Cartha QP v Biggar

Cartha QP v Biggar
Sat 29th January 2022.

The match took place in dry conditions. There was a very strong gusty wind blowing from the bottom right hand corner to the left hand corner closest to the clubhouse. Due to injuries and unavailability this was a much changed CQP squad from the previous week. Fortunately the problem with strip clashes had been dealt and spectators had no difficulty in distinguishing one team from the other.

Biggar came into this game sitting in second top spot three points behind league leaders Heriots but with a game in hand. It became clear early on that Biggar had the upper hand up front and this was confirmed when after only six minutes of play they were awarded a penalty. The ball was duly put into touch by Biggar who took their own ball and drove over the CQP line to put themselves into a seven point lead. With fifteen minutes on the clock Biggar forward pressure lead to a second Biggar try. The try came from a five metre scrum. Several CQP forwards stood up as the CQP pack was being driven back and the ref awarded Biggar a penalty try to give Biggar a deserved fourteen point lead.

CQP kept the score down by efficient tackling and the halfway mark was reached with no change in the score.

HT CQP 0 BIGGAR 14.

The wind advantage had been in Biggar’s favour in the first half but CQP were unable to take advantage of this in the second half as Biggar were able to add three more tries in the second half converting one. CQP’s squad had consisted of a sizeable number of new players to the first XV squad who to their credit never gave up in this game. They tried very hard to get over the Biggar line and came close several times but Biggar’s defence is as strong as their attack and they managed to prevent CQP from crossing their line. Biggar are a very well organised side. In attack they consistently took the ball at pace. By comparison while there was nothing wrong with the accuracy of CQP’s passing the receiver was usually receiving the ball while static and the Biggar defender was in their face giving CQP little chance of gathering any momentum. There was no disgrace on the CQP side in losing this match by five tries to nil. As has been mentioned in earlier reports with so many young players trying to emerge into this level we need to be patient. As our young players gain more experience and develop more physically results will improve.

Marcus Goodwin sustained rib damage in this game and may be out for a few games but Calum Dickson who had been injured the previous week may be back earlier than might have been expected.

Next up Heriots on Friday 11th with a 7 .45 pm kick off.

FT CQP 0 BIGGAR 31