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.