Mixed fortunes for clubs

Dalziel managed a converted try but fell to a 19-7 defeat at home to Dalziel in their Tennent’s West League Division One opener.

Ross Hamilton dotted over, with Andrew Glover adding the extras.

In West League Division Two, Strathaven went down to a narrow 9-7 defeat at home to Wigtownshire.

Strathaven fielded several under-18 players in their line-up, with their try being scored by Glen Neilson.

Coach Craig Ferguson said:“us as a team didn’t stick to the game plan. The guys need to take on board what is being taught and implement it on the field.”

Uddingston fared somewhat better in their Tennent’s West League Division Two opener, returning from Ayr with a comprehensive 85-12 win over Millbrae.

The Villagers found little opposition as seven tries put them into a 41-5 lead at the break.

It was a similar tale in the second half as Uddingston scored a further eight tries, with five successful conversions completing the scoring.

Last season’s top try scorer Chris King got his campaign off to a good start with four tries, while Lewis Tunnicliffe, Andy Watson, Chris Roden and Stuart Craig all bagged doubles.

There were single efforts from Keith Bradley, Donald Haldane and James Brown in his first league match as 1st XV captain, while Juan Jordan and Chris King shared the five conversions.

Clydesdale’s West League Division Three game at home to Cowal was postponed. They visit Shawlands on Saturday.

Hamilton continue their National 1 campaign at home to Selkirk on Saturday, while in National 2, Biggar entertain Stewart’s Melville.

In West League Division 1, Dalziel travel to Kilmarnock where a win would take them above their opponents.

In West League 2, Strathaven host Wigtownshire while Uddingston are at home to Loch Lomond. ●Biggar Rugby Club have been awarded Gold status in the SRU Club Sustainability scheme.

Matters taken into account for the award include provision of rugby at all ages and all levels for boys and girls (young and old), recruitment and player retention, financial stability, good governance, contribution to the community in terms of coaching and support of schools rugby, provision of qualified coaches and referees (etc).

A Biggar spokesperson said:“it’s confirmation from the SRU of the faith they have in the club to develop the game of rugby in the local community.

“This is clearly an incredibly exciting time for Biggar and it is due to the continued support of the club from sponsors, players, members and supporters, all of whom have contributed to the club’s progress.

“It is not an award that can be taken lightly; it’s now up to the club to demonstrate that it can deliver and, wherever possible, exceed the criteria for the award.”

The Biggar/lanark combined side, Biggar Eagles, are scheduled to make their first appearance on Saturday in a home match against Duns – ALL players from both clubs are asked to make themselves available to ensure the game goes ahead. ●Hamilton are looking to introduce new players to their youth section. Anybody interested gets to try the game for free in the first month.

Experience or sporting prowess aren’t essential and players will be taken from P1 to under-18.

Contact alanfalconer@ hamiltonrugbyclub.co.uk for more information.