Gala 26 - 11 Melrose: Gala’s best of the season

At Netherdale on Saturday it was Gala who played as potential champions, and not Melrose, even though their title hopes remain in their own hands.

Indeed, home coach George Graham watched his players turn in their best performance of the season. “I was very pleased with the boys and overall it was one of the best that we have had as a team,” he said. “We dominated all aspects of the game, and our breakdown and line-outs functioned well.

“There is a lot to play for with a place in the British and Irish Cup, the Scottish Cup and the Border League and our initial goal is to finish as high up the league as possible.”

Melrose offered no excuses. “We lost to the best team and we have to pick ourselves up,” said captain Graeme Dodds. “It is the worst that we have played all season and we have to apply ourselves as Gala did.

“There is always worry about winning the title, but we are still one point ahead and still in the driving seat.”

Melrose were as bad as Gala were good with a performance that left much to be desired while the Maroons reached new heights.

There were no failures in the Gala team, led by Euan Dodds and Opeta Palepoi up front and Lee Millar and Andy McLean in defence.

The cover work, tackling and aggression of Gala restricted Melrose to just one try and only a late tackle on Craig Robertson by Fraser Thomson denied Gala a bonus point.

The game was evenly balanced at half-time as Thomson and Palepoi exchanged tries and Andrew Skeen and Lee Millar penalties.

Glasgow Warrior Scott Wight replaced Skeen at the interval and almost immediately his pass at halfway was intercepted by Gary Lowrie, who was uncatchable as he ran in for a second try.

Millar kicked his third penalty and converted George Graham’s try as Melrose wilted under the pressure to leave empty-handed and with lots of work to do if they wish to retain the title.