Highland extracted full and ample revenge on Biggar, the side who had beaten them twice last season when the two were promoted from National League 2, despite having to play in a gale force wind sweeping down the glen throughout.
Remarkably both sides managed to play their best rugby when playing into the teeth of the gale, gusting up to 55 mph, although it was the superior fitness of the Canal Park side which saw them through in the final quarter.
Highland head coach Dave Carson said: “We just never know when we are beaten. There are hidden depths in this side.
“It’s a great start to our campaign in National League 1. We were by far the stronger side in the last 20 minutes.”
Playing with the elements, Highland appeared not to have made the best use of them, turning round at half-time at 7-7 against an organised, purposeful Border side.
Despite the territorial advantage enjoyed by the home side, they had only a 12th-minute try from full-back Rhuaridh MacDonald to show for their efforts, which was converted by stand-off Scott Fraser.
The defining moment of the half came four minutes before the break when Highland seemed set to double their advantage, only for the Borderers to break out, running the ball the length of the pitch, finished off by winger Mark Bertram, and converted by stand-off James Barr.
Highland raised their game in the second half, scoring two tries, attributed to No 8 Stuart MacDonald-Butler and lock Oscar Baird, one of which was converted by the excellent Fraser, but came up short of claiming a fourth try for a precious bonus point.
