Gala A 43

Kelso A 5

Joe Dickson

at Netherdale

GALA A kicked off their season with an impressive win over Kelso A at netherdale on Friday evening.

The Maroons ran in six tries under the lights while only conceding the one.

Gala pressed from the start, and a quick tap penalty sent Jack Chambers over for the try, which Cammy Finlayson converted.

They increased their lead a few minutes later when Finlayson slotted a penalty goal.

Gala’s second try was a beauty with slick handling along the backline and Ryan Mania slipped a reverse pass to John Frew to race some 45 yards for the try.

Finlayson converted from out wide.

Gala’s defence was dealing well with anything that Kelso threw at them.

A charged down kick led to Gala’s third try, coming from Ben Gill and converted by Finlayson to give them a 24-0 interval lead.

The second half continued as the first with Gala encamped in the Kelso 22.

After several phases and close calls, Frew dived over at the corner flag for the bonus point try.

Finlayson added the extras with a great kick from the touchline.

Now 31 points clear Gala quickly were out of sight when a good break down the middle by Finlayson saw him kick to the line and sub Scott Wilkinson won the race to get the touchdown.

Finlayson again added the conversion.

Frew scored his hat trick of tries from a good move down the wing as he wriggled out of tackles to dive over.

Finlayson just failed to convert as the kick sailed past the upright.

To their credit Kelso did not give up and were rewarded with good try in the closing minutes.

Unfortunately the conversion hit the post and referee blew for full time.

John Frew and Cammy Finlayson shared the man of the match award.

This week Gala A are away to Lasswade A.