SEMI-JUNIOR LEAGUE
YOUTH CLUB encountered a strong Gala Wanderers team on Saturday – and, despite a late fightback, were defeated in an entertaining game.
Gala were put under early pressure, resulting in a penalty for home stand-off Darren Knox.
The Selkirk forwards were working hard against a much bigger Gala pack, however, the visiting centre intercepted a pass to run through and score between the posts, leaving an easy conversion.
Gaining in confidence, Gala began moving the ball about and stretching the home defence, and with 30 minutes played increased their lead after working the ball wide to touch down for a second converted try.
Half-time score: Selkirk Youth Club 3 Gala Wanderers 14.
Gala started the second period the way they had finished the first and were unlucky not to increase their lead when a penalty drifted wide of the Youth Club posts.
It was midway through the half when Gala managed to score again, their speedy winger finding space to burst through and touch down.
Just as it looked as if the visitors had total control, the young Souters knuckled down. With the forwards showing great determination, supported by some good play from the backs, they managed to pin Gala back near their try line.
They were rewarded when, from a lineout, they pushed the Gala forwards over their try line, with Jordan Lunt touching down.
With only a few minutes left, Andrew Toole touched down, Knox adding the extras to close the gap to four points.
Youth Club pressed to get another try, but the visitors managed to kick the ball to safety for the referee to blow full-time.
The Youth Club are grateful to sponsors Jan Beattie & Colin Anderson and J. H. Turnbull (Farming).