Dundee 34 - 28 Gala: Ian Rankin relieved to get back to winning ways

DUNDEE High coach Ian Rankin reckoned it was like the start of a new season after watching his men edge out the borderers at Station Park.

The Premier Cup clash was switched to St Andrews because of the frost which wiped out almost the entire card. And Rankin couldn't disguise his relief, not only to claim the win, but simply to see some live action.

The coach declared: "Ten weeks without a game gave the occasion a pre-season feel. I was delighted that we managed to do just enough to hold off a very able Gala team who look as though they will be in with a shout of jumping up to the top flight next season.

"It was a real cup tie with lots of thrills and spills, five yellow cards and handbags out at regular intervals!

"The fans were treated to eight tries, but for me the highlight was a masterclass in wing play from James Fleming, who produced another great display for us.

"We are also very grateful to the Madras club for letting us use their facilities."

Fleming, Harry Duthie, Jamie Urquhart, Danny Levison and Andy Linton went over for High, Urquhart adding three conversions and a penalty.

The Gala counters came from stand-off Lee Miller, who crossed the line twice, David Marshall, and centre Mitch Walton .Miller slotted two penalties and a conversion.

Scorers: Dundee HSFP: Tries: Fleming, Duthie, Urquhart, Levison, Hawkins. Cons: Urquhart (3). Pen: Urquhart. Gala: Tries: Miller (2), Marshall, Walton. Con: Miller. Pens: Miller (2).

Dundee HSFP: J Urquhart; S Barlow, H Duthie, C Strachan, J Fleming; R McKenna, A Dymock; N Dymock, D Russell, A Linton, R Hawkins (capt), C Cumming, R Milne, D Levison.

Gala: C Dods; F Hunter, M Walton, A Emond, R Livingston; L Miller, G Graham; A Johnson, L Roden, C Hogg, D Marshall, O Palepoi, G Haurua, B Murray, E Dods.