Scotland team trains Bigar RFC girls 2014 Slideshow

In training...Biggar RFC girls teams were given top tips by four members of the Scottish Ladies International Team (Pics by Sarah Peters)

Scrum half Sarah Law, centre Leanne Neary, hooker Sarah Quick and scrum half Mhairi Grieve came to Hartreemill for a training session, friendly games and question and answer session with Biggar girls’ under-15 and under-18 sides.

Biggar RFC ladies convenor Tammy Mitchell (38), of Wiston, said: “Our girls really enjoyed the visit; the atmosphere was really good.

“The four Scotland players were very impressed that as many as 30 of our girls turned out.

“They loved their attitude and had an enjoyable evening.”

And Tammy joked: “The four Biggar coaches were standing freezing on the sidelines as they weren’t doing anything!”

Biggar girls listening to the Scotland stars’ visit included Tammy’s daughter Neola, who plays as a prop for the under-15s. The Scotland players’ visit to Biggar was arranged via an SRU initiative to try and encourage girls to take up rugby.

“The girls game is quite weak throughout Scottish rugby,” Tammy said. “So the SRU is putting a lot of work in to try to improve the situation.

“There isn’t an official league for our girls teams to play in; they just play bounce games. But the SRU is trying to get a league established.

“Biggar Rugby Club doesn’t have a ladies team at the moment but we hope to have one next season.”

The team of girls coaches at Biggar is led by Charlie Court, who voluntarily gives up her time each week. Liz Steele is the team manager.

The club wants girl players – see www.biggarrfc.org.uk for more info.

Freelance photographer Sarah Peters was on hand to capture all the action for the Gazette and her pictures are featured in our slideshow.