Heriot’s FP 19 Gala 34
RBS PREMIER LEAGUE
Fiona Scott reports from Goldenacre
For all but seven minutes of this Premier League tie these teams proved a good match for each other.
It was Gala however that showed their mettle in the middle section of the second half to run in a rapid try tally which effectively sealed the game.
Gala made their intentions clear from the word go and after forcing their hosts back into their own 22 Lee Millar went on a jinky run to the line to open the scoring in the fourth minute with an impressive try which he converted himself.
Graham Wilson missed a penalty attempt for Heriot’s shortly afterwards but got his name on the scoreboard in the 12th minute when he converted a try from Max Learmonth.
Gala were obviously going for it as at the next penalty opportunity Millar kicked for touch. The move broke down but from the resulting scrum the Gala forwards drove hard to reach the line with Euan Dods grounding the ball.
Again Heriot’s responded in kind. This time Struan Cessford running in with Wilson making the conversion to edge the hosts in front.
The battle raged on at an alarming rate and Gala encamped themselves in the Heriot’s 22. Perseverance paid off and eventually the visitors were rewarded with a penalty which Millar banged over on the stroke of half time to edge Gala in front 15-14.
A spell of stalemate ensued for the first 15 minutes of the second half with neither side willing to give an inch. Gala were first to show a chink and Heriot’s were awarded a penalty which Wilson missed. Straight away George Graham’s men looked to make amends and did so with a flourish. Three tries in the space of seven minutes from George Graham, Gav Young and Craig Robertson, two converted by Millar put the game out of sight.
Gala: A. McLean; G. Somerville, C. Auld, B. Turner, C. Robertson; L. Millar, George Graham; L. Pettie, R. Anderson, E. McQuillin. Gary Graham, O. Palepoi, C. Keddie, E. Dods, K. Mein. Subs: C. MacKintosh, T. Weir, S. Cairns, J. King, G. Young.