Musselburgh 53

Biggar 14

Al Stewart at Stoneyhill

AFTER two warm up games Biggar travelled to National 1 club Musselburgh on National League Cup action on Saturday. Musselburgh and Biggar have not met for several seasons as the clubs missed each other when Biggar were relegated from National 1 to 2 and Musselburgh were promoted some four years ago.

Matches hitherto had been fairly even although there have been similar high scoring wins and defeats.

On this occasion it is fair to say Biggar were comprehensively beaten by the East Lothain side who showed a strong presence up front – including ex-Biggar man Colin Arthur – and who scored freely in the first half to go ahead 32-0.

Biggar will point to a better 2nd half showing when the score was 21-14 but Musselburgh will doubtless contest that having done the damage in the first half they slackened off a bit as their progress to the next round was secured.

Biggar were without a couple of regulars but this cannot be used as an excuse and the side will have to quickly regroup prior to the league opener this weekend when they journey to Dumfries.

The big home pack did most of the damage and while Biggar looked dangerous with the ball, possession is always key and when a side struggles to retain possession they will forever be on the back foot.

Musselburgh ran in four first half tries and kicked two conversions and two penalties for their 32 point lead.

The first and third tries came from a week defensive effort from Biggar which will task the coaches as this has been an area they have been working on in training.

The second after some good support running saw the home side side breach the Biggar defence while the fourth was a forward drive controlled by that man Arthur who ultimately touched down.

After the break and an early try to the home side – this an interception which could equally as easily seen Biggar in for an opening score - Biggar got their first points with Matthew Stewart taking a pass from stand-off Conor Lavery who added the conversion.

A series of penalties at scrum time disrupted Biggar’s concentration and they were posted missing as Burgh took a quick tap and go to record their 6th score.

A neat off-load by Rowan Stewart put Lavery over for Biggar’s second try.

A number of changes will be made for this Saturday and Biggar will have to dig a good bit deeper if they are to get a win at Dunfries a side that lost to twice in last season’s campaign.