Falkirk, one of the favourites for promotion, were the first league visitors of the season to the Beveridge Park. The teams had shared a high scoring 39-39 draw two weeks previously in the National League Cup. Kirkcaldy gave league debuts to Alex Webb, Avi Nailatica and graduating U18 players Aiden Denholm, Ryan Finnie and Stewart Payne.

A healthy crowd gathered for the game and paid their respect to club legend Ron Ferguson, who passed away the previous week, with a minute’s silence.

On a great day for the rugby, the large crowd was about to be treated to a try fest 80 minutes. Falkirk started quickly and their pacy back line looked dangerous, with former Kirkcaldy player Aidan Reddick playing at full back. Reddick was under an aerial bombardment early on.

After 6 minutes the blues took a quick tap penalty and a cynical foul, saw a Falkirk player shown a yellow card. The Blues immediately made the player advantage count, as Ryan Finnie was put into space on the half way line. He showed a clean pair of heels to the defenders, before powering through the two covering players to open the score.

Falkirk then hit back with a try of their own, before birthday boy Timmy Kennedy danced his way over for a converted try, after 13 minutes.

The next quarter of the game saw Falkirk stretch away with four converted tries. The Blues appeared shell-shocked and the home crowd feared the worst. Just before half-time Avi Nailatica powered over to reduce the deficit, giving the blues some hope. HT 17-33.

The half-time team talk had the desired effect on the home team. The forwards began to dominate their opponents, with Rory Brown leading the charge, as he skittled defenders, every carry. Marcus, Connor, Craig and Kieran were also to the fore, as the 8 forwards came out fired up.

Within 10 minutes of the second half Kirkcaldy blew Falkirk away with tries from Timmy (2) and Stevie Milne all converted by Fin Smith. After 48 minutes coming back to lead 38-33 and by now the Blues had all their impact players off the bench.

The crowd were now in full voice, as the Blues had their dander up. Falkirk managed to regain some composure, as both team cancelled each other out for the next period of play. With only one score between the teams it was still anyone’s games.

On 66 minutes Falkirk scored again, with their kicker knocking over another good conversion, to regain the lead 38-40.

The Blues then had to work hard in defence to stop Falkirk scoring again. Good work by the forwards held up a ruck and a good turnover for the Blues. After clearing their lines the blues then disrupted the Falkirk lineout on the halfway. After an infringement by the visitors the Blues were awarded a penalty on the Falkirk 10 yard line. After some discussion captain Fin pointed at a kick to goal and the crowd held their breath. Stepping up, Fin put his full weight into the kick, as it sailed over the posts to give the blues a 1 point lead.

Some extended Falkirk pressure then saw Matt Collins yellow carded for slowing down ruck ball, leaving the Blues with 14 players for the remainder of the match. From the resulting penalty, the crowd were surprised as Falkirk kicked to touch, rather than go for the posts. From the resulting lineout the home forwards then held up Falkirk, gaining a scrum.

The Blues worked their way up the park, before a massive touch finder from Fin Smith, saw a blues lineout on the Falkirk 22m. Another tidy lineout, saw the blues utilise 12 players within 5m of the ruck, as the constantly recycled the ball, fittingly with Rory Brown to the fore, as he had been the whole match, until time was called by the referee. FT Kirkcaldy 41-40 Falkirk.

A fantastic team performance from the blues, especially in the second half. Rory Brown once again, fittingly named Player of the Match. The blues showing they are more than a match for any team in the league on their day. They will be hoping not to have too many more nail-biting finishes as the season progresses!