-0 lead.

Conor Lavery scored a brace of tries in the first 10 minutes of the second half, the first from quick ruck ball 10m out and the second from broken play on the 22, where he ghosted past the defence with a combination of dummy, side step and show of the ball. Andrew Goodall then scored a couple of tries in quick succession; the first came from good forward play going through several pick and drives allowing him to sprint in from 15m out. His second came from a poor kick by Forrester which was fielded by Biggar and fed quickly out to him to sprint from halfway outside the cover and crash through the fullback for a try. With the final play of the game, Biggar secured ruck ball and with three separate runners offering them selves up, Conor Lavery popped the ball to Andrew Peacock for a simple run in under the posts. Gary Morrison had an excellent day with the boot converting 8 out of the 9 tries, with a couple of beauties from close to the touchline.

A great performance and score for the Seconds, which will consolidate their fourth position in the league.

14/02/10

Biggar 2nds 14 Melrose 2nds 5

 

This was a wonderful performance from the Biggar lads who deserve great credit for inflicting what is one of only defeats for Melrose.

Played on a very sticky 2nd XV pitch - it brought back memories of rugby played many seasons ago on the 1stXV pitch with all players and ball trying to escape the clutches of the glaur (there is no such thing as a bounce on such a surface) - Biggar took the game to a very young Melrose from the start.

Gary Morrison kicked two penalties before an opportunist score from Scott Sicko midway through the 2nd half. Up quickly to charge down a clearance from Melrose the winger managed to win the foot race to the ball, control it then plunge over for the try which effectively clinched the game.

Melrose came back into things towards the end of the half and scored a try, but it was too little too late and Biggar took the points.

6/02/10

Hamilton 23 Biggar 6

A much changed Biggar side travelled to the away fixture against Lanarkshire neighbours, Hamilton. A number of late call offs meant that Gary Morrison had to take on the role of scrum half for the day with Charles Cochrane moving to centre and John Taylor starting in the back row.

From the start Biggar found it difficult to come to terms with Hamilton's continued wheeling of the scrum. This meant that clean ball for the backs was hard to come by.

Hamilton capitalised on a couple of opportunities in the first half when Biggar's defence found themselves stretched. Allowing for two successful penalties by Biggar, the resulting half time score was six points in favour of the home side.

Biggar showed their trade mark grit and determination throughout the second half resulting in extended periods of play within Hamilton's half. Unfortunately, Biggar's efforts were not rewarded with points on the score board. Craig Frame almost prevented Hamilton's third try by running their winger close to the line. On the day, Hamilton deserved the win although the final score of 23 - 6 was not fully reflective of the game.

Notably, John Taylor quitted himself well throughout the game and can hopefully be encouraged to make the step up from third team rugby in order to secure a regular place within the seconds for the remainder of the season. It was also good to see Ross Atkin and Craig Frame making a welcome return to the Second XV squad.

23/01/10
 
Hawick 29 Biggar 3
 
Preparation for the trip to Hawick was far from ideal with numbers low at training following the long lay off and several players either being away for the weekend or unavailable through work or injury. Having said this, the sixteen that travelled through to the Borders were not at all fazed by the prospect of taking on a team that is currently pushing for promotion.
 
The regular squad was bolstered by the introduction of Joe Harper and Andrew Kilgour from the thirds and Richard Peacock and Chris Lawrie from the Colts. In addition, Derek Brown made a welcome return to the squad.
 
Two early scores that may have been avoided on another day followed by a well worked try from a scrum left Biggar 17 Nil down part way through the first half.
 
Biggar rallied and benefited from the presence of Derek Brown when he took to the field. Just as Biggar found themselves in a position to capitalise from a period of positive play the ball was lost through an interception resulting in another try and a half time score of 22 Nil.
 
With the team aware that they were able to raise their game, Biggar turned round in a positive manner. Biggar's commitment in the second half was reflected in the 29 -3 final result, Hawick's only score coming from a failed clearance over Biggar's own line.
 
Special note should be made of the dogged performances by Charles Cochrane, Ally Walker and John Hyslop. Thanks also to Joe, Andrew, Richard and Chris, all of whom acquitted themselves well throughout the game.
 
Moving forward, all players are asked to commit to training in order that the squad can benefit from good preparation and ensure that the team can return to winning ways.
28/11/09
 
BIGGAR 14 - 3 GHA
 
Biggar avenge early season loss
 
 
Played at the showfield in near perfect conditions all watching were hoping for a free scoring entertaining game. This was not to be with both sides making mistakes at crucial times throughout the 80 minutes.
 
With several call offs and players unavailable Biggar started the game with 3 on the bench that was bolstered by Colts Richard Peacock and David McArthur. Douglas Notman made a welcome return back to competitive rugby and played the full 80 minutes to prove his fitness.
 
