Gala 22

JedForest 29

GALA produced a plucky performance on Saturday to run Booker Border League front0runners JedForest close.

Jed had already played on the previous Saturday when they beat Melrose 29 to 22 at Riverside Park.

But it was the home team who looked the most dangerous during the opening 10 minutes but failed to capitalise on their possession.

Gala were soon punished for their mistakes when Lewis Young gathered the ball in his own 22 then ran the full length of the pitch to cross for the first try.

Garry Munro successfully converted.

After 10 minutes of toing and froing, which was generally dominated by a more physical Jedforest side, Gala dropped further behind.

This time it was Cole Lothian who grounded the ball between the posts - again converted Munro for a scoreline of 14-0.

Gala responded in the 26th minute as new Dutch singing Jesse de Vries scored in the corner.

In the final minute of the half Dean Keddie kicked a penalty into touch.

A clean take and a fine passing move led to Gala hooker Jack Easson going over in the corner.

Keddie's conversion made the half time score 14-12 to Jed.

Simon Fairburn took over as full back in place of Struan Mitchell for the second half.

But it was the visitors who increased their lead with Lewis Young confusing everyone by taking a penalty quickly and racing unopposed to score.

Jed collected the bonus point try just before the hour as a collected drop-out from the 22 saw Robert Hogg find enough space to score.

Ruairi Howarth, who has returned to Gala this season, scored a fine solo try to bring the hosts back into the match.

Keddie's conversion brought the Maroons to 19-24 with plenty of time still on the clock.

But with six minutes remaining, and after a period of pressure, Adam Keeler used his strength and weight to break Gala’s defence before passing to Gregor Young to score.

A last-minute Keddie penalty brought the final score to 22-29.

The Booker Man of the Match was Lewis Young.

On Saturday Gala are away to Stirling in their first National One League game.