Gala YM 24

Leith 32

Despite scoring four tries, Gala YM again lost on Saturday in East Division 2 at Netherdale as they did last week against Dunbar.

It was much closer this time against Leith with the visitors winning in the last few minutes.

As has been one YM’s failings this season - a slow start - YM found themselves 14 points down after just eight minutes.

Firstly the big Leith forwards drove over in the corner and then slack tackling let them in for a try at the posts.

Both tries were converted.

YM gathered themselves together and pinned Leith into their 22.

A good break by Scott Chapman to the line saw him driven over for the try and he also added the extras.

It was end to end stuff before Leith added an unconverted try to extend the advantage.

YM dominated the last ten minutes of the half and after a long period in the Leith 22 and several close calls on the try line, Ben Reid dived over. The teams turned round at 12-19.

YM attacked from the start of the second half and when the ball went loose Ben Gill grabbed it, shrugged off a tackler and sprinted 60 metres down the touch line for an unconverted try in the corner.

Leith got their bonus point try with strong running by their backs with 20 minutes left.

YM bounced back and once more pinned Leith into their 22.

After many phases Shane Kellett forced his way over for the bonus try.

Scott Chapman converted to level the score at 24 all.

With less than five to go Leith attacked into the YM 22 and created an overlap for an unconverted try in the corner.

As time ran out YM desperately defended the chance of a losing bonus point to go with the try one, but it was not to be.

The referee awarded Leith a penalty in front of the posts, which they kicked and it was all over.

Adrian Donoghue was YM’s man of the match.

YM have a two week break before they travel to Earlston on February 16.