Biggar Colts 25

Boroughmuir Colts 8

EVEN though we enter a new Conference with some new opposition, namely the best youth teams in Scotland, this match-up had a very familiar ring to it.

This was a relatively new look Colts side, albeit with recognisable names from the previous season.

Unquestionably, there will be a sigh of relief from all concerned that the first blow has been struck by the Black and Red with a favourable victory and excellent team spirit to boot.

To dispatch a team like Boroughmuir, who have been operating in the top end league for many a season, is no mean feat and a pulsating contest left a healthy Biggar support with beaming smiles.

The match was competitive throughout and started very well with Ali Steele at outside centre kicking well from the hand and Finlay Stewart hoovering things up at full-back.

The visitors were dangerous but Colts resident pickpocket Luhann Kotze performed daylight robbery on a couple of occasions to release a bit of Boroughmuir pressure.

It was Boroughmuir that drew first blood with a penalty in the 30th minute.

Hosts and visitors alike got their blood up at the tail end of the first half and referee tripped over a couple of handbags to have a word with both captains to throw the fashion accessories to the sidelines.

Rare defensive frailty by Biggar led to Boroughmuir's tall second row scoring right on half time to bring the score to 8-0 to the Edinburgh outfit.

With Jordan Gray at No 8 it was a great opportunity for him to showcase his dynamic ability and it allowed him some freedom to break the line and this ultimately led to Biggar's first try.

Real momentum up the right through Gray's break and continuity saw Ali Steele over the line following sustained pressure.

Steele narrowly missed his conversion but he would make amends three minutes later when Boroughmuir were penalised for not releasing in the tackle. His penalty was neatly slotted between the posts from the right hand touchline to bring the score level at 8-8.

Biggar were direct and getting into a flow and on 52 minutes Robbie Orr collected the ball from the back of the ruck 10 metres out from the Boroughmuir line, showed their defence the blind but switched back inside to Kotze who split the defence. Steele converted.

Biggar seeing a bit more of the ball they capitalised with a massive carry by Jordan Gray who crashed through for a well deserved score. Steele converted well.

Ten minutes to go saw some changes in the pack replacing Archibald and Baillie who put in a competent shift.

Just after the hour mark Sam Wallis showed real endeavour. The winger collected in his own half, opened the tanks, broke the first tackle, before being halted at the opposition 22. It was an excellent stop by the 'Muir' defender but he just held on a bit too long giving Biggar the penalty. Ali Steele obliged with another three points.

Boroughmuir weren't done though and advanced putting Biggar defence to the test. Biggar absorbed the late pressure to bring the game to a close after a Muir knock-on.