BIGGAR’S first foray into National 2 ended in disappointment as they were swept away by Lasswade – a first victory for the East Lothian side for many years.

That a whole division separated the two sides last year was certainly not evident, Biggar second best in almost every area; set-piece, first up tackling, ball presentation and retention and aggression.

To excuse this is not easy but several in crucial positions were playing together for the first time. For example there was a new combination at front row, at half back and in the centre, all areas where understanding is key. With regard to front row there is also a carry-over into lineouts where lifting calls and positioning depends on practice.

But all involved are good enough players to be able to adjust to each other’s styles.

In a penalty-strewn match which indicated rustiness on the part of the referee as well as the players, Biggar edged into an early lead via the boot of Francois Nel who kicked his first points for his new club.

Lasswade replied with a well-taken try although incomplete tackles in the centre made it a little easier than it should have been.

Nel kept Biggar in the hunt with a second penalty but was off-target with a third long range attempt.

Lasswade made light of the stiff breeze, quick penalties, their handling and direct running taking them out of defence with some ease. Try as they might neither side could add to their tally.

Ironically Biggar’s midfield had held up an initial Lasswade thrust this ending with a Biggar scrum. As Lasswade drove and disrupted the Biggar heel, Reive found stand-off Nel but the Lasswade stand-off Elliot was up quick to charge the ball down and took full advantage, touching down for a fine opportunist try. There was no conversion but Biggar turned round 12-6 down instead of 7-6 down.

Facing the breeze, Biggar started well and almost managed a try when a floated pass went astray, the Lasswade kick and chase foiled by Graham Jamieson who chased back well.

Calum Taylor was forced off with the recurrence of a shoulder injury – Ian Baillie his replacement – and this coincided with a Lasswade penalty which they kicked to the corner. A textbook take and rive saw Hearn round off the move for a try converted by Billingham.

Craig Stewart replaced new recruit Dan O’Connell at prop and shortly afterwards Jamieson came off to be replaced by Aird Jardine. the youngster playing his first top team league match.

Another line drive gave Lasswade a deserved 4-try bonus at 24-6. Gav Blackburn replaced Donald Voas also at prop although the coaches stay was not long - he conceded a scrum penalty before damaging a calf muscle and being replaced by O’Connell.

A jarring tackle saw hooker Ewan Stewart immobilised by the medical staff of both teams and he was stretchered off with a neck brace. He was soon given the all-clear by ambulance staff although not allowed back on. This gave Biggar an additional problem as the lineout play suffered as stand-in thrower Voas struggled to find his mark. To make matters worse Lavery was shown yellow for a high tackle.

Lasswade capitalised with a try for Smith, Billingham’s conversion taking the score to 31-6.

The last seven minutes were marginally better for Biggar as they did their best to open out but it was too little too late.

A real disappointment and one which was compounded by injury to at least three of the squad. With Simmonds likely to be out for a few weeks these injuries will test the strength in depth of the Biggar squad, this already an area of concern as the 2nds XV struggled to get a XV on Saturday. A big call to arms from past players who are still young enough to make a difference! Training is on Tuesdays and Thursdays – please make yourself available, your club needs you!