Gala 27- 19 Glasgow Hawks

GALA ended their winless streak at the weekend against Glasgow Hawks – the side who inflicted their first defeat of the season.

The Maroons hadn't won in the BT Premiership for nine games before Saturday's fixture at a nippy Netherdale.

Two tries from South African prop Allan Dell, drafted in from Edinburgh, gave the home side a narrow 10-7 lead at half-time.

It could have been more but Ruairi Howarth missed a hat-trick of kicks at goal.

Hawks had taken the lead with a try from Andrew Linton early in the first half, which was converted by Pierre Mounal.

But, even when Callum Rowlandson was sinbinned for Gala seven minutes before the break, they were unable to take advantage of their extra man.

And, once restored to full strength, Gala swooped on Hawks with two tries in three minutes at the start of the second half.

Frankie Robson secured the bonus point with his side's fourth try after Graham Speirs, who got the third, sent him on his way. Keith Young added a conversion.

Jack MacFarlane pulled a try back for Hawks in the 67th minute, which Mounal converted to reduce the deficit to 22-14.

However, Gala, having gone so long without a win, were in no mood to roll over and continued to press Hawks, who were forced to play the final ten minutes a man short after Jack MacFarlane was shown a yellow card for an illegal challenge. Craig Dods missed the resultant penalty.

And the Maroons scored a fifth try, awarded to Matt Carryer, with five minutes remaining to secure the victory.

Josh Henderson scored a late try for Hawks. And Mounal was given two attempts to convert after Gala were judged to have infringed his first kick at goal. But he missed both times, meaning they left empty handed with the final score, Gala 27, Hawks 19.

Gala: Graham Speirs, Frankie Robson, Dwayne Burrows, Alan Emond, Keith Young, Ruairi Howarth, George Graham, Alan Dell, Matt Carryer, Chris Keen, Callum Rowlandson, Chris Weir, Rob Louw, Gary Adams and Euan Dods. Replacements: Richie Tod, Josh Irvine, Opeta Palepoi, Daniel Nicholson and Craig Dods.

Glasgow Hawks: Jack Steele, Paul Ramsay, Brendan McGroarty, Max MacFarlane, Pierre Mounal, Gregor Hunter, Paddy Boyer, Steven Findlay, Jack Macfarlane, Gary Strain, Andrew Kirkland, Andrew Linton, Andrew Redmayne, Stephen Leckey and Bruce Flockhart. Replacements: Grant Stewart, Brendan Cullinane, Andy Hill, Sean Yacoubian and Robbie Houliston.