Biggar rugby under-16s win Edinburgh Shield

With their older pals having won the U-18 equivalent several weeks ago and with the girls’ successes at Murrayfield still fresh in the memory as well, there was more than a little pressure on the under-16s to do well.

That they eventually achieved their goal was wonderful and thoroughly deserved – but what a match!

Under-16 coach Alistair Stewart said: “I am immensely proud of these boys and the great things they’ve achieved over the last couple of years. Good luck for the future.

“And to you, the supporters. Always there. Always positive.

“I thank you for your affectionate support over the years and thanks too for the wonderful memories.”

If you didn’t manage along to Meggetland on Sunday you missed a belter!

The visitors struck early on when Sam Wallis touched down in the right corner after some simple hands through the back division.

Biggar kept their foot on the gas and continued to press through the forwards. Guy Kelly was a key figure in this closely supported by his front row mates.

In the 23rd minute, the ball popped out to Lewis Stewart who spotted a narrow gap and squeezed over the whitewash for Biggar’s second. Robbie Orr narrowly missed the conversion.

Any thoughts that this was going to be a straightforward encounter were quickly dispelled in the 35th minute. ‘Muir’ slipped a tackle or two and advanced to the Biggar 5m line.

The Biggar defence was resolute though but they switched off for a split second and paid the price when the No.8 crashed over to open Boroughmuir’s account.

10-5 up at half time was okay but far from safe.

Boroughmuir exerted considerable pressure in the second half before Boroughmuir broke away after a Biggar fumble and went ahead five minutes from time.

But Biggar’s Rowan Stewart then motored forward and popped a beautifully timed pass to Rory Wesencraft on the wing. The speed merchant got over the line, just, to bring the score to 15-15. 

Boroughmuir gained possession and kicked through. Rowan Stewart gathered and burst forward.

A penalty for obstruction gave Biggar the upper hand.

Rather than throwing it to the nearest player in black, Kotze let Kelly do the work to draw in the defenders.

Stuart Forrest delayed his run at the back of the ruck until he could brake into a menacing stride. 10m out and Stuart was being closed down.

Time was up, this was the very last play. It had to happen right there. Screams of “Hands” were coming from everyone. Forrest didn’t disappoint.

The Sonny Bill ‘esque’ offload found its way into Matthew Stewart’s hands who dived over the line to score a superb try.

That was it! Full-time! Biggar Win! The crowd went mad!