Gala secured back to back East Championship titles thanks to a comprehensive victory over Linlithgow at Boghall on the last day of the cricket league season.

Gala knew they had to win to guarantee successive league titles and duly did the business, winning by 129 runs.

Linlithgow chose to bowl first after winning the toss, and it looked a good decision as Gala struggled on a tricky wicket, slipping to 61 for three off 26 overs.

However, Gala managed to add 149 runs from the remaining 24 overs thanks to a captain’s knock by skipper Josh Irvine, who scored 76 off 69 balls, supported by Ridwan Khalia (45) and Finlay Rutherford (19).

In reply, Linlithgow were in trouble straight away and were reduced to 19 for six thanks to three wickets a piece for Scott Paterson and Dinesh Tharanga.

Linlithgow finished on 81 mainly due to a knock of 47 by Rory Saunders, with Paterson ending up with superb figures of 5 for 16.

Gala now head to the East Premiership play off against Meigle this Saturday, which will be played at Freuchie CC.

Meanwhile, Gala 2nds finished their season with a six wicket defeat to Drummond Trinity in Division 6. Gala made 156 for 7 thanks to knocks of 46 from both Robbie Paterson and Seb Loumeau and an unbeaten 14 from Liam Skeldon.

Paterson also took two wickets but it wasn’t enough to deny Trinity the win and their promotion to Division 5.  Gala were in running for promotion til a series of defeats in second half of season meant they finished sixth. But a number of young players were blooded over the season, with six teenagers featuring in the Gala XI against Trinity.