Kiama Rugby will be looking to build on their 2025 dominance and go one better at the 54th annual Kiama Sevens, aiming to win their division for the second time in three years.Fresh off winning the Illawarra Rugby District League premiership in first grade and finishing runners-up in reserve grade, Kiama can’t wait to get back on the field on 28 February.“We’ve got a lot of talent from last year coming through,” said Kiama Sevens coach Dante Patrick. “They’re eager to get out there and represent Kiama in probably one of the most prestigious sevens tournaments outside the international stage.“The majority of our squad is homegrown, with a few local players who might usually play league or AFL. We just put the team with the best chemistry on the field, and the boys are looking strong so far.”Kiama competes in the NSW Country Cup division of the tournament, which they won two years ago, and managed to get all the way to the grand final in 2025 before losing to The Lakes Rugby Club“We won two years ago, then lost in the grand final last year. We’re always competitive, but teams come from all over the region and give us a good crack,” Patrick said.“Being the host team adds a bit of extra pressure too - everyone wants to knock us off.”The loss to The Lakes continued a budding rivalry that started a few years ago.“They hosted their sevens tournament in 2022, and we went up as an invitational team. We beat them in their own grand final,” Patrick said.“Then they came down here and beat us in our tournament. So it’s a rivalry we’d like to keep going. If we meet again, it’ll be a big one.”Regardless of the outcome, Patrick said the team is proud to be part of such a significant local event and to represent their town.“Every year, the tournament gets bigger and better. Mark Bryant and the crew do an awesome job keeping it going,” he said.“COVID obviously affected it for a while, but the way they’ve bounced back and grown the tournament is incredible. "For a small coastal town like Kiama, hosting events like this really puts the town on the map, and we’re proud to be part of it.”The 54th annual Kiama Sevens kicks off on 28 February, with the Kiama Sevens Media Launch taking place at Kiama Leagues Club at 12pm this Friday, featuring special guests Olympian Charlotte Caslick and former Wallaby Scott Bowen.

The Kiama Cavettes kept their season alive with a dominating win over Albion Park on home soil, chasing down their target in just nine overs.Kiama have been locked in points with Lake Illawarra over the past few weeks, making every match a must-win with only two rounds remaining.The Cavettes chose to bowl first at Bonaira Oval, and Kiama Cricket Club president Bernie Brown says they started strongly.“The Kiama side began well, with Emma Ford breaking through midway in the 3rd over with a caught-and-bowled,” Brown said.“Annette Thornton then came on in the 6th over and took a wicket with her very first ball, expertly caught by Naomi Poole, who snared her maiden catch in four seasons of cricket. "It was a tremendous moment, and the Cavettes converged for an excitable, extended celebration. Albion Park slowed to 2/24.”Albion Park finished with a respectable 73-run total from 19.3 overs. Thornton finished with 3-14 from 3.3 overs, while Ford and Carolyn Perry each took two wickets.The Cavettes' Naomi Poole who got her first official catch. Photo: Kiama Cricket ClubKiama then went out to bat with their very successful opening pairing of Ava Sloan and Ebony Winston, and the rest was history.“It was a classy and complete chase by the Cavettes, with Winston 40* (31) and Sloan 14* (16) carrying their bats and knocking over the total in just nine overs,” Brown said.This Friday, Kiama will face Lake Illawarra in the match of the round at Bonaira Oval, with both teams locked on 24 points in 4th and 5th place, respectively.“Kiama will be eyeing a second finals berth for the first time in three years, although they will need to bring their A-game against a Lake side in red-hot form,” Brown said.“The Cavettes boast some of the best stats in the competition this season, including leading in wickets lost - having only lost 17 wickets from 12 games, which is an amazing statistic.”Kiama had mixed results across the other grades.First Grade continued their winning streak and is almost guaranteed a spot in the finals. Batting first at home against Albion Park, Kiama lost both openers early but recovered thanks to David Coleman (46), captain Jaya Hartgerink (37), and Ryan Butta (42), taking the total to 176.Kiama’s bowlers struck early in the second innings, with Niall Owers taking three wickets and reducing Albion Park to 6-70. A bottom-order partnership lifted Albion Park to 7-110, but Brad Ison’s second wicket of the day broke the stand, allowing David Coleman to take the final three wickets and end the game. Albion Park finished 146 all out from 46.3 overs.Third Grade also recorded a win over Albion Park on the road, keeping their slight finals hopes alive. Kiama batted first, with Robert Miller (31) and captain Daniel Reilly (25*) helping set a total of 112. Their bowlers then dismantled Albion Park, taking all ten wickets in 35 overs, with Lennox Holz taking four, leaving Albion Park just nine runs short of the target.Second Grade and Fourth Grade weren’t as fortunate. Second Grade bowled first and faced Albion Park’s total of 167. Jacob Lee took four wickets and Jacob Lewis three, but despite Nathan Battishal’s heroic 62-run effort, Kiama fell short, all out for 138. They remain third on the ladder.In Fourth Grade, Kiama were bowled out for 90, and Oak Flats chased down the target in 21.1 overs. Kiama sit third, with finals hopes still alive.This Saturday, First Grade will face Shellharbour (away), Second Grade has the bye, Third Grade will take on Jamberoo (away) and so will Fourth Grade (home).

