Kiama Cavaliers first-grade team bounced back with a vengeance on the weekend after suffering their first loss with a nine-wicket South Coast cricket victory over the Kookas.At Cav Park, stand-in skipper Mick Norris lost the toss and was forced onto the field first, with conditions a little wet from the week’s rain.The Kookas got off to a good start, moving to 23 before John Hay took two wickets in as many overs to put the Cavs on the front foot. The Kookas then built another partnership through Craig Bramble and Chris Leaduis, but as they reached 49 runs, the wicket of Bramble was taken by Niall Owers.“That effectively saw the end of the Kookas’ resistance, with Adam Ison (5-10) being the chief destroyer as the Kookas were dismissed for 97,” said Cavaliers president Bernie Brown.“In an event that will see the statisticians diving for the databases, all 10 wickets fell at the Blue Haven end of the ground."The Cavaliers then went into bat, with the five-wicket man Ison getting the Cavs off to a good start with 19 runs before mistiming a ball to cover to leave the Cavs 1-41.“Ryan Butta came to the crease next and took complete control of the match, with Joe Burgess’ 23 not out providing a perfect role at the other end,” said Brown.“Butta’s 45 not out off 34 deliveries saw the Cavs record a commanding nine-wicket victory, claiming a bonus point in the process.”The Cavs sit third on the ladder and will face Albion Park away from home this Saturday.Kiama's second-grade side took their second loss of the season against a firing Lake Illawarra side away from home.“In a much-anticipated match-up, Kiama were sent into the field on a tacky and awkward wicket. Having the Lakers reeling at 1-1, the Cavs found themselves in a grind with spin twins Lee and Yasin keeping the run rate below three and taking consistent wickets,” said Brown.The Cavaliers had Lake Illawarra at 6-123, but a few dropped catches allowed the home side to get back into the game and post a respectable score of 204 runs. Jake Lee (3-30), Saad Yasin (2-25), and Mick Hook (2-62) were the pick of the bowlers.“The Cavs’ chase never got going, facing a home side who revelled in the conditions, rolling the Cavs for 91,” said Brown.Captain Josh Battishall top-scored with 22, with Matt Kennedy and Joey Timbs the only others to make double figures, posting 11 and 13 respectively. Second grade take on Albion Park this weekend before the bye.Third grade went down for the second week in a row, posting a low score of 111 with Sheldon Hall (22) and Jacob Lewis (28) top scoring.The Kookas were completely in control with the bat, passing the score in the 35th over with only five wickets down. Captain Dane Parnaby fought hard, managing figures of 3-11 off eight overs. They’ll also take on Lake Illawarra in the next round.On the opposite side of the stick, fourth grade made it two wins in a row against Albion Park on the weekend.“Kiama were relentless with the ball,” said Brown. “Matt Harrison bagging 3-9, Adam McCrone 3-23 and Harry McCrone 3-20, followed by the miserly Giles Brown chipping in with 1-11 from four overs, with the home side making only 96.”Kiama surpassed the score one down in the 17th over. Posting his third consecutive 50*, Adam McCrone was all class, followed by Matt Harrison (23*) and Milo Brown (14*). Fourth grade next take on the in-form Jets in the match of the round.The Kiama Cavettes’ match against the Ex-Servos was abandoned due to the weather. They will take on the undefeated Oak Flats team this Friday.

