Kirkcaldy hopes slip after interval

The tie between Kirkcaldy and Hamilton at Beveridge Park in the first round of the National Cup looked as though it could be the most closely contested of the eight games, given that only one point separates the two in Tennent’s National Division 2.

That was the way it was until after half-time.

A Josh Laird try put Kirkcaldy ahead, Ross Jamison levelled the score and Adam Ryan’s try gave Hamilton the lead but Danny Jennings again brought the scores level.

Scott Alexander edged the visitors in front but again Kirkcaldy pulled level with a Chris Mann strike as the break approached.

A Max Mccrumlish try on the half-time whistle took Hamilton in with a 24-17 advantage but after the break the roof fell in on Kirkcaldy.

Darren Crawford and Ross Ingles crossed for Hamilton, with Ingles converting his own try and, although Josh Laird’s second try brought the scores closer, Ben Plant ran in two late scores to give Hamilton a 48-24 win.

There were only nine points in it when Perthshire visited Duffus Park a couple of weeks ago and with a half-time lead of 12-10 it looked as though the North Inch outfit were going to make a fight of it.

Sean Murray opened the scoring for Howe but tries from Adam Watson and Rabson Chipakupaku, converted by Jonny Armitt, gave Shire a twopoint interval lead after Murray had closed the gap with his second. That was it from the visitors, though, as Howe took control and Cameron Willison’s try, converted by Jack Todd, gave them a lead again.

James Lawrie’s try widened the margin and when James Barclay went over for try number five there was no way back for Shire as Howe went marching into the quarterfinals with a 27-12 win.

With Falkirk toiling in Tennent’s National 2, there was always the chance that newcomers to National 3 Strathmore could pull off a surprise.

Strathie wing Dave Smith scampered in for the opening try after six minutes followed by a second by centre Grant Langlands and with Blair Butchart converting they were up with the clock.

Butchart’s penalty took Strathmore into half- time 15-0 ahead.

Falkirk finally got on the board after 45 minutes but flanker Dan Jones restored the margin three minutes later only for Falkirk to respond with a second try and eight points separated the sides until 10 minutes from the end when Strathmore No 8 Ian Reid crashed over for the crucial score.

Falkirk ended with a final minute try but it was Strathie who celebrated a famous win.

Madras returned to top spot in Tennent’s Caledonia Division 2 after recording a comfortable win in their rescheduled fixture at home to Falkirk seconds on another day when the league programme took a break.

The result leaves the St Andrews men – who have a game in hand – in pole position ahead of Carnoustie by virtue of a superior points difference.

One other game that went ahead was a friendly between Morgan and Dundee University Medics at Alloway Place, with Morgan winning 34-27.