Rugby Premiership: Gala 19 - 24 Ayr

Published on 09/09/2012 01:50

Unbeaten Ayr marched on to their third success in the RBS Premiership with victory over Gala at Netherdale.

A dominant display by their powerful forward pack coupled with accurate goal kicking from scrum half Peter Jerecevich gave Gala the victory.

Gala, despite giving away height and weight in the forward battle, excelled in the set scrums, but their cause was little helped by the departure of back rows Graeme Bryce and Euan Dods to the sin bin for technical offences, partially balanced by a yellow card shown to Kerr Gossman.

The Netherdale side were also guilty of giving away too many turnovers and with it vital possession to an Ayr side that turned the screw in the final 30 minutes with dominant displays from Glasgow professionals George Hunter and Callum Forrester and unfailing line-out work from Scott Sutherland and Colin White.

Ayr made their presence felt with a try from prop Nick Cox after only two minutes and the conversion by Jerecevich, but three penalties from Lee Millar, after enterprising and skilful play from Gala, gave the home side the lead, extended when Craig Robertson scored from a charged-down kick.

But in the final ten minutes of the first half Ayr took control as Sutherland charged over from close range and then Forrester made the best of turnover ball with a dash down the left touchline, both scores converted by Jerecevich for a 21-14 lead.

A missed chance on the line by Sutherland gave Gala a reprieve and when Millar took a pass from Robertson to cross for his side’s second try, the Maroons were back in the game. But the stand-off missed the conversion and then a penalty attempt, both rebounding off the posts. Then, after Robbie Fergusson had been held up over the line, Jerecevich delivered the final blow with his fourth goal to wrap up victory.