Kelso 13
Gala 21
David Morrison
at Poynder Park
GALA'S revival continued on Saturday at a cold and windy Poynder Park.
The conditions prevented much in the way of flowing rugby as it was mistakes which dominated plenty of the first half.
Spilled ball, line-out steals and knock-ons prevented either team gaining an early foothold.
But the Maroons did make a breakthrough in the 14th minute as the decision to kick a penalty towards the corner paid dividend.
The driving maul from the lineout allowed Jack Chambers to crash over in the corner.
Ross Cooke made it 7-0 with the conversion.
Despite having a one-man advantage for the following ten minutes, after Kelso's Kevin Dryden was sin-binned, Gala couldn't increase their advantage.
But with half time approaching some enterprise from full back Simon Fairburn, with a delicate chip over the top, sent Cooke under the posts for a second try.
The winger added the conversion.
There was still time before the interval, though, for Kelso to respond.
A fine handling move saw Kevin Wilson go through the gap for a converted try.
Craig Dods, who had earlier slotted the conversion, added a penalty for the hosts early in the second half.
There had been a few heated clashes during the first half of the derby.
And approaching the hour tempers flared again with Derek Welsh being red-carded and Alan Emond of Gala seeing yellow.
Dods brought Kelso to within a point shortly after with another penalty.
But once Gala were restored to full compliment with Emond's return they began to get on top.
And Fairburn burst through a gap after Gala had laid siege on the Kelso line.
Cooke made it 21-13 with the conversion.
Although Kelso searched for a way back in the closing ten or so minutes Gala weren't for letting their lead slip.
Gala: S Fairburn, R Cooke, D Nicholson, R Jeffrey, J Frew, J Turnbull, L Johnston, C Keen, J Chambers, M Christie, C Weir, C pate, A Emond, R Irvine & E Dods. Reps: A Brown, R Tod, A Dun, C Finlayson & F Johnston.
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