Kiama achieved massive success on the global stage recently, with seven members of the Kiama Triathlon Club claiming top-10 finishes at the World Triathlon Championships.The 23 KTC members who competed at the championships, held in Wollongong from October 15–19, did a great job, according to club president Mary Street.“KTC had an impressive representation, with 23 of our dedicated members competing across various age groups and distances,” said Street.“Facing a formidable field of over 4500 triathletes representing 75 countries, KTC once again proved its calibre. “The event marked one of our finest moments, with seven triathletes achieving top-10 finishes in their respective age groups, and another five placing in the top 20.”Among the top performers were the mother-and-son duo Tanya and Harry Fraser. Tanya won the Multisport Long Distance World Championship in the female 45-49 category last year.Some of the KTC athletes at the World Championships. Photo: Kiama Triathlon Club“Tanya was joined this year by a very special teammate - her son Harry, who raced in the 16-19 years category,” said Street. “He’s an outstanding triathlete and one of Australia’s rising talents. They are certainly a joint force. It was wonderful to see them share the same journey - and the same nerves!”Tanya competed in the standard distance event, comprising a 1.5km swim, 40km bike ride, and 10km run. She finished fifth in the female 45-49 category - an outstanding achievement - completing the course in 2:26:06, less than a minute behind fourth place and only 12 minutes behind the winner.Harry took on the sprint distance event - a 750m swim, 20km bike, and 5km run - finishing 10th in his 16-19 age group and 17th overall. He completed the course in 59 minutes and 52 seconds, just two and a half minutes behind the overall winner.“To finish in the top 20 yet alone in the top 10 in the world, on any stage, is an extraordinary accomplishment,” said Street.The other top finisher was Keelan Green who also managed to finish in fifth in his age 30-34 for the standard distance with a time of 02:03:04.“And beyond our personal achievements, the event was a phenomenal showcase for the Illawarra region and a significant boost for our sport, both globally and locally.”Street also thanked KTC coach Jodie Linsley and the wider community for their vital support.“Jodie has a deep understanding of triathlon and has guided our athletes through every step - from qualifying races to selection for the Australian Championships,” she said.“Our success wouldn’t be possible without the foundational support of our community. Your generosity has helped our members prepare for world-class events by meeting training costs, securing facility access, and maintaining essential equipment. Your support has truly been instrumental.”Here are the full results of the KTC athletes who finished in the top 20: Standard Distance:Tanya Fraser - 5th Womens 45-49 Keelan Green - 5th Mens 30-34 Scott Kraus - 17th Mens 35-39Mark Wynen - 20th Mens 60-64Sprint Distance:Harry Fraser - 10th Mens 16-19 Karino Frangos - 13th - Womens 30-34Cameron Griffith - 13th Mens 30-34Mark Wynen - 14th Mens 60-64AquaBike Distance Race:Mark Ettridge - 7th Mens 45-49Cheryl Freeman - 8th Womens 60-64Joshua Frangos - 8th Mens 35-39Matthew Charnock - 8th Mens 45-49

Cricket teams from throughout the South Coast, Shoalhaven and Illawarra competitions wore black armbands and observed a moment’s silence on the weekend.The players and officials were paying tribute to young Victorian cricketer Ben Austin, who died last week after he was hit by a cricket ball during a training incident.In round 4 of South Coast cricket, Shellharbour knocked Lake Illawarra off the top rung of the ladder with a thumping win over the premiers.The unbeaten teams went head to head at Scout Willoughby Oval on Saturday and the Lakers were all at sea against the Harbour.On a tricky wicket after rain in the lead-up, Shellharbour sent Lake in and new-ball duo Brenton Geribo (2-14) and Beau Chamberlain (3-18) ripped through the top order.Lake stumbled to 6-17 before recovering to at least make it to 77 thanks to Jackson Burns (27) and Noah McWilliams (26) combining for a 53-run partnership.Jim Glazbrook (3-16) and Hunter Ockenden (2-14) also did well with the ball before Shellharbour cruised to victory in 18 overs with Daniel Smith smashing an unbeaten 45.The clash between Albion Park and North Nowra Cambewarra was called off due to the wet Keith Grey Oval wicket and low scores were the order of the day.Oak Flats recorded their first win in their comeback season to the top grade after bowling Ex Servos out for 109 at Hayden Drexel Oval. All-rounder Scott McAndrew snared 4-21 for the Rats and then backed up with an unbeaten 59 alongside Kip Penfold (44 not out) as they reached the victory target with eight wickets and nearly 30 overs to spare.The Kookas were kept grounded in Kiama with only Craig Bramble (30) making a decent contribution in their total of 97 with Adam Ison bagging 5-10 for the Cavaliers.Ryan Butta (45 not out) belted six fours and a six as the hosts recorded their victory for the loss of just one wicket.Bay and Basin edged out Bomaderry in a five-run thriller at Artie Smith Oval.Rhys Burinaga starred with 5-13 as the Dolphins were bowled out for 128 after Brock Balgowan top-scored with 37.The Tigers were in trouble at 6-52 but Riley Ingram (40) and Matthew Shea (27) got them within sight of the finish line before Dolphins seamer Jack Allen dismissed tailender Nate Jones to wrap up the nail-biting win and finish with superb figures of 6-35.Bay and Basin travel to Oak Flats this Saturday, Ex Servos host North Nowra Cambewarra, the Kookas and Shellharbour face off in a local derby at Oakleigh Park, Kiama are away to Albion Park and Bomaderry head north to lock horns with Lake Illawarra.Standings after Round 4: Shellharbour 29, Lake 25, Kiama 24, Bay Basin 23, North Nowra 19, Bomaderry 16, Oak Flats, Kookas 10, Albion Park 6, Ex Servos 4.

