Biggar win Derby

Saturday saw Hamilton Bulls return to Leagua action in National 2 against local rivals Biggar. After their successful demolition of Aberdeenshire the week before in the Cup, hopes were high for this season, but these were quickly dashed by a physical, aggressive display from Biggar whose pack was dominant throughout, denying the Bulls the kind of possession to release their free scoring backs.
The writing was on the wall as early as the 10th minute when, after a period of sustained pressure, Hamilton were penalised for not releasing. Number 10, Carne Green converted the penalty to give Biggar a deserved lead. Hamilton went on the attack immediately, but were denied by quick defensive line speed and aggressive tackling. Prop Chris McLaughlin withdrew from the field injured putting the Hamilton scrum under even more pressure. None the less it was Hamilton who scored next thanks to quick thinking by centre Craig Inglis who fired a long pass to his brother Ross on the wing. He skipped past the wide defence and turned the ball inside for Wilson to score between the posts, and to convert his own try.
The pattern of scrum dominance continued however and Hamilton were penalised again. Despite Hamilton’s stout defence, scrum half Kennedy was stripped of the ball 5 metres out and No 6 Orr went over in the corner. The try was converted by stand off Carne Green whose kicking from hand was also assured, controlling territory for Biggar. None the less it was Hamilton who took the lead again after quick hands from the base of the ruck saw the ball whipped out to winger Inglis who outpaced the defence for an unconverted try in the corner.
With only minutes to go in the half the large crowd were bemused by a refereeing decision when a Hamilton 22 drop out hit the ref and the scrum was awarded to Biggar. Again the scrum power told, and scrum half Reive went over between the posts, again converted by Green. Hamilton went further behing in the last action of the half when Biggar intercepted and fed No 6 Orr for his second try and Biggar’s bonus points. At half time Biggar deservedly led by 24 to 12.
The second half was much more competitive. The return of McLaughlin to the front row gave Hamilton more stability. Both sides’ defensive qualities were fully tested, and it was Hamilton who scored the only try of the half through Craig Inglis after a clever show and go by stand off Whitelaw. Wilson converted to narrow the gap to 7. Both sides had opportunities as the game broke up, but a combination of stout defence and handling errors, prevented further scoring. Hamilton’s second half improvement and superior fitness could not overcome the physicality of a strong Biggar outfit.
Hamilton’s next outing is at home on 9th September versus West of Scotland, and coach David Gemmel will be hoping for a stronger performance, especially in the opening quarter.