MIKE Halls keeps us up to date with the latest from behind the scenes at Netherdale, home of Gala Rugby Club...

MIKE Halls keeps us up to date with the latest from behind the scenes at Netherdale, home of Gala Rugby Club...

SEVENS: Gala continued their Kings of the Sevens campaign at the weekend, first at Kelso on Saturday where they met and were beaten in the final by a very skillful Melrose seven.

At Earlston on Sunday there was a repeat performance with Melrose prevailing in the final by 24–15. However, the Maroons continue to lead the K7s table. The punishing schedule for all the players continues next weekend, at Selkirk on May 9 and Hawick the following day.

The last of this season’s Sevens takes place at Jed-Forest on Saturday, May 16, and the Maroons Supporters Club are running a bus to Riverside Park at a cost of �7 per head. Departure and return times are still to be agreed but if you want to book a place, please get in touch with Bob Sneddon on 01896758291 or 07766407299 GALA WANDERERS: Two weekends ago, the Wands reached another sevens final (Selkirk Youth Club) only to be beaten, again, by Jed Thistle by 52–22 and this weekend they ended the season on a disappointing note, being beaten by Tynedale Colts in the 1st round of the Jed Thistle Sevens.

GALA RED TRIANGLE: The S1 squad are at Hawick next Sunday when they will take part in the Hawick Albion annual sevens tournament. Travel details will be confirmed at training on Thursday.

RUGBY “MAY- HEM”: There will be something for boys & girls of various ages on the back pitches at Netherdale on Saturdays, May 9, 16 and 23, from 9.30 to 10.30am.

There is an open invite to all boys and girls who will be starting Primary one after the summer holidays to come along and find out how much fun you can have at the Mini Maroons. Current Mini coaches along with Gala youth coaches will deliver some fun games and skills sessions. There will be no charges for these sessions.

All Girls in Primary 3 to Primary 7 are invited to come along and join in some fun girls only rugby sessions. These sessions are open to girls of all abilities and there will be skills, drills and touch rugby.

These sessions will be led by local current Scottish Women’s International players. So all you female Mini Maroons, spread the word and bring a friend. Here come the Girls! There will be no charges for these sessions. Primary 6 & 7 boys can come along and join in some fun rugby sessions. These sessions are open to players of all abilities & there will be touch rugby, contact rugby, skills, drills and KNT’s! What’s KNT’s I hear you say...well why not come along and find out? Guest coaches will be in attendance. There will be no charges for these sessions.

PRIMARY SEVEN DINNER: On Friday, May 8, the 10th Annual Primary Seven Dinner will take place in the Centenary Lounge, Netherdale at 7pm. Guest speakers are the current Gala and Scottish U20 players Ruairi Howarth and Gary Robertson along with current Scotland Women’s Internationalist, Lisa Robertson.

PLAYERS AWARDS DINNER: The Club will be hosting a Players Awards Dinner in the Centenary Lounge at Netherdale on Friday, May 29, at 7.30pm. This event is open to all members, supporters and sponsors. A three-course dinner with wine will be provided at a cost of �20 per person. If you would like to attend, please email karenmaitland26@hotmail.co.uk or phone the Club Office on 01896 755145.

FAMILY TOUCH: The ever popular Family touch rugby will be played at Netherdale every Thursday evening starting on May 14 at 7pm.

Everyone welcome - male, female, young and old, players and non-players. There is no charge for the sessions so come on down and join in.

and have some quality fun time with your friends and family. For further details contact Ian G Millar 01896 755145.

THE BRYDON CUP: The Brydon Cup will take place on Thursday, June 18. First game kicks off at 6.30pm and the final will be played at approximately 8pm. All games will be played on the back pitches. This competition involves all Gala Rugby teams playing for one of the oldest club rugby cups in the Borders.

TOUCH RUGBY FESTIVAL: On Sunday, June 21, at the Braw Lads’ Gathering Sports there will be a Primary P4/5 &6/7, mixed seven-a-side touch rugby tournament starting at 11am. This year it is open to all Border Primary Schools and Mini Rugby Sections with the Braw Lads and the Braw Lasses shield along medals being awarded to the winning teams. For further details, contact Ian G Millar on 0773279 9083.

SUMMER CAMP: Gala Rugby Summer Camp will take place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, July 7 to 9. This is open to all Primary 1 to Primary 7 children - boys and girls - & the cost is only �5.00 per session or 3 sessions for �10.00. Booking forms are now available from the Trophy Guy in Market Street or the club office. Please check Gala RFC webpage and Mini Maroons face book page for final details.

MAROONS 200 CLUB: The draw for April’s prizes was made recently and resulted in the �100 prize being won by Jim & Betty Scott (number 8), �50 going to Mike Ormiston (103) and the �30 to James Aitken (237).

LOTTO: This week’s Gala Rugby Lucky letters, drawn by G. Jamieson, were D.U.A.