The U18 boys travelled to Gala on Saturday to play a team previously competing in the cup competition, but deciding this season to play in the bowl instead. Always a tough ask for any team heading to the borders, a rugby stronghold. The blues were missing 4 regulars due to work commitments, 1 unavailable and 2 were out with injuries. This meant the blues travelled with 15 players.

As the game kicked off, the heat reached 23 degrees. The blues started off well, with the ball in hand, with Bean, Innis and Euan making strong runs. Ronan was also making inroad in midfield. The Gala team were strong competing for the ball in rucks, and regularly turned over ball, as the blues support players weren't managing to get over the tackled player quick enough. From one of the turnovers, a break up field and some poor tackling saw the first score of the game for the hosts.

Again the blues worked away into the Gala 22 and then conceded a penalty, which saw Gala work up the park and score again. This was then followed a few minutes later with the hosts intercepting a floated pass in their own 22, scoring under the posts. The blues, when retaining the ball, were matching the hosts. After some good forward charges, the backs then moved the ball out wide and Ronan beat two defenders and managed to power under the posts, for a deserved blues try. Gala then scored a good team try, before hitting another one, after some indecision from the blues.

The blues were glad for the half-time whistle and would be disappointed that 4 of the 6 tries conceded were avoidable. The second half continued in a similar fashion. The blues should take heart from the phases of play where they looked a match for the opponents and scoring a fine try after some good team work. Also well done to the 15 players, playing in such a heat and great to see Jace making his debut for the team. They have another long trip this weekend, before having 3 home games in a row. A few work-ons at training this week