Gala 21

Biggar 24

Bob Sneddon

at Netherdale

SATURDAY'S thriller at Netherdale ultimately ended in frustration and disappointment for the home fans.

Gala were well on top during the early exchanges against a team who arrived in the Borders full of confidence, having already made their mark since last season's promotion.

Following a second-minute lineout Ross Cooke made some space in midfield before executing a precision kick to his opposite winger, Simon Fairburn, for the opening try.

A period of sustained home pressure followed with a number of penalties awarded, with one being landed by Dean Keddie in the eighth minute to stretch the advantage.

Biggar prided themselves on a strong defence last season as they topped National Two.

And it was the tackling of the South Lanarkshire side that managed to keep Gala at bay during a lengthy period of home dominance.

The strong defence was rewarded in the 29th minute as Mark Bertram rounded off Biggar's first genuine attack with a try.

Worse was to follow for the Maroons as Biggar took advantage of a penalty to kick to within five metres of the line - and Euan Sanderson touched down from the resultant throw in.

It was a bitter blow for Gala, who had orchestrated so much of the play.

But there was still time for Keddie to edge the home team back in front with a penalty before half time.

It took two timely turnovers at the start of the second half for Biggar to keep their line intact as Gala exerted further pressure.

And from deep within their own half Chris Mulligan rounded off a breakaway try for the visitors.

Conor Lavery converted for a six-point advantage.

Despite the setback Gala continued to press and were awarded a further penalty, which Keddie landed to close the gap.

Biggar's defence yet again was proving a tough nut to crack, but eventually Gala scored with Fairburn again finding enough space to go over.

Keddie's conversion gave Gala a 21-17 lead going into the final quarter.

With 20 minutes still to go the game hung in the balance.

What turned out to be the winning try came from a clever grubber kick which was run into touch by Struan Mitchell.

And from the lineout the ball was thrown along the line to Orr who scored.

Lavery kicked the conversion for a 24-21 Biggar lead.

Gala had eight minutes to salvage the match.

Despite battering away at the Biggar line they couldn't find a way through.

The last play of the game, with Struan Mitchell attempting to cross in the corner, resulted in a head injury to the player and a prolonged period of treatment.

Both this incident and the inability to win the game left the players and supporters deflated after what had been an exciting game of rugby.