Border Telegraph | Sport | Gala prove to be just champion

Friday, 5th December, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 2nd April, 2008 11:00

Gala prove to be just champion

By Laing Speirs at Netherdale

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Gala 34 v Ellon 5

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Gala celebrate as champions of Division 3.

Pic by: Alwyn Johnston

THE GALA players reckoned they had done only half the job when they secured promotion at Irvine, but made sure that they delivered in full in their final Premiership match at Netherdale.

Securing the Division 3 title and some handsome silverware, Gala were full value for the win which greatly pleased a big crowd even although the open terracing was swept bare by the wind and rain.

Coaches Richie Gray and Gary Parker, who have committed their services to Gala for at least the next three years, were highly delighted at the team’s success in a league that they had always regarded as a hard one.

"Our pack all year have been immense" said Gray. "They’ve provided an outstanding platform for some exciting backs."

It was former captain Andy McLean who was singled out by Parker. "He has carried the club as captain for a couple of years, and this season he has been able to just go out and play".

One of the successful Gala pack who won’t be in the squad come the autumn is Alan Johnston, retiring after starting 227 games for the club.

Richie Gray picked him out as a splendid example to any young Gala player. The big prop was given a warm round of applause as he led the team on to the field, and again when he retired shortly before the end.

His contribution to the pack’s dominance was matched by some power play from the other members, including the three forward replacements.

It was never a day for perfect handling or surefooted running, but with tries the main objective there were many occasions when the backs set about opening the game up.

But there were also periods when the pace slackened and Ellon made a spirited effort to get into the game.

Gala made the perfect start, Tom Weir going over after only four minutes, as the home pack pounded the Ellon eight. McLean converted and Gala were in full cry.

The pace of Fraser Thomson and Stevie Craig shone through the dull weather as they headed for the Ellon line, but it was the pack again who created the next score, Tom Weir scoring after the scrum drove hard.

Scott Chapman and Craig featured in the next Gala attacks, and it was the winger who carved up the Ellon defence for a fine individual try towards the break.

Three tries in the first half matched exactly the target set by the coaches, and the crowd waited the clinching score with much anticipation, especially as word came through from Peebles that they were also on course.

Gala started the second half by trying a bit too hard, and a long injury hold-up with the Ellon stand-off involved did nothing to help continuity.

But eventually some neat footwork and some looped passing released Lee Kibble for the decisive fourth try, scored far out on the right wing with half an hour still to go.

Gala didn’t quite relax totally, but the tension was off, and captain Stevie Scott finished off a lineout drive with a characteristic try before Ellon profited from some insecure handling in midfield, Scott Johnston getting a try out on the left.

Then a perfectly angled run by Tim MisKelly brought him his ninth try of the season, after good work by replacement Ben Murray.

McLean converted, Gala were coasting, and the silverware emerged to be accepted by a jubilant Scott, who thanked everyone in sight and beyond for their contribution towards winning the Division 3 title at the first time of asking.

Gala : F. Thomson; S. Craig, L. Kibble, S. Chapman, C. Dalgleish; A. McLean, L. Lemmon; A. Johnston, S. Scott, T. Archibald, M. Horsburgh, C. Weir, G. Brown, T. MisKelly, T. Weir. (Subs : C. Hogg, Mike Christie, B. Murray, R. Lindsay).

Ellon : D. Yuill; B. Hickie, M. Mullins, S. Aitken, P. Nelson: S. McGillewie, S. Ryan; B. Kenny, M. Cox, G. Cameron, A. Gillies, G. Webster, J. Rupar, R. Edwards, S. Johnston. ( Subs : N. Fraser, S. Noble, C. Main, J. Young).

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