Biggar12
Selkirk43
SATURDAY’S rearranged RBS National League game between Biggar and Selkirk was as close as any of the players will get to experiencing what it’s like to spend 80 minutes in a wind tunnel.
The force-nine gale which whipped down the Hartreemill pitch throughout the match was of a ferocity even professional players would have struggled to master. Such was Selkirk skipper Andrew Renwick’s confidence in his team-mates, however, that on winning the toss he elected to play into the teeth of the gale.
His faith proved well-founded, with Selkirk’s players turning in one of their most impressive performances of the season against the elements in the first half. A combination of secure handling, tireless support play and textbook recycling resulted in the visitors scoring five tries to lead 29-5 at the break.
“The boys played the conditions really well,” said head coach Ally Dickson, “and the effort put in by every member of the squad was huge. We got the feelgood factor back against Hillhead-Jordanhill last week, and this laid the foundations for another big win.”
With only one RBS National League fixture to play, Selkirk are now guaranteed a top half finish in the division, while victory over Dundee at Mayfield on March 22 would see the Souters end the campaign in fourth place – the same position they finished last season.
Darren Clapperton got the ball rolling in the opening minute with the first of his two tries, Josh Welsh secured a hat trick while Fraser Harkness and Mikey Davies also got on the scoresheet with a try while Rory Banks kicked four conversions.
Biggar’s tries came from Connor Lavery and Craig McDonald with the latter converting his own.