No tonic for YM in final game with Medics

Gala YM aim to force their way through the Medics' lines (picture by Brian Gould)

Gala YM travelled up to Peffermill on Saturday to play Edinburgh University Medics in their final East 3 league game of the season.

The pacy student backs were much too fit for the YM backs – but the YM forwards had their best game of the season as they crushed the Medics in the set scrums and rucks.

It was credit to the Medics’ defence that they kept YM to just three pushover tries.

The Medics’ backs carried the day with several tries scored from deep in their own half.

Playing against the strong wind in the first half, the YM forwards pinned the Medics into their 22 for the opening 10 minutes without scoring when, suddenly, the Medics broke away for a 70-metre try, with the conversion giving them a seven-point lead.

Minutes later, Medics scored an unconverted try when an astute kick to the winger on the touchline saw him take the ball and dive over.

Medics’ backs were running so well that it was no surprise when they scored a third try at the posts. The conversion gave them a 19-point cushion .

YM took play to the other end and great scrummaging sent them driving over the line and Neale Lees got the try.

YM repeated the try before the interval, with Scott Chapman getting the touchdown this time. Both tries were unconverted because of the wind but it was to be behind them for the second half.

Unfortunately for YM, it was the Medics who got the first try of the second half when, once again, a YM move broke down and the sheer speed of the home back got them the bonus point try, which was converted.

YM spent a lot of time on the Medics line but something went wrong each time as they went for the pushover.

Tails up now, Medics scored two more tries from loose YM passes to put them out of sight.

YM never gave up and they got the pushover right for Neale Lees to get his second try. Cammy Finlayson added the goal extras.

Medics held on to stop YM getting a fourth try, tightening up their defence so YM got no points.

YM’s man of the match accolade went to Declan Broatch.