The South Coast Disabled Surfers Association is heading back to Gerroa – and while participant spots filled in just one week, organisers are calling for more volunteers to help make the day possible.“We only do four events a year,” said South Coast DSA president Ian Picton. “They’re very hard to organise. You do need a lot of volunteers.”The event that is Sunday, 1 March at Seven Mile Beach already has 50 surfers booked in, with a growing waiting list. But to safely get participants into the water, the organisation needs between 140 and 180 volunteers.“Our ratio is six to one in the water,” Picton explained. “But when a participant goes out, there’s generally about 15 people in the group looking after that one person.”Six boards typically operate at once, forming a carefully coordinated “runway” of volunteers in the surf. As the wave rolls toward shore, volunteers line up on either side, ensuring safety and support if the surfer falls.“Gerroa is perfect for what we do,” Picton said. “When the waves break there, they roll right in up the beach – It’s fantastic and it’s safe.“It’s about giving back to the community and making an easy day for people that don’t get the opportunity to go into the water.”For some participants, it’s the only time they surf all year.“The only time they go into the surf is when they come with us.”The DSA has been operating on the South Coast for 32 years. Entirely volunteer-run.“Every dollar donated goes to putting stuff on the beach and getting people into the water,” Picton said.“We’re a truly voluntary organisation that’s been doing good stuff for 32 years.”The group supports people with a wide range of disabilities – physical and intellectual – and adapts the program as needed.Swimming or surfing experience is not required for participants or volunteers.“What DSA does is like plasticine,” Picton said. “We mould what we do to suit our participants’ needs.We don’t discriminate against disability. We just make sure we can get them into the water safely.”Volunteers aren’t even required to get wet. Roles range from registration and beach support to water assistance.Local schools, families and community members regularly take part with many returning year after year.“I know a young fellow that started at five years old,” Picton said.“He’s 35 now and he keeps surfing with us. He’s been with us for 30 years as well.It’s just a great place, great way to give back to the community and what a lovely environment to do it in – on the beach, having a good time, helping someone have a surf.“Not everyone’s going to stand up. A lot of people will only lay down on the board. Just that feeling of catching a wave – it’s something that you can’t make up.”And the reward?“What we call smiles on dials,” he said. “Everyone goes home tired, but happy.You’ve got that feeling in your belly and in your heart that you’ve done something really good for the community.”Bunnings South Nowra will provide a free barbecue for all participants and volunteers on the day.Volunteers are encouraged to register via Humanitix by searching “Disabled Surfing – Gerroa/Seven Mile Beach.”Walk-ups are also welcome on the morning of.With community support from Nowra to Wollongong, organisers are hoping this year’s event will once again deliver what they promise every time:“No one goes home disappointed.”

