Gala 25

Watsonians 15

David Morrison at Netherdale

IT wasn't attractive, but it was effective and it takes Gala away from the bottom.

The Maroons picked up a crucial win against Watsonians to relive the pressure at Netherdale with the boot of Gregor Hunter proving the biggest difference.

Hunter kicked the Maroons into an early lead as the home team enjoyed an encouraging start.

But the city side levelled on the quarter hour with Joe Helps also finding his range.

Both teams struggled up front to command possession.

The in-form Craig Robertson was unfortunate not to open his try account for the afternoon after rounding one marker only for his grubber kick to bounce into touch.

Gala pounded away at the Watsonians line for a good five minutes before Hunter kicked his second penalty.

The Gala pressure continued as half time approached, and they were rewarded with a fine try on 35 minutes.

Swift passing through the backs and offloading from the pack allowed Rob Louw to break and feed Paul Hendry to score in the corner.

Watsonians responded well after the interval with Dods emerging from a drive over with the ball on 47 minutes.

Helps missed the conversion but a yellow card for Chris Keen during the set of scrums leading up to the try put Gala on the backfoot.

But the Watsonians advantage last barely a minute as Duckett was yellow carded as well.

Hunter kicked another penalty to take the lead to 14-8.

And just before the hour the former Glasgow Warrior landed another three points after persistent infringing from the visitors.

Watsonians enjoyed plenty of territory and possession as the game crept into the closing stages.

Despite several drives at the line they had to wait until the 70th minute for Dods to score his second from a drive over.

The Helps conversion made the score 17-15 with only nine minutes remaining on the clock.

Gala responded well with Ross Combe barging his way over following a driving maul to take the score to 22-15.

And a further Hunter penalty just a minute later was enough for some breathing space.