Gala 15-14 Aberdeen Grammar: Gala hard won victory

By ALAN LORIMER
Published on 10/02/2013 01:39

Gala ensured they will finish at least second after a hard-won victory at Netherdale over an uncompromising Aberdeen side which came desperately close to upsetting the Maroons’ championship ambitions, writes Alan Lorimer at Netherdale.

Gala will be unhappy about their high number of turnovers, the struggle to pierce the Aberdeen defence and having to play the last 15 minutes of the game with uncontested scrums following a second front-row injury for Grammar.

Aberdeen led 14-7 at half time, with tries from flanker Tony McGinness and wing Erland Oag both converted by Rob Oloe to an opening try from Gala prop Luke Pettie, converted by Lee Millar.

Stand-off Millar reduced Aberdeen’s lead with a penalty early in the second half and then Gala took the lead for the first time with flanker Gary Graham’s unconverted try in the corner.

Aberdeen had two late chances only for replacement Callum McConnachie to miss with both goal kicks.