Cartha Queen's Park 28

Gala 21

Bob Sneddon

at Dumbreck

DRIVING rain and howling gales made life difficult for both teams on Saturday.

But it was the hosts who weathered the storm best to secure the victory.

There had been doubt over the pitch ahead of kick off but both teams agreed for the match to go ahead.

Despite playing into the wind it was the Glaswegian side who struck first with a Wayne Burroughs penalty after four minutes.

Just after the quarter hour the home team stretched their advantage with flanker Calum Dickson powering over the line to score.

Burroughs added the conversion for a 10-point lead.

Dean Keddie responded with a 21st minute penalty as Gala tried to force their way back into the match.

But Burroughs restored the 10 points advantage just a few minutes later.

With half time approaching the Maroons finally managed to get through the Cartha defence.

Lachlan Johnston's quick penalty tap led to the ball being passed along the backs for winger Fergus Johnston to dive over.

Keddie slotted a fine conversion to make it 13-10.

And with just seconds of the first half remaining he also added a penalty for the teams to be tied at the break.

The second half turned into a bit of a disaster for Gala as they were unable to adjust to playing into the strong wind.

Several high clearances went straight to the centre Burroughs, who was the star of the home team with his penetrating runs and clever kicking.

Burroughs added a penalty before a rolling maul in the 55th minute led to prop Mark Barrowman touching down.

Although the conversion was missed, Cartha made sure of the victory just after the hour as Burroughs raced over for another try.

His conversion gave the home team a 28-13 lead.

Gala did finish well and they were rewarded for some good drives by substitute hooker Jack Chambers crashing over for a try.

Keddie missed the conversion, but he did add a penalty in the closing stages to secure the 28-21 losing bonus point.

The muddy underfoot conditions weren't to Gala's liking and hopefully when they get back to firmer home soil this week to face Highland, they will also return to winning ways.

Saturday's match, which is the last home game before Christmas, kicks off at 3pm.