MATCH REPORT

Gala RFC 29 – 21 Heriot’s Blues Men

Heriot's Blues Men 1st XV vs. Gala
Heriot's Blues Men 1st XV vs. Gala

Match report by Gary Heatly for the Offside Line

Gala’s defeat of second placed Heriot’s Blues on Saturday helped Biggar increase their lead at the top to a daunting looking 15 points in National League One.

On their day this season, Gala have shown they can be a match for any team in the division and they bounced back from a disappointing loss to Kelso last week to see off Heriot’s 29-21 at Netherdale. Tries by Robbie Irvine, Fergus Johnston and Ruairi Howarth, all converted by Polish internationalist Ross Cooke, put the Maroons 21-7 up at the break.

Howarth’s second try secured the four try bonus point, while Cooke kicked a penalty to put Gala fifth and dent Heriot’s title hopes. Stephen Martin, Louis Meynier and Dom Martin scored the Edinburgh side’s tries with Graham Wilson converting them all.

The two sides meet at the same venue this coming weekend in the Scottish Cup last eight and Gala skipper Euan Dods said:  “After a disappointing display at Kelso last week the squad had a few questions to answer and we feel we did that against a good Heriot’s side. We now need to refocus knowing Heriots are coming back to Netherdale in the Cup next week and will be looking to avenge this result.”