KIAMA MEN'S OZTAG - OVER 35'S FINAL - LAY-Z-BOYZ

KIAMA MEN'S OVER 35 OZTAG FINAL - THE MINDFUL MOVEMENT

Ex Servos put a huge dent in North Nowra Cambewarra’s finals hopes with an upset win in round 15 of the South Coast cricket season on Saturday.With three rounds left, North Nowra are now 13 points adrift of Kiama in fourth place and need other results to go their way even if they peel off three wins to finish the season.Ex Servos managed only 98 in their low-scoring affair at Bernie Regan Oval, anchored by John Bowern’s 41 as Jason Moschioni (4-22) and Matt Hickmott (3-41) tore through the batting line-up.After progressing to 1-41, Andrew Wilson (3-17), Kuldeep Singh rana (2-4) and Jovan Croese (3-54) triggered a dramatic collapse to bowl North Nowra out for just 80.Their 18-run win, the first for the season, gives Ex Servos hope of offloading the wooden spoon, now just three points behind Albion Park.The Eagles went down by 30 runs to Kiama after the Cavaliers posted 7-176 on the back of solid contributions from David Coleman (46), Ryan Butta (42) and captain Jaya Hartgerink (37).Park’s top order crumbled to be 4-38 and they had no answer as Coleman completed a fine all-round performance with 4-30.Bomaderry’s playoff hopes are also fading after they lost a nail-biter to competition leaders Lake Illawarra at Artie Smith Oval. The hosts only managed 87 with the bat as allrounder Jake O’Connell (4-25) and fellow seamer Jarryd White (3-30) ran amok.But the premiers went from cruising at 1-76 to losing 6-11 before limping over the finish line after Lachlan Duggan took 4-7 and Brad Cross bagged 3-25.Shellharbour maintained a share of second spot with a five-wicket win over the Kookas, chasing down the total of 182 with 4.4 overs to spare while Bay and Basin beat Oak Flats by eight runs in another rain-shortened game with Dolphins skipper Brock Balgowan (41 and 4-34) guiding his team to victory.This Saturday, North Nowra host Bay and Basin, Lake Illawarra take on Oak Flats at Geoff Shaw Oval, Kiama are away to Shellharbour in the match of the round, Albion Park are away to Ex Servos and the Kookas visit Bomaderry.Ladder: Lake 90, Harbour, Bay & Basin 79, Kiama 75, North Nowra 62, Bomaderry 60, Oak Flats 41, Kookas 35, Park 33, Ex Servos 30.In the women’s competition on Friday night, the Kookas sealed the minor premiership by thrashing Oak Flats Ratatouilles by 78 runs.Mel Nolan’s 48 and an unbeaten 34 from April Wells powered the Kookas to 2-133 before five bowlers were among the wickets in restricting Oak Flats to 8-55.Oak Flats Ratettes sunk Shellharbour 128-77 with Anne Boatswain top-scoring with 46 while Lake Illawarra trounced Ex Servos.Nakita Boatswain and Anthea Godwin made 43 apiece but Kiana Dovern belted 55 not out as Lake chased down the total with seven overs up their sleeve.Annette Thornton took 3-14 as Kiama bowled Albion Park out for 73 before Ebony Winston blasted an unbeaten 40 as the Cavettes hauled in the target without losing a wicket.This Friday, the Ratatouilles meet Shellharbour and the Ratettes face Ex Servos at Myimbarr, Kiama host Lake and Albion Park take on the Kookas at Albion Oval.Ladder: Kookas 44, Ratettes 30, Ratatouille 28, Kiama, Lake 24, Park 18, Ex Servos 16, Harbour 4.

Gerringong junior Ashton Ward is making a strong case for a spot in South Sydney’s Round 1 side after a strong performance in the Charity Shield win over St George Illawarra at WIN Stadium on Saturday night.The 22-year-old five-eighth, who did well in his six first-grade appearances when he made his debut late last season, came up with a try assist in the 28-24 victory over the Dragons. There is a vacancy in the halves for the Rabbitohs in the opening round with Jamie Humphreys out suspended so coach Wayne Bennett may use Ward alongside Cody Walker for the clash with the Dolphins in Brisbane on 8 March.Ward was thrilled to play his part in the triumph with Souths fielding an inexperienced side against what was virtually a full-strength Dragons line-up.“It was unreal, it was good to get back out there with the boots back on. It’s been a long pre-season so it was good to get a bit of footy under the belt,” he said.“Especially for something like the Charity Shield it’s always good to get one up on the Dragons. “We were completing well, kicking to the corners, not try and complicate things too much - that’s what we did and it got us the win.”Ward also scored bragging rights over fellow Gerringong products Hamish Stewart and Hayden Buchanan, who turned out for the Dragons.Stewart peeled off 37 tackles to be the equal leader in that category for the home side with prop Emre Guler while Buchanan made a couple of tackle breaks in racking up 56 metres from just three runs after he also entered the fray from the bench.They will both be in contention for the squad that travels to Las Vegas at the end of this week to take on Canterbury at Allegiant Stadium next Sunday.St George Illawarra have now wrapped up their pre-season campaign while South Sydney will take on Manly at Glen Willow Oval in Mudgee this Sunday.

