Gala 17

Selkirk 26

Atholl Innes

at Netherdale

SELKIRK survived the loss of two tries in the space of four minutes either side of half-time, a 3-17 deficit and a late yellow card for Luke Pettie to just not win at Netherdale, but collect a four-try bonus into the bargain.

It was a victory that delighted coach Graham Marshall, who had seen his side totally dominate the Braw Lads after the interval.

“I was pleased with the result, but also the performance,” he said.

“The Gala defence was pretty aggressive in the first half, but it was a fantastic second half for us.

“It was big test, but we answered it well and played some pretty good rugby. We got a real momentum going and they did not get much chance to put pressure on.

“The bonus point makes a big difference.

"Our last three games have been really tough, but we won them all. But it is also about performance.

“We are now starting to perform and hopefully there is more to come and, like today, we are starting to get that bit of confidence.”

It was that confidence that instilled new faith and belief in the players, who responded with amazing commitment and determination.

To score four tries in the space of 30 minutes was a tribute to a side thirsty for success.

Gala collapsed like a wall of bricks – and this on a day when Selkirk failed to convert one conversion out of a possible four.

For the Maroons, centre Alan Emond believed that his club should not have lost a 17-3 lead.

“We had a big lead, but that is rugby,” he said.

The teams were level par on the field until Robbie Irvine intercepted a ball deep inside his own half in the second minute of injury time and ran the length of the field to score - Dean Keddie converted.

Keddie and Aaron McColm had earlier exchanged penalties – and Gala led 10-3 at the break.

Two minutes later, it looked like game over as Rex Jeffrey barged over for a try, converted by Keddie, for a 17-3 lead.

But Selkirk’s revival was just starting.

Frazer Anderson and Pettie made it 17-13 with tries and Aaron McColm kicked a penalty.

Gala relinquished control as Darren Clapperton raced over to be followed by Henry Bithray – and Gala’s final surge, which saw Pettie sent to the sin-bin, was too late to make any impact on the game.

Gala: G. Speirs; R. Cooke, R. Jeffrey, A. Emond, J. Turnbull; D. Keddie, S. Fairburn; M. Christie, C. Keen, T. Logan, R. Irvine, C. Pate, J. Irvine, K. Brown, E. Dods. Replacements: J. Easson, L. Scott, D. Nicholson, A. Turner, L. Johnston.

Selkirk: J. Welsh; H. Bithray, C. MacDougall, R. Nixon, D. Clapperton; C. McColm, A. McColm; L. Pettie, J. Bett, B. Riddell, A. Renwick, D. Nichol, S. Nixon, S. McClymont, E. MacDougall. Replacements: C. Graur, C. Higgins, A. McKay, F. Anderson, S. Tough.