Gala 11 - 9 Heriot’s: Gala atone for defeat

GALA atoned for defeat earlier in the season in a rain-drenched game, but only just, writes Atholl Innes at Netherdale.

Graham Wilson. Picture: Dan Phillips

It took a late penalty from Ewan Scott to clinch the points in a match that could have gone either way.

The early pressure came from Heriot’s but Gala drew first blood when the visitors came in at the side and Scott kicked his side ahead in 11 minutes.

Heriot’s had most of the pressure but couldn’t breach the Gala defence on the wet surface.

Scott missed an opportunity to stretch the lead but pulled his penalty wide of the posts.

Gala applied intense pressure before the interval, but the Heriot’s defence held firm. They had a chance to draw level in 40 minutes, but Graham Wilson, below, was short with his kick.

In injury time, Gala missed a second chance to edge further ahead when Scott pulled a kick just wide.

The home side increased the lead with the opening try after four minutes of the second half when Grant Somerville switched to the right wing and stretched out for the try. Scott missed the conversion.

Wilson made no mistake with his second penalty to narrow the scores before Gala brought on Gerald Sibanda after a lengthy injury lay-off.

Andy McLean went close for Gala, but the game was wide open again when Wilson kicked his second penalty to cut the deficit to just two points.

Heriot’s dug in deep and, after Somerville had cut open the defence without success, Wilson hit the post with a penalty. Gala had Chris Weir yellow-carded and Wilson kicked Heriot’s ahead for the first time.

Scott missed from the other end, but made amends to put Gala back in front ten minutes from the end and secure victory.