Check out this week's edition of The Bugle to get your fill of local news and views from our South Coast community.Our main story is an investigation into the federal government's social media ban and how local teenagers are working their way around the controversial legislation.READ THE DIGITAL EDITION HEREWe also bring you the heart-warming story of a long lost Jamberoo Council Chambers plaque which was rescued from a pile of rubbish and returned to its rightful position at what is now the town's butcher's shop.There is also an update on one of the developments at Kiama's Akuna Street, a local musical family and how clean energy is lighting up the region.You can also read plenty of community stories including how The Drink Show went last weekend at The Pavilion, how to navigate the latest interest rate hike and the ongoing demolition of the old nursing home at Havilah Place.In sport, you can read about Kiama Cricket Club's 170th anniversary celebrations, the Jamberoo Sevens and a windsurfing event which will be held in the near future at Gerroa.And our intrepid photographer Brian Scott has been out and about snapping community sports stars doing their thing.For the green thumbs, John Gabriele is back with more advice for your garden.The paper is available from all the usual outlets around the Kiama local government area - grab yours before it's too late.

By David Graham The Kiama and Shellharbour District Tennis Association men's night competition got underway last week with 46 teams representing six local tennis clubs. The bulk of the teams are from Kiama (16) and Jamberoo (12).Five apiece are from Gerringong and Minnamurra with three from McDonald Park in Albion Park Rail.There are six divisions with Division Five broken into two groups.Kiama and Jamberoo are frontrunners for the number of winning divisions but the overall strength and standard is quite high. Bob Morgan, Bill Summerside and Mick Puglisi (Kiama) alongside Paul Berry, Dave O'Connor and Peter Quine share favouritism in Division 3. In Division 1 all teams are in the mix and it will be a very closely contested competition. The Kiama 2 team of Jason Clark, Richard Welsh, Jeff Brown and Darren Johnston are marginal favourites ahead of the Kiama 4 team of Dave Lehman, Frank Wallner and "young gun" James Cain. It will be very interesting to see how the McDonald Park Division 1 team performs with Harrison O'Keefe, Tom Howle and youngster Hayden Sleigh. Hayden is aged 14 and is a KSDTA top junior who recently won the Champion of Champions singles event at Ulladulla and followed that up with a strong performance in the recent state finals at Penrith.Kiama and Shellharbour district is one district that is "bucking the trend' in relationship to tennis competitions. Canterbury-Bankstown, one of the larger Sydney metropolitan districts, has no night competitions. Many tennis players are opting now to try the current craze of pickleball. The current men's night comp has two full rounds, with the semi-finals scheduled for early June.