Biggar dominated the early play but with the referee very quick on his whistle they found themselves facing penalty after penalty that eventually led to GHA converting to take 3 point lead after 10 minutes. Indeed the penalty count for both sides would look more like a cricket score to most and this was a shame as it killed what would have been an entertaining game. Biggar did have the chance to score from a penalty but opted to go for the corner. Stuart Cougbough won the lineout and Biggar set up a maul and started to make there way towards the line. On three occasions the GHA pack attempted to pull the maul down and with Biggar only a yard from the line the inevitable happened when the referee blew for a penalty against Biggar when one of the forwards stood on the opposition and this was deemed dangerous. GHA cleared their lines and really that was the only time Biggar threatened in the first half. GHA did however have a try inexplicably ruled out by the referee when it appeared to everyone including all the Biggar players to be a perfectly good score in the corner. Apparently the GHA wing who had collected a cross field kick and sprinted into the corner had somehow in the officials view stepped out of the field of play once over the try line. Biggar weren't complaining and the rest of the half was played between the 22 metre lines. 3 - 0 to GHA at half time.
 
The second half was played in the same way as the first with mistakes being made by both sides, compounded by penalties by both teams. GHA did have a couple of shots at goal but missed both attempts. Stuart Cougbough was sin binned early in the half for an early hit from a 22 drop out. Replacements were made with both Colts coming on as well as Hani Darwish, John Galloway and Ross Atkin. Both Peacock and McArthur did themselves proud with Peacock in particular shining at full back. It looked to everyone that the game was frustratingly petering out to a 3 - 0 loss but to their credit Biggar kept attacking with in particular good runs from Charles Cochrane, Richard Peacock and Michael Dunlop. Then came the crucial moment when from 25 metres out number 8 James Green broke a tackle to pierce the GHA defence. He went on to break through two more attempts to bring him down but showed great strength in reaching the line for a try. This was converted by Ian Renwick to make the score 7 - 3 to Biggar with the clock showing 80 minutes played. From the kick off Biggar secured ball in their half when one of the seasons most audacious passes by Notman that was nearly intercepted by two Glasgow players created a huge gap that was exploited by Peacock who off loaded to Renwick who went the length of the park to score Biggars second try. He converted his own try and the final whistle went for a 14 - 3 victory. This leaves Biggar securely in 4th spot and has created a 10 point gap to the next team. Credit must go to both sides who worked tirelessly all afternoon to create some entertaining rugby but were thwarted by a combination of factors. Biggar travel to Dunfermline next week to face the side that beat them in the opening day fixture by 10 - 8. 

14/11/09

Musselburgh 6 Biggar 31

More fortunate were the members of the 2nd XV who journeyed to Musselburgh, their game played in dry, bright yet windy conditions - sharp contrast indeed to the deluge which gripped Biggar for most of the day.

Biggar faced a young XV, devoid as it turned out of any visible committee which could have been problematic as will be described.

The scoring was opened after 7 minutes when Michael McKeand got the ball on the 'Burgh 10. Showing the defence a clean pair of heels he scampered over for a try which Iain Renwick converted for 7-0. Some 12 minutes later and James Cochrane added another as the forwards created lots of space to put the backs into a 4 v 1 scoring position which ended with Cochrane crossing in the corner. The distance mean that Renwick missed with the conversion.

Managing to get back into the game 'Burgh kicked 2 penalties in relatively quick succession to take the score to 12-6, but Biggar engineered another score, this going to Richard Wood who continues to be a very valuable addition to the squad. In truth the try should have been scored by Stuart Moffat but he mistook the 5-metre line for the try line! Wood, ever present in support, managed to pick up and score. Again no conversion but at 17-6 this was the half time score.

Coach Wally Watkins made several changes after the break with Colin Arthur, Alan Warnock, Bob Aitken, John Hyslop and Andrew Howatson all coming on to replace Fowler, John Galloway, Ali Walker, Mathew Hamilton and James Tawse respectively.

This half again belonged to Biggar with another 2 scores. The first of these was credited to No 8 James Green who rounded off another move instigated by the pack which created quick ruck ball for the backs. Aitken and McKeand both made ground before the ball ended with Green who crossed under the posts for the bonus point score. Moffat added the conversion.

A likely score for Aitken was then prevented with an injury to the strong running centre who spun out of a tackle with the line beckoning. Unfortunately his studs caught in the turf and he badly twisted his knee. In obvious pain there was no local committee men available and so as the ambulance was called it was the Biggar touchline support which found a stretcher to aid their player. Initial indications suggest ligament damage and this is a cruel blow to the player who has been in fine form this term.

Renwick was another to pick up an injury (to an arm) this necessitating a switch for Moffat from stand-off to scrum half with Walker rejoining the fray.

Biggar's last score came with what was the very last play of the game. After the pack created more good ball prop Colin Arthur took possession some 30 metres out and launched himself at the line, breaking through 6 tackles to score a great try under the posts. This was converted by Moffat and made the final score 31-6.

This win means that Biggar retain their 4th place in the league just behind Hawick, Melrose and Currie. Ironically, had things remained the same as last year and had the two Border sides not parachuted into this division, Biggar would be vying for promotion with Currie. The Edinburgh XV are next up, Biggar travelling there on Saturday for what is likely to be a very tough match.

7/11/09

BIGGAR 31 - 11 HAMILTON

 

Biggar tough it out for good win 

 

 

This was always going to be a tough game and with both teams vying for position in the league there was everything to play for.

 

Biggar had a late call off when Scott Watson woke to find his back was causing him problems so the returning James Green was drafted in to become a makeshift centre. Richard Wood was given the emergency call, but could only make it after the game had started.

 

Biggar fielded a similar side to the one that struggled at Forrester with Colin Yuille being tried out at Full Back, Iain Renwick coming down from the firsts at Scrum Half. Bob Aitken went the other direction after his Man of the Match performance the week before.

