The sin-binning of Ross Taylor in the last five minutes summed up the frustrations that Biggleswade are currently enduring. They did so much right in this match but still came second by a wide margin.

Apart from the two replacements, travelling support was limited to just your correspondent. Even the coaching team stayed away.

Playing in South Leicester on a ground shared by the Tigers training academy Biggleswade started brightly. Almost as bright as the floodlights that came on the next pitch at half-time on a clear sunny afternoon. But Biggleswade were soon ten points down after a penalty was quickly followed by a converted try by the home side.

However Biggleswade hit back with a well worked try. The ball went through several hands. Prop Lee Panter was involved twice. For a prop to catch and pass once in open play is rare. To do it twice in the same move is unheard of! Lee was later to attempt to charge down a conversion. So obviously the “dietary supplements” are working wonders!

The enigmatic Karl Marshall was at the bottom of the pile as his friends helped him over the line. Like many in the side Karl tackled hard but Oadby hit back straight away with another try.

After the break the home team added three more tries. One came from a pushover after a five-metre lineout. This was quite a surprise as Biggleswade’s pack had competed very well. They too had strong driving mauls. The difference was that all the best efforts were too far out from the line.

For the second week in a row Ross Taylor was sent to the sidelines. This time it was for over-robust play. Ross felt aggrieved as in chipping ahead he felt he had been impeded from following up and his pleas to the referee fell on deaf ears.

Ten minutes from the end fly-half Adam Sewell was forced to retire with a sprained thumb but was replaced with James Young. The ever willing travelling replacement.

Biggleswade have a week off from league action until playing BBOB in the re-arranged game. The match was postponed when the Northampton’s side posts were blown down in a gale.

Team: A Burke, D Rogers, L Panter (R Collarbone), I Jones, T Griffiths, P Shea, K Marshall, J Buttigieg, R Taylor, A Sewell (J Young), T O’Connor, M Keen, M Cray, M Peace, M Rastrick.

Rugby Match Report : Biggleswade 2nd XV 22 Potton 0

After last week's convincing victory for the two's over Dunstable, Biggy's unbeaten second string looked forward to once again locking horns with their neighbours and rivals Potton. With the news that Potton would have some new unknown players in their ranks, it only added spice to what is always a feisty, keenly contested local derby. This match was generously sponsored by the Bell Public House at Sandy.

With Captain, Simon Rutt winning the toss, Biggy started with what wind their was - in their favour. Early exchanges mirrored how the game would pan out, with neither team giving much away. It came as no surprise, that, from the outset Potton were well charged up for the match, with both Aidey Bell and young Alex Small playing blinders for the Potts. However after Biggy had pressurised Potton, Biggy were denied a try after Albert (going back to his days back home in South Africa, was playing scrum half !) had failed to ground the ball. Biggy outdone here, soon scored after bully boy Jade Peat picking up a loose kick, powered his way to the line like a runaway rhino, taking most of the Potton backs' with him. Sadly unconverted the Twinkle Toes. Biggy began to take the upper hand, as the back row of slim line Tom Elcock, Joe Jordan and young Jason Livings made huge inroads into the Potton defence. Unfortunately, Livings after making a great impression reinjured his shoulder and Captain Rutt was forced to bring on Steve Cocozza for his first start all season. It was as if Coco had never been away and looked very assured at No 8. With the game being played out on the fringes of the pack, the experienced front row of Stubby, Stan and Flacky enjoyed their afternoon as they toiled away. Twinkle Toes slotted over a short range penalty for a Potton misdemeanour and Biggy lead 8 - 0. Try as they might, Potton found themselves up against some excellent Biggy defending in the backs and the combination of Marky Roberts and old hand Beano won some useful ball in the line out. With half time looming, Biggy killed the game off after an excellent backs move, once again Twinkle took centre stage, sold an outrageous dummy and was in for a superb try, which he converted. Biggy led at the break 15 - 0.

