Ultimate aim is to go up says Biggar Rugby Club head coach Gary Mercer

Guy Kelly about to touch down for Biggars bonus point try against Stewarts Melville (Pic by Nigel Pacey)

The Hartreemill men are setting the pace in Tennent’s National Division 2 and on course for promotion following a comfortable victory.

Head coach Gary Mercer told the Carluke and Lanark Gazette: “This is my third season here and we have never had a performance as good as that.

“We nullified Stewart’s Melville, a team coming down from Division 1.

“Our boys chewed them up.

“Like every season we have got to be in the top four.

“Ideally as a club we are looking to get promoted.

“That is our ultimate aim.

“But I don’t want to talk about that at this time. I will talk about it after Christmas.

“We have some really good young players and there is a bit more depth in the squad.”

Youngsters like James Barr, Matthew Stewart, Lewis Stewart, Lohan Koetz, Robbie Orr and Rowan Stewart have rolled off the Biggar Colts conveyor belt.

And experienced lads Alan Warnock, Davy Reive, Robbie Lavery and Chris Mulligan – re-signed from Heriots this summer – has also been key to Biggar’s success recently.

“Chris has made a massive difference to the pack,” Mercer added.

“He has come back to his club of origin which is great.

“The other established players are still performing to a very high level.

“They are quality players.

“There is great balance now and all these boys are Biggar through and through.

“They are wearing the shirt with pride and playing outstandingly well.”

Table topping Biggar will try and keep their fine start going at struggling Howe of Fife this Saturday.

“We mustn’t rest on our laurels and show complacency,” Mercer added.

“A lot of the enjoyment from rugby is winning a game and having a beer.

“We are not a professional team but the camaraderie and the joy we can get as a group of men is what it’s all about.”