Falkirk's Women travelled to Netherdale on Sunday for a top of the table clash against Gala in Arnold Clark Caledonia Midlands / East League Div.2.

The sides previous encounter, the Bowl Final at Murrayfield in May, had resulted in a dominant 5-45 win for the Borders team. Both teams came into the weekend in excellent form on perfect 4 & 0 records plus maximum bonus points, so something would have to give.

They couldn't be separated in the early stages as the sides shared a converted score apiece. Falkirk's distribution wasn't flawless, but when they got the ball to the edges, the pace of the back three, wingers Shannon Paterson and Lois Cant, plus full-back Aimee Hunter, was causing Gala problems. Width was the source of Falkirk's second converted try, but Gala quickly replied in kind, albeit missing the extras, to make the score 12:14. But with half an hour on the clock, Falkirk extended their advantage, again via the wings and a successful conversion.

Of course the backs rely on the forwards to provide a platform to operate from and the Falkirk pack was doing just that through their physicality and direct running. This was starting to take its toll on the home side, which was forced into making a number of injury replacements as the interval approached.

HT: Gala 12:21 Falkirk

In the second half, Falkirk started to stretch away. An excellent move resulted in the bonus point score for the visitors and a fifth try effectively ended the match as a contest, although Gala never gave up and secured the final score of the game near the end.

FT: Gala 17:35 Falkirk

Falkirk's tries came through Lois Cant (2), Amiee Hunter, Morven Hylands and Katie Galloway. Abi Skelton (4) and Aimee Hunter were perfect from the tee converting all five scores.