Defences on top as Gala YM shade dour derby encounter

Gala, in maroon, tussle with Borders neighbours Earlston (picture by Brian Gould)

However, although YM had 80 per cent of territory and possession, it was the home side’s defence which stopped them running riot.

YM went ahead after intense pressure for the opening 10 minutes when, after several close calls, Ben Reid crashed over for an unconverted try.

The rest of the first half saw YM dominating the game but they could not break through a stout Earlston defence until right on the half time whistle.

Slick handling saw Shane Kellett handing off would-be tacklers for a try at the corner flag and a 10-point lead.

The second half saw YM continually on attack, with Earlston struggling to get out of their own half, and the match deteriorated as a spectacle as YM threw everything at the home side but could not penetrate the Earlston defence.

Eventually, frustration by YM saw them giving away penalties and now it was YM who had to put the tackles in as Earlston pinned them into their 22.

Just as time ran out in injury time, Earlston powered through for a try and the conversion ended the game and a losing bonus point for the men in blue and white.