Gala Wanderers 19
Selkirk Youth Club 15
BORDER CUP SEMI-FINAL
SELKIRK Youth Club had already narrowly beaten Gala in their two league games but last Saturday, it was the Wanderers turn to have a victory, bagging themselves a place in the Border Cup final against Tynedale Colts on March 31, in the process.
Youth Club were encamped in the Gala Wanderers’ half for the first 15 minutes of the game and, despite all their efforts, were unable to find a way through a well-organised defence. Some good back play eventually gave the Souters the lead when Ross Purves touched down and Josh Welsh converted.
After 20 minutes the Gala forwards started to dominate the Youth Club pack and after a number of phases Michael Blackwood managed to breach the defence, and Gregor Mein converted to make it all square.
Confidence in the home ranks, combined with poor tackling from the visitors, allowed Wanderers to increase their lead with two well-struck penalties from Mein to give them a 13-7 lead at half-time.
Straight from the kick-off, Youth Club conceded a silly penalty and Mein increased the Wanderers’ lead.
Deadlock ensued until the final 10 minutes when all of a sudden the Selkirk outfit began to make a comeback. Welsh notched a penalty before Kieran Monks went over for a try.
With only one point between the two sides, the Wands made their way into the opposition half for the remaining few minutes and almost on the final whistle Mein slotted over a drop kick to seal the game.