Mark Fowler and Andrew Howatson were given a run in the thirds who were playing at the showfield alongside the seconds.

 

Biggar kicked off to Hamilton down the hill and Hamilton immediately attacked from their own 22 passing the ball wide to make good ground into the Biggar half where Ally Walker was penalised for a late hit and Biggar found themselves down 3 - 0 with barely a minute on the clock. From the next kick off Biggar tied up their forwards and great work from Euan McAlpine resulted in a turnover. The pack then put the pre match tactics into place and started to pick and drive at the Hamilton defence. This led to an offside in midfield. Renwick stepped up and put the ball between the posts to make it 3 - 3. Biggar then started to really make good ground but a combination of good defence and handling errors by Biggar allowed Hamilton to escape. A rare excursion by Hamilton into Biggars half resulted in another penalty, this time for not staying on their feet at the ruck and the penalty was kicked to make it 6 - 3 to the visitors.

 

Biggar attacked through the forwards and were twice held up on the line and again when in a very promising situation Hamilton were let off when Biggar were penalised for holding on. The referees whistle continued unabated and three penalties later Biggar were on their own 22 defending when they should really have scored. At this stage the person doing all the work was the referee with both sides being penalised at nearly every breakdown. After Hamilton were adjudged to have put into a scrum squint and a subsequent offside Renwick stepped up to make it 6 - 6. In order to balance the side up John Hyslop was replaced by Richard Wood who went into centre with James Green moving to a more accustomed position at second row.

 

Biggar were on the attack again when another penalty, again at the breakdown for not rolling away led to Renwick adding another 3 to make it 9 - 6. Hamilton were not for the first time adjudged offside at the ruck from kick off and with Stuart Moffat in fine form with the boot, Biggar found themselves deep in the Hamilton half. The referee blew up on no less than four occasions for offside when the pack were held up on the goal line. Biggar opting each time to attack the line were thwarted by a solid defence. After a period of sustained pressure Biggar decided to kick the final penalty as time was up in the half and the whistle saw the teams turning round at 12 - 6 to Biggar.

 

Half Time: Biggar 12 - 6 Hamilton

 

Some great drives from the pack saw Biggar again putting the defences of Hamilton under great pressure but once again, much to the dismay of many, the team going forward were constantly being punished for infringements. One such penalty led to a very good try from the away side with their number 8 storming down the wing for a score in the corner. A good effort just slid past the posts for a missed conversion and now there was only one point in it. Biggar looked the stronger team and knew that if they could play to the referees game then they should go on and bag the points. This cause was however made much harder when Colin Yuille who was having an excellent debut at full back kicked out at an opponent after being held back by his jersey and was yellow carded. Biggar continued to attack though and when deep into the opposing half the ball was turned over by Hamilton but under pressure from the defence a sloppy kick to midfield was picked up by John Galloway who took the ball open, drawing several players before off-loading to James Cochrane who took the pass off his laces to pick up, side step two defenders and sprint in for a much needed score. An excellent opportunist try was made all the better when Renwick converted from near to the touchline to make it 19 - 11.

 

Biggars team talk at halftime had concentrated on opening up the play with 20 minutes to go and this is exactly what Biggar did with both centres Ally Walker and Richard Wood making gaps and good yardage. The penalties were still coming thick and fast for both sides and the next score came from one of these following a dangerous high tackle that appeared far more serious than the petulant kick that had led to Yuilles yellow. Moffat kicked for touch and Biggar won their lineout 22 out. A great driving maul against a tiring Hamilton pack led to Charles Cochrane to storm over for a score that was converted again by Renwick to give Biggar a healthy lead at 26 - 11. Yuille was allowed back on with Biggar having scored 14 points in his absence!

 

It wasn't long before Biggar were down to 14 again when Hyslop who had replaced John Galloway was yellow carded for what appeared to be hitting the ruck situation too hard… this was deemed as a shoulder barge and dangerous by the referee and he was sent packing.

 

Biggar again looking strong attacked the Hamilton lines and from a driving maul deep into their half the Hamilton number 5 was yellow carded for pulling the maul down and parity was granted. Biggar opted to scrum and with good ball won, the opposition Scrum Half went beyond the back foot allowing Euan McAlpine the freedom to pick up from the base and score from 10 metres out. Renwick finally faulted and missed this conversion and the score was 31 - 11. After a period of penalty ping pong the final whistle went with Biggar claiming a deserved victory. Word must be said of the Biggar pack who played attacking rugby all game giving good platform to the backs. The front row of Davie Robertson, Kevin Robson and Michael Dunlop played superbly all afternoon and were instrumental in this win. Another player that needs mention was Colin Yuille who starting for the first time at full back never missed a catch and took the right options at every time of asking. Biggar remain 4th in the league.

31/10/09

FORRESTER 20 - 24 BIGGAR

 Biggar survive huge scare

 It is often said in sport that when a team wins after playing poorly that this is the sign of a good team. Well the fact that Biggar managed to grind a result out at Forrester bodes well for the twos. Many on the sideline would argue that the home team should have won this match and would have done if not for a heavy kick on over the dead ball line by their winger when the try was a certainty with less than a minute to go.