The second half was more of a dour affair. Biggy pinned Potton in their half for most of the half and Potts' only really got out of their half through pinpoint kicking. Biggy's backs had very limited ball to show they meant business. However speedy Sam Churms excelled with the ball as did young Officer Matthews, after his earlier altercation with Gideon ! In the last twenty minutes, Biggy' sustained attacking brought them yet another Twinkle Toes try after excellent work from Joe and Tom Elcock, ably assisted by Stan Matthews. This was converted by TT himself and Biggy were now out of sight. In the closing few minutes, Albert foraged like a man possessed and was unlucky not to score, but Potton showed tremendous resilience and stout defending keeping Biggy out. Biggy closed the game in total control and were winners 22 - 0, keeping their unbeaten home record intact since November 2004.

Captain Simon Rutt said afterwards : " This was a typical enjoyable Potton encounter. They pushed up all the way and never gave up. I would like to thank the Bell at Sandy for kindly sponsoring the match and would like to single out Alec, Joe, Tom and Jade (Peaty) for all having blinders".

Biggy 2nd XV : New Dad Stubby, Stanley, Flacky, Marky Mark, Beano, Slimline Tom, Joe, Jas Livings, (Coco), Albert the Lion, Twinkle Toes, Jade (Peaty), Captaino Rutty, Bish, Churms, Officer Matthews.

Sheepwalk pitches granted planning permission!

The pitches on Sheepwalk have been granted full planning consent, meaning that we are not just restricted to 28 days use per annum. The full 15 acre site has been given planning permission which will see a further pitch developed plus, in time, a large training area.

The consent will be reviewed annually by MBDC, so we need to stick strictly to the agreed restrictions on access, noise etc.

The pitches will be available to the club on the from September 1st through to May1st annually, in accordance with the terms of the lease, a hay crop could then be taken from the outfield, maintaining its agricultural status.

The club would not have been able to proceed with the Sheepwalk project without help from the following people and organisations, for which we are very grateful.

Bernard Newman, (landowner)
John Thoday
Richard Phipps
Jim Dunn
W J Kendall & Sons
Masterseeds (Masstock Arable Ltd)
Mid Beds District Council
all of those who have helped prepare the pitches and supported their use.

Congratulations to Tom Cusak (U15s) in passing his RFU Foundation Referee course. He joins Sam Joyce, Stuart Phipps and Thomas Harwood (all U16s) who are qualified referee's. Stuart and Thomas are both refereeing at the Northampton Saints U13s Tournament on Saturday prior to the Saints v Bristol game.

Ex Biggy Player included in England's intermediate academy squad

Three Academy players called up to England's intermediate academy squad

Charlie Beech

Prop Charlie Beech, wing Will Harries and lock Phil Hoy have been called up to train with England's intermediate academy squad, of which wing David Smith is already a member, at Bath University for the next few days leaving the rest of Saints Academy in action against Harlequins second team tonight.

Academy coach Rob Hunter said: "I am very excited for all three players. It's always special to be picked for any international squad.

"Will was a stand-out back for the Wanderers in the early part of the season and as a result made his debut for Saints. He is an exciting runner and is a very competitive and physical player.

"Phil has improved immensely in the short time he has been with us. He has a great attitude. This is also an opportunity for Charlie Beech to show he can compete at a high level."

Many of their Academy colleagues will be in action for the Wanderers in a friendly against Harlequins second team tonight. The match kicks off at 7.30pm at Imber Court.

Above article taken from Bedford Blues Website

Beard Watch

This is the first instalment of Biggy beard watch. Frankie has requested we watch his beard, as it grows.

Click Biggy Beard page for updates and highlights of all things facial hair

UNBEATEN SECONDS RETURN TO ACTION !!

Friendly Match : Biggleswade 2nd XV 24 Dunstablians Vets 0 - 20/01/07

On a fine, but very windy Saturday afternoon - there was a rare outing for the last season's highly successful second team. It was only the third game of the season for the side ! With the rain from previous weeks making the bottom pitch in places rather like a mud bath, the stand in referee, Chairman, John Thoday decided that the team should play their first match on the new "Sheepwalk" pitches. As the side made the slow and arduous journey across the Langford Road, they sized up a rather large Dunstable pack and a good, hard match was eagerly anticipated.

