FOLLOWING last weeks’s hard fought defensive battle against neighbours Melrose coach George Graham has only made one forced change to the Gala starting line up ahead of this weekend’s encounter against league challengers Ayr at Millbrae, writes Fiona Scott.
Callum Mackintosh replaces hooker Russell Anderson who received a head knock during last week’s match while Craig Borthwick comes in on the bench to bolster the defence.
Graham commented: “The team are on a high after last weeks win at Melrose which was a hard fought affair.
“I felt we always looked the more dangerous side and with both our props in the bin the defensive effort was immense to deny Melrose any points.
The Gala coach now hopes to carry that on for what will undoubtedly be a season defining match.
He added: “As the season has progressed it seems that this is going to be the biggest game for us and whoever comes out in front with the points will, I feel, be in the driving seat for the premiership title while the team behind will have to rely on other factors helping them along the way.
Saying that I’m sure both teams will leave nothing on the field and make sure they are the ones that come out on top, which bodes well for an entertaining match.”
Gala team to face Ayr at Millbrae (2pm): A. McLean; G. Somerville, C. Auld, A. Emond, C. Robertson; L. Millar, George Graham; L. Pettie, C. Mackintosh, E. McQuillan, C. Weir, O. Palepoi, C. Keddie, Gary Graham, E. Dodds. Subs: M. Christie, S. Cairns, C. Borthwick, B. Turner, G. Young.