Gala 36

Kirkcaldy 17

Fiona Hendrie

at Netherdale

A STORMING second half display made sure Gala's winning ways continued on Saturday.

Kirkcaldy are one of those teams who will always expose any weaknesses.

And the way they came back from early set-backs set up this National League Two clash for a thrilling finale.

But Gala stepped up a gear after the interval to make sure of the points.

The Maroons looked dominant during the early exchanges with Euan Dods twice barging his way over to score tries.

Ross Cooke added both conversions to give the home team a 14-0 advantage.

Most in the Netherdale stand were expecting Gala to go on and run in a few more tries before the break but it was Kirkcaldy who were to score next.

And the Fife team added a second try after more pressure on the Gala line.

Suddenly it was game on.

Gala's pack again made the hard yards for Alan Emond to edge his team back in front.

Cooke's conversion gave the Maroons a narrow 21-14 lead.

And a Kirkcaldy penalty reduced the gap to four as play swept up and down the park.

But entering the closing stages Gala's dominance up front led to another two scores with space beginning to open up.

Rex Jeffrey completed a fine move for the bonus point try - again converted by Cooke.

And in the final minutes it was Cooke himself who went over to make the final score 36-17.

Gala: S Fairburn, R Cooke, J Turnbull, R Jeffrey, J Frew, D Keddie, L Johnston, M Christie, C Keen, T Logan, C Weir, R Irvine, A Emond, L Scott & E Dods. Replacements: J Chambers, R Tod, D Nicholson & C Finlayson.