Biggar lose at leaders Hamilton

This BT National League Division 2 contest was one of a handful of local games to go ahead despite the winter storms.

Forced into several changes prior to the match and then on the Saturday morning when Ewan Stewart called off due to a tummy bug, Biggar were nevertheless able to field a strong XV – a good bit stronger than the one which had faced Hamilton back in September.

Biggar opened strongly against the wind and earned a number of penalties as Hamilton transgressed.

None of these were in any way kickable however and they only served to give Biggar territory which, unfortunately, hard though they tried, they were unable to capitalise on.

One opportunity which deserved better came on the 10-minute mark as Biggar drove well through Andrew Cairns and Henderson to within a couple of metres of the Hamilton line. The final transfer saw a knock on however and this allowed Hamilton to clear following the scrummage.

A penalty awarded against Bachurzewski then gave the hosts their first opportunity to go for a try.

A line drive took play to the Biggar line and with ball moved wide, Kiwi winger Jordan Harmer hit a good angle to bulldoze his way over for the score which was then converted by stand-off Andy Wilson.

A knee twist sustained by Peacock in one defensive phase led to Hamilton’s second score.

Struggling to get stable in the tight, Biggar were shunted at scrum time and a concerted drive from the pack saw lock Jerry McKee score the first of his two tries. Wilson was unable to add the conversion.

Donald Voas replaced Peacock and then Orr came on after Williams clashed heads.

Down 12-0 at half-time, Biggar were reduced to 14 players when referee Tom French found fault with O’Connell at the lineout.

There was another blow for the visitors when McArthur was injured and replaced by Peter Miller.

Hamilton’s McKee then drove over in the corner to put his side three scores ahead.

The hosts then clinched the four try bonus point in the dying minutes.