Captain, Simon Rutt unfortunately lost the toss (after excellent advice from Doctor Who Frankie Thoday) and Biggy kicked into the wind. Immediately, Man of the Match Joe Jordan sprung into life after Dunstable had gifted the ball to Biggy. Joe was like a howziter and made a great forty yard break. Unfortunately for him, Biggy probably fought they were on the wrong pitch - because no one was there to support him ! This was to mirror the first half, as although playing against the wind, Biggy strangled Dunstable of possession and Twinkle Toes Cochrane nearly got the first try after a typically elusive run. There were powerful excellent breaks from a slimmer Tom Elcock and a bulkier Andy Peat, but the support play was lacking. Biggy forced Dunstable into mistake after mistake and after a tapped penalty sturdy Peaty forced his way over for the first try. Converted by Twinkle Toes. With the play remaining with the forwards, new Father Stubby (congratulations mate), sly Stan and foxey Fagey toiled hard all afternoon. However, Dunstable forced the half and came close to scoring late on the half, however there was excellent defending from Doctor Who, Joe and Flacky. Jimbo Young playing in his old position of scrum half grafted away and linked well with Twinkle Toes and as the half ended Biggy were 7 - 0 up.

With the sides turning round, Biggy upped their game and used the wind to great effect. Through some intelligent kicking from Twinkle Toes, Biggy won the ball from a line out in the Dunstable twenty two and from the resulting maul, Ian Flack plundering a rare, but wonderful try ! Unconverted. Dunstable fought back and really took the game to Biggy, much credit to them for making an interesting contest in the second half ! Biggy closed the down the victory, when Twinkle Toes scored in the corner after another elusive break from his own half. Probably too tired to convert it ! Doctor Who went off with a groin strain and was replaced by hard working, Colts Coach, Warren Churms sporting 1930's stylee shorts ! His son, Sam voiced his concerns, but Warren came through unscathed ! Jimbo Young then made the moment of the match as dreaming of something obviously not connected with rugby, fumbled the ball with the line beckoning ! Although the chances for the backs were limited, Officer Matthews and Steve Ski Bishop when given chances showed that they were more than capable of intelligent and direct running. As the match progressed into a feisty encounter, Biggy sealed the victory with Captain, Simon Rutt scoring after a beautiful move started by old timer, Stan Matthews. This time converted by Twinkle Toes. With the feistiness developing further, one Dunstablians player thought it good sport to take a pop at Andy Peat (aka Jade Goody) - our resident doorman ! Unfortunately Jade took acception to this and ended up chilling out in the sin bin for bullying !! With the farce developing further, Chairman and referee John, ended the match early and called time.

Captain, Simon Rutt said afterwards "This was a good, literally hard fought win for the occasional second team. Its good preparation for next week's match at home to Potton. I would like to sincerely thank John Thoday for stepping in literally at the last minute to referee."

Biggy 2nd XV : Father Stubby, Stan, Fagey, Try Scorer Flacky, Doctor Who (Warren Churms), Joe, Tom Elcock, Jade Goody, Jimbo, Twinkle Toes, Shov, Captaino Rutty, Sam Churms, Ski Bishop, Officer Matthews.

What's happening at Biggy?

Saturday 27th January Biggleswade 2nd XV/Bystanders are at home to Potton and the Colts are at home to Dunstablians in the Referee's Cup KO 2.30pm.

Commiserations to influential Colts player Leo Churms who is out for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury.

Bedfordshire County Cup..... Your support needed! On Sunday 28th, the U13s are away at Ampthill in their semi-final. All support is welcome for this tough match. details will be posted on the message board.

The following Sunday 4th February, Biggy U16s are also away to Ampthill in their semi-final, again all support welcome and the KO times will be posted on the message board.

Unfortunately the U15s lost their semi-final by the narrowest margin possible (3 points) away to Luton on Friday evening.

Bedfordshire U15s. Biggy are set to host a number of County games in the spring. The provisional dates 21st March, 11th April and 25th April, all Wednesday evening KO 7pm. See Stavros for more details.

Minis. Sunday 28th the Mini section host Bishop Stortford and Dunstablians in a triangular fixture

Sheepwalk. Next Sunday 28/01/07, it is hoped that the Colts will stone-pick the "road" pitch. A number of the Youth sides have players in County action but it is hoped that some parents will help with getting this pitch playable. 10am start. The "Road" pitch is nearly playable, but still needs work.

