Errors return to haunt Hamilton in close game
KIRKCALDY .............................................. 27 HAMILTON ................................................ 24
Errors and poor discipline cost Hamilton as they fell to a narrow 27-24 defeat at Kirkcaldy.
The result moves the Fifers off the foot of Tennent’s National League 1, while Hamilton remain in ninth place, due to the losing bonus point.
In the early exchanges, that indiscipline at the set-piece cost Hamilton ground, sending Kirkcaldy deep into their territory.
Kirkcaldy used their big men to drive the ball through several pick-and-go phases, for tight head prop Michael Harper to drive over from close range, converted by Alex Black, for a 7-0 lead in nine minutes.
Hamilton found themselves playing catch-up, and from kick-off they pushed deep into the Kirkcaldy half.
Bulls chose to scrum a five-metre penalty and Owen Mcleish kicked to the corner, where Ross Inglis raced in to gather and dot down, with Mcleish converting to tie the scores.
In this error-strewn match, Bulls made a good exit from their 22, with a good break by Tomas Decelle and Craig Skilling, but a penalty at the break-down gave Kirkcaldy an easy exit.
Hamilton’s desire to attack was thwarted by inaccuracy, and a good attacking platform was wasted.
Once again, Hamilton’s injury problems deepened when Mcleish went off with a head knock.
Kirkcaldy used their forward power to suck in the Hamilton defence, and second phase ball was whipped out to the left for Conar Littlejohn to run in unopposed.
Hamilton’s next attack was broken up by injury stoppages and momentum was lost.
Bulls kept up the pressure, but too often the final pass didn’t go to hand, and their attacks were frustrated.
A penalty goal by Decelle was scant reward for their efforts, but Hamilton again conceded territory, and only poor play by the hosts prevented another score as half-time approached, leaving the score at 12-10 in Kirkcaldy’s favour.
Kirkcaldy opened the second half with a quick try through Rhys Bonner.
The hosts launched an immediate attack and their forwards were stopped on the line, but the referee judged illegally and yellow-carded Scott Whitelaw.
Kirkcaldy used the battering ram of their big forwards to force the try through Connor Wood, with the conversion taking the score to 24-10.
Hamilton showed their resilience by launching a wave of attacks, and from a lineout drive, Greg Richardson got the touchdown to reduce the leeway, converted by Decelle for 24-17.
However, Hamilton put themselves under pressure again with a knock-on from the kick-off, followed by a cheap penalty.
Tempers frayed and yellow cards were shown to Kirkcaldy’s No. 8 and Hamilton’s ‘Taz’ Mclaughlin.
Hamilton seemed to wake up and once again carried the play to Kirkcaldy, making good ground through their backs, but the turnover in contact again halted their attack.
Hamilton tied the game with a fine, opportunist try from sub Gregor Brodie, who forced his way over from close range, converted by Decelle, with 10 minutes remaining.
With time fast running out, Kirkcaldy reintroduced their heavyweight front row, who forced Hamilton onto the back foot.
The game became more fractious and fragmented as it drew to a close, but in the dying moments Kirkcaldy sealed the win as Craig Letham held his nerve to slot a penalty, when Hamilton were adjudged to have strayed offside.