ON a beautiful day and a perfect pitch Gala A and Hawick YM put on a fine display of running rugby and it was only a conversion that gave the visitors the victory.

Both sides were using players new to a Border derby at this level and there will loads of bruises after some great tackling by both sides.

It was Hawick who dominated the first half hour as they denied Gala possession and territory and the home side had to defend desperately at times to keep them out.

Gala lost Scott Wilkinson with a bad head knock which required an X-ray and Jamie Brown took his place.

Hawick, at last, got on the scoreboard with great drive by their strong pack and quick release giving a deserved unconverted try in the corner.

Gala were coming much more into things, taking the game to the visitors, and twice Fraser Welsh was nearly over in the corner.

Hawick had their scrum-half sent to the sin-bin and this spurred Gala on and there were several close calls as the forwards lunged for the line.

A change of tactics saw quick ball on the blind side for Fraser Welsh to go over in the corner for an unconverted try to level the score as half time arrived.

Gala brought on their subs for the second half and, as normally happens, they took a bit to settle.

Hawick took advantage and attacked at every opportunity and a slipped tackle saw them over near the posts for a converted try and a seven point lead.

As in the first half, Gala came back into things and soon were pressing hard. They had a try denied but from the resulting penalty, good quick handling sent Fraser Welsh over for his second try. Unfortunately the conversion went wide and Hawick held on for the win.