 Another sluggish start by Biggar who were dominated by an older wiser set of forwards in the first 40 minutes. Indeed it was at the very first scrum that Forrester were awarded a penalty for a front row infringement on Biggars ten metre line. The penalty was quickly taken and with Biggar not retreating the ten Forrester successfully kicked for a 3 nil lead.

As much as Biggar tried to play their normal style of running rugby basic mistakes were costing field position. On 20 minutes Bob Aitken playing at inside centre had a typical strong run finally getting deep into the opposition half and finally being held up yards short the ball was lost in the ruck allowing the defence to kick long and deep with the wind back into Biggars half. Once again Biggar contrived to lose the ball in their own half when the pack lost a scrum, the ball picked up by the number 8 who ran untouched for 20 yards eventually tackled with the ball going loose. James Tawse cleaned up and was bundled into touch on the five metre line. The resultant win at the line out for Forrester gave them an excellent attacking platform that they took full advantage of by getting quick ball out to the backs with a centre field ball seeing their full back crashing through with some good tackling from Bob Aitken and Ally Walker holding him up. Excellent rucking allowed another quick ball and their outside centre crashed over for a try much to the delight of a very verbal home crowd who throughout the day expressed their opinions with some very choice words indeed. This was converted and Biggar were now 10 nil down. A minute later things got worse as the home side were awarded another penalty for holding on in the tackle on the 22 in front of the posts and the score was now 13 nil. At this stage it looked like Biggar could have been on the end of a big score but to their credit they started to take the feisty Forrester pack on up front and began to make inroads into their defence. After a good lineout drive and ball carried forward by the pack the ball came out to wing James Cochrane who was the victim of a bad looking high tackle by the Forrester lock. Both players suffering blood injuries to the head and with both having to come off for different reasons…. James was off for a blood injury replaced by Ross Atkin and the Forrester player off for the resultant yellow card. One of the kicks of the day by stand off Moffat gave Biggar a 5 metre attacking lineout that was won and driven forward with the ball being touched down by captain Euan McAlpine for a score near the corner that was not converted into the wind. With five minutes left of the half Davie Robertson had a strong run upfield having collected a long kick on the touch line. His run created chaos in the defensive lines and after some quick recycling McAlpine leading from the front galloped in from 20 yards to score Biggars second. It was very evident now that Forresters discipline could be their downfall as they began to shout and scream at each other and the sidelines were entertaining everyone with their over 18 only performance. Again this try was unconverted which led to a half time score of 13 - 10 down.  

Half Time: Forrester 13 - 10 Biggar

Tactical changes were made at half time that saw James Cochrane back on for Andrew Howieson with James Tawse switching from wing to Scrum Half allowing Conner Lavery freedom to express himself at Full Back. David Robertson moved up to Prop with Mark Fowler going in at Second Row.

Biggar started the second half much the stronger side and were constantly breaking defensive lines and rucking efficiently. They looked a totally different team and were playing the rugby that we have become used to. Another excellent kick from Moffat saw Biggar deep into Forresters half and their full back who cleaned up was forced back over his own line for a Biggar five metre scrum. The scrum won, a training ground move saw Biggar just short of the line. A series of both forward and backs move saw some very good defence from Forrester who finally ran out of numbers allowing Mark Fowler to crash through for a score near to the posts. This was converted by Moffat and Biggar were now in the lead by 17 to 13. At this stage Biggar were in the ascendancy and were looking to press on and gain further advantage. Biggar were beginning to get on top of the Forrester pack, when on our own ruck ball won Mark Fowler was penalised quite rightly for a dangerous hit in the ruck and was sin binned. The result of this was that Forrester who had become very subdued rallied and got themselves physically back into the game. Forrester again started to win good ball and their number 8 who made inroads into Biggar all day took the ball on from midfield but lost out to Matt Hamilton and Colin Arthur in the tackle to give Biggar some reprieve. The Forrester Prop was penalised and spoken to for offside and from the resultant tap and go the same prop was caught with hands in the ruck and Sin Binned for persistent offending.

Biggar then replaced two of the back row with Chares Cochrane and Kev Robison coming off for John Galloway and Richard Wood making a return to action coming on. This was essentially to try and counteract their number 8 who was still making good runs. The introduction of Wood at Openside Flanker put a stop to this immediately. At the end of Mark Fowlers card he was replaced by John Hyslop who went in at Second Row. After a very difficult 10 minutes Biggar started to press and again after some great kicking, this time from Conner Lavery, Biggar were awarded a 5 metre scrum and following a pick up from John Galloway the ball was off-loaded to Richard Wood who clearly scored but the Referee was unsighted and adjudged the ball held up. This time the ball went blind and Richard Wood, again with the Referee unsighted went for the line to score unseen. The resultant ruck ended up with a scrum being awarded to the opposition. The Forrester Prop was allowed back on after the Referee was alerted to him by the crowd at this time with only 6 minutes being recorded by Biggar as being served in the Bin!

Forrester won the resultant scrum and moved ball across their line and drove to the 22. Some excellent tackling didn't allow them out and a huge kick was put upfield and this is where two controversial decisions had an impact on the game. Biggar had knocked on in their own half while the Forrester number 12 lay injured in between his 22 and 10 metre line. The Referee went back to speak to him and called on the bagman who was also Forrester coach. Much to everyone's surprise the Referee then awarded Biggar a penalty for something the Coach had said at the point where the injury was. With both sides in the Biggar half Davie Robertson and Richard Wood took the ball, ran upfield to the point of the offence, took a quick tap and got tackled by a covering defender 2 yards out but with no further cover Ally Walker took the ball on to score under the posts, the torrent of strange language coming from the home support was now at a crescendo! Moffat converted the try and with only 5 minutes to go Biggar were 24 - 13 to the good having secured a try bonus point.