18^th March 2007

Biggleswade Host the Bedfordshire Mini Festival - 7s 8s 9s

See official site or follow link on left hand side of this web page.


Second Team Kit Presented By:

		www.saffroninsurance.co.uk
	Saffron Insurance is an independent insurance broker with offices in Saffron Walden, Royston, Great Dunmow, Bishop's Stortford Office and St. Neots

Midlands 4 East (South) 13/01/07

Biggleswade 20 Long Buckby 2

Despite two close calls in the last five minutes Biggleswade hung on to secure their first league point since September last year. It means that they are still bottom but finally moving in the right direction.

Kicking off with the blustery wind in their favour Biggleswade had the worst possible start. From deep in Long Buckby’s half through a yawning gap the visitors broke out and went the length of the field for a try in the corner.

Stung by this early rebuff but determined not to be rolled over again Biggleswade quickly got back on equal terms. It was the captain who led the way as full-back Mark Rastrick burst through on a crash ball for the equalising try.

Adam Sewell again started at number ten and showed why as he powered through from close range for the second try. Converted by Mark Rastrick it put Biggleswade into a seven point lead.

After the break Buckby started strongly and soon crossed the line for a second try rounding under the posts to make the conversion easier. Too easy as it turned out as the kick was dragged wide of the posts.

All game Biggleswade varied the length of the throw at the lineout. Once again they caught Buckby on the hop and a short throw to the front was carried on by winger Martin Cray for a try in the corner.

But the lead was short-lived. Buckby came back when a slip up in the centre saw a promising attack turn into desperate defence. A few moments later the visitors crossed for a third try after stretching Biggy’s defence across the field. The conversion made it all square at 17 all. But there was still time for a successful penalty by each side to rack the tension up another notch.

In the last quarter of the game Biggleswade played their Joker bringing on Glen Albone in place of Adam Sewell. Glen has been out of the top flight for over twelve months through business commitments but if fit his strength and knowledge of the game would be a useful asset to help Biggleswade’s ailing fortune.

In the final moments Buckby had two chances to snatch victory but a long range penalty went wide and a drop goal fell short. The final whistle went as the ball was safely touched down.

Team: A Burke, D Rogers, R Collarbone, I Jones, M Roberts (L Panter, P Shea, K Marshall, J Buttigieg, R Taylor, A Sewell (G Albone), T O’Connor, M Keen, N Thoday, M Peace (M Cray), M Rastrick.

This week-end there is a break from league action with a friendly against Huntingdon 2^nd XV. The following week Biggleswade travel to south-east Leicester to take on Oadby-wyggestonians. The BBOB game is now expected to be played in mid-February.

Click for 6nations and more

Time	Match
Saturday 3rd February 2007
13:30 GMT	Italy	vs	France
16:00 GMT	England	vs	Scotland
Sunday 4th February 2007
15:00 GMT	Wales	vs	Ireland
Saturday 10th February 2007
13:30 GMT	England	vs	Italy
15:30 GMT	Scotland	vs	Wales
Sunday 11th February 2007
15:00 GMT	Ireland	vs	France

Saturday 24th February 2007
15:00 GMT	Scotland	vs	Italy
17:30 GMT	Ireland	vs	England
20:00 GMT	France	vs	Wales
Saturday 10th March 2007
13:30 GMT	Scotland	vs	Ireland
15:30 GMT	Italy	vs	Wales
Sunday 11th March 2007
15:00 GMT	England	vs	France
Saturday 17th March 2007
13:30 GMT	Italy	vs	Ireland
15:30 GMT	France	vs	Scotland
17:30 GMT	Wales	vs	England

Fullerians 0 Biggleswade 58 – 6 Jan 07

The league game against Northampton BBOB was postponed because their posts had blown down and no other pitch was available. This was the third choice fixture when Dunstablians cried off too. In the event it was very one sided but the players enjoyed the run out and ran in eight tries to rebuild some confidence.

