Gala 33 - 21 Aberdeen GSFP: Second-half fightback

GALA were in need of a win to atone for a lethargic second-half display at Heriot’s last week and it came thanks to a second-half fightback this time, writes Atholl Innes at Netherdale.

Gala made a great start when the Maroons’ pack drove over for the opening try in seven minutes. Aberdeen were under the cosh for some time but survived and two penalties in the space of two minutes by Graeme Clow put the visitors in front.

Aberdeen threatened again on the Gala line before George Graham cleared the danger.

The game ebbed and flowed and Clow was proving to be a real threat for Gala. The stand-off kicked his third penalty and then broke through the midfield at pace for his side’s opening try. He also added the conversion.

But Gala’s reply was swift and Alan Emond crashed in close to the post and David O’Hagan added the conversion. But Emond’s game was cut short as he hirpled off after a tackle and was replaced by Ewan Scott.

O’Hagan missed a penalty. But he then converted Tom Weir’s try to put Gala back in front, and Graham Speirs added the bonus-point try and O’Hagan converted, Aberdeen counting the cost with Clow in the sin bin.

George Graham added a fifth try and O’Hagan converted before Tony McGinness added a consolation.