Gala 31

Marr 17

David Morrison

at Netherdale

BACK to full-strength Gala produced the kind of early season form on Saturday that had them among the favourites for the title.

While winning the league may now be beyond the Maroons, the bonus point victory over Marr should propel them onto a finishing position required to be in next season's new-look top flight.

Marr arrived at Netherdale from Troon with their own expectations of contending for the league.

And they showed in the opening minutes why they have been challenging for the top spot as Conor Bickerstaff burst clear from deep inside his own half to go over for the opening try.

All credit to Gala as they gradually pressurised the visitors into mistakes and a penalty in the eighth minute, which Dean Keddie slotted to reduce the deficit to four points.

The home team continued to force Marr back with some good carries.

And in the 13th minute Ross Cooke joined in the line to dart over out wide.

The 8-7 advantage was increased by a Dean Keddie penalty.

But just before the half hour Scott Bickerstaff finished off a fine move by Marr to touch down in the far corner.

Although Gala had shown the better close control with the ball, the visitors continually looked dangerous.

As half-time approach Euan Dods edged the home team back in front following more good work from his pack.

Keddie's conversion gave Gala an 18-12 lead at the interval.

Marr did rally for a period at the start of the second half - and coach Opeta Palepoi can take great satisfaction from the way his own team defended.

Keddie did kick the hosts a further three points clear with a well-taken penalty.

But Marr's pack looked like it was getting on top with some yard-making drives approaching the hour.

With the Ayrshire side camped on the Gala line a fantastic turnover relieved the pressure.

And a simple penalty miss from Marr just five minutes later kept Gala two scores clear going into the closing stages.

The victory was all but secured in the 72nd minute as Rex Jeffrey raced home for a try out wide,

Marr did respond with three minutes remaining as Scot Bickerstaff found a chink in the home armour - but the missed conversion meant Gala were still nine-points clear.

And in the final minute John Turnbull managed to rip the ball clear to dive over for the bonus point.

Gala. R Cooke, J Frew, J Turnbull, R Jeffrey, A Emond, D Keddie, L Johnston, E Dods, K Brown, J Irvine, C Pate, R Irvine, T Logan, C Keen & M Christie. Reps J Easson, K Scott, D Nicholson, A Turner & S Fairburn.