Currie 23

Gala 28

David Morrison at Malleny Park

GALA head coach Chris Dalgliesh was looking for a reaction after the opening-day defeat - and he got one.

A dominant first half from the Maroons saw the Netherdale men race into a commanding lead - and eventually go on and claim a four-try bonus point.

The visitors were in control during the early exchanges and showed Currie little in the way of opportunities with some stern defending.

Graeme Clow and Gregor Hunter exchanged penalties before Gala opened their account on 12 minutes.

Craig Robertson showed the kind of pace which won his the New Year Sprint to race onto a kick through and touch down.

Hunter's conversion stretched the lead.

Despite a big effort from the home pack they couldn't gain many yards against a resolute Gala defence.

Clow and Hunter again swapped penalties before Ross Combe blasted through the home line to win the chase for a touch down out wide.

With an 18-3 advantage at the break Gala appeared to be on their way to a much-needed victory.

But they had to withstand some early pressure from a fired-up Currie pack.

The home team's efforts, though, were rewarded on 51 minutes as Hamish Bain smashed his way over for a try.

Clow's conversion narrowed the gap.

If anything the home try ignited Gala back into action - and within a few minutes Robertson shook off a couple of challenges to score.

Gala began to play with the kind of flare that has taken them so close to recent Championships.

And it wasn't long before they picked up the bonus point as some excellent handing sent Josh Irvine over the line.

Currie did score two late tries through Matthew Hooks on 77 minutes and Cameron Gray on 79 minutes to reduce the deficit, but the match was already won.

Gala: Graham Speirs, Ross Combe, Paul Hendry, Rex Jeffrey, Craig Robertson, Gregor Hunter & George Lott; Alan Dell, Matt Carryer, Gary Robertson, Chris Weir, Opeta Palepoi, Rob Louw, Josh Irvine & Stevie Cairns. Reserves: Dean Brooker, Chris Keen, Alan Emond, Gregor Mein & Simon Fairburn.