Biggar Rugby Club are closing in on top spot in the Tennent’s National League 1 table following a convincing 40-17 win at Watsonians on Saturday.
The result leaves them a point off leaders Heriot’s Blues, who have played a game more – but a three-point deduction for failing to fulfil a fixture at Ayr back in September has cost Biggar dearly.
Saturday’s game was far from free-flowing, with 26 penalties awarded in the 80 minutes, so it was impressive that there was time for nine tries to be scored.
With six penalties awarded in the first 10 minutes, neither side got to grips early on, but Biggar took the lead in 13 minutes when Donald Voas latched onto a break by Angus Thomson to romp home, with Euan Bogle adding the conversion.
A quickly-taken Watsonians penalty was intercepted by Thomson, but it was within the 10m zone and Biggar were reduced to 14 for 10 minutes.
A huge kick by Bogle then took play to within five metres of the line and when a rampant line drive was illegally halted, Biggar were awarded a penalty try and Watsonians also reduced to 14.
Watsonians struck the upright with a penalty and Ross Jackson launched play upfield, only for the half-time whistle to sound at 14-0.
With a couple of front row players injured in Watsonians’ ranks, scrums were now uncontested, giving the hosts a break.
They took advantage of this by scoring a converted try, which led to a period of uncertain play by Biggar.
However, Andy Jardine got them back on track, crashing over for a try which stretched the lead to 19-7.
Watsons bagged a second try, unconverted, with reduced the deficit to just seven points.
Going into the final quarter, a shock looked like it might be on the cards and this was compounded when Watsons bagged their third try, reducing the gap to just two points.
However, a penalty and a good touch finder by Jackson created position in the Watsons 22 and a line take by Josh King and several carries saw Jardine burst over for his second try, converted by Bogle for 26-17.
Biggar then finished the game in some style, an arcing 40-metre run by Voas was followed by a Robbie Orr breenge, before Ross Jackson finished the move off with a try, and Bogle’s conversion put the game beyond doubt.
But there was still time for Jardine to secure his hat-trick, with a fifth conversion from Bogle wrapping things up at 40-17.
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