Gala 16 - 9 Dundee HSFP: Surprise package Gala keep the ball rolling with win to move into second

With more than half the number of games completed before the RBS Premiership Division 1 cut is made, Gala unexpectedly have manoeuvred themselves into the secure position of second in the table after achieving their fifth result this season with victory over Dundee HSFP at Netherdale from a performance that emphasised their defensive qualities.

Dundee, having enjoyed territorial advantage in both halves, were unable to cross their opponents’ tryline, something of a set-back for a team that has built a reputation for playing open rugby.

Admittedly the Taysiders were missing a couple of key backs, a situation that will improve with the likely return of James Fleming for this weekend’s home match against Melrose.

If the lack of fast handling rugby disappointed Dundee’s coach Ian Rankin, it engendered the same feeling in Gala’s assistant coach, Scott Nichol.

The former Scotland wing said: “Coming off such a flowing performance against Boroughmuir it was frustrating to be in a tight game.”

Still Nichol should be happy with his young centre Chris Auld who looked sharp in defence and who posed a threat in attack.

The other youngsters to impress for Gala were prop forward Ewan McQuillin and replacement hooker Russell Anderson. With the sides locked at 9-9 going into the final quarter, the game was all about whichever team could score a try.

And it was Gala who delivered from a clever kick upfield by Andy McLean, good phase work by the forwards and then the drive over the line giving Chris Weir a converted try and Gala the lead, which they protected until the end despite a siege effort by Dundee in the closing minutes.

It means the Maroons have won five out of six and sit five points of leaders and local rivals Melrose.

Scorers: Gala Try: Weir; Con: Millar; Pens: Millar (3) Dundee: Pens Steele (3)

Gala: B Turner; S Law, C Auld, A Edmond, C Robertson; L Millar, G Graham; L Bertram, L Roden, E McQuillan, C Weir, O Polepoi, D Marshall, G Graham, E Dods Subs used J Gilding, R Anderson, G Lowrie, A McLean, C Borthwick.

Heriot’s: C Wyper; A McLean, R Lavery, J Steele, J Urquhart; C Brown, A Dymock; N Dymock, S Forrest, A Brown, R Hawkins, A Linton, J Morrison, C Cumming, D Levison. Sub used D Russell.

Referee: J Matthews