Kirkcaldy secured a convincing seven-try win over Berwick in heavy conditions, controlling large periods of play through a dominant scrum and powerful forward performance. On a pitch that made handling difficult, both sides were guilty of early knock-ons, but it was the Blues who adapted quicker and applied the greater pressure throughout.

Despite controlling territory, Kirkcaldy’s ill-discipline at key moments allowed Berwick to clear their lines and relieve pressure. However, it was only a matter of time before the Blues’ set-piece superiority told. On 16 minutes, a scrum five metres out proved unstoppable as the Blues went for a push over try, with Rory Brown at the back touching down for the opening score.

Seven minutes later, Kirkcaldy thought they had doubled their lead when Fin Smith grubbered into the in-goal area for Callum Kennedy to dot down, but the referee ruled a knock-on in the act of grounding.

The second try arrived at 26 minutes after clean lineout ball from Euan Oliver, allowing Brown to charge through from 15 metres out. The conversion attempt struck the post.

Kirkcaldy continued to press, and after a sharp break from Kennedy and quick recycling, Alan Pratt finished clinically in the corner at the half hour mark.

Berwick mounted late first-half pressure, but Kirkcaldy stood firm. Just before the break the Blues surged up the wing through Pratt, before a final pass to Kennedy was deemed forward, ending the half at 0-17.

The second half began in similar fashion. A clean take from Rhys Bonner at the lineout set the platform, followed by a strong break from Stewart Small, allowed Kennedy to crash over under the posts for another well-worked team try.

Soon after, arguably the try of the day came as the ball moved fluidly through seven or eight pairs of hands, eventually reaching Craig Hamilton in the three-quarter line—who bulldozed through two defenders to score.

With ten minutes remaining, a well-drilled lineout routine saw Hamilton find Oliver at the tail before the ball was recycled and kept alive for Brown to shrug off defenders and dive over the line for his hat-trick.

Kirkcaldy’s forwards were immense throughout, with standout carries from Ross Lithgow and a collective effort from all eleven forwards that played, dominating the set piece and defensive collisions. Their control in the scrum and accuracy in the tight ensured Berwick were continually forced backwards.

At 78 minutes, another fine lineout take and pass allowed Brown to break through the home defence to add his fourth to reach 50 career tries for the Blues, converted by Cammy Pilmer.

A strong, disciplined second half and a physically commanding display up front ensured a deserved and comprehensive victory for Kirkcaldy.