Jed Forest 5 - 85 Gala: Gala romp to Border final

GALA booked their place in the final of the Border League and a clash against Melrose with a comprehensive victory last night over a Jed-Forest at Riverside Park.

Scorers: Jed-Forest – Try: Chisholm. Gala – Tries: Young (3), Millar (3), Auld (2), Somerville, T Weir, Dods, Turner, Robertson. Cons: Millar (10).

Gala scored 13 tries as Jed were unable to match their pace and handling. Iain Chisholm gave Jed hope with a blistering try, but their defence was poor and it only paved the way for intense and relentless Gala pressure.

The Maroons needed one point to make sure and there was never any doubt after Lee Millar scored the opening try in three minutes and added the conversion. Grant Somerville edged in before the visitors broke clear to send Chisholm in for a try. However, Gala were soon back on the offensive and Millar scored his second try under the posts.

It was all Gala as Gavin Young outpaced the Jed defence for his side’s fourth try and, close to the interval, Ben Murray sent Tom Weir under the posts.

Gala made changes after the break and Euan Dods went over from a scrum before Young brought up the 50 points to complete his hat-trick and Auld, Millar, Bryce Turner and Craig Robertson added to Jed’s woes.

Gala play Melrose in the final at Netherdale on 24 April.

Jed-Forest: I Chisholm; C Gillan, D Wallace, N Fono-Hunt, D Gobby; R Miller, R Jackson; A Frame, David Grieve, G Slorance, G Young, J Szkudro, J Fraser, M Weekley, Donald Grieve. Subs: N Bates, C Page, P Kerr, R Marshall, S Blackie, N Cook.

Gala: A McLean; G Young, C Auld, C Borthwick, G Somerville; L Millar, George Graham; L Pettie, R Anderson, E McQuillin, C Weir, O Palepoi, Gary Graham, T Weir, B Murray. Subs: C MacKintosh, L Bertram, E Dods, C Robertson, A Emond, C Keddie, B Turner.

Referee: C Rudkin.