Lasswade 24

Biggar 20

Al Stewart at Hawthornden

WITH four games remaining Biggar were keen to finish on a high with a series of good performances which would cement a fifth place finish.

Try as they did however they could not quite get the better of Lasswade who, courtesy of three second half tries, took the honours on Saturday.

Playing with the wind Biggar had to have the better of the first half and this they largely did, some resolute defence preventing Lasswade from scoring while a series of decisions, which could as easily been awarded to Lasswade, went their way.

The scoring was opened with Ross Bradford making the most of a great break by Ross Jackson whose run took him through and round the ‘Wade defence.

Ewan Bogle added the conversion for 7-0.

Just five minutes later Bogle had a chance to extend his side's lead from a penalty, but he was just off target.

Bogle did slot a penalty with just two minutes remaining of the half.

Both teams took to the dressing room at the break, Biggar reappearing without hooker Ewan Stewart who had struggled after a head lock in an earlier play, his place taken by No 8 Andrew Orr with sub Nimmo introduced on the flank.

Then came the ‘gift’, a Biggar pass floating past the two players on the blindside and onto the ground and into the path of winger Smith who hacked forward before pouncing for the try.

Stand off Bell knocked the conversion over and Biggar found themselves just three points ahead at 10-7.

Some great, belligerent running and carries by Andrew Orr, Ryan Moffat, Robbie Lavery, Nimmo and Jardine took the eye although as is often the case few fail to deliver and all contribute to the cause.

A forward pass foiled one promising move but this saw a penalty award for a previous infringement, Bogle kicking well to extend the Biggar lead to 13–7.

Things got better as Biggar continued to run at the ‘Wade defence, with ball switched from side to side.

Having taken ball up the left wing play was then swept back right where Moffat provided a good offload to Notman who appeared on the wing.

Having made a run into the ‘Wade 22 he popped the ball inside to centre Lavery who managed to cross for a great score, despite the attentions of the ‘Wade cover defence, and one which Bogle converted for 20-7.

Skipper Alan Warnock made a great take and tilt on the restart but just when they should have been looking to control play and calm things down a lineout loss paved the way for a ‘Wade counter.

Lock Hunter was on the end of a series of ‘pick and goes’ to crash over for a try which Bell converted to make it a ‘one score’ game yet again at 20-14.

With half an hour remaining other scores were more than likely but play was fairly even as neither side were able to put phases together.

In attack, Biggar then coughed up possession in the ‘Wade 22 and a kick and chase ensued, winger Stewart just getting to the ball first but unable due to the chasing ‘Wade players boot to control the ball.

As Biggar regrouped ‘Wade tapped the penalty and laid siege to the Biggar line where a crash ball was taken at pace by centre Smith who took the ball over for what turned out to be a crucial and match-winning try.

Bell converted and Lasswade took the lead for the first time in the match at 21-20.

With 10 minutes now left there was still time to retake the lead, but a number of errors crept into the Biggar play and decisions which hitherto had gone their way were awarded to ‘Wade.

The home side stretched their lead with five minutes remaining with a Bell penalty for 24-20.

Biggar’s hopes were raised with a final flurry, Bogle set free on the left flank for a run and then grubber which took play to within five metres of the ‘Wade line and while Biggar retained possession again a knock-on brought the final whistle.

Another frustrating afternoon for the Biggar outfit although ‘Wade have just been ahead this season and indeed are still within sight of promotion.

Biggar: D. O’Connell, E. Stewart, C. Henderson, J. Orr, A. Warnock, E. Sanderson, R. Jackson, A. Orr, I. Renwick, A. Jardine, G. Stewart, R. Moffat, R. Lavery, R. Bradford, E. Bogle Reps: D. Voas, A. Nimmo, D. Notman, J. Barr