Gala 28

Ayr 38

Atholl Innes at Netherdale

GALA have already been dubbed ‘slow starters’ and they lived up to that reputation in an engrossing encounter on Saturday at Netherdale.

Out of the thick mist and into the gloom, the crowd looked on in anticipation as Ayr looked to strengthen its title hopes and Gala battled to squeeze out another win in a crucial relegation battle.

The fact that the Maroons scored four tries, and so a bonus, against one of the top sides in Scotland spoke volumes for the character and doggedness of the side.

“I enjoyed that except for the first 20 minutes,” said one avid supporter, who braved a cold and fog-shrouded afternoon – confirmation that by the time Gala came to terms with the match, the points were already on their way to Millbrae.

Replacement winger Craig Robertson, scorer of one of Gala’s four tries, added: “I worry about the first 20 minutes and the players need to think about the situation.”

Ayr scored in two minutes, were 24-0 ahead after only 24 minutes, and the outcome looked beyond Gala. But the Maroons, 7-24 down at the interval, dug deep, and stung the visitors to win the second half.

“Fair play to Gala,” said Ayr coach Calum Forrester, who was delighted that his team were rewarded with full points after a blistering start and a three-week break.

Referee Keith Allen handed out four yellow cards…Gregor Hunter, Rob Louw, Ruaridh McKenzie and Archie Russell…but it was the solid Gala performance that took the eye.

The visitors overcame a stuffy Gala side and dense fog to collect the try bonus before the interval and completed the day with six tries.

Tries by David Armstrong, a penalty try, Ross Curle and Steven Longwell had Gala on the backfoot until Matt Carryer gave the hosts a lifeline with a try converted by Gregor Hunter on the stroke of half-time.

Ayr scored in the second half through Danny McCluskey and Pete McCallum while Gala scored a penalty try and Robertson and Alex Northam exchanged scores.

Frazier Climo and Hunter shared the conversions, and sadly time ran out for Gala ahead of the final whistle… it had been too big a hurdle to overcome.

Gala: G. Speirs; A. Northam, L. Berg, S. Tofilau, P. Hendry; G. Hunter, C. Adams; C. Keen, M. Carryer, G. Robertson, C. Weir, R. Louw; H. Borthwick, F. Hunter, S. Cairns. Replacements: T. Skeet, D. Brooker, A. Emond, R. Jeffrey, C. Robertson.