You are here: Match Reports / 1st XV / Gala 3rd March 2007
Click here for photos from this game
UPDATE 25th March 2007 - It would appear that not everyone at Gala is as one eyed as
the author of the original match report referenced below as it's now been slightly toned
down.
Click here for a truly heart rending tale found on the Gala website of how the nasty ref
stole the game from them. It's worth noting that the penalty count in the game was as
follows - penalties to Hills 17, penalties to Gala 16. Perhaps those Gala supporters who
were so eager to accuse the cruel, nasty ref of "cheating" or maybe the author of this tale
of woe just never learnt how to count....
Click here for photos from this game
UPDATE 25th March 2007 - It would appear that not everyone at Gala is as one eyed as
the author of the original match report referenced below as it's now been slightly toned
down.
Click here for a truly heart rending tale found on the Gala website of how the nasty ref
stole the game from them. It's worth noting that the penalty count in the game was as
follows - penalties to Hills 17, penalties to Gala 16. Perhaps those Gala supporters who
were so eager to accuse the cruel, nasty ref of "cheating" or maybe the author of this tale
of woe just never learnt how to count....
| “ HILLS DOUBLE” GALA 11pts HILLHEAD/JORDANHILL 18pts On a soft but eminently playable Netherdale surface, the “Hills” held off the challenges of the Gala XV to record their second win over the Borderers in season 2006/7 by one goal, one try, one drop goal and a penalty goal to one try and two penalties, and thereby keep up the pressure on others to avoid the drop from the SHE Premier 2 relegation battle. Yet, this was no classic contest; instead it was a game in which both defences were on top, and there were few real line breaks from either side. It was the “Hills” who settled much better at the start of the game, and quick passing from a breakdown situation found Gala infringing at the subsequent ruck, with Cammy McCulloch judging his penalty kick into the wind perfectly, and take his side into an early 4 minute lead. Given the fact that Gala had the advantage of the wind in the first half, it was a surprise that its use was not harnessed as they chose to move the ball through the hands rather than seek territorial advantage with the “boot”. But, even when the kicking game was attempted, they were unable to stretch David Frame at full back, who played steadily throughout. Gala displayed fearsome scrummage drive initially but any advantage from that was dissipated either through the efforts of the “Hills” back row of Jeff Wright, Murray Allan and captain Cammy Kerr who tackled, rucked and mauled their opponents out of the game, and Will Marshall, at inside centre, whose first time tackling was of copy book standard over the full 80 minutes. Gala then were left to feed off scraps, which their speedy backs tried to use, but found the “Hills” to be uncompromising everywhere in their defensive chores. It was left to the Gala captain, Andy Mclean , to nudge his side into a 6pts – 3 interval lead with two straightforward penalty goals. It was noticeable that the “Hills”, on commencing the second half, had no qualms about establishing field position with stand–off Cammy McCulloch taking every opportunity to hoist the ball into the Gala twenty two. While exchanges at the first phases became much more even, with Marty Lane managing to pinch a couple of Gala throws, “Hills” were much more versed in driving the line out maul with flanker Jeff Wright being unstoppable on several occasions as he burst clear. Continuity play off a driven maul from Murray Allan allowed McCulloch to convert a drop goal chance from the middle of the Gala twenty two, after an excellent feed from scrum half, Sam Muir. More hard yards in the Gala five metre area produced a driven try from Jeff Wright, which McCulloch converted beautifully, at which point the game began to open up when two Gala players incurred referee Andy Healy’s displeasure at breakdown offences and were sin binned. “Hills” capitalised when a break from broken play by scrum half Muir was well handled by Murray Allan and John Warlock, finally allowing David Frame to touch down at the corner. From the restart kick, the number of players on the field was reduced to twenty seven with Chris Tulloch making his way to the dugout. “Hills” were now 18pts to 6 ahead , but, even with the numerous changes in Gala’s personnel, were never really under serious pressure, although they would have been disappointed with the ease with which they conceded a try down their right flank after a quickly taken Gala tap penalty. The last eight minutes of the game found both teams back to their full complement, but with no additions to the score line, although “Hills” should have done better with some of their late territorial advantage. The final play of the game saw stand-off McCulloch kicking a penalty right off the field, as he wisely decided not to try for the penalty goal, and thereby deny Gala one last chance to run the ball back. In a game, which never threatened to boil over, referee Andy Healy awarded some 33 penalties, a fact that the “Hills” players need to be aware of as they continue their efforts to remain a Premier 2 Club. “This game continued our improved form of late, but it was no classic,” said a relieved Aaron Collins, the “Hills” head Coach. “Every one fronted up very well as there are no easy games in the Borders. I was pleased with the form of Cammy McCulloch at 10, and Stuie Ross did well as hooker. Everyone has to continue to attend training so we stay in shape for our cup tie against West, and the two remaining league games” “Hills” 1st XV –David Frame, John Warnock, Alan Cahoon, Will Marshall, David Mitchell , Cammy McCulloch , Sam Muir, Willie Brown ( Douglas Walker ) , Stuart Ross , Nick McAulay ( Douglas Walker ), Chris Tulloch , Marty Lane , Jeff Wright, Murray Allan , Cameron Kerr ( C ) Subs – Andrew Cameron, David Fisken, Ewen Weir |