Biggar secured ball and after a juggling act by Robertson the Referee then made two more controversial decisions, this time in Forresters favour. Robertson had slipped and gone to ground with the ball untackled. He let go of the ball and got to his feet still untouched and retrieved the ball only to slip again. The Referee deemed this a penalty and Forrester kicked to within 10 metres of Biggars line. As the line was forming with both teams having made the mark, Forrester took an illegal quick line out and scored in the corner with the Biggar pack still at the line out. An excellent kick from the touchline saw this converted to put the score onto 24 - 20 and Biggar were now really under the cosh. With only two minutes remaining Forrester were running at the Biggar defence from everywhere and with about a minute left in the game they broke through from a chip forward and the Forrester wing outpaced James Tawse to what looked like to everyone a stonewall chance of a try. The winger kicked on once and had he picked up would have scored but decided to kick on again only to kick it too hard and over the dead ball line. The crowd certainly had some advice for the lad and their attention at last had been drawn away from the Referee!

Biggar still had some defending to do as another 2 minutes was played after this but some excellent work by Lavery saw Biggar clearing their lines and claiming the victory. A difficult victory achieved but a victory nonetheless secures Biggars position in the league.

25/10/09

Kirkcaldy 3 - 32 Biggar 

Biggar arrived at Beveridge Park with a much changed but experienced side to take on Kirkcaldy. Colin Arthur was being given a rare starting chance in the front row having been on the firsts bench for much of the season, and after a few switches in personnel and a late call off, Scott Watson played at inside centre. Biggar kicked off having lost the toss and played 'downhill' with the wind. From kick off Biggar were having to defend deep into the oppositions half but after a full ten minutes of stifling the Kirkcaldy pack with no progress being made Biggar won a penalty for holding on and attempted their first penalty kick, this being missed by Renwick. Ball was immediately ran back from a deep drop out and after a series of mistakes by both teams Biggar were again awarded a penalty this time for coming in from the side. Although this penalty was in a better position it was again missed by inches to the left of the posts. Biggar had now been in the Kirkcaldy half for twenty minutes but were being stifled by some excellent rucking from the home team pack who were clearing out and getting to the ball a lot quicker than Biggar. After some good link play between the Biggar captain Coubrough, Arthur, Hamilton and Watson the ball was aggressively carried forward by Charles Cochrane who was the victim of a high tackle that could have seen a harsher award than the penalty that was given. Again Renwick kicked for goal and this time put it through the centre to take a 3 nil lead. From the kick off Biggar again exerted pressure but were held back time after time by the Kirkcaldy pack and eventually the Blues were able to move from their half with a long kick and chase that ultimately led to a penalty for offside 20 metres out in front of the posts that Kirkcaldy, much the delight of their support kicked through the posts with ease. This was the first time Biggar had been in there own half and they found themselves level on 3 points each after 34 minutes. Although the score was level it was clear to see that Biggar were dominate in all areas and the Kirkcaldy pack were starting to tire. After a good backs move that saw Warnock burst through in support Biggar were held up on the line and were unlucky not to score just before the half time whistle.

 

H/T 3 - 3

 

The team talk at half time talked about being patient and concentrated on the need to secure our own ball and start playing quick ball rugby through the back division. Biggars performance throughout the second half showed all present the difference between the two sides and when the ball was taken forward by the backs gaps were being found all over the park. An excellent chip and chase from Moffat led to the opposition full back taking over the line where he was tackled by three Biggar players and a 5 metrer scrum was awarded. Prior to the scrum three changes were made with Darwish, Hamilton and Tawse being replaced by Hyslop, Fowler and Douglas. The reshuffle saw Robertson moving up to prop and Dunlop moving into hooker, a combination that has worked well this year. The resultant scrum was solid and the pack gave Renwick good ball to work with. Stand Off Moffat bought the ball back in tight and after three phases of excellent rucking by the forwards Colin Arthur took a crash ball to score, almost knocking out his tackler in the process. This was converted by Renwick to make the score 3 - 10. Kirkcaldy to there credit tried to make inroads into the Biggar defence but after 55 minutes on the clock their big centre knocked on after a good hit by Walker on Biggars 22, the ball being picked up by centre Watson who punished the mistake and ran 60 yards untouched and just at the perfect moment offloaded to wing Douglas to run in for a score. Again Renwick converted this and the score was now 3 - 17. The next score came after another high tackle penalty was awarded, this coming after the Biggar pack who were now finding holes in the defence marched the ball upfield. Biggar opted to kick for the posts and Renwick successfully made the score 3 - 20. Craig Thornborrow then came on for James Cochrane. Biggar should have scored another not long after but after a 5 metre scrum to Biggar and a dive for the line by Renwick that was clearly scored it was deemed held up by the referee who was on the other side of the pack and couldn't get a view. Biggar then looked to push over from the resultant scrum and would have done if it had not been for infringements by Kirkcadly who at this stage were trying everything to keep Biggar out. A total of four penalties were awarded to Biggar on the five metre line all for disruption in the scrum. On another day a penalty try would have been given. As it was Biggar then lost control of the ball when Fowler was guilty of not tapping the ball trying for a quick penalty and Kirkcaldy were given a scrum. Biggar however pushed Kirkcaldy off the ball and advanced easily towards the try line winning ball against the head when Coubrough picked up and dived for the line for a well deserved score. Again converted by Renwick to make the score 3 - 27. Biggars aim now was to secure a bonus point with five minutes to go by scoring a fourth try. Another excellent run from Watson in midfield with an offload to Charles Cochrane led to yet another penalty in front of the posts. Biggar opted to scrum and after quick pick up ball and again quick recycling Fowler was able to crash over for the all important bonus point. The conversion was missed to leave the score on 3 - 32 to Biggar. Biggar then ran the remaining minute out to claim a well deserved win. This was a very disciplined performance showing that playing simple rugby and being patient pays dividends. This win now puts Biggar into fifth spot in the league having played 9 games.

