Biggar RFC
Encyclopedia
Biggar RFC was formed in 1975 by five men who had been heavily involved in rugby clubs in their younger days and thought that the area might just stand a chance of raising a new social rugby club. These were Dr. Mike Bewsher (Melrose), Richard Carr (Harlequins), Les Clerihew (Stewarts College), Archie Stott (Hawick Trades) and Tom Wight (Melrose).
Twenty-eight years later, at the end of season 2003/2004, the Club found itself promoted to the top division in Scotland for season 2004/2005. Naturally, the media thought Biggar would drop straight back down into the 2nd division of the Scottish Premiership for the 2005/2006 season. However the club survived a season finishing 5th in Scotland's top rugby division. Unfortunately its second season was not so successful, as they slipped into the relegation zone. Although to survive a season is a great achievement, as Biggar is a small town club with no real affiliation to anywhere. The Club happened to be in the Edinburgh District set up but certainly was not in Edinburgh. The Edinburgh clubs think it really belongs in the Borders. But while on the fringes of the Scottish Borders, it is certainly not in the Borders, although the Border clubs do try to make Biggar feel at home, with intense rivalry when they play Biggar. Biggar is, in fact, in South Lanarkshire, which is in the old Strathclyde Region of Scotland.
Looking at the map of Scotland, you might be puzzled as to why Biggar is not in the Borders. But our Club does not mind one way or the other, for in the season 2004/2005 they confounded all their critics by ending up in 5th spot in the top Premiership division; no mean achievement for such a young club.
The Club has a fantastic belief in its own ability, is backed by a number of coaches, encouraging players of all ages to love the game and the sense of achievement there is to be gained from taking part, from the youngest players at around 6/7 years old all the way through to the ‘over 35s’. Our oldest player (for the moment) is in his mid-50s. At every level players are tested in competitive leagues which have games each week.
Normally, of the 1st XV squad of 19 players who normally take to the field each Saturday, 14 or 15 have been with the Club since starting to play the game in the ‘Minis', and have come right the way up through the youth system to play first team rugby in the Scottish Premiership.
The club also fields a 2nd XV squad who are in a reserve league. Similarly they also are mainly made up of players who have grown up at the club.
Biggar RFC built its own Clubhouse premises in 1989 and now owns some 30 acres (121,405.8 m²) of ground. A new first team pitch was sown a couple of seasons ago, which now that drainage is installed is ready for use by the first XV. It is a thriving club with a good following, its fans often outnumbering the opposition at away games. It presents a close-knit community with a strong family atmosphere at weekends and has supporters from both inside and outside the community, who follow the team to all games.
Although recognised as an intimidating venue for opponents to come and play, Hartreemill is famed for the warm hospitality and lively atmosphere offered in the traditional clubhouse, due, in no small part, to the efforts of the friendly bar staff, who engage in 'banter' with players and fans alike. The clubhouse has established itself in Biggar as a popular venue for screening sporting events, such as International rugby matches, on its large screen.
Biggar's most notable player is Scott Lawson. The hooker played for Biggar before going on to gain many Scotland caps at full international level.
Twenty-eight years later, at the end of season 2003/2004, the Club found itself promoted to the top division in Scotland for season 2004/2005. Naturally, the media thought Biggar would drop straight back down into the 2nd division of the Scottish Premiership for the 2005/2006 season. However the club survived a season finishing 5th in Scotland's top rugby division. Unfortunately its second season was not so successful, as they slipped into the relegation zone. Although to survive a season is a great achievement, as Biggar is a small town club with no real affiliation to anywhere. The Club happened to be in the Edinburgh District set up but certainly was not in Edinburgh. The Edinburgh clubs think it really belongs in the Borders. But while on the fringes of the Scottish Borders, it is certainly not in the Borders, although the Border clubs do try to make Biggar feel at home, with intense rivalry when they play Biggar. Biggar is, in fact, in South Lanarkshire, which is in the old Strathclyde Region of Scotland.
Looking at the map of Scotland, you might be puzzled as to why Biggar is not in the Borders. But our Club does not mind one way or the other, for in the season 2004/2005 they confounded all their critics by ending up in 5th spot in the top Premiership division; no mean achievement for such a young club.
The Club has a fantastic belief in its own ability, is backed by a number of coaches, encouraging players of all ages to love the game and the sense of achievement there is to be gained from taking part, from the youngest players at around 6/7 years old all the way through to the ‘over 35s’. Our oldest player (for the moment) is in his mid-50s. At every level players are tested in competitive leagues which have games each week.
Normally, of the 1st XV squad of 19 players who normally take to the field each Saturday, 14 or 15 have been with the Club since starting to play the game in the ‘Minis', and have come right the way up through the youth system to play first team rugby in the Scottish Premiership.
The club also fields a 2nd XV squad who are in a reserve league. Similarly they also are mainly made up of players who have grown up at the club.
Biggar RFC built its own Clubhouse premises in 1989 and now owns some 30 acres (121,405.8 m²) of ground. A new first team pitch was sown a couple of seasons ago, which now that drainage is installed is ready for use by the first XV. It is a thriving club with a good following, its fans often outnumbering the opposition at away games. It presents a close-knit community with a strong family atmosphere at weekends and has supporters from both inside and outside the community, who follow the team to all games.
Although recognised as an intimidating venue for opponents to come and play, Hartreemill is famed for the warm hospitality and lively atmosphere offered in the traditional clubhouse, due, in no small part, to the efforts of the friendly bar staff, who engage in 'banter' with players and fans alike. The clubhouse has established itself in Biggar as a popular venue for screening sporting events, such as International rugby matches, on its large screen.
Biggar's most notable player is Scott Lawson. The hooker played for Biggar before going on to gain many Scotland caps at full international level.
Notable players
- Scott LawsonScott LawsonScott Lawson is a Scottish rugby union player who plays club rugby for Gloucester Rugby after moving there from Sale Sharks in September 2008, and plays internationally for . He plays as a hooker....