Strong second half display by Kirkcaldy sees CQP beaten by eight tries to four

Kirkcaldy v Cartha Queen's Park Sat 20th Oct 2018.

Strong second half display by Kirkcaldy sees CQP beaten by eight tries to four. With a substantial number of players out through injury and two missing for personal reasons this CQP team had a somewhat unusual look.

The game was played in dry conditions and CQP kicked off but found themselves an unconverted try down within two minutes. This was followed by a second try this time converted five minutes later. Things looked a bit better when Big G picked up behind the ruck and found a gap ahead of him. Gregor Davidson converted and Kirkcaldy's lead was reduced to 12-7. With twenty four minutes on the clock some excellent passing saw CQP move the ball through about six pairs of hands culminating in Alistair Paterson getting the try in the left corner. Four minutes later saw CQP take a 19-12 lead when Liam Howieson got through the middle. He was stopped just short but managed to get the ball back to Calum Dickson who was up in support. The try was scored behind the posts and Gregor drop kicked the conversion to give CQP a 19-12 lead. Three minutes before the halftime whistle saw Kirkcaldy score their third try which they converted to level the score. With TWO minutes of injury time played Kirkcaldy secured their try bonus, Liam Howieson had taken a knock earlier and had been replaced by Dru Pengelly but Dru had gone into number 10 with Gregor Davidson taking Liam's place in the centre. Just before the break Ryan Howie went off and Gregg Gilmour came on.

HT Kirkcaldy 26 CQP 19

With six minutes of the second half played Albert Hondros scored from close range to move the score to 26-24. This proved to be CQP's last throw of the dice as Kirkcaldy went on to add four more tries without reply to run out 52-24 winners. Before the end Alex Boyle had left the field injured and just before no side Gregg Gilmour had been yellow carded.

FT Kirkcaldy 52 (5) Cartha Queen'sPark 24 (1).

As this game progressed Kirkcaldy grew in confidence carrying the ball strongly into the tackle. CQP seemed to be reluctant to tackle low and for the last thirty minutes of this game found it very difficult to get the ball away from Kirkcaldy who quite clearly were the better team on the day and thoroughly deserved their victory. Clearly the extensive injury list across the club is taking it's toll and on the day not only the ones but the twos and Shawlands went down to defeat. Let's hope that with our captain back at the helm next Saturday the firsts can get back to winning ways against our friends from Kelso