Having started really well and in taking the game to GHA in both attack and then on some purposeful offensive/defence Biggar had opened up a well-deserved 12 point lead courtesy of tries from Scott Swankie and Mark Bertram before allowing GHA a glimmer of hope via forwards try from their pack.

Another couple of chances had gone a-begging and had these been taken then GHA’s task would have been so much more difficult but a poor start to the second period when Biggar were run ragged and failed to clear their lines, meant that GHA got their tails up to come through strongly to win the match and take all five league points.

Biggar broke the early deadlock after 12 minutes. Scott Swankie had made some good ground for a great opportunist try. King was just off target with the conversion but for once Biggar headed the score.

Davy Reive kept the play going forward and after a couple of good runs at the line ball was popped left to Bertram who hit a great angle to cross to the left of the posts. King was able to convert this for 12-0.

Having secured a penalty GHA took play into the Biggar 22 courtesy of quick ruck ball. They then opted to spin the ball to the right and this, coupled with some good evasive running, gave centre Chris Binnie a sniff at an overlap. This he took to cross for a try.

As the half came to an end Biggar remained on the attack and were awarded a penalty after Orr was taken out in the lineout. King opted to go for goal but saw his attempt come up short. Half time: GHA 5, Biggar 12.

GHA equalled the scores at the start of the second half with Grant McDonald crossing for his side’s second try, converted by Peter Jericevich.

Able to quickly get back on the offensive another swift passing movement saw ball spread wide again, Biggar suffering as Bertram was shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock on. This put Biggar at a major disadvantage as they were already under the cosh. A kick to the corner and lineout drive ended with Eric Cavan crashing over for a try which was unconverted.

Some seven minutes later and Biggar were back under their posts and awaiting the conversion to GHA’s fourth, this from Euan Greer who was able to take full advantage of a series of quick rucks form the GHA pack which tied in Biggar’s defence. Jericevich kicked for 24-12.

Biggar made several changes at this stage with Euan Stewart returning to replace Andrew Muir while Alan Warnock took over from Taylor. The latter was pressed back into action shortly afterwards however as Orr picked up a knee injury which it is hoped will not prove too serious. Bertram also returned as his sin-bin time expired. Andrew Fleming then made his well-deserved 1st XV league debut when he came on for Smart.

A great passage of running and handling then ended with GHA’s 5th try, this credited to Greer who was on the end of a sweeping move down the stand side, Jericevich’s conversion rebounding off the woodwork. Biggar were not down and out however and Pearce drove over for a try which, when converted by King, gave Biggar a glimmer of a losing bonus which in reality was the very least they deserved.

Sadly this was not to be and GHA ended up on the attack and unlucky not to add to their tally, Jericevich knocking the ball forward over the line in what was to be the last play of the game.

With Marr thumping Kelso, Biggar drop down to second bottom and a relegation slot. This makes Saturday’s match against Marr all the more important. The action starts at 2pm, please come on down if you can!

Biggar: Scot Swankie, Mark Bertram, Andy King, john Smart, Craig McDonald, Andrew Watt, David Reive, Donald Voas, Ewan Stewart, Craig Bachurzewski, Callum Taylor, Jamie Orr, Lewis Mclachlan, McKenzie Pearce, Craig Simmons(Captain). Replacements: Andrew Muir, Charles Cochrane, Calvin Henderson, Andrew Fleming.