Another Gerringong Lions junior has re-signed with their NRL club, with Hamish Stewart committing to the St George Illawarra Dragons for another three years.Fresh off the news of Gerringong’s Ashton Ward extending his stay with the South Sydney Rabbitohs for another season, Stewart - who has signed on until the end of 2029 - becomes the second former Lion to re-commit to his current team.“I’m really happy to be re-signing here at the Dragons,” said Stewart. “It’s the club I grew up supporting. It’s home for me, and making my NRL debut here was a dream come true.”Stewart made his NRL debut in the Dragons’ 2025 season opener against Canterbury, going on to play 19 games, averaging 60 run metres and making 532 tackles at over 93% efficiency.Despite the Dragons finishing 15th on the ladder in 2025, they remained in finals contention deep into the season. Stewart remains optimistic about the team’s direction.“Knowing I’ll be here for the next few years is unreal, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve with the squad we’ve got,” he said.Stewart also recently took home the Dragons’ NRL Emerging Talent Award at the club’s presentation night - a testament to his impressive development. Dragons coach Shane Flanagan said he’s thrilled to have Stewart locked for the rest of this decade.“We’ve been really pleased with Hamish’s progression over the past few seasons, and we’re excited to have secured him for the future,” Flanagan said.“He’s a really good trainer and has all the traits to grow into a leader for our club. He’s fit, athletic, and skilful, and made some real strides this year as a player."He’s a local junior who’s come through our system and loves the club, so we’re really excited to keep him here.”Stewart was the first of three former Gerringong Lions players to debut for the Dragons. Dylan Egan, who suffered an ACL injury in Round 11, is signed through to the end of 2027, while the Dragons haven’t made clear whether 19-year-old Hayden Buchanan - who scored a try in the Dragons’ NSW Cup Grand Final loss - is in contention to be in their top 30 squad next season.

The Thunder Dragons dragonboat racing team swept up multiple gold and silver medals at the Master Games, an over-40s sporting event held annually in Canberra.The team is a union of Dragons Abreast Illawarra and the Sussex Inlet River Dragons, who trained together twice a month in preparation for the competition which had roughly 1800 paddlers take to the water from 18-25 October.Dragons Abreast Australia (DAA) is a national body with 29 clubs and over 1100 members across the country dedicated to forging relationships between breast cancer survivors and encouraging them to engage in team-oriented physical activity.Dragonboat racing has been a popular fitness outlet among breast cancer survivors worldwide for 30 years, since Canadian Professor and avid kayaker Don McKenzie conducted research to dispute the notion that cancer survivors were not permitted to exercise following their treatment. Dragonboating was chosen due to its similarities to kayaking as well as its repetitive use of upper-body movement.“It’s a wonderful sport, particularly for breast cancer survivors to reclaim their life after treatment,” said DAA Board Director and Illawarra Dragon Boat Club member Ann Boulton. “The benefit is the connection that the survivors make with each other… and flowing on from that [is] the fitness and health aspect.”Boulton has been paddling since 2013 when she moved to Kiama from Sydney following a breast cancer diagnosis. She was introduced to the sport by the Dragons Abreast founders, who were fellow members of the Illawarra Breast Cancer Support Group at St Paul’s Church.In addition to her efforts with Dragons Abreast, Boulton is a paddling coach and facilitated the cost-free Encore exercise program through the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) for women who have recently undergone gruelling cancer treatment. The DAA has plenty of opportunities ahead, including Lunar New Year in Darling Harbour in February and a four-day festival on the Gold Coast next September called Pink Paddle Power. Six Australian teams will also head overseas in August to compete against 4500 paddlers from other countries in the International Regatta organised by the International Breast Cancer Paddling Commission in France. In the meantime, Dragons Abreast offer Come And Try Days to the community, where recovering breast cancer patients can dip their toe into the water sport and expand their support networks. The next Come and Try Day is taking place this Saturday (1 November) at The Rowing Club at Northcliffe Drive in Warrawong. Dragon Boat NSW has also introduced a new initiative called Dragon Pass, where interested parties or aspiring paddlers can get their first month of membership at their local club for free.

This week's edition of The Bugle is jam-packed with the latest news and views from our local community.Our top story centres on Kiama Councillor Yasmin Tatrai's concerns about the rise of crime in the local area and whether the reopening of the police station during daylight hours will be enough to prevent this problem getting worse.CLICK HERE TO READ THE DIGITAL EDITIONCr Tatrai recently aired her concerns at Council’s October meeting last week that there has been “an astounding increase in crime, with residents reporting various incidents, such as vandalism of vehicles and public property”.https://issuu.com/kiamacathy/docs/the_bugle_news_31_october_2025She added that “advocating for a continuous police presence may be necessary to ensure community safety and deter future vandalism”.You can also read plenty of great community stories, including The Bugle winning a prestigious award for Best Editorial Campaign, a column from Mayor Cameron McDonald and an update on the dispute between the Kiama Business Network and local shop owners.And don't miss gardening expert John Gabriele's latest YouTube video.In sport, you can read about the former NRL star who was named Kiama Rugby Club's best and fairest, the latest from South Coast cricket and the local dragonboaters who are making a splash.Plus there are a bunch of great sporting photos from our intrepid photographer Brian Scott getting out and about on the weekend - you may see someone you know!

