Musselburgh Colts 42pts v Biggar Colts 36pts Edinburgh and District Under 18 League BIGGAR Colts suffered their first defeat of the season and it was crucial as it means Musselburgh will likely take the spot in the National Cup and the Edinburgh League title.

These two teams are arguably the best in the league and with so many cancelled games there will be not much chance to regain the top spot.

Defeat is not the worst of failures. Not to have tried is the true failure as both teams put in an almighty display with the game in the balance up to the final whistle.

It was evident early on in the game that although Biggar were going to dominate up front , the Musselburgh backs had the ability to cause significant damage and this they did.

It took 15 minutes before the first score of the game. Musselburgh spilled the ball which was quickly seized on by Peter Steele who then offloaded to Mark Harrison to go in the corner for an unconverted try.

Biggar then had to go into defence which they have not been used to over the last few weeks and it was the big Musselburgh centre who broke through the defence to go over between the posts. This centre along with others was going to cause problems all afternoon.

But Biggar knew to keep it among the forwards and use the strong runners in Mark Ewart, Ross Jackson and Andrew Orr. This they did to good effect and were rewarded with a try to Ewart who continues to improve and impress.

Shortly following this Musselburgh took their turn and their centre again broke through by palming his opposite number off and he duly stormed over from half way.

Again Ewart responded in his usual way and the try was converted by Gregor Stewart.

The game was now at a high intensity and both teams were taking and putting in some big hits to neutralise each other.

Musselburgh were awarded a penalty which was kicked to go into the lead. But in this seesaw game it was Biggar's turn and it was seized by Scott Thomson who was at then end of a period of play where the Biggar backs showed good hands to put Scott in the corner.

That try gave the Biggar backs some confidence and just outside their own 22 James Barr put in a well-placed kick from the left over to the right and with a bounce Harrison took the ball cleanly and sprinted 50 yards to score.

There was no doubt Musselburgh knew they could get back into the game if their well-drilled backs could get the ball and at the same time their forwards could try to lift their game.

This they did and straight from kick off they came back in with another strong run by their backs putting the winger in. Musselburgh forwards were now more organised and were working in pairs to stop the Biggar big forwards who were trying to punch holes.

The Biggar backs were finding it difficult against a back line who had pace and skill with excellent angled runs that were causing problems.

Musselburgh had reduced the deficit to just a point with two minutes to go and they went on to clinch victory with a penalty and a try.