Gala YM 32

Earlston 23

Joe Dickson at Netherdale

GALA YM’s fifth successive victory in East Division 2 at Netherdale on Saturday saw them remain in the top half the league.

And the victory also helped them win back the Jewson Cup from visitors Earlston.

YM took an early lead with a penalty goal from Struan Mitchell.

But this was quickly snuffed out with a similar effort by Earlston.

Good pressure in the Earlston 22 saw several close calls before quick ball from a ruck and a half break by Struan Mitchell sent Rhuary Horsburgh over for the try.

Mitchell converted for the seven point lead.

Earlston hit back with a second penalty to cut the deficit.

A penalty into the corner and good lineout work sent Blair Reavely powering over and Mitchell again added the extras.

Both sides lost a player to the sin bin but it was Earlston who fared better with 14 men as they scored a converted try just on the interval to make it 17-13.

Although Earlston had been on top in the lineouts it was YM who were dominating the set scrums and when Gala went for the push over the visitors offended and the referee awarded a penalty try.

YM went all out for the try bonus point and were encamped on the Earlston line before and Adrian Donoghue smashed his way over for an unconverted try and a 16 point lead.

Earlston kicked a third penalty goal as time ticked away.

And they reduced the gap further with a second try, although the referee was unsighted to an Earlston dropped pass and as YM defence stopped, the the player regathered to score between the posts.

A late penalty goal in the last five minutes by Mitchell seal the game for YM and prevent Earlston getting a losing bonus point.

Man of the Match award went to Kieran Douglass for YM.

This week YM are away to Trinity Accies.