Gala too strong for Aberdeen

By JACK NIXON
Published on 04/03/2013 01:26

GALA retained their hold on the Scottish Cup after comfortably seeing off the challenge of an injury-stricken Aberdeen side.

Aberdeen Grammar 17 - 27 Gala

Scorers: Aberdeen – Try: Walker. Pens: Ryan (3). Drop: Ryan. Gala – Tries: Robertson, penalty, Somerville. Cons: Millar (3). Pens: Millar (2)

Grammar gave it their best shot, even briefly threatening to upset the holders after taking the lead early in the second-half, having been on the back foot for much of the first half.

Gala had taken a ten-point lead in the first quarter through neat work from the Gala backs, putting winger Craig Robertson in the clear for a try, converted by stand off Lee Millar, who quickly added a penalty.

Grammar hit back in 21 minutes when winger Grant Walker dashed through a static defence for an unconverted touchdown, only for Millar to punish a home indiscretion with another penalty in 33 minutes. Stand off Mark Ryan then goaled two penalties before the break, and going on to give the home side the lead with a drop goal followed by his third penalty in the first seven minutes of the second half.

Gala hit back to take control of the tie with a penalty try, and a fine effort from winger Grant Somerville after a neat flip pass from centre Chris Auld, both converted by Millar.

Aberdeen: M Ward; G Walker, P Nacamavuto, G Clow, W Wardlaw; M Ryan, J Lauder. M Dixon, S Bingham, C McConnachie, S Smith, A Cramond, S Warnock (c), C Turner, T McGinness. Subs used: R Coates, G Ryan, N Fraser.

Gala: A Mclean; G Somerville, C Auld, C Borthwick, C Robertson; L Millar, Geo Graham (c). L Pettie, C Macintosh, C Hogg, C Weir, Gary Graham, C Keddie, E Dods, B Murray. Subs used: L Bertram, T Weir, S Cairns, B Turner, G Young.

Referee C Rudkin