Gala 21

Watsonians 21

By Bob Sneddon

at Netherdale

GALA got their first draw of the season on Saturday.

The Maroons welcomed Watsonians to Netherdale, looking for a response after their defeat in the capital last week.

And the crowd was treated to a good game of rugby.

Among it was around 60 senior citizens from the Gala membership who had enjoyed a lunch arranged by the Gala Lady’s Section.

The early part of the game found the Maroons being dominated by Watsonians.

And it wasn't long before scrum half Donald Kennedy went over for the visitors. Full back Ken Stoddart added the extras.

Six minutes later with the pressure continuing, Watsonians' number 8 scored their second try, again converted by the full back.

This took the score to Gala 0 Watsonians 14.

Gala saved face in the final minute of the half when Fergus Johnston passed to Rex Jeffrey who used his strength to crash over the line.

This was converted by Dean Keddie.

Immediately after the restart Watsonians increased their lead through a try by their Captain Chris Bell at fly half.

Stoddart again got the conversion.

But Gala fired up following this try.

And Ross Cooke responded for the home side – using his skill and speed to score near the posts.

Four minutes later Johnston took the ball following a penalty to touch and managed to cross the line.

Fly half Dean Keddie converted both tries to bring the score level at 21 each.

Despite an attempted drop goal failure and a missed penalty by Gala in the closing minutes, the game finished level.

Next Saturday will be a Scottish Cup tie at Netherdale when Gala face fellow Borderers Kelso.

Kick off is at 3pm.

Gala: K Scott, J Easson, A Brown, N Turnbull, J Watson, R Irvine, L Scott, E Dodds, F Johnston, D Keddie, R Cooke, R Jeffrey, A Mitchell, S Fairburn, R Howarth.