Gala 41

Cartha Queen's Park 12

David Morrison at Netherdale

GALA are starting to make a habit out of finishing games strongly as they raced to their fourth straight win.

On Saturday they were rewarded for an impressive second half showing with a bonus point try deep into injury time.

Visitors Cartha Queen's Park are an improving outfit, and for long periods they gave as good as they got on the Netherdale pitch.

But ultimately they conceded three tries in the closing 20 minutes to leave empty handed.

Gregor Hunter's reliable boot fired the hosts into an early six point advantage.

But Cartha's determined pack responded well and enjoyed a spell of pressure deep in the Gala half before Michael Downer finally burst over for a try.

Wayne Burrows edged the visitors in front with the conversion.

Hunter restored the advantage for Gala with another penalty.

Gala's first try came just after the half hour with Dean Keddie producing a perfectly weighted kick for Craig Russell to race onto and sprint over.

Hunter's conversion extended the lead to 16-7.

There was still time for the former Glasgow Warrior to add another penalty before the interval.

Cartha came out fighting at the start of the second half.

Early pressure on the Gala line allowed Milan Marinkovic to muscle his way over for the try.

Cartha were very much still in contention at 19-12.

Hunter edged the Maroons ten points clear with another well taken penalty in the 53rd minute.

And in the final 20 minutes Gala began to take control with a series of powerful drives.

Following sustained pressure on the Cartha line, the home side were awarded a penalty try following persistent infringements.

Spaces began to open up as Cartha's spirited defence began to tire - and Graham Speirs took full advantage to break the line and go in for the third home try.

Hunter added the conversion for a comfortable 36-12 scoreline.

Yellow cards for opposing props David Dod and Terry Logan opened up the game even more in the final five minutes.

And, deep into injury time, Gala's pack powered their way over the line for Chris Keen to touch down for the bonus point.

It was an impressive conclusion to a game that was tight for the best part of an hour.

Gala. Graham Speirs, John Turnbull, Craig Russell, Rex Jeffrey, Gregor Hunter, Dean Keddie, Lachlan Johnston, Chris Keen, Jack Chambers, Terry Logan, Cameron Pate, Blair Reavely, Chris Weir, Scott Wilkinson and Stephen Cairns. Subs: Martin Christie, Paul Stewart, Robbie Irvine, Iain Ross and Daniel Nicholson