17/10/09

Biggar 19                    Hawick 24

The 2nds took to the pitch with no fewer than nine changes from last week due to injuries, call-offs and call-ups to the firsts. However, with a squad of 20 players available on the day, they came close to overturning an undefeated Hawick team. Stuart Coubrough was captain for the day and ensured that the team took the game to Hawick. The Colts scrum half, David McArthur, had a good game and from a switch in play he fed the ball to Charles Cochrane who set up Stuart Coubrough for the opening score after 10 minutes; Gary Morrison added the conversion. Hawick replied with a penalty and two tries before Ally Walker pulled one back after another good pass from Charles Cochrane, for a halftime score of 17-12 in favour of Hawick.

Biggar started the second half brightly and took the lead after 5 minutes courtesy of a try and conversion from Gary Morrison. With both teams evenly matched, it looked as if Biggar would hold on for a victory, but Hawick scored a final, winning try in the last five minutes.

Despite the narrow loss, this was a good performance from the 2nds, with all twenty players playing their part and showing the current strength in depth in the senior pool.

10/10/09

Cartha QP 11    Biggar 15                  

Biggar had one of their slowest and poorest starts to a game all season. In fact in the first twenty minutes virtually every time Biggar had the ball they gave it away through dropping it, knocking it on, passing forward, killing the ball or entering the ruck from side. They were a try down in two minutes after the Cartha centre cut through the Biggar defence from first phase from a lineout.

Five minutes later they were a further three points down after a penalty for holding on after being tackled. From the restart, Cartha knocked on giving Biggar an attacking scrum. A back row move saw Ewan McAlpine drive into the heart of the defence and set up a ruck. Cartha infringed at the ruck giving Biggar a penalty which was pushed wide by Scott Watson.

Biggar almost scored 5 minutes later from an attacking scrum, when a No8 pick up by John Galloway saw him bundled into touch by two defenders when only one metre from the line. With 30 minutes gone, Biggar opened their account with an excellent forwards try. John Hislop won good clean lineout ball and was driven almost 15 metres before the Cartha defence were able to stop the drive. However, Andrew Goodall peeled off the back of the maul and down the blindside to evade the cover; Gary Morrison added the conversion.

Biggar conceded another penalty on the stroke of halftime when Gary Morrison retaliated against the Cartha prop to end the half 11-7 down.

Early in the second half Biggar scored their second try, again from a good catch and drive from a lineout. Euan McAlpine was held up just short of the line, but retained possession for Andrew Peacock to gather and power over from a couple of metres out. Biggar extended their lead after an excellent tackle by Bob Aitken led to a penalty for Biggar for the centre not releasing; Gary Morrison converted the penalty.

Biggar were unable to extend their lead and in the last five minutes had to put in a tremendous defensive effort as Cartha searched for a way through for a winning try. Murray Thompson stopped a certain try with an all embracing tackle on the Cartha No 8 who had cut back against the run of play and then Charles Cochrane put in a big hit on a Cartha forward 5m from the line after a quick tap. Then with the last play of the ball, the Cartha forwards got over the try line but were held up. Biggar were mightily relieved when the referee blew for fulltime rather than a 5m scrum.

In the end, this was a hard won game, with Biggar not showing much of their recent good form. However, there were several positives to be taken from the game; the front five dominated the scrum, taking several balls against the head; the line out was very secure and even managed to steal a couple of Cartha's ball; defence in the second half was good.

3/10/09 Biggar 2nds 57         Dalziel 2nds 10         

On a very blustery day, the 2nds scored an emphatic victory over local Lanarkshire rivals, Dalziel. For the first 20 minutes both teams had some good possession but were unable to penetrate either defence. After a concerted effort by the Biggar forwards, which saw the referee give 3 penalties against Dalziel for killing the ball, a tap penalty was passed to Euan McAlpine to barge his way over from 5m out. Biggar were reduced to 14 men when Mark Fowler was yellow carded for trying to pull a Dalziel forwards scrum cap off without undoing the strap. Just before halftime they were reduced to 13 men when Charles Cochrane was yellow carded for not releasing the ball in the tackle. However, despite being down to 13 men the defence held Dalziel to a solitary penalty for a half time score of 5-3 in favour of Biggar.

