Kirkcaldy Rugby Club skipper Craig Hamilton reveals what inspired thrilling comeback to beat Peebles

Things looked bleak for the Blues with only a converted Timmy Kennedy try to show for their efforts in the opening 40 minutes at Beveridge Park, but a turnaround after the interval saw Kirkcaldy pick up a bonus point victory thanks to further scores by Steve Milne, Kennedy’s second and David Foster, plus two conversions and an Ethan Murray penalty.

“We didn’t start the best in the first half,” captain Hamilton – whose side are fourth in the table with 10 points from three matches – told the Fife Free Press. “We were a wee bit flat and to be fair to Peebles they came out all guns blazing.

"There was a bit of a rallying call at half-time. It was just a change of mentality – up the tempo, up the physicality, start taking our chances and stop giving away easy penalties for them to then capitalise on our mistakes.

"Then we really stepped it up in the second half, cut out our mistakes, took our chances and David Foster’s late try was the final nail in Peebles’ coffin so I was delighted.

"For the first game of this season we had boys away on a stag do but since they’ve come back we have more numbers and it’s all gelled together a lot better which has really helped us. We’ve got some new boys in and it’s now gelling and clicking better.”

Hamilton, who is skipper due to Fin Smith’s continued absence through injury, added: “I think being captain is making me play better because it gives me more of a sense of responsibility to get things right.

"I feel my game management and my decision making’s been pretty decent so far. I have not had any hard calls to make yet but I think that’s down to the boys not making it difficult for me.”

On this Saturday’s league trip to Inverness to face leaders Highland – on 15 points having won three out of three so far – Hamilton said: “This is my toughest test as captain so far. Highland are always a really good side, especially at their own ground.

"Playing on the plastic pitch is a bit of a difference maker for a lot of boys not being used to it when they’re playing on grass all the time.

"But it’s always a good game against them and I always look forward to playing there.

"It’s always quite a passionate game from the sidelines because they always have a good crowd and we try to bring a crowd with us on the bus.

"It’s a big jaunt up the road but it will be much better coming back if we come back with all the points.”