Biggleswade travelled with just fourteen players on an afternoon when football players were scuttling for cover when there was a little drop of rain. Puddles on the pitch may stop the “beautiful game” but for rugby players a smattering of mud is good for the complexion!

After an impressive fly-half debut against Bedford Swifts, Adam Sewell again started at number 10. Adam has good hands and a useful kicking boot so with more games under his belt will grow in confidence.

Skipper Mark Rastrick moved into the centre and opened the scoring when he carved through the defence. Tom O’Connor added a second and Adam Sewell crossed soon after for a third. Members of the back-row also got in the act with scores from Peter Shea and James Buttigieg.

Karl Marshall only offered words of endearment to the referee and played a “blinder” making immense inroads into the Fullerians defence.

After the break a kick over the defence by Adam Sewell landed in a squelch “like an eight iron chip onto the green” Frankie Thoday hacked on and slithered over the line for the try. From the restart Andy Burke thundered back for another try. The referee wisely decided that Fullerians had thrown in the towel after a plucky performance and called an early end to the proceedings.

The match marked the return of prop Russell Collarbone who has been unable to play so far this season because of businesses and family commitments. But in the muddy conditions he wallowed well. The pick of the forwards was Iain Jones who was immense both physically and metaphorically and well deserved the man of the match award.

This Saturday it is back to the serious stuff with a home league match against Long Buckby. The Northampton side are four from bottom with two draws and a win. Last week-end they secured a hard fought three all draw with Stockwood Park. Biggleswade should start with some confidence of doing well and possibly moving off the foot of the table. The match at Langford Road kicks off at 2.15pm. The BBOB match should be played the following week-end.


	Mobbs Wednesday 14th March 2007
	The eightieth annual Mobbs Memorial Match will be held at Goldington Road, home to Bedford Blues on Wednesday 14th March KO 7pm. EAST MIDLANDS XV verses BARBARIANS Team members for both sides TBA, but will include both local and international players! This is preceded by the Mobbs Memorial finals for the U10, U11 and U12s starting at 5.15pm. Tickets news nearer the date.

	Haverhill 12-7 Biggleswade - 06/01/2007
	The first game of the New Year saw Biggleswade 3^rd team nearly winning to high flying Haverhill but was not to be. Any one complaining about sheep walk should visit Haverhill’s sandy stony paddy field and realise what a great shape Langford road is in. The game was a hard fought contest and Biggy scored first with a storming run from Shaun Baker who as played excellently, this was his second try in two weeks. Convert by granddad Phil Elcock who later tried a drop goal but when planting the ball to floor the ball seamed to float away in one of the many puddles. Then with a little lapse in concentration Biggy allowed Haverhill to level the score just before half time. Second half was much the same with both teams defending hard but then Biggy lost a player, our young prop Scad, Haverhill in the spirit of the game lent us a spare player but then Captain (Dave the bar), went off due to injury. Also Richard Cooper hobbling around and Graham “Malice” Place suffering from Pneumonia meant Biggy held on for as long has possible just for Haverhill to score in later stages of the game and convert to win the game 12-7. Well done to all that played. It is good to welcome the return for Damien and Jimmy Caulfield after long period out through injury. Thanks to Tom the young colt, called up at short notice, he played on the wing, showing off his blistering pace making it hard for Haverhill to attack. It is great to see the colts bringing in some much needed talent and joining the seniors, when games allow. Finally thanks to Haverhill for making is a very enjoyable game to play Next week sees Biggy 3rds take on Cantabs at home meet at 1.00pm Update – Captain Dave “The Bar” Is injured and unable to play for an unknown length of time following injury in above game – Hope you feel better soon Dave!

Colts: fixtures

Sat 13 Jan v Bedford Swifts (H) 2.30 KO

Sat 27 Jan v Dunstablians at Home in the Referees Cup 2.30 ko

Wed 21 Feb v Swifts Away 7.30pm ko

Sat March 10th v Northampton BBOB Away 3pm ko

Still to re-arrange Stockwood Park sometime in Feb, another one against Swifts still awaiting fixtures with Datchworth and Welwyn.

Great to see the fixtures for the colts, also several have enjoyed playing for the seniors, Thank you to them, all are welcome!