Hawick 16

Gala 6

Atholl Innes at Mansfield Park

GALA are already preparing for National League rugby next season despite the massive mathematical scenario that the Maroons could yet survive the drop.

The Braw Lads are anchored at the foot of the Premiership and need to score a mammoth total against Boroughmuir to stay alive after defeat at Mansfield Park on Saturday.

But, said President Graham Low: “We need to beat them by 80 points and that is not going to happen. We have to face up to that. But we are still in the cup and the Border League.

“The league is not about one game and the boys put a lot of effort in. We had opportunities and we have come out on the wrong side.

“There are still things to go for, but as far as league rugby is concerned, it is second-division rugby next season. We will need to see where we are and what we are going to do. It will be difficult as some players might move away.

“I thought we might win at Hawick, but the pitch was heavy and neutralised some of our back play. We tried our best.”

There were spells in the game, particularly in the second half, when Gala threatened to take the points to boost their hopes of survival, but on the day, they fell short.

The hosts may yet need a play-off to retain their own Premiership status after a match in which emotions ran high on a wet and blustery afternoon.

“It was a massive day for the club,” said Hawick President John Thorburn.

“It is sad that one of the teams has to go down. I feel sorry for Gala, but that is the world we are in.”

Gala were in the game until the final six minutes, and staged a strong finish, but Hawick overall were the biggest threat, even with having three players, Bruce Campbell, skipper Bruce McNeil and Stuart Graham, all yellow-carded, and playing for a time with only 13 players.

Gala were always chasing the game, Gregor Hunter kicking two penalties to three from Ali Weir in the first half.

The game ebbed and flowed after the interval until replacement Kyle Brunton took advantage of a Gala mistake to score and Lee Armstrong converted.

Gala put in a brave challenge in the final minutes before time ran out for their Premiership status.

Hawick next play at Melrose on Saturday while Gala host Boroughmuir, who still need to play Currie…which strengthened the value of this victory on a heavy pitch.

Gala: G. Speirs; R. Combe, S. Tofilau, G. Mein, D. Burrows; G. Hunter, G.Lott; C. Keen, M. Carryer, D. Brooker, S. Johnstone, R. Louw, C. Weir, H. Borthwick, S. Chapman. Replacements: T. Skeet, F. Hunter, G. Adams, L. Berg, P. Hendry.