Gala 10

Highland 16

Bob Sneddon

at Netherdale

HEAVY sleet and strong winds welcomed the players onto the park on Saturday.

And it was those conditions in the first half that ultimately decided where the victory was going.

Gala were trying to play tight rugby to protect the ball during the opening 40 minutes, whereas Highland used the power of the wind to successfully kick for territory.

Ultimately it was the territorial game which was most effective.

It was the visitors who went in front through fly half Scott Fraser with a well-struck penalty.

But Gala muscled their way back to take the lead.

Following sustained pressure a clever flick by Rex Jeffrey sent Gregor Mein crashing over the line.

Dean Keddie made it 7-3 with the conversion.

But the lead didn't last long as Highland winger Craig Findlater raced around three defenders to score in the corner.

Fraser proved his kicking ability by converting the difficult kick from the touch line despite the poor weather conditions.

Another Fraser penalty just before the interval gave the visitors a 13-7 lead as the teams turned round.

By the time the teams returned to the pitch the sun was shining and the wind had dropped in strength.

And after just six minutes Highland went further in front with a straightforward 20 metre penalty from Fraser.

Keddie responded with his own penalty to keep Gala within a score.

But for the final 30 minutes Gala couldn't find a way through.

Somehow Highland's defence held firm even during the last seven or eight minutes as Gala hammered away at the line.

It was a disappointing score but at the same time an exciting game that had the crowd on the edge of their seats.

The Maroons are back in action on Saturday when they travel to Meggetland to face Boroughmuir.