Heriots 19 - 34 Gala: Gala pass tough test to maintain title bid - Top Rugby Stories - Scotsman.com Any concerns in the Gala camp over a potential British & Irish Cup hangover were dispelled in some style as the Netherdale men saw off the challenge of a stuffy Heriot's outfit to maintain their RBS Premiership challenge. The game turned on a five-minute passage when the Maroons tore the home defence apart to run in three tries and built a winning lead. However, they were given a decent test by a side that may not be ready to challenge for the silverware but could have a big say in the outcome of the title race. It took a while to shake them off but we knew it would. For us it was about bringing the intensity that we have had in the B&I Cup into this game," said Gala backs coach Scott Nicol, who admitted that there had been concerns over a possible adverse reaction. "We talked about it before the game," he explained. There is always a worry when you have been playing at that level. No disrespect to Heriot's or the Premiership, but the intensity is higher. Gala led 15-14 at the break after an evenly-matched opening 40 minutes. Lee Millar hinted at a comfortable afternoon for the visitors with a self-converted try after just three minutes. However, Heriot's responded with a try from Max Learmonth, converted by Graham Wilson, and although Euan Dods restored Gala's lead, the home side claimed a two-point advantage when Struan Cessford finished off the best move of the match and Wilson again converted. Millar completed the first-half scoring with a straightforward penalty. Heriot's failed to capitalise on their greater share of possession in the early part of the second half and they paid the price and for that as Gala displayed their clinical side to build a winning lead. George Graham, whose unfussy half back partnership with Millar was the vital component in a solid all round team performance, launched a three-try blitz when he sprinted in after 58 minutes and, when wingers Gavin Young and Craig Robertson also crossed the whitewash within a few minutes - Millar slotting two conversions - there was no way back for the hosts, although they had the final word when pro full back Mike Penn touched down. Nicol was understandably delighted with the outcome which leaves Gala eight points behind the pacesetters Ayr, but with two games in hand. And he is in little doubt that the Borderers have benefited from their experience of higher intensity competition. The B&I Cup was a journey into the unknown. We didn't really know at what level we would be able to compete but we've come out of those two games knowing that we are a good side and we can compete with professional and semi-professional teams," he added. It's encouraging and even more encouraging to come off those two games and put away a decent Heriot's side on their home patch, with the bonus point. That was a great result for us.