In recent years we have seen Sarah Law and Helen Nelson hold their nerve to knock over crucial kicks for Scotland, but on Sunday in clubland it was Zoe Mitchell who was cool as you like under pressure to help Biggar reach the Arnold Clark Women’s Premiership.
As a result of winning the West One league before Christmas, Biggar joined bottom of the Premiership side Stewartry and Caledonia Midlands East One runners up Dundee Valkyries in the Regional Play-Off Series.
They all played each other home and away between the end of January and last weekend and it all came down to the last game between Biggar and Stewartry at Hartree Mill.
It was ‘winner takes all’ to top the standings and be in the top flight in 20 25/26 and, as a result, on a sunny Sunday a big crowd was down watching.
Alexandra Philipps and Abbie Baillie (2) scored tries for Biggar during the game with Mitchell converting two of them.
Heading into the closing stages it was 19-19 and Biggar were awarded a penalty. Up stepped full-back Mitchell to knock over the kick and, in the end, give the hosts a 22-19 triumph and spark celebrations.
“The video of the final kick by Zoe will forever give me goosebumps,” said Biggar captain Ali Orr.
“This season overall we had one goal and that was coming out on top of West One and getting to the play-offs to aim for promotion.
“That has been the coaches main focus over the last few seasons and I strongly believe without their clear plan for us we would not have dared to dream as players, but the coaches believed in us and backed us all the way. Huge thanks must go to the coaching team of Nic Humphries, Stuart Moffat and Mark Yates. We owe it all to these guys.
“In the game last Sunday Stewartry had a powerful pack that tested us up front in very unusually hot conditions for April plus their experienced backs played well meaning the game was very equal throughout.
“It came down to a penalty kick at the end of the game to secure it and take the final score to 22-19.
“Zoe Mitchell made sure the penalty kick was going over in style to secure the win and get us through the game. Zoe has had a difficult hamstring injury, but I am delighted to see her back on the pitch and I can’t wait to see her play in the Premiership along with the rest of the girls.
“In terms of our try scorers in the game, well winger Alexandra Phillips is such a strong runner and always finishes well and centre Abbie Baillie has good footwork and pace. She is a true leader at the club and her passion for Biggar rugby is immense. She has had a fantastic season and for us all it has been a great few months.”
Head coach Nic Humphries added: “On behalf of myself, the whole management team and especially the players I’d like to say a very heartfelt thank you to all that came and supported us on Sunday.
“The magnitude of the match was equalled by the huge support that we received for the full afternoon. We must also thank Stewartry who made it such a colossal tussle and the match officials for being part of such a dramatic match that culminated with a season defining kick.
“This has been a long journey starting back with the creation of the girls section almost 15 years ago and the restarting of the ladies team in 2016. There are too many people to thank and mention, but we hope everyone that has been involved in our journey to any degree can saviour the success of gaining promotion to the Premiership.”
- Biggar are one of 35 community rugby clubs being gifted a defibrillator by a great charity, read more here.
The Guinness Women’s Six Nations runs from March 22 to April 26 and, next up, Scotland are at Hive Stadium in round three versus Italy on April 13 – get tickets for the two Scotland remaining home games here.
Biggar are pictured after clinching promotion
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