Peebles 12

Gala 40

Atholl Innes at The Gytes

PEEBLES put themselves to the test against relegated Gala on Friday night at The Gytes and came off second best in a match in which the difference in league status showed as the hosts were unable to master the difficult conditions.

Gala repaired some of the damage of a disappointing league campaign to keep a tight hold on the Booker Border League Trophy – but they are not there yet and ready to face Melrose in the final.

On a wild, wet and windy night, the Maroons came from behind to score six tries and battle successful against the odds, aided by some adventurous play when they took advantage of the gale in the second half.

Peebles, who are involved in a battle for promotion with Cartha and Kelso to National League 1, where they would face Gala, know that the final round of games will be tough, driven on by the coaching prowess and Drew Moore aided by Bruce Macnaughton.

Gala and Border League President Graham Low watched from The Gytes platform as his side survived a difficult first and took control after Peebles had levelled the scores just after the interval.

Low said that Gala had given fringe players a run-out and they did well.

Peebles spokesman Allan Beveridge added: “We were outplayed in the second half after a good first half. Gala were a good bit sharper than us in more facets of the game.”

It was not a night conducive to running rugby, and it was never going to be a classic, but both sides strived to run the ball at their opponents. There was an abundance of mistakes as the slippery surface and greasy surface made it difficult for both sides and Peebles may argue that the final scoreline flattered the visitors a bit.

With Gregor Hunter absent, Lewis Berg took over the kicking duties for Gala, and missed only one of six conversions.

Scott Stoddart breezed over in the left-hand corner for an early score to give Peebles the lead. Gala dug deep under the pressure to defend its line and it was Berg who scored the opening try and Gregor Mein, in the No. 10 jersey, added a second, Berg converting one to give Gala a 12-5 interval lead.

Murray Johnstone’s try and Greg Raeburn’s conversion levelled the scores before Gala raced ahead with tries by George Lott, Chris Weir, John Watson and Rob Louw.

Peebles: S. Hamilton; J. May, M. Brown, C. Anderson, S. Stoddart; G. Raeburn, M. Johnstone; W. Napier, R. Stewart, C. Togia, R. Guiney, C. Leckey, L. Daly, E. Jackson, E. Jackson. Replacements: W. Aitken, R. McConnell, R. Britton, C. Shand, G. Hume, A. Muir.