KIAMA JUNIOR CRICKET - UNDER 13 GIRLS

Gerroa will take centre stage in Australian windsurfing later this month when the 2026 Severne East Coast Titles arrive at Gerroa Beach on February 21-22, marking the grand finale of the New South Wales Wave Sailing Association (NSWWSA) season.Initially scheduled for 14-15 February but postponed due to weather conditions - the event comes amid renewed momentum for the sport both locally and nationally. Just last week, Gerroa hosted a NSWWSA Youth Wave Sailing Camp, drawing more than 20 young sailors from across the state, while internationally the profile of windsurfing has surged following 17-year-old West Australian Sarah Kenyon being crowned Junior Girls’ Wave World Champion.For local sailor James Hayward, who will line up in the amateur division, the event represents both a personal milestone and a celebration of the sport’s unique culture.“I’ve been windsurfing since I was 13, and I’m part of a generation that saw this sport explode in the 80s,” Hayward said. “What keeps me coming back is the camaraderie - and now the real thrill is seeing the new blood coming through.”Hayward said the mix of generations on the water is what gives the amateur division of the East Coast Titles their distinctive feel.“You’ve got guys like Stuart Rennie, who only started five years ago and is already ripping world-class waves in Hawaii. That progression, and the way everyone supports each other, is what makes this event special.”Gerroa is widely regarded as the spiritual home of wave sailing in NSW, with its reliable north-easterly sea breezes providing ideal cross-shore conditions for high-performance sailing. “The summer NE winds here are what everyone hopes for - cross-shore power, proper ramps for jumps and great down-the-line wave riding,” Hayward said. “It’s also just a postcard location. When conditions line up, there’s nowhere better.”Hayward said the competition field is stacked with elite talent across multiple divisions. “The Open Men’s fleet includes Logan Haggerstrom, Peter Puhl, Tom Squires and Duncan Osborne, all known for pushing the limits with radical wave riding and aerial moves,” he said.“In the Women’s division, Laurie Menviel is again expected to shine, while the Masters division features world-class experience, including Pacasmayo Classic World Cup holder Adrian Levy, NSWWSA president Jason Juretic and veteran Oliver Barta.”While the event carries International Windsurfing Tour (IWT) 2-Star status and world ranking points, organisers say the heart of the weekend remains firmly rooted in community.“For locals, it’s a moment of pride to see our home beach transformed into a world-class stage,” Hayward said. “There’s a real sense of tribe here - you’re competing hard, but you’re also sharing waves, stories and time with mates.”Spectators are encouraged to take in the action from the Black Head Reserve headland for a bird’s-eye view, or from the beachfront near the Seven Mile Beach Holiday Park, where the event hub will be set up.

KIAMA JUNIOR OZTAG - UNDER 10 GIRLS - TURBO TAGGERS

KIAMA JUNIOR OZTAG - UNDER 10 GIRLS - CHASING CHEETAHS

KIAMA JUNIOR OZTAG - UNDER 6 MIXED - 2

KIAMA JUNIOR OZTAG - UNDER 6 MIXED - 1

The Kiama Cavaliers Cricket Club celebrated a monumental 170 years of history over the weekend, with around 100 Cavaliers legends, family members and supporters gathering at Kiama Leagues Club for a special anniversary celebration.Guests included 92-year-old Noel Creighton, as well as Allan Snelling, whose 1953–54 premiership blazer hung proudly on the lectern as MC Glenn Cleary addressed the room.“The room was buzzing with tales from past games, magic moments and classic catches,” said Kiama Cavaliers president Bernie Brown.“Past and present players were also joined by Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald, who himself proudly represented the Cavs on 20 occasions.”The guest speaker for the evening was retired Australian cricketer Mike Whitney, who shared stories from his international career and commended the club on reaching the remarkable milestone of 170 years.“Mike repeatedly highlighted just how significant 170 years is and reinforced the importance of grassroots cricket clubs and the pathways they provide for players determined to succeed,” Brown said.Alan Snelling, Bernie Brown and Mike Whitney. Photo: Kiama Cricket Club“He shared memorable stories from his Test debut - including the longest recorded over on debut, which stretched beyond an hour due to rain delays - and what it was like facing the fearsome West Indies fast bowlers as a tail-ender during an era of world dominance.”Brown also addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of family within the club, pointing to the many father-and-son combinations in fourth grade as a shining example.Club historian Bill Peters then treated the audience to 170 years of Kiama cricket in just 30 minutes.“I was able to find records of cricket involving Kiama dating back to 1854, when a Kiama team played Wollongong on April 30 at the Wollongong racecourse - a match won by Wollongong by 14 runs,” Peters said.“At the time, underarm bowling was still the norm, sidearm bowling was only just being introduced and overarm bowling was only beginning to take hold. There were no competitions - not even in Sydney. Matches were organised by telegram, and players travelled by horse.”The evening also featured a video presentation from local businesses, elite cricketers and community members congratulating the club on its milestone.A highlight of the night was a video interview with club record holder and 1953-54 premiership player Allan Snelling, who boasts remarkable statistics: 201 matches, 684 wickets at an average of 10.01, and a highest batting score of 205 not out.“His candid reflections on life, cricket and service were unforgettable,” Brown said. “To have Allan in the room with his wife Margaret OAM and family was spine-tingling. As the interview concluded, the room rose for an extended standing ovation - a truly moving moment.”The night was a celebration not only of the Kiama Cavaliers, but of the broader Kiama community, the game of cricket and the rich history of an important local institution.“The club would like to thank major sponsor Kiama Leagues Club for hosting the event and providing excellent food and service,” Brown said.“A huge shout-out also goes to our raffle sponsors and those who sourced the unique, one-of-a-kind auction items. "The club now looks ahead to its 200th celebrations - which Mike Whitney has already, very graciously, promised to attend.”

