Gala YM 36

Earlston 19

Joe Dickson

at Netherdale

GALA YM played Earlston in their opening post-split middle league of East 2 on Saturday at Netherdale.

And they came away with a fine bonus point win, thanks in part to a hat trick of tries from Graham Dun.

YM came out with all guns blazing and good running by the backs penned Earlston into their 22.

It was no surprise when after five minutes slick handling put Graham Dun away to side step past the defence for a try at the posts. Mike Dodds added the extras.

It was end to end stuff for a spell with the game being played at pace.

Earlston forced over their way in the corner for a try which was converted from the touchline to level the scores.

Earlston lost a player to the sin bin and YM turned the screws with a great try - Scott Chapman's flip pass sending Mike Dodds straight through for an unconverted try.

Almost straight from the kick off great handling and running sent Dun in for his second try and Dodds converted.

Both teams were playing entertaining rugby and running the ball at every opportunity.

The second half started with YM ahead 19-7 but Earlston were soon pressing and crashed over for their second try, again converted from wide out.

YM went all out to get their bonus point try and after several phases Struan Mitchell finished off a fine move for the bonus-point fourth score.

It was all YM on attack and twice No8 Matthew Faught broke away in rampaging runs, in typical South African style, down the middle.

YM stretched their lead when the ball went loose in front of the Earlston posts and Kevin Andison grabbed the ball to dive over. Dodds converted .

Earlston were not finished, however, and they rushed to the other end and won a kick and chase for an unconverted try in the corner.

Right on time quick ball sent Dun away to race over for an unconverted try and his hat trick to complete the scoring.

Scott Chapman was this week's Man of the Match.