As all promoted clubs soon realise, it is a massive jump from National League to Premiership and at Philiphaugh that truth sank into the tier-two champions, Selkirk, as they faced a battle-hardened Gala in their first game back in the top flight.
In the event Selkirk performed creditably, excelling when they played with tempo but with their smaller and less physical pack struggling in the line-out and unable to win little more than a paucity of possession the home side’s talented backs had few chances to show their skills.
“We needed that game to give us the experience of the physicality expected in the Premiership. We’ve got a few injuries but hopefully we’ll get a few back for next week,” said the Selkirk coach, Peter Wright.
“Gala showed their experience and their physicality. We were a wee bit naive at times. I thought that the tries we scored shows that we can hurt teams. The key in this division is the contact area and having self belief in your ability to compete.”added Wright.
Among the absentees on Saturday were skipper Ross Nixon, who adds experience in defence and lock Andrew Renwick, who is sorely needed in the physical contest. Selkirk, however, can take much from a competitive display from their combative back row, and the doggedness of their front row.
For Gala, who face Hawick on Saturday, Callum Rowlandson, the former Kelso lock made an auspicious Premiership debut as did new hooker Mark Carryer but the Maroons, too, are awaiting the return from injury of several key players, among them back row Euan Dods and centre Frankie Robson.
Gala took time to find their scoring rhythm but by the second half were playing to their fourth ranking from last season. “We showed flashes of really good stuff but we were so disjointed by silly mistakes and taking the wrong option.” admitted the Gala coach, George Graham.
Gala led 8-3 at half time with a try by winger Craig centre Robertson and a penalty by stand-off David O’Hagan to a penalty by Cameron Gregory-Ring. Then in the second half the Maroons added tries by winger Graham Spiers, Rowlandson, centre Alan Emond and scrum half George Graham, O’Hagan converting two.
Selkirk, however, showed their attacking skills with tries by wing Salvo Lloret and flanker Angus Duckett to make their competitive point.
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