Gala 53

Cartha QP 27

Bob Sneddon

at Netherdale

GALA produced a stunning second half display to crush the Cartha threat on Saturday.

From the kick off Cartha immediately put Gala under pressure, and it took some sound defensive tackling to keep them at bay.

The home teamed managed to get a foot hold with some powerful drives and it wasn't long until full back Ruairi Howarth raced under the posts.

Ross Cooke made it 7-0 witht he conversion.

Cartha retaliated with a quick penalty on 16 minutes that led to Sam Harrison going over in the corner.

The visitors, with the wind at their backs, took the lead just a couple of minutes later as Liam Howieson crossed the whitewash following good handling.

Neither conversions were made but Cartha had a 10-7 lead.

Thomas Davidson did kick a penalty in the 26th minute to extend the visitors' advantage to six points.

But Gala responded with Lachlan Johnston scoring under the posts following a five metre scrum.

Cooke's conversion gave Gala a slender one point lead.

Cartha again responded well with Ryan Howie scoring under the posts following more impressive passing.

Davidson made it 14-20 with the conversion.

There was still time before the break for Cooke to dive over in the far corner for Gala to close the gap.

With the wind at their backs following the interval Gala soon were back in the lead.

A Cooke penalty was followed five minutes later by a try from Jesse De Vries.

Gregor Mein slotted the conversion for a 29-20 advantage.

An Andrew Mitchell try in the 68th minute gave Gala a 14-point advantage going into the closing stages.

And just a few minutes later Euan Dods completed a flowing move to make sure of the victory with a try next to the posts.

Dean Keddie made it 41-20 with the kick.

Cartha still managed to score another try with prop Juan Phyfer scrambling over and Lachie Stout converting.

But it was Gala who had the last say with Robbie Irvine and Andrew Mitchell both scoring tries in the final few minutes.

The five points was just what Gala needed after their opening day defeat.

This week Gala travel to Inverness to play Highland before returning to Netherdale for a home game against Biggar.