After a 3 hour drive to Millbrae in very windy conditions the players warmed up on a pitch which was very wet and soft.
On cue at 3.00 pm the players prepared to kick off and the rain started. Ayr and Gala were obviously feeling each other out especially trying to adapt to the horrible muddy pitch, After 15 minutes Ayr were awarded a penalty try after the referee found Gala repeatedly collapsing the scrum close to the Gala line. Martin Christie was alleged to be the guilty party and was yellow carded.
During Christie’s absence Gala did well with their 14 men and just before the ten minutes were up Gala, who had been pressuring Ayr’s line, got a rolling maul going and as they neared the line, hooker, Jack Easson, picked up and scored for Gala. Dean Keddie did very well in the conditions to convert the try bringing the score level at 7 point each.
Gala were soon behind again when Ayr after a good attacking move spread the ball through hands to the Ayr winger Aiden O’Connor who touched down in the corner. Ayr failed to convert opening the score to Ayr 12 - Gala 7.
Five minutes later with Gala attacking the ball was spread through Gala hands to their left touchline where it reached flanker Robbie Irvine who crossed the line and touched down in the corner. Dean Keddie had an excellent kick from the touch line in horrible conditions to convert the try and give Gala a 2 point lead.
Half time Ayr 12 Gala 14.
The second half got under way in even worse rain and cold wind. Both teams played really well in the horrible conditions both underfoot and from the weather. Despite Gala having most of the pressure and possession they were unable to score.
In the final minute Ayr were awarded a penalty about 35 metres from the post. Being two points behind it seemed surprising that Ayr did not go for the posts but opted to kick into the corner. In the line out Gala managed to pressure the Ayr line and gather the ball. There was a knock on in the melee on the line and the final whistle sounded to give Gala a well fought for win.
Final Score Ayr 12. Gala 14
Gala are away to Boroughmuir at Meggetland next week with a 3.00pm kickoff and this is followed the following week on 21st March at 3.00 pm at Netherdale.
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