Dunbar made several enforced changes to their team for the trip to Gala to play the local Y.M. Dunbar kicked off into a strong sun and had an early chance through John Peebles but the ball was spilled. Gala had the better of the early chances and took the lead from a penalty after 10 minutes. Dunbar then had a great chance from an attacking scrum but Gala nicked it and looked to score but for a terrific chase back from John Peebles. The referee was not interested in any contact at the tackle which was frustrating both sets of players. Dunbar were awarded a penalty on 22 minutes and kicked to the corner. The forwards won good ball as the backs pushed Gala back near their own line. The ball was moved quickly and Matt Wilson got his first touch-down with Charlton converting. Dunbar were getting on top of the home team and Chris Bryce weaved his way through the defence on 27 minutes to score and Charlton again converted. Both sides had chances before the break but there was no further scoring in the half.

Dunbar then shot themselves in the foot just after the restart when they failed to clear their lines and Y.M took advantage to score out wide. From the restart Matt Wilson took a good catch driving to the home twenty two but the pass to Nicol was knocked on with the line at his mercy. On 52 minutes Dunbar scored again but the referee was in a poor position and gave an attacking scrum to the East Lothian side. Dunbar continued to pressure and were awarded when Captain Greg Patrizio burst through. Charlton converted again for a 21-8 lead. This should have been the catalyst for Dunbar to finish off the home side.

Gala then seemed to click through their stand-off who was by far the best player in the home ranks. The Dunbar defence was breeched far too easily and the conversion was good. The Y.M had a 5m scrum and they looked to drop the front row and amazingly the referee awarded a penalty try. Dunbar then had John Peebles yellow carded and then to the amazement of the Dunbar players sent off Chris Bryce. With so much going on there seemed to be a considerable amount of additional time to be added but the referee blew for time right on 40 minutes. This was a bad ending to what seemed to be a decent performance for 60 minutes. Dunbar host Penicuik next week where they will be hoping to get back into winning ways.

Report and Photos courtesy of David Wilson