2nd XV versus Biggar (A) 27/01/07




After another couple of blank weeks, it was with anticipation that the players greeted Saturday morning… or should that be trepidation? No point in going through the changes from the last game (enough to say there were a few!) and the Mighty 2’s welcomed back Chooks after duty for the 1st XV (more of this later!), Sandy Warnock made a debut and Richie McKnight and Ricky Munday got some game time after lay offs, the latter after a late call off from big Phil Ludford who had trouble keeping down his breakfast on Saturday……probably shock at not getting the dreaded Saturday morning text!


The journey did not start well with and accident at Crow Road forcing us along Gt. Western Rd. A problem on the motorway then allowed us as scenic trip round Glasgow, past the Barras – try explaining that concept to Sean Murray! – and along London Road, past “the place we will not mention!” At this stage we wondered if Davy, the bus driver had mistaken us for a Magical Mystery Tour because Hugh Barrow and Ally Maclay’s parents were with us.


Eventually we arrived at Biggar to be informed that we had to play at the Showfield, so after changing we got back on the bus and headed off for our less than usual 10 minute warm-up!


The game kicked off and proceeded at a cracking pace with Hawks dominating possession early on, but Biggar responding with a dangerous breakout. Lineouts were producing a steady stream of good quality ball – 4 good jumpers does make a difference- and it was no surprise when ball was moved swiftly through the hands in the backs for Skinny Murray to kick ahead and win the chase to the ball, And he says he doesn’t like the wing because he never sees the ball!!


Ten minutes later and some fine off-loading down the right hand side allowed Stu Dunk to capitalise and run in Hawks’ 2nd try and Hawks led 10-0. this point was most memorable for two thumping runs from Donald Malcolm, one bowling over the intended tackler and the other a fiercesome hand-off which stuck the Biggar player unceremoniously on his backside.


At this stage a few passes were dropped at the end of promising moves and the referee, who generally had a good game, started to penalise flat passes, which frequently had men running in behind the opposition. As a result it wasn’t until the 35th minute that Hawks scored their next try through Niall Cadell, this one was converted by KB and at the half-time break Hawks led 17-0.


Ricky Munday replaced Kiddsy at halftime, Stu Pollock replaced Chris Lyall and Chooks who had made himself available to play despite having a major family function headed off home, having completed an excellent shift. This was turning out to be an excellent rugby match played by two sides willing to throw the ball around. Biggar started the 2nd half strongly, playing a very direct style and brought some of their big forwards into play with strong runs. They profited from this when they scored a fine try after 52 minutes and looked to be bringing themselves back into the game but Hawks reasserted themselves and set up camp in the Biggar 22. A secure lineout was proving to be a good platform for Hawks, although maybe some of Murray Wiseman’s passes off short lineouts left a wee bit to be desired, with KB becoming concerned about where further damage to his nose might come from. It was off lineout ball that the forwards controlled the ball and eventually Niall Cadell was the player to plunge over.


This lead only lasted 1 minute before Biggar reduced the deficit scoring a good try down the left, albeit courtesy of sloppy Hawks defence. Fifteen minutes to go Hawks leading 24-12. Again Hawks had a good spell of pressure but in fact it was a break out which led to the next try and young Richie Gray, playing one of his last games before taking on Age Grade duties, galloped in for a try, carrying a couple of intended tacklers over and utilising his long frame to stretch out for the line.


Biggar had the final say however and were gifted a try at the end and the final score was Hawks 31 Biggar 17.


Conclusion – a good game played by two good sides, Biggar are difficult to beat at home but Hawks had too much firepower ultimately. With a potential cracker against Stirling County next week, this was a good run-out after a stop start period to the season. I don’t think I need to remind players of last seasons game there. We need to win to keep the pressure on Watsonians. BE AT TRAINING!

This article was posted on 28-Jan-2007, 23:37 by Hugh Barrow.