Leith started with great purpose securing the ball from the kick off and after a couple of good carries from the forwards the ball was released through the backs resulting in Andrew Baxter getting on the ball and breaking a tackle and dummying the fullback before being brought down 5 metres short. Gala YM would turn the ball over and kick clear, and Leith were left to reflect on an overlap opportunity missed. The backs were playing with confidence however, and after more good work from the forwards created space, this time it was Tomek Nawrocki who went close, but was also brought down just short of the try line. Shortly thereafter Leith were awarded a penalty 30 meters out, however Ben Wilkinson's kick was just wide.

Soon after the first try followed however, as Leith won a lineout 10 meters from Gala’s try line, and set up a well-controlled maul, allowing Marcos Teixeira to cross the tryline, converted by WIlkinson for 0-7. Leith secured ball from the restart, and put the ball deep into the Gala half. A good chase saw Leith secure the ball and play quickly, and with hooker Craig Winton back in his spiritual home of standoff he took the ball at first receiver and distributed to Wilkinson who saw a gap and stepped the full back to cross the tryline. Con good 0-14.

Gala put in a kick which Nick Andrews caught 5 metres from his tryline, but his pass was knocked on. The resulting scrum allowed Gala to score. 5-14. Leith worked hard securing the ball again and after Luke McKinney ran it straight, quick ball again saw Baxter cross the try line. Con missed, 5-19. Leith then had a scrum on their 5 metre line after holding Gala up in the maul, but Leith gave away a free kick for the hooker striking early. Gala elected to take the tap penalty, and after they were repelled for several phases by an energetic Leith defence, they eventually crashed over for their second try. Con good, 12-19 at half time.

Leith went on the offensive after half time and were awarded a scrum 30 meters out, and after McKinney picked and went, Fergal MacNamara was able to put Baxter away for the second of his brace of scores, which secured the try bonus point. Con missed, 12-24. Leith then made a school boy error from the kickoff playing the ball when it did not go 10 meters. Gala won the ball and worked up the pitch resulting in a score. 17-24. Gala then put their best passage of play together resulting in a well worked try. Con good for a tied game at 24-24.

Shortly after Leith were awarded a penalty 10 meters from Gala’s tryline and decided to run the ball with McKinney making a good carry and once again quick ball and good passing from the backs put wing Nawrocki in the corner for a good team try. 24-29. With 14 minutes to go, Leith were reduced to 14 men when Teixeira was yellow carded following a team warning. Leith defence was monumental holding out Gala’s attacks, and it was rewarded with the award of a penalty with the last play of the game. Captain Stu Wilson pointed at the posts and Wilkinson duly delivered with a great kick between the posts. Final score 24-32. It was great to see Leith playing their free flowing attacking rugby again. MOTM Andy Homer.