Earlston on top as YM defeated

Earlston’s pace brought them to victory against Gala YM

Earlston: 45 Gala YM: 21

THE YM came second best to a fast-running Earlston side at the Haugh on Saturday.

Despite an impressive first-half performance, the visitors never looked likely to overtake the home side.

Earlston got off to a quick start, scoring their first try after five minutes when a strong break from their number 13 allowed their forwards to drive over. They followed this up five minutes later when a mazy run from their winger outflanked the YM to score under the posts.

The visitors responded well, dominating the rest of the half. A series of scrums saw the YM’s powerful pack win penalty after penalty, but they were unable to make an impression on the scoreboard.

Their persistence finally paid off when a quick counter attack from lost possession saw Adam Keeler drive over the line. A well taken conversion from Stuart Walker put the YM back within five points after 35 minutes of the first half.

However, failure to retain possession from the kick off allowed Earlston to extend their lead and with the half nearly over they scored again. A conversion from distance saw Earlston lead 26-7 at half time.

The home side extended their lead immediately after the break.

A yellow card for the home side allowed the visitors to finally gain some territory.

They lost the ball close to the Earlston line before a smart interception from Adam Williams allowed them to score their second converted try of the game.

However, it was Earlston who scored next when a kick through from the halfway line saw them win the foot race to extend their lead by a further seven points.

The YM were again forced to defend when driven back by clever kicking and strong running.

Another commanding run from Earlston’s number 13 saw them cross the line to extend their tally to 45 points.