Last gasp Gala try sees off rivals

GALA 38 Tries: Dalgliesh, Rutherford, Solomon, B Wear Conversions: Rutherford 3 Penalties: Rutherford 4 Kelso 36 Tries: Bennet 2, Rutherford Conversions: Aitcheson 3 Penalties: Aitcheson 5 AN injury- time penalty goal by winger Greg Rutherford gave Gala victory over their Border rivals Kelso in a match of pulsating drama at Netherdale. Minutes earlier Kelso seemed to have snatched the game when flanker Stewart Bennet bagged his second try for the Poynder Park side, only for Rutherford to spoil the party.

After watching his side give away a substantial second-half lead a relieved Gala coach Jim Hay confessed: "We shot ourselves in the foot towards the end."

Gala's dynamic start brought its reward with a try and conversion by left wing Greg Rutherford from a break by PJ Solomon, support from fellow Kiwi Aaron Satchell and a well judged scoring pass from scrum half David Paterson.

A Rutherford penalty levelled matters at 10-10 but three further goals by Aithison punctuated by one from Rutherford gave Kelso a 19- 13 lead at half time.

Kelso's advantage was soon demolished by a fine score from Gala at the beginning of the second half and Rutherford converted for a one point lead, which was stretched to nine when winger Chris Dalgleish scorched through open territory for an unconverted try and then Rutherford kicked a penalty goal.

Aitchison hit back with a further kick but Gala took a decisive grip of the game with an interception try by centre PJ Solomon for a 35-22 lead.

Kelso were not spent, however, and when Charlie Rutherford crashed over from short range and Aitchison converted, the Poynder Park team was back in contention.

Then came the dramatic finish with Aitchison converting Bennet's last-gasp effort only for Rutherford to have the final say with his 82nd-minute winning goal for Gala.

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