Gala Wanderers 18, Ayr 8

THE Borderers, who were impressively powerful up front, won the

Digital Trophy in last night's youth final at Murrayfield.

They dominated the set pieces and in the loose play also caught the

eye with some vintage surges by their lock, Alan Johnston, flanker

Alistair Gray and No.8 Shane Hawkins. It was reminiscent of the kind of

play produced by the Scotland international side.

Behind the scrum Gala Wanderers moved the ball well, but against Ayr's

quick, engaging defence could score only three tries, all in the first

half.

Ayr, who were frequently on the retreat in the set scrums, had

difficulty in launching meaningful attacks, but when they did their

individually talented backs never operated well as a unit, the ball

carrier too frequently delaying the pass.

Gala Wanderers opened the scoring after only six minutes when full

back Scott Semple, coming into the line, combined well with left wing

Craig Carson, who put the supporting Paul Peyton in for a good try.

Their second try was an individual effort by their Scottish Schools

stand-off, Gregor Townsend, who cut through the defence after a double

loop move for a well received touchdown.

Townsend, as he had done with the first try, failed to convert, but

his two penalties put Gala into a commanding lead which was stretched

when a break by their centre Alan Bell put Carson in the clear for the

Borderers' third try.

Just before the break a towering kick by Ayr's full back Graham Neil

created the opportunity for a try by left wing Simon Gray, and in the

second half replacement Stuart Hodge scored their only other try.

Gala Wanderers -- S Semple; M Reid, P Mackay, Alan Bell, C Carson; G

Townsend, P Peyton; M O'Rourke, G Crosbie, Alistair Bell, A Johnston, M

Ballantyne, A Gray, S Hawkins, M Brett.

Ayr -- G Neil; R Knowles, R Dale,

S Ruddock, S Gray; D Lee, S Comely;

C Harkness, G Caven, E Logan, M Gibson,

S Wyllie, A Hart, C Hunter, E McKinnon.

Referee -- R Megson (Edinburgh Wanderers).

Rugby results

Glasgow and District Knockout Cup: Final -- Clarkston 12, Dumfries 6.

Digital Youth League: Final -- Ayr 8, Gala Wanderers 18.

Sevens tournament -- Corstorphine 16, North Berwick 4.

Lanarkshire Cup -- Drumpellier 12, Waysiders 23.

Other matches -- Kinross 6, Edinburgh Borderers 36; St. Modans 7,

Central Scotland Police 10.