CQP rue missed chances

Following their emphatic away win the previous week hopes were high that CQP could overcome the difference in their league placings and secure a victory over Gala. There had been some doubt as to whether the pitch was playable but the under 16s and the under 18s took to the field pre-game softened the surface. When the game got underway it became clear that defences would probably determine the outcome. CQP had the better of the first half but handling and other errors close the Gala line meant that the HT break loomed with the score standing at nil each. Immediately before the break however the Gala stand off directed a very well placed kick into the CQP in goal area. The Gala winger and Graeme Docherty both leapt for the ball but the Gala mans extra height gave him the advantage and he managed to tap the ball back into the hands of a supporting player who was able to cross the line unopposed and score behind the post giving Gala an easy conversion for 7-0 lead at HT.

As the second half progressed Gala became more dominant. There were no further tries scored in this half but Gala managed to slot three penalties to CQPs two. The outcome of the game was therefore victory to Gala 16-6 leaving CQP with no points. While Gala probably just edged it over the eighty minutes. CQP were certainly not disgraced and indeed had they demonstrated more composure in the first half when they could and should have scored some tries they could quite easily have held a clear lead at the break. In football it is all about putting the ball in the net and in rugby it is about taking your try scoring chances when they arise. On this occasion CQP simply failed to take advantage of the opportunities which arose.

FT CQP 6 Gala 16

All the other three teams in the relegation zone lost so CQP are still in ninth place with a much healthier points difference than their rivals.

Meantime on the next pitch CQP seconds demolished GHK rattling up eighty points to maintain their position at the top of their league.