Biggar 52

Kelso 6

Al Stewart

at Hartree Mill

For the second week in a row Biggar recorded eight tries and 52 points in their National League match.

As nearest rivals Heriots were beaten by Gala, Biggar now have a 15 point lead at the top of the table.

In the first encounter at Kelso the home side imploded towards the end of the match, ending the contest with just 11 players on the pitch.

The general feeling was that the Border side would come out all guns blazing as only a Border side can, with pride in their performance foremost on their minds.

That was the case for the first quarter when their kick and chase tactic, combined with some clever lineout ploys had Biggar struggling.

These factors, allied to referee Calum Worsley’s interpretation of the lineout rules which had Biggar dumbfounded led to the visitors taking an early lead via a massive penalty kick by Craig Dods which founds its mark from the half way line.

Dods added a second close range penalty after 10 minutes as Biggar were still unable to get to grips with the match.

There was soon some light however as at scrum time the Biggar pack were in dominant form and able to cause havoc for the visiting team.

On the 20 minute mark Biggar struck. A rare penalty to the home side gave Andy Jardine the chance to take play into the Kelso 22. Kelso stood off once again but on this occasion hooker Euan Stewart took advantage of the delay to turn and drive at the Kelso line.

This was successful and with Jardine kicking the conversion.

Some seven minutes later and Biggar stretched their lead with a powerful run on a good angle by Mark Bertram taking the winger over the line.

With a handful of minutes of the first half remaining Biggar swept play from left to right with Bradford on hand to cover the last few yards to the line for a try, converted by Jardine for 19-6.

There was barely time for the restart but Biggar made the most of it to claim their four-try bonus. Another turnover, this time by Bassett provided ball for the backs and some swift passing by among others Jardine created space for the flying fullback Robbie Orr to cross in the corner.

Jardine rounded things off with his third conversion. Half time and Biggar were 26-6 ahead.

Biggar opened the second half in fine form and were very quickly on the attack deep in the Kelso 22.

Another driven line ended with a try for the ever industrious Richard Bassett. Jardine added the conversion for 33-6.

Mark Bertram and Robbie Lavery then made way for Rowan Stewart and Rory Hutton, both players into the action quickly with Stewart scoring with his second touch of the ball.

A position deep in the Kelso half had been won by a great charge from Euan Stewart who had benefitted from some good work by Lewis Stewart and Craig Borthwick. On the front foot Rowan Stewart took a pass from Lavery to romp over under the posts. Jardine added the conversion.

Almost directly from the restart Biggar forced a scrum close to the Kelso line. Another massive shunt forward from the pack and a scrum collapse gave Mr Worsley little option and he awarded the penalty try.

In typical fashion Peacock marked his appearance from the bench with a try as he ran a lovely line off a Jackson breenge.

The build up to this try included some fantastic handling from the Biggar backs. Rowan Stewart’s pass out the back of the hand for this score was followed quickly by a very similar transfer from Robbie Orr.

There was still around 10 minutes remaining of the contest but Biggar were unable to add to their tally.

Biggar now prepare for a trip to the capital to take on Boroughmuir.

Biggar: R. Orr, M. Bertram, R. Lavery, A. Jardine, R. Bradford, C. Lavery, D. Reive, D. Voas, E. Stewart, R. Bassett, C. Borthwick, J. Orr, C. Mulligan, L. Stewart, R. Jackson. Reps: A. Peacock, A. Muir, L. Kutze, R. Hutton, R. Stewart