Approximately 2,000 people packed into Jamberoo over the weekend for the 26th annual Jamberoo Sevens football tournament - and not even the rain could put a damper on the fun.Beginning on Friday evening and wrapping up on Saturday night, 90 teams competed in more than 150 matches across seven divisions.“Games flowed, results were updated live, and the finals program wrapped up on Saturday evening without delays,” said Jamberoo Football Club president Alan Smith.“We were also extremely fortunate with the weather. Storms rolled through early Friday afternoon and returned again on Saturday night, but the competition itself slotted neatly in between.”Once again, the weekend proved a highlight for teams travelling long distances - particularly a Brazilian team that has made it a tradition to return each year.“The word we heard again and again was ‘stunning.’ Teams arrived, set up camp, looked around the valley and simply said, ‘How good is this place?’” said Smith.“One long-standing Brazilian team, who have travelled to Jamberoo for many years, described the drive down through the valleys - the moment the fields open up, the air, the colour, and the sense of arrival.“For them, Jamberoo isn’t just a venue; it’s a place of inspiration and emotional connection - somewhere they feel drawn back to year after year. That sentiment was echoed right across the weekend.”While the tournament isn’t solely about winners, friendly rivalries and the chance to etch names into Jamberoo Sevens history are always part of the appeal - and this year just one side managed to successfully defend their title.“The football was outstanding,” said Smith. This year’s champions were:Men’s Open: Young Guns CanarinhosMen’s O35: Jamberoo PubMen’s O45: Legends CanarinhosMen’s O55: Leroys RejectsWomen’s Open: Navy FFAWomen’s O30: Undecided FCWomen’s O40: Loftus Rovers“Only one team went back-to-back this year - Jamberoo Pub in the Men’s O35s - which really underlines how competitive and unpredictable the sevens format is."There were also genuine underdog stories, particularly in the women’s and masters divisions.”After another successful year, Smith is already looking ahead.“We’re already planning for 5 and 6 February next year. With so many teams keen to return, the event could grow again, and we’re exploring additional pitch options to allow more games to run concurrently,” he said.“At the same time, we’re very conscious of protecting what makes Jamberoo Sevens special - the setting, the community feel, and the balance between serious football and genuine enjoyment. "Growth is welcome, but only if it strengthens that identity.”

Kiama Cavaliers first grade moved a win clear of fifth place with a strong victory on the morning of the club’s 170th anniversary.In a weekend heavily impacted by weather, with many matches abandoned - the Cavaliers first, third and fourth grade sides managed to take the field.But it was only first grade who truly impressed.Playing at Kiama Sporting Complex against the Oak Flats Rats, the Cavaliers won the toss and elected to bat.Kiama began well, with openers Adam Ison (15) and Joe Burgess (24) combining for a steady 28-run opening stand. Ison was the first to depart, followed soon after by first-drop David Coleman (2), leaving the Cavaliers at 2–32.A trio of strong middle-order partnerships then steadied the innings. Captain Jaya Hartgerink (21), Ryan Butta (30) and Nathan Barr (33) guided the hosts into a promising position at 6-139.Unfortunately, the tail failed to add meaningful runs, and Kiama were eventually dismissed for 147 after 45.4 overs.Despite the modest total, Kiama’s bowling attack responded with intent. Oak Flats made a solid start, reaching 4-60, but from there the Cavaliers took control. Tight bowling and regular wickets saw the Rats slump to 98 all out from 38.1 overs.Wickets were shared evenly, with Brad Ison, Adam Ison, Glenn Cleary and Joe Burgess each claiming two. The remaining dismissals came via a Hartgerink run-out and Niall Owers, who took the opening wicket of the innings.The win leaves Kiama sitting fourth on the ladder, one victory clear of fifth and sixth. With just four rounds remaining, the Cavaliers can almost smell finals cricket.Unfortunately, it wasn’t as successful for Kiama’s other sides.Cavaliers president Bernie Brown had labelled the third-grade fixture against Oak Flats as the “match of the round”.Despite a superb century from captain Sheldon Hall, who scored 100 off just 83 balls after benefitting from a dropped catch in the outfield midway through his innings, Kiama’s total of 190 from 40 overs proved insufficient. The bowling attack managed only two wickets, as Jaye Jackman’s remarkable 100 not out from 49 balls powered the Rats to 191 in just 26.3 overs.In fourth grade, Kiama fielded what Brown described as a “youthful side” against Gerringong at home. The young Cavaliers struggled with the bat, managing just 67 from their 35 overs, with Riley McCrone (25) the only player to pass 20.Gerringong reached the target in just 11 overs, though Heath Marsh provided a highlight for Kiama with four wickets.This Saturday, first grade and the Cavettes will host Albion Park, while second and third grades travel away. Fourth grade will face Oak Flats on the road.

