Gala 12

Newcastle Falcons 57

Atholl Innes at Netherdale

ONE has to wonder the wisdom of playing matches against pro sides.

Does it give teams like Gala any benefit?

After a one-sided contest, in front of a good Netherdale crowd on a wet Friday night, the Maroons battled hard in a game played in four quarters. President Graham Low later viewed it as a worthwhile exercise.

Gala were outplayed by Falcons.

However, it did give them the opportunity to build up for the new season.

“We were delighted that Newcastle agreed to play us with a very strong squad that included three internationalists,” Low said.

“Their whole squad are full-time professionals and it was exactly the type of game that our players and management wanted.

“You have to raise your game against such teams and this gives you a marker of how well you can cope with the physicality you required to compete in the Scottish Premiership.

“Our boys gave a very good account of themselves and matched our visitors in one or two areas, scoring two tries of our own.

“To improve in any sport, you have to test yourself against better opposition and this game gave us exactly that.

“Our supporters have not seen such competition since the B&I Cup and our rugby management was very satisfied with our performance.”

Falcons scored nine tries – Dan Marshall (2), Tom Catterick, Tane Takulua, Alex Rogers, Andrew Davidson, Zach Kibirige,. Nick Civetta and a penalty try awarded by referee Cammy Rudkin.

Gala’s response were scores from Alan Emond, switched from forwards to backs, and Dan Brooker and Gregor Hunter conversion.

Falcons, after its third pre-season win in a row, will swoop back in the Borders on Friday, where they will meet their match in Edinburgh Rugby.

Gala: R. Howarth; A. Turner, G. Speirs, P. Hendry, A. Mitchell; G. Hunter, G. Lott; C. Keen, M. Carryer, G. Robertson, C. Weir, R. Louw, A. Emond, S. Chapman, S. Cairns. Replacements: L. Pettie, D. Brooker, L. Bertram, B. Ravely, C. Pate, R. Tod, F. Welsh, L. Johnston, G. Mein, F. Hunter.