Published: Thursday, 12th March, 2009 7:30am

Burgh still rooted to the foot of the table

The first half of this game appeared to be a hangover from the Dundee HSFP game last week.

Missed tackles and passes failing to reach their intended target were an unrelenting feature.

But play did tighten up in the second period Burgh took the game to Gala, however the gap in points by this stage proved too much to overcome.

In the early stages, Burgh knocked-on at a set-piece and Gala ball was put through the hands. The homesters advanced 20 metres and Law eventually dotted down on 10 minutes, for Speirs to convert (7 -0).

Following a couple of mazy runs by Burgh players, Gala retook possession and made 60 metres. Ball was then spread and McLean went over on 15 minutes for a converted try.

Gala increased their lead six minutes later. Ball was played out to the left flank and Speirs played in the number eight for an unconverted try.

With their backs now to the wall, Burgh upped the pace of the game and camped in the Gala 22-metre line.

But despite their efforts Gala notched up another two tries in the closing minutes of the half. Musselburgh halted a flowing move but Gala were not to be denied and ball sped along the line for Speirs to score. The conversion was missed.

Then, from the kick-off, centre Cox claimed ball and motored a full 60 metres up the pitch. He switched to Dods who touched down for an unconverted try.

Gala led 29-0 at half-time.

The Borders" side wasted no time after the interval and on four minutes, from a lineout, all the threes had their hands on the ball.

Cox took the final pass to slide over for glory (34-0). Just 10 minutes into the second half McNairn replaced Talac in the Burgh front row. Minutes later Burgh showed true grit and determination as Fleming drove through Gala"s lines and passed off to Roy. The ball fizzed along the line to Ryan who sped over for Shapland to convert (34-7).

A bloodied Fish was replaced by Hogg as McNairn halted a Gala move.

Nearing the end of the match, Gala"s Thomson was sent to the sin bin.

From a lineout on 72 minutes Burgh were awarded their second try of the day. Fleming drove at the Gala lines and Millar touched down for an unconverted try. (34-12).

Burgh visit face Hamilton on league business on Saturday.

Kick off 2.30pm