Still with only 14 players, Biggar stared the second half at a blistering pace scoring two tries in the first five minutes. A blind side break by Iain Renwick and Bob Aitken was stopped 10m from the line when the ball was knocked on. Biggar disrupted the Dalziel scrum allowing Andrew Goodall to gather the loose ball and drive over from 5m out. Almost immediately after that, Biggar took the ball back into the Dalziel 22 but knocked on. However the Biggar scrum was in dominant mood at this stage and drove Dalziel back through 90 degrees for a Biggar put in. From the scrum, a training ground move of a No 8 pick up, pass to scrum half and a pop pass to the fullback, Bob Aitken at pace allowed him to burst through the defence for an excellent score. Dalziel pulled a score back after a fumble by Colin Yuille allowed an easy score under the post. Straight from an excellent high kick off the chasing Biggar players caused the Dalziel catcher to knock on. From the scrum, Biggar drove into Dalziel with three pick and go attempts; finally Andrew Peacock twisted and turned for a well deserved try in the corner. Biggar then relaxed and allowed Dalziel to pressure them on the line with a couple of penalties for killing ball or being offside. As Dalziel tried to pass out wide from a tap penalty the winger dropped the ball and Iain Renwick playing to the referees' advantage hacked the ball up field. After a couple more kicks and showing excellent pace he won the race to touch down for a score that demoralised Dalziel.

As in previous games, Biggar continued to play controlled but expansive rugby. The first came after Euan McAlpine stole Dalziel ball in a maul allowing the forwards to again drive forward through a succession of pick and go attacks. Finally the ball was passed out to centre Charles Cochrane at pace who showed his typical strength by handing off two players before crashing through the final two defenders for an excellent try. The second came from another training ground move with quick tap ball from the lineout to scrum half Iain Renwick who cut back through the Dalziel forwards before offloading to flanker Euan McAlpine who with 10m and 3 defenders to beat still had his work to do to score in the corner. Bob Aitken got his second try in an identical to move to his first, coming in at pace to receive a pass from the scrum half after a No 8 pick up from the base of the scrum. Andrew Peacock scored his second and Biggar's ninth try in the final minute after quick ruck ball was fed to him to sprint through the cover defence from 20m out.

Iain Renwick converted four of the tries and Bob Aitken converted two. This was another excellent win for the 2nds and will lift then into the top half of the league.

26/09/09 RHC 5  Biggar 69 

On an excellent day for open running rugby, the 2nds played some of their best rugby of the season through at RHC. They opened the scoring after 7mins, when they were awarded a penalty within the RHC 22 and opted to run. They were held up 5m from the line, recycled ruck ball a couple of times before Michael Dunlop drove over in the corner. Five minutes later a 5m lineout was secured by the forwards and Andrew Goodall peeled off the side to score in the corner. RHC kicked long from the restart, Andrew Goodall caught the ball on his own 22, outflanked the RHC forwards on the blindside and cut back inside to evade the RHC winger and sprinted the length of the pitch to score an excellent individual try. Biggar were playing all the rugby and passing the ball well along the line. From one of these moves, Gary Morrison ran a good line and managed to get over the line but was held up by the RHC defence. With the Biggar pack holding there own in the scrum, a secure platform was there for a No8 pick-up by Andrew Goodall, who drove over the line. Five minutes later, the front row of Peacock, Dunny and Robertson took one against the head on the RHC 22 allowing Andrew Goodall to pick up and sprint down the blindside past the RHC winger.

Biggar's next try came from lineout ball which was fed quickly out line to the winger, Colin Yuill who beat a couple of defenders, set up good ruck ball, which was quickly fed back across the pitch to Andrew Peacock who straightened the line and scored close to the posts. Biggar's seventh and final try of the half came from a good break by second row Matthew Hamilton who offloaded to the ever present Charles Cochrane who continued the move and passed to Iain Renwick who evaded the final defender for a score under the posts. Gary Morrison converted three of the tries for a half time score of 41-0.

 

Biggar had a very slow start to the second half, not getting out of their own half for the first ten minutes which also resulted in RHC getting their only try of the game. This and some encouragement from the coach saw Biggar up the pace start scoring some more tries. The first came from good, quick ruck ball fed out to Andrew Goodall to out pace the centre. Biggar continued to run everything and from a scrum in their own 22, the ball was fed to centre Ali Walker who cut back inside to beat the cover and then sprint past the fullback for a score under the posts. Five minutes later he scored his second of the game after a break and offload by prop David Robertson allowed him to run in from 22m out. Not o be outdone, stand-off Conor Lavery who had a great game at stand-off, broke out from his own 22, beat two or three tacklers and still had the legs to make it all the way to score under the posts. Iain Renwick converted all four tries in the second half for a final score of 69 - 5.

Coach, Wally Watkins was delighted with the performance and great teamwork displayed throughout the game. He thought both the front five and the back row performed well as units, the backs made good use of the ball and the closing down/chasing was very good. However, Biggar gave away 18 penalties, mainly at the breakdown, which against a better team would have been severely punished, so this will be an area that will need to be addressed at training.

19/9/09 Melrose 62 Biggar 19

Another plethora of call-offs and injuries meant that Biggar began the game with just 14 men. Happily they weer soon restored to full strenght but even then they were served up a real lesson by the Border outfit who ran in and had the game won by half time.

