Gala under-15 girls ran away with the first of three National Midi Finals at Murrayfield Stadium today to retain their title with a nine try victory over Carrick Academy (63-0).

The Borders were dealt an early blow when scrum-half Alix Johnston was forced off injured and, with no replacements, Carrick were forced to reduce their numbers for the second time – having already trimmed their squad to match Gala who brought just 11 players.

However, the experienced Gala – which featured seven players from last year’s final – ran in three tries in the first period, two in the second, and four in the third – with player of the game Lana Skeldon completing all her conversions.

Despite the scores going in without reply, Carrick refused to give in to an encounter where the result did not justify their endeavours. The Ayrshire side can walk away proud following a resolute defensive effort particularly from scrum-half Louise Cochrane.

Immediately after Johnston was withdrawn, Gala hooker Skeldon took a quick penalty from the edge of the Carrick 22, stepped the last defender and scored under the posts before completing the straight-forward conversion, 7 - 0.

A minute later Gala were on the score sheet once more with a fantastic solo effort from Chloe Rollie inside her own 22, the winger used pace and quick feet to wrong foot two defenders to dot down before fellow wing Annabel Hughes crossed the line for the side’s third of the period.

Skeldon made both conversions, 21 – 0.

Gala continued their ruthless assault on Carrick as Rollie scored her second, nine minutes into the second-half, using surprising strength to break two tackles and make the try line. Skeldon added the extras, 28 – 0.

Captain Becky Smith added Gala’s fifth of the afternoon and the ever-accurate Skeldon maintained her flawless conversion record before adding her second converted score, running two-thirds of the pitch to cross the whitewash unchallenged, 42 – 0.

Kerry Bonnar, playing her first ever game, was then gifted her debut try from Rollie when, despite being on for the hat-trick, she generously passed her the ball behind the try line to reward her for her good support play before Hughes and Smith both ran in tries.

Skeldon maintained her flawless conversion to complete the rout 63 – 0.

Full time: 63 – 0
Player of the game: Lana Skeldon

Gala under-15 girls coach, Lesley Robertson, said: “It was great to get so many scores. That was very important for us today – especially for Kerry [Bonnar] who was playing her first game.

“The girls were really nervous to play on the main pitch but they absolutely love the adrenaline that it brings – they are just so happy to be here.

“Our game is about possession, support and attacking rugby and we’re looking to take that into the National 7s which is our next target – we’ll hopefully go on to win there for the third year in a row.”

Referee: Alex Pratt

The National Midi and Youth Cup Finals (29 March, 2009)
Under-15 girls: Gala girls v Carrick Academy (kick-off 12 noon)
Under-15 boys: Ayr v Stirling County (kick-off 1.30pm)
Under-16: Dumfries v Musselburgh (3pm)

The under-18 National Youth Cup final (boys and girls) will take place on the international pitch at Murrayfield on Saturday 25 April
Under-18 girls: (Murrayfield Wanderers) v (Aboyne/Banchory or Cumnock) (kick-off 6pm)
Under-18 boys: Currie Colts v Stirling County (kick-off 7.30pm)