A highly efficient Biggar 1st XV did enough in the first 60 minutes of this opening Premier 2 fixture at Hartreemill to secure a bonus point victory against a gallant, but ultimately outgunned “Hills” side.  The fixture at Biggar is always one approached with trepidation by all visiting sides because of the tight confines of the pitch, the vociferous home support and the exposed location of the ground, but a game in late August should have promised no meteorological interference.  The south-westerly “ zephyrs” had a different point of view, however,  and proved highly significant with the home team making better use of the overhead conditions.

Biggar were quickly into the attack with full back Parker easily converting the first penalty chance offered, and it was a case of “Hills” hanging on with their powerful scrummaging being the principal means of restricting the home team’s attacking options.  “Hills” full back, Angus Twaddle, happily restored to the visitors team following his ankle fracture in March,  soon equalised with his first penalty chance which was well judged into the wind from 28 metres.  But Biggar ruled the touch lines where “Hills” were vulnerable  all day with thrower and catchers not quite co-ordinated, apart from an occasional Stuart Rose take.  Desperate defence allied to some poor ball retention by the home players saved the visitors on at least three occasions, but the reliable Parker eased Biggar ahead after 28 minutes with his second penalty.  Thereafter , “Hills” betrayed a lack of judgement in wanting to open out instead of entrusting retention of the ball to their front row “Goliaths” to grind their way forward and a soft interception try was offered up.  The conversion was a formality, and “Hills” again contributed to their downfall at the end of the first half  by conceding another soft score by failing to retain their line out ball, and then kicking poorly from defence to allow Biggar an easy scoring opportunity.

“Hills” turned round 20pts – 3 down, and it was essential for them to settle and take the game to Biggar.  This was achieved with Angus Twaddle narrowing the gap with another penalty goal, but this served only to motivate Biggar to find a higher gear which their man of the match, no.12 Simeon James, did with consummate ease.  His running in broken play,  his follow up and sleight of hand in the weight of pass were all too much for the “Hills”  team who could not cope in the third quarter when James overpowered them, firstly with a weaving run past five defenders and secondly with a burst into the twenty five.  This took Biggar to 32pts – 6 ahead with thoughts of their after match celebrations looming.  To the visitors’ and their coaches’ credit, “Hills” did not lie down, however,  but instead staged a rally of sorts, initially through the man mountain, Joe Stafford,  who powered his way over the line for a close range try and then the dangerous Andrew Leslie, who took advantage of a well delivered Cameron McCulloch grubber through the Biggar defensive line to score a well deserved try.  The effervescent Twaddle goaled both, and suddenly the meagre “Hills” support were wondering about a “comeback” with some seven minutes left.  But this was not part of the “script” for the home team and their support and the denouement was duly delivered with a thrilling counter attack with backs and forwards combining to score  beneath the posts.  Craig Parker sealed a comprehensive victory with his sixth successful goal kick to leave the “Hills” team disappointed with the outcome of their first showing in Premier 2.

Forwards coach, Grant Sweenie,  was not too downhearted at the end: “ We showed in phases how we can play, and fellow coach ,Colin Dickson,  and I will be working hard at training this week so we can face up to GHA at Hughenden next Saturday.”

Hillhead/Jordanhill RFC – Angus Twaddle, Lewis Mathieson ( Oliver Maddocks ) ,  Dan Witko, David Paterson (C), Andrew Leslie , Cameron McCulloch, David Armstrong ,David Simm (Will Goulden)
Joe Stafford,  Nick McAuley ,  David Fisken ,  Duncan McCartney ( Douglas Wood ), Donald Pitkethly ,  Douglas Crichton , Stuart Rose .  Subs. Fraser Paul