After the success at Gordonians last week, the Bulls came into this game with the attitude of more of the same. The rain had fallen before kick-off, allowing Hamilton to enforce their wide style of play onto the game against a forward-orientated Kirkcaldy side.

As has often been the case this season, the home side started very quickly; scores from Adam Ryan and Ryan Burrell coming in the first twenty minutes, the former a great individual effort. Andy Wilson added the extras to give the Bulls 14-0 to defend. However, the away sides’ heads didn’t drop, replying with a score of their own to keep the game alive.

The first half continued in an entertaining manner, chances coming for both teams. Approaching half time Hamilton attacked the down their right-hand side, showing great patience to build phases and wait for the right opportunity to score. Two minutes remaining in the half, Calder Dallas picked and crashed over to cap a great first half performance from the tight-head, earning him the man of the match award.

Now at 19-5, the Bulls expected to go in at the half with a solid lead. However, from the kick-off Kirkcaldy had an attack, eventually kicking it dead, which forced a try line drop kick from Hamilton. Unfortunately, in a moment of madness, the ball is kicked out on the full by the Bulls, giving the away side another chance. This was taken and the score at the half was now 19-12, a far less comfortable position for Hamilton.

The second half was a far more tense affair. It started well for the Bulls, a great score by James Howatson adding some distance in the scoreline. Following this the Bulls were forced to really dig deep in defence, keeping a relentless Kirkcaldy mostly at bay. The situation worsened when Howatson received a controversial yellow card and the 14-man Bulls eventually conceded with fifteen minutes to go. A couple of penalty chances were missed by Wilson to put Hamilton out of the reach of a try, keeping the pressure high for the closing stages.

The final whistle came though, the win achieved for the Bulls, showing the same heart and desire that brought success away in Aberdeen. Two wins in a row; the Bulls have arrived.

Report by Jamie Gemmell
Picture by Nick Schaschke