Edinburgh Accies 8 - 30 Gala: Gala bounce back

GALA produced an impressive display to bounce back from last week’s defeat and maintain their title challenge when they took all five points against their fellow British & Irish Cup representatives.

Alex Blair. Picture: Jane Barlow

The Borderers dominated the early proceedings but the combination of a dogged home defence and lack of composure near the line left the scoreline blank until the 19th minute, when Andy McLean darted through a gap for a well-taken try.

McLean turned creator five minutes later to send Steve Cairns in at the corner and Euan Scott added the extras then banged over a penalty for a 15 point lead.

Accies had barely ventured into opposition territory, and the task they faced became greater when the referee showed Stuart Evans a yellow card. Gala took full advantage, booting a penalty into touch then driving over the line, where Tom Weir touched down.

Accies had the final word in the first half when Sam Pecqueur raced in and Alex Blair, above, landed a penalty that sparked a brief spell of pressure for the hosts.

Gala added a penalty from Scott then clinched the bonus point with a Liam Draycott try, Scott adding the conversion.