GALA debutant Keith Young believes extra fitness sessions led by Head Coach George Graham - a former army physical training instructor - could be the secret to the club’s success this season.

The Maroons moved a point clear at the top of the BT Premiership following their 23-16 bonus point win over Stirling County at Netherdale on Saturday.

Tries from Stevie Cairns, Chris Weir and a brace from Luke Pettie, added to a penalty from David O’Hagan gave the home side the edge over their opponents in a bruising encounter.

Keith, who was making his first start in the BT Premiership alongside brother Gavin Young after a substitute appearance in the win over Hawick a week previous, told the Border Telegraph: “It was pretty tough out there today, the Stirling defence was pretty hard.” But he added: “I think the reason we came out on top is down to our work ethic, we always do that extra bit of fitness on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the beginning or end of the session, and now it will be back to training again to prepare for next week.” The 18-year-old was forced to take over the kicking duties after O’Hagan limped off with an ankle injury and he admitted the result could have been more comfortable had he been able to convert either of the three second half conversions.

As it was, the home side, who trailed 8-13 early in the second half, had to defend to the death to deny Rory Hughes, drafted into the Stirling side from Glasgow Warriors, a late try, which if converted, would have drawn the scores.

Keith said: “I don’t know what went wrong, I was hitting them in practice, but other aspects of the game were fine.

“It’s good having Gavin in the team. I’m always driving to get in there (first team) but competition is quite hard but once we’re there we’re like a unit.” County started with former pro Alex Black at scrum-half in place of Ally Price. And they responded with a try from Fraser Lyle, converted by Jack Urquhart, who also scored three penalties. But, for them, it wasn’t enough.

Gala’s match winner Luke Pettie may have scored two tries but, speaking after the game, he was keen to stress it was a team effort.

“Every week is tough but if we can keep grinding out the wins we’ll be happy with that,” he said after hobbling off.

“A lot of boys carry knocks and then it’s funny how the knocks ease off on a Saturday, and they just get on with it.

“It’s great to see some of the younger lads coming into the team, and two or three of them today had key performances.

“There’s no point playing in any game of the season if you’re not going out their to win it.” Gala: Shaun Law; Gavin Young, Keith Young, Alan Emond, Grant Somerville; David O’Hagan, George Graham (captain); Luke Pettie, Callum Mackintosh, Gary Robertson, Chris Weir, Opeta Palepoi, Gary Graham, Stevie Cairns and Euan Dods. Replacements: Russell Anderson, Josh Irvine, Tom Weir, Rex Jefferies and Fraser Hunter.