Gala 19 - 0 Hawick: Home side put Hawick ambitions on icewe

GALA were rewarded for their efforts to stage a match in near-freezing temperatures at Netherdale with a fourth consecutive win in the RBS Regional Cup after taming a Hawick side intent on building confidence ahead of the Premiership resumption, writes Alan Lorimer.

Given Gala’s overall dominance, the scoreline might have been greater had handling the ice-covered ball not been such a hazardous occupation.

In the event the Maroons had to look to the goal-kicking skills of their quality stand-off Lee Millar for their winning points, the former Elgin Academy pupil landing four penalties and the conversion of a first-half try. Gala’s other strong suit is their defence, for the Netherdale men have now not conceded a try in five and a half hours of rugby.

For Hawick this was another disappointing day and a further journey along the learning curve for new coach Phil Leck, who watched his side come off second best in the contact area and prove unable to provide cohesion and connectivity behind the scrum.

A sixth penalty by Millar set the tone for Gala, who then extended their lead with the only try of the match that twice involved prop Ewan McQuillan and flanker Dave Millar and fierce finishing from skipper Opeta Palapoi. Thereafter it was Millar who added to Gala’s score.