Ayr12

Gala14

Bob Sneddon

at Millbrae

GALA rewarded their loyal supporters who made the three-hour trip to Ayrshire on Saturday.

Not only was Millbrae battered by gusts but on cue at kick off the rains also arrived.

Ayr and Gala were feeling each other out early on as both sets of players tried to adapt to the horrible muddy pitch.

On 15 minutes Ayr were awarded a penalty try after the referee found Gala had repeatedly collapsed the scrum close to the Gala line.

Martin Christie was alleged to be the guilty party and was yellow carded.

During Christie’s absence Gala did well with their 14 men and just before the ten minutes were up Gala, who had been pressuring Ayr’s line, got a rolling maul going and as they neared the line, hooker, Jack Easson, picked up and scored.

Dean Keddie did very well in the conditions to convert the try bringing the scores level.

But Gala were soon trailing again, when Ayr spread the ball through hands to winger Aiden O’Connor to touch down in the corner.

Ayr failed to convert, leaving the score at 12-7.

Five minutes later with Gala responded with good hands and the ball was passed to flanker Robbie Irvine, who touched down in the corner.

Keddie had an excellent kick from the touch line in horrible conditions to convert.

The second half was played in even worse rain and cold wind.

Both teams attempted to create chances in the horrible conditions both underfoot and from the weather.

Despite Gala having most of the pressure and possession they were unable to score again.

In the final minute Ayr were awarded a penalty about 35 metres from the posts and the opportunity to claim a one-point victory.

But the home team, rather surprisingly decided to kick into the corner.

Gala managed to pressure the Ayr line and gather the ball.

And the knock on in the melee led to the final whistle being sounded.

Gala are away this week to Boroughmuir at Meggetland with a 3pm kick off.