Shellharbour put a dent in Bomaderry’s South Coast cricket finals hopes with a 41-run victory at Artie Smith Oval on Saturday.With four rounds left before the finals, the Tigers are now nine points adrift of fourth spot in sixth position while the Harbour have retained a share of second alongside Bay and Basin.Six Harbour batters made 20 but no one kicked onto a half-century in their total of 8-206 with Tigers seamer Daniel Troy (3-43) the pick of the bowlers.Bomaderry were travelling nicely at 1-88 but the loss of Jarrod Mitchell (33) and Luke Jones (37) in quick succession triggered a collapse and they were all out for 165 under the onslaught of Beau Chamberlain, who bagged 5-57.Kiama celebrated their 170th anniversary weekend with a low-scoring home win over Oak Flats.They were bowled out for 147 after teenage seamer Sam Huetter (4-28) and allrounder Zaied Bin Khalid (3-27) did the damage for the visitors.But the Cavaliers attack combined brilliantly with Brad Ison, Glenn Cleary, Adam Ison and Joe Burgess taking two wickets apiece to win by 49 runs.Lake Illawarra reinforced top spot by cruising past last-placed Ex Servos. Allrounder Jake O’Connell picked up 5-6 as Ex Servos made 135 on the back of Chris Buckley’s 58.O’Connell completed a fine performance with 86 not out off just 37 deliveries, with six fours and eight sixes, as the visitors reached their target in the 18th over.Dolphins captain Tom Dolby top-scored with 53 as Bay and Basin posted 173 before bowling Albion Park out for 116.New-ball pair Cooper Bramley and Jason Moschioni bagged three wickets each as North Nowra Cambewarra rolled the Kookas for 108 and then chased the target down with six wickets and 32 overs to spare.This Saturday, Lake head south to play Bomaderry, North Nowra host Ex Servos, Albion Park are away to Kiama, Shellharbour and the Kookas play out their local derby at Scout Willoughby Oval while Bay and Basin are up against Oak Flats at Sanctuary Point.Ladder: Lake 83, Shellharbour, Bay and Basin 72, Kiama 68, North Nowra 61, Bomaderry 59, Oak Flats 40, Kookas 34, Albion Park 32, Ex Servos 23.In the women’s competition, the Kookas stayed on top of the ladder with a 22-run victory over Ex Servos at Myimbarr.Jennifer Kitchen cooked up an unbeaten 79 and Jacquie Monie added 37 as the home side reached 5-146.Ex Servos lost a couple of early wickets before bouncing back via an unbeaten 50 from Rebecca Carson but could only muster 5-124 in reply.Oak Flats Ratettes defeated Lake Illawarra by 41 runs after opener Anne Boatswain (41) and young allrounder Maya Huetter (26) powered them to 5-126 despite 3-10 from Lake’s Kiana Dovern.The Lakers got off to a strong start but after Dovern fell for 29, they fell away to finish on 9-85.Kiama’s clash with the other Oak Flats team, the Ratatouilles, was abandoned due to rain soaking Bonaira Oval on Friday afternoon while the Shellharbour v Albion Park game was also washed out.This Friday’s draw is Kiama at home to Albion Park, the Ratettes taking on Shellharbour and the Ratatouilles facing the Kookas at Myimbarr, with Lake meeting Ex Servos at Albion Oval.Ladder: Kookas 40, Ratatouilles 28, Ratettes 26, Kiama, Lake 20, Albion Park 18, Ex Servos 16, Shellharbour 4.