Gala 37 - 20 Hawick: Gala crush old rivals to add Border League to cup triumph

They could also afford to give Hawick seven points of a start to hit back with four tries, and the man-of-the match in the cup win over Ayr at Murrayfield, Lee Millar, was the outstanding player in a magnificent team effort.

Millar scored a try, three penalties and four conversions and hit the post with a kick from inside his own half.

And it was Gala who mastered the wind and driving rain to complete a hugely successful season for coach George Graham, who also took his side into the British-Irish Cup. The game was played in front of the biggest crowd of the season and who braved the elements to see Gala show their mastery in all departments of the game. They were aggressive in attack and strong in defence to deny Hawick.

“It was a fantastic game and a great advertisement for Borders rugby,” said Border League President Bob Hogarth.

A delighted coach George Graham praised his players for their huge effort. “It was fantastic and great to win two cups at the end of the season.

“I am thrilled for the players, the club, the supporters, the town and it was a pity that Gav Young and Shaun Law could not play tonight.”

All the early pressure came from Hawick, but they were dealt a blow when Craig Smith limped off to be replaced by Ryan Hogg after only four minutes. However, Hawick put their noses in front when Rory Hutton created the break to send Neil Renwick in between the posts. Renwick added the conversion.

Gala eventually made some impression on the Hawick side, who were caught offside and Millar banged over the kick.

Renwick restored the Hawick advantage with a massive penalty from halfway. Then an amazing run from his own half by Craig Robertson was stopped after a chase by Greg Cottrell, but Gala were not be denied as prop Russell Anderson took George Graham’s pass to go under the posts and Millar converted to level the scores. The scores lifted the Gala confidence as they took them game to their opponents and, after a series of penalties, Anderson drove over for his second try, Millar converting.

Gala were now rampant and when Euan Dods stole a Hawick ball at the line-out, Millar was on hand to race in for his side’s second try and add the conversion for a 24-13 half-time lead.

Cottrell and Ryan Hogg put Hawick on the front foot before Robertson was halted short and George Graham was pulled up for offside as he crossed the line.

Hawick found a new lease of life and Gary Johnstone went over after good work by Ryan Hogg and Renwick, who also converted. However, after a penalty to Gala and backchat from Hawick, Millar banged over his second penalty and added a third three minutes later for a scrum offence. Gala put the game beyond doubt when Robertson scored a fourth try and Millar added the goal points.

Scorers: Gala – Tries: Anderson (2), Millar, Robertson. Cons: Millar (4). Pens: Millar (3).

Hawick – Tries: Renwick, Johnstone. Cons: Renwick (2). Pens:Renwick (2).

Gala: A McLean; F Hunter, B Turner, A Emond, C Robertson; L Millar, George Graham; L Pettie, R Anderson, E McQuillin, C Weir, O Palepoi, Gary Graham, E Dods, G Lowrie. Replacements: P Stewart, C Keddie, S Cairns, C Dods, D Marshall, C Borthwick, R Livingstone.

Hawick: N Renwick; N McColm, G Hogg, G Johnstone, C Russell; R Hutton, G Cottrell; S Muir, L Gibson, S Linton, M Robertson, C Smith, N Mactaggart, B McNeil, K Davies. Substitutes: R Sutherland, M Landels, H Scammell, R Hogg, G Anderson, L Lawrence, G. Douglas.