Hamilton Bulls 14

Gala 27

David Morrison

at Laigh Bent

AFTER the disappointment of previous weekends confidence wasn't exactly flying high on the journey to Lanarkshire.

But from the outset Gala were the team in control at Laigh Bent.

A mistake by the home team gave Gala a five metre scrum inside the first minute.

And the heavy Maroon pack took full advantage with Terry Logan barging his way over for the opening try.

Ross Cooke's conversion gave Gala an unlikely seven point lead before three minutes had arrived.

Hamilton, as they showed at Netherdale, don't lack ambition when ball is in hand.

But the home team were thwarted by some strong tackling.

And in the 15th minute Gala increased their lead.

Simon Fairburn side-stepped past two defenders to feed Euan Dods for a try beneath the posts.

At 14-0 it was imperative for Gala not to allow the Bulls back into the game before half time.

Strong tackling and good cover made sure there was little in the way of opportunity.

And Hamilton's frustrations resulted in them picking up two yellow cards before the interval.

With numerical advantage at the start of the second half Cooke stretched the lead to 17 points with a penalty.

But Hamilton finally breached the impressive Gala defence just five minutes later with Ben Plant crossing in the corner.

The successful conversion closed the gap to 17-7.

Another Cooke penalty eased the pressure somewhat.

And the victory was more or less secured a short time later as Chris Keen scrambled over for a third converted try.

Hamilton did score again in the 74th minute through Josh White, but there was little chance of any comeback.

Gala: G Speirs, R Cooke, R Jeffrey, D Nicholson, J Turnbull, S Fairburn, L Johnston, M Christie, C Keen, T Logan, R Irvine, C Pate, A Emond, L Scott & E Dods. Reps: J Easson, B Reavely, D Kerr, A Turner & D Keddie.