A much improved effort after the break saw Biggar compete and run in scores of their own but Melrose were able to add to their tally to ensure their win.

12/09/09 - Biggar 50 Perthshire 5  

The 2nds took the field under the guidance of their new coach, Wally Watkins, and produced their best performance of the season so far. It took them only 5 minutes to get on the score sheet after a great kick through and chase by Michael McKeand who then offloaded to Ali Walker to score in the corner. The second came from a break by Murray Thompson who was held up 10m short of the line, Andrew Peacock took a crash ball from the ruck but was again held up about 5m from the line, finally Andrew goodall picked up from the back of the ruck and drove over the line. This try though could have come much quicker though had Thompson opted for the simple pop pass to Michael Mckeand who was screaming for it on his left with no-one in front of him. Biggar's next came from a move straight from the training ground, Biggar won good line out ball which was fed out to Murray Thompson at 10 who switched play back inside to Andrew Goodall at pace who out sprinted the cover from half way. They rounded off the first half with a catch and drive from a 5m lineout with David Ireland getting the touchdown. Gary Morrison converted two of the tries for a 24-0 lead at halftime.

A sloppy start to the second half allowed Perthshire to score an early try. However normal service was quickly resumed after good ruck ball was fed quickly by Ali Walker to Andrew Goodall on a great angle to sprint in 20m. From deep in their own half Michael McKeand put in a great clearance kick deep into the Perthshire 22, which winger Nick Ryan chased, tackled the defender and won a penalty for them not releasing. Biggar ran the penalty but were held up over the line. With a secure scrum, No8, Andrew Goodall picked and drove over the line for his fourth try of the day. From a scrum on the 22, Biggar fed the ball out the backs to Nick Ryan who drew the last defender and fed the ball back inside to scrum half James Tawse for a well deserved score in the corner. The final try came from a well fielded ball by Gary Morrison who offloaded to Murray Thompson, who drew his man passed to Andrew Goodall who passed back inside to the supporting winger James Cochrane. Murray Thompson converted three of the tries for a final score 50-5.

5/9/09 - GHA 20 Biggar 10

In a dreadfully slow start, Biggar lost this game in the first 15 minutes. GHA scored two converted tries after 5 and 15 minutes, both from secure lineout ball close to the Biggar line. Biggar slowly pulled themselves back into the game but despite making some good breaks were unable to cross the line. However, after 25 minutes a good drive by Kevin Robinson and then Mark Fowler took Biggar to within 5m of the GHA line. Quick ruck ball was fed out to Andrew Goodall who drove through the remaining defence for Biggar's first try. Straight from the kick off, Biggar ran the ball back to the GHA 22 and set up ruck ball. When the referee signaled a penalty for what we thought would be an easy 3 points, Biggar were mystified when he yellow carded Mark Fowler for an infringement at the ruck. GHA cleared their lines and just before half time scored a penalty for offside.

   With the breeze at their backs Biggar were confident that they could overturn the deficit and took the game to GHA. From a good kick into the GHA 22 Biggar forwards drove for the line only to be penalized for dangerous rucking of an offside GHA player. 20 minutes into the second half, GHA infringed at a ruck, Andrew Goodall took a quick tap and broke down the field, offloaded to Richard Wood who took the ball deep into the 22 before passing to Andrew Provan. He was held up just short of the line, but the supporting players drove him over for a well worked score in the corner. With 10 minutes left, Biggar again secured good ruck ball which was quickly recycled by Iain Renwick to Conor Lavery whose long pass to Nick Ryan on the wing allowed him to squeeze in at the corner. However the GHA touch judge signaled for foot in touch. GHA finished the game with another penalty.

29/8/09 - Biggar 8 Dunfermline 10

   The seconds faced Dunfermline in their first league match of the season. The team though was a much changed one that saw off Falkirk convincingly last week, due mainly to work committments and late call-offs. This then meant that many were playing out of position but despite this the players in question responded to the task asked of them very well. 

   Biggar were the quicker off the mark and for the first twenty minutes pressurised Dunfermline in all areas. From this pressure Biggar managed to score one try courtesy of Mark Fowler after good work up the wing saw the ball ending in Fowler's hands who managed to scramble over in the corner. Gary Morrison though was unable to add the extra two from the touchline. However, he was given a second chance soon after when Biggar were awarded a penalty in a more kickable position and this time he took his opportunity and added three more to Biggar's total. Biggar went into the second half leading 8-0, however it was Dunfermline who were next to score after a well taken lineout on the Biggar 5 metre line and a planned move saw them crash over in the corner. The score now at 8-5, going into the last 20 minutes Biggar discipline, which had been good up til now in a game that was full of tension and handbags, started to crumple and Dunfermline saw themselves being awarded too many penalties from a Biggar point of view. Using these penalties Dunfermline managed to gain themselves good field position which they used in order to crush Biggar hearts as they scored the winning try in the final play of the game. Final score 10-8 to Dunfermline.

   Although the game ended in defeat for Biggar a number of positives can be taken. First of all, the defence shown by many was of top quality, particularly Andrew Goodall who made a number of great cover tackles. Also, as has already been mentioned, those players playing out of position committing themselves as they did to the task asked of them needs to be applauded. Hopefully they will get the chance to return to their preffered positions but this will only happen if others commit themselves to the club more and turn up for training and games.