Aberdeen Grammar vs Gala
14 January 2012
Aberdeen Grammar 18 Gala 5
Aberdeen Grammar dented the Premier A title hopes of Gala with a comprehensive 18-5 win at Rubislaw in Premier A to send out a clear message that they are capable of beating any side in the top flight of the Scottish game.
Coach Alex Duncan was delighted to gain revenge for a 30-17 loss at Netherdale earlier in the season and said: “It was a quality team performance which we controlled from start to finish. We were better in every department, from number one to 15.”
He added: “We had them chasing shadows for most of the game. In the end we blew them away, refusing to let them into the game,''
Duncan acknowledged the significant contribution the two professionals had made to the game.
''Hooker Andrew Kelly was immense, giving us a huge advantage in the lineout, hitting the target with unerring accuracy, while centre Alex Dunbar's break to set up the clinching try for Callum Anderson was magnificent, but we had others in the side who bring a professional attitude to the game, including scrum - half Morgan Ward ,'' said Duncan.
The home side did not allow Gala to play, apart from a 10-minute spell before the break when winger Craig Robertson nipped in to give the visitors an undeserved half - time 5 - 3 lead, although Grammar should have cashed in on its incessant pressure, having to settle for a lone Rob Aloe penalty in the sixth minute.
The stand off had a tremendous match, astutely reading the game, while leading his line with authority and found time to score an early second half try, kick a second penalty and convert his own try to run up a personal tally of 13 points.
Anderson enjoyed his roving commission on the wing and got his reward when he raced on to a pass from Dunbar to complete a miserable day for the visitors.
© 2012 Jack Nixon
Reproduced with permission from the Press & Journal.
Team: Steven Aitken; Erlend Oag, Apelu Alapati, Alex Dunbar, Callum Anderson; Rob Aloe (vice-captain), Morgan Ward; Nicki Fraser, Andrew Kelly, Richard Allen, Stuart Smith, Murray Douglas (captain), Sandy Warnock, Tony McGuiness, Greig Ryan.
Replacements: Graeme Carson, Matt Dixon, Rab Barrie, Fraser Lyle, Will Wardlaw.