It was a weekend of celebration for Biggar Rugby Football Club after their ladies’ team won a huge competition at Murrayfield.
In the final game of the season, Biggar travelled to the national stadium to take on Ayr in the National Plate final.
In what was a fantastic spring afternoon in front of a huge support, Biggar Ladies were always in front in the game, out-scoring their opponents by six tries to three.
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The team put out the strongest squad they could, one which included both Emma Orr and Kirsty Ritchie, who returned to Biggar colours from international duties.
Biggar pressurised Ayr in just about every area, except the scrum where the opposition eight had a slight advantage.
Ayr were unable to capitalise on this, however, with Biggar holding onto possession despite being on the retreat and, on the few occasions when Biggar struggled to retain possession, their defence was more than up to the task and frequently knocked Ayr back.
The day wasn’t without challenge though as Biggar were forced into an early change when winger Emily Inglis was injured making a tackle, her replacement being Farah Conn. This was the 18 year olds first senior appearance.
(Image: Nigel Pacey)
Gerry Kimm claimed her hat-trick within the first quarter of the game.
A long pass from Emma Orr set Kimm free, but having received the ball just in her own half, the fullback out-stripped the Ayr defence to score under the posts from range. Orr’s conversion took Biggar into a 19-0 lead.
Half-time saw Biggar lead Ayr 26 to 5, with the Lanarkshire ladies almost completely dominating the game.
The second half once again saw Biggar open strongly with Emma Orr taking advantage by taking a quick tap penalty to drive over from close range.
As the game entered its last quarter players began to tire, mainly due to the unexpected sunshine.
Ayr finished the game strong as they seemed to take confidence in their ability to make ground. The match ended with an Ayr try, scored in the corner by Robyn Gibson.
The game finished 36-22 to Biggar, who celebrated a game in which they dominated the majority.
A huge Biggar support celebrated with the ladies at Murrayfield as they took home the National Plate. The player of the match was Gerry Kimm.
Reactions quickly followed as the news of the victory spread online.
One Biggar fan posted online: “Watched it on the SRU website – so brilliant hearing the commentators mentioning so many familiar names.”
Another congratulated the ladies, saying: “Excellent stuff, well done Biggar ladies, you should be well chuffed with your achievements this season.”
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