Gala 38

Falkirk 12

David Morrison at Netherdale

GALA kicked off 2018 with a much-needed victory.

Although far from fluent, the Maroons showed glimpses of the form which led to them being considered promotion hopefuls at the start of the season.

And on this showing they should be able to start making up ground on a few of the teams who raced in front of them towards the end of last year.

Despite their lowly position in National League One Falkirk began this game on the front foot.

The visitors were unfortunate not score on the quarter hour as Gala's defence somehow held up a drive over the line.

The Maroons took all of 20 minutes to finally find their stride - and it wasn't long before Fraser Hunter charged through a gap to score the opening try.

Gregor Hunter's conversion brought further cheer for the home support.

Gala scrambled clear a Falkirk attack before setting up a second try just after the half hour.

From a line-out the ball was worked along to Graham Speirs to dive over.

Remarkably Gala were able to run in a further two tries before the interval in the space of just three minutes.

Stephen Cairns went over just before Jack Chambers followed him across the whitewash some 90 seconds later to make sure of the bonus point.

Hunter knocked over both conversions for a 26 point half time advantage.

Gala were reduced in numbers after Terry Logan was shown yellow.

But the numerical disadvantage didn't prevent Gala scoring the best try of the afternoon with quick handling allowing Speirs to race over yet again.

Falkirk were rewarded for their efforts approaching the hour with replacement Sam Heron nipping through the Gala line.

Fionn Call's conversion made the score 31-7.

The gap was narrowed further just four minutes later as Call darted over for the visitors' second score.

Gala's defence finally got to grips with the threat and Falkirk were pushed back in the closing stages.

Gala rounded off the afternoon with their sixth try of the afternoon.

A powerful drive in the 79th minute from a line-out led to Chris Keen touching down.

Hunter's conversion brought the final score to 38-12.

Gala Graham Speirs, Simon Fairburn, John Turnbull, Alan Emond, Fraser Hunter, Gregor Hunter, Lachlan Johnston, Chris Keen, Jack Chambers, Terry Logan, Chris Weir, Richard Tod, Scott Wilkinson, Robbie Irvine & Stephen Cairns. Reps Lewis Roden, Blair Reavely, John Watson, Opeta Palepoi & Kerr Gerrard.