Glasgow Hawks 38-38 Gala

TEN tries, almost a point per minute, fluctuating fortunes – this was a classic, writes Matt Vallance at Old Anniesland.

Hawks made a lightning start, an early unconverted try by full-back James Gourlay and a second, by centre Ally McLay, converted by Warriors’ Scott Wight, giving them a 12-0 lead after the opening quarter.

Gala’s Ewan Scott scored a penalty, but a solo effort by Finlay Gillies, pictured, converted by Wight, put Hawks 19-3 up. But then two further Scott penalties and his conversion of Ewan McQuillin’s close-range try, scored whilst Hawks’ Steven Findlay was in the sin bin, made it 19-16 at the break.

Tries by Andy McLean and Opeta Palepoi, the first converted by Scott, put Gala 24-19 up, before skipper Ross Miller forced his way over for Hawks’ bonus-point try.

But, back came Gala. Chris Weir got their bonus-point try, Scott converted, then added a penalty and at 38-24 going into the final ten minutes, the points seemed destined for Netherdale.

However, Hawks’ Jon Welsh burrowed over for a try, as did scrum-half Haddon McPherson and, with Wight goaling both conversions, this pulsating match finished in an honourable draw.