Landels’ try thwarts Gala comeback as Hawick maintain momentum

Hawick beat Gala 27-21 in an engrossing Booker Border League match on Saturday at Mansfield Park with a second-half try from Matt Landels, but both clubs saw it as a tough warm-up to the competitive season.

Captain Bruce Mcneil said his players had stepped up from the Kelso match a week earlier although they were on the back foot after the interval in a game dictated by the wind.

“That was two wins in a row and we want to keep it going,” he said. “We need these games to ensure that we are firing on all cylinders when the season starts. The new players have come in and done well – and have added depth to our team.”

Chris Dalgleish, the Gala coach, whose side will be playing National League rugby next season, added: “I think that over the piece we were the better team and we threw away some gilt-edged opportunities.”

Hawick looked comfortable at the break, leading 22-7 with tries from Dom Buckley, Lewis Ferguson and Ross Combe, Ali Weir converting two and adding a penalty – Gala replying with a Scott Wilkinson score, converted by Gregor Hunter.

Gala monopolised play after the interval, Rex Jeffrey and Hunter, who added the conversions, touching down to cut the deficit to one point. But Landels’ try, from a forwards’ drive with 18 minutes left, ensured Hawick took the win.

Elsewhere, Ayr coach Glenn Tippet is confidently looking forward to this Saturday’s Charity Shield after watching his team sweep aside fellow BT Premiership side Stirling County 38-12 in a pre-season friendly at Bridgehaugh.

“We weren’t involved in the inaugural game last year,” he said. “So it’s a fresh experience for us, and as last season’s champions we have home advantage against the BT Cup holders. Plus it’s against Melrose, a team we always enjoy clashing with.”

Tries in the first period from Pete Mccallum and Jamie Bova (2), all converted by Scott Lyle, put Ayr in the driving seat and further touchdowns came from Michael Badenhorst, converted by Lyle, Frasier Climo and Ewan Hamilton.

County’s tries were scored by Euan Mcgarvie and Pete Jericevic, converted by Jonny Hope.