Gala 31 - 14 Currie: Gala secure winning start

An 86th-minute injury-time try from Grant Somerville gave Gala a winning start to the season and also a crucial bonus point, writes Atholl Innes at Netherdale.

Gala had passed up several try-scoring opportunities before Somerville squeezed over in the right-hand corner.

Coach George Graham was delighted with his team’s success but felt there were still many areas to be improved upon this season.

Richard Sneddon gave Currie an early lead before Craig Borthwick, on his debut in the forwards, went over after breaks by captain George Graham Jnr and Euan Dods.

David O’Hagen had earlier kicked a penalty but Opeta Palepoi added a try to strengthen Gala’s position.

However Sneddon brought Currie back into the game with two penalties in as many minutes right on half time.

It was O’Hagen who restored Gala’s advantage with two penalties after the interval before Gala lost prop Luke Pettie through injury.

Currie had their chances, but it was Alan Emond who put Gala back in the driving seat with a try converted by O’Hagen. But with Gala pressing for a bonus-point try, Joe Reynolds intercepted to score at the other end.

Gala still sensed a bonus point, and after missed opportunities, Somerville touched down for the vital score deep into injury time.