Gala ..................... 38 Kelso .................... 36
Gala hoisted themselves to joint top position in the BT Scotland Premiership after achieving victory over their fellow promoted club Kelso in a match that produced a most bizarre finish with a double dose of drama.
Kelso, seemingly out of the game after Gala had stretched their lead to 35-22, produced a late charge that resulted in tries by Charlie Rutherford and Stewart Bennet, both converted by Graeme Aitchison, to lead 36-35 with two minutes of proper time remaining.
It looked as though these scores had clinched the match for Kelso, only for Gala to claim the spoils with an injury-time penalty goal from Greg Rutherford.
It was perhaps appropriate that Rutherford should have had the final say. The young winger had shown what an asset he is to Gala by scoring his side's opening try and then converting three of Gala's touch- downs and kicking three earlier penalty goals.
Gala, though, may have to thank replacement centre, Gavin Dalgleish, for Rutherford's winning goal, Dalgleish twice cutting through the Kelso defence to create the penalty situation.
Over the piece, Gala just about deserved their win, though you had to feel smidgen sorry for Kelso, who yet again finished second to Gala.
Kelso, however, look to have rebuilt and have the makings of a side capable of causing a few upsets this season in a Premiership that is already rocking the form book.
Gala - S Paterson; C Dalgleish (M Dods 70min), PJ Solomon, D Gray (G Dalgleish 75), G Rutherford; B Wear, D Paterson; A Johnstone, G Crosby, E Johnstone (M Ross 61), P Harrison, G Kelly, M Ballantyne, T Weir, A Satchwell.
Kelso - D Baird; S Ross, G Laing, P Rutherford (R Laing 13), J Fleming (J Thomson 56); G Aitchison, G Cowe; B Hogarth, K Thomson, B Cowe, C Rutherford, S Laing, S Bennet, D Rankin, K Hendrie.
Referee - M Stevenson (Stirling County).
Scoring sequence (Gala first): 7-0, 7-3, 7-10, 10-10, 10-13, 10-16, 13-16, 13-19 (half-time); 20-19, 25-19, 28-19, 28-22, 35-22, 35-29, 35-36, 38-36.
Scorers: Gala: Tries - Rutherford (5), Weir (43), C Dalgleish (55), Solomon (74). Conversions - Rutherford (5, 43, 74). Penalties - Rutherford (18, 35, 58, 82). Kelso: Tries - Bennet (12, 78), Rutherford (76). Conversions - Aitchison (12, 76, 78). Penalties - Aitchison (8, 27, 30, 37, 73).
Alan Lorimer
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