Gala 22

Stirling County 29

Atholl Innes at Netherdale

THERE certainly was no festive cheer for Gala at Netherdale when all they managed from a ‘must-win’ match was a losing bonus point.

To see the Maroons and Hawick anchored at the foot of the Premiership is not good for Christmas celebrations and throws two key Borders clubs in a battle for survival.

They need to open the door to recovery in 2017 – and on Saturday a poor-sized Netherdale crowd obviously elected to go shopping instead.

Gala need their support as much, if not more, at the foot of the table than the top, but club rugby at present appears to be staggering, than galloping, into the future.

President Graham Lowe said in the programme: “In our last five games of the season (that included last Saturday), we play four teams who are trying to stay in the Premiership. It is in our hands.”

It still remains in its hands after a defeat which sparked fears all round. County overcame a sluggish start and a red card to complete the double over Gala and added a try bonus point.

Fortunes turned after the interval when Stirling brought on their pro players, Nemia Kenatale and Langi Haupeakui.

The changes could have gone sour when new signing, American Haupeakui, was shown a red card in the second half for a hefty tackle on Chris Keen, but Stirling lifted their game as Gala’s extra man did not give the hosts the edge despite a quick try.

Coach Dave Adamson was delighted with Stirling’s performance and victory against the odds. “Maybe a top-four place is out of reach, but we will give it a good go.”

Glasgow coach Gregor Townsend watched the game, in which Stirling possessed dominant forwards’ power and left Gala in an unenvious league position.

The tackle ended Keen’s involvement in the match and he was stretchered off after attention on the field.

Gregor Hunter kicked a penalty in three minutes before Gary Adams found himself in space and scored under the posts, Hunter converting.

Despite a try by Matt Donaldson from a scrum, Gala turned around 10-5 ahead at the interval. However, tries by Haupeakui and Adam Sinclair in the space of three minutes changed the complexion of the contest.

George Lott’s quick reply try was countered by Hamilton Burr, and despite a late score by Ross Combe, Gala were left chasing the game as Johnny Hope found his kicking boots and Hunter converted two of Gala’s three tries.

Gala prop Chris Keen, who was stretchered off in the second half after a tackle by Stirling County’s Langi Haupeakui, could not remember anything of the incident which saw the Glasgow Warrior player red-carded by referee Ross Mabon.

The game was held up for 10 minutes as Keen received treatment.

“One minute he was playing rugby, the next minute he was in the changing room,” said Gala president Graham Low. “He said that he was fine afterwards.”

Stirling were also concerned. “I hope the player is all right,” said coach Dave Adamson.

Haupeakui, an American, is Glasgow’s latest signing and the game was watched by coach Townsend.

Gala: R. Scholes; R. Combe, S. Tofilau, L. Berg, G. Speirs; G. Hunter, C. Adams; C. Keen, M. Carryer, D. Brooker, C. Weir, R. Louw, G. Adams, F. Hunter, S. Cairns. Replacements: C. Reynolds, O. Palepoi, A. Emond, G. Lott, R. Jeffrey.