Kirkcaldy Rugby Club skipper Fin Smith remains bullish despite defeat at Falkirk
Although they were denied by a dramatic late comeback from hosts Falkirk last Saturday, Kirkcaldy Rugby Club skipper Fin Smith reckons his side’s overall display in the 42-33 defeat bodes extremely well for their immediate Arnold Clark National League Division 2 prospects.
Kirkcaldy – whose points came via tries for Steve Milne, Cammy Pilmer (2), Danny Jennings and Callum Kennedy and three conversions by Pilmer - were handicapped by Kennedy’s second half yellow carding.
The Blues are now second bottom of the table with 13 points from eight matches, having only won one league fixture all season.
And captain Smith – whose side face a crucial home league game against seventh-placed Dundee this Saturday which kicks off at 3pm – told the Fife Free Press: “All around it was probably the best performance we’ve put in all season.
"We just couldn’t get over the line at the death.
"There were a few silly penalties we gave away in the second half late on.
"Obviously we want to be winning those games, but all in all it was obviously a big step in the right direction.
"It was frustrating to only get one point, but there is definitely a bit of confidence going into our next two games to pick up points.
"We hope this Dundee game can kickstart our season. If we can replicate the display against Falkirk and just tidy up a few parts of our game there is every chance we can win.
"Dundee are a decent side. It’s a Caledonia derby. So they’ll come down, up for the game and wanting to take points, but we’re confident.”
Further analysing the defeat in Falkirk, Smith added: "I think Falkirk led for the whole first half. Then we managed to get the lead in the second half.
"I think we got 33-28 up and then they scored in the last 10-15 minutes, before scoring with the last play of the game as well so we missed out on a losing bonus point.
"We had held the lead for a wee bit in the second half, so it was quite a close game to be fair.
"We had a chance to extend our lead which we didn't manage to take.
"I think the yellow card was a wee bit unlucky for Callum. I think one of their boys was holding him, there was maybe a loose boot going about.
"I wouldn't say Falkirk scoring their late points was just down to losing Callum. Falkirk had a yellow card earlier in the game as well.”