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South Sydney Rabbitohs have re-signed 21-year-old Gerringong Lions junior Ashton Ward for another season.Ward joined the Rabbitohs from the Dragons this year and made his NRL debut in Round 21, going on to play six first-grade games.He also capped off an impressive season by being named the Rabbitohs’ NSW Cup Player of the Year for 2025 at the club’s end-of-year presentation.Rabbitohs Head of Recruitment and Retention, Mark Ellison, said he was delighted to secure Ward’s future with the club.“Ashton joined us from the Dragons this year, and we wanted to see how he would develop his game at Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup levels, but he has shown he can match it at NRL level as well,” Ellison said.“He has earned his opportunity to play at the top level, and his development will be all the better for the experience he’s gained this season.“He’s eager to continue learning and improving on both sides of the ball, and we look forward to working with him again next year.”In his six NRL appearances, Ward scored one try, recorded a try assist and a line-break assist, ran for 317 metres, and made 137 tackles, including a memorable try-saving effort on Broncos forward Jordan Riki.One of the smallest players in the NRL, Ward has already made a big impression with his toughness and tenacity. Upon his debut, his father David Ward spoke about how coach Wayne Bennett showed faith in his son.“I think sometimes players are overlooked because coaches have a set idea of what physical attributes they want,” David said.“Ashton’s always been on the smaller side, but Wayne told him a story earlier this year about being told not to pick a kid for the Broncos because he was too small. That kid was Allan Langer - and we all know how that turned out.”Ward will now look to help inspire a Rabbitohs resurgence in 2026 after the club finished 14th on the ladder this season.In other news involving former Gerringong Lions juniors, Tyran Wishart and Reuben Garrick are both reportedly exploring options for new clubs.While both players remain under contract with their respective teams until the end of 2026, reports suggest that Garrick has knocked back Manly’s latest contract offer, and Wishart - currently behind Jahrome Hughes and Cameron Munster in the Storm’s halves rotation - is said to be seeking a move to a club where he can secure more consistent game time.

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Former St George Illawarra Dragons playmaker Junior Amone has capped off a standout season with Kiama Rugby Club, taking out the Best and Fairest award at the club’s end-of-year presentation night over the weekend.Kiama Rugby enjoyed a huge 2025 season, with both grades reaching their respective grand finals. The club’s first-grade side broke a 22-year title drought, claiming the Illawarra District Rugby Union (IDRU) Premiership.A major boost to their success was the inclusion of former NRL talent Amone, whose leadership and creativity made a big impact throughout the year. Kiama teammate Dante Patrick recently spoke about Amone’s influence during their major semi-final victory.“He just came into his own. He saw that our forwards were taking it up through the middle and he said, ‘I’ve got to reward these forwards,’” Patrick said.“That’s the mentality we felt from him - if the forwards are laying the platform, what’s my excuse not to take a crack? He took the ball and just ran with it, and we’re so proud of him.“He’s a quietly spoken guy, but when he does speak, he has the whole room’s attention. It’s been amazing to see that side of him and to have him lead us in that back 20.”The 23-year-old previously played 54 NRL games for the Dragons before being stood down by the league for 12 months in 2023 following his involvement in a 2022 incident in Warrawong.Earlier this month, reports emerged that Amone is looking to resurrect his NRL career, with his manager Mario Tartak confirming that Amone will complete a court-imposed Intensive Correction Order (ICO) next week.“I wanted to bring one of my clients to the forefront - Junior Amone - who completes his Intensive Correction Order on 25 October 2025,” Tartak wrote in an email to NRL clubs.“This means Junior will be eligible to reapply for registration to play in the NRL. In the meantime, he has maintained his fitness and competitive edge by playing rugby for Kiama, where he recently helped his team win the grand final.“He’s an exceptionally talented half who is eager for an opportunity to get back into the game. At just 23 years old, he still has a lot to offer. If any club is interested in discussing his return, I’d be happy to arrange a chat ahead of the pre-season in November.”The other awards of the Kiama Rugby presentation night went to:Coaches Award: Nick PittoloMost Improved Player: Ray TaufaBest Back & Players’ Player: Jasper ScobieBest Forward: Jeromy CairnsOutstanding Club Service: Daniel GerhanClubman of the Year: First-grade coaches James and Trevor PatrickKiama Rugby President Mark Redding said the event was a fitting celebration of an incredible season.“It was a great night to finish off a great year,” Redding said. “Everyone is looking forward to next season.”

The Kiama Cavaliers first grade side suffered their first loss of the season on the weekend, going down to North Nowra at Cambewarra.Bowling first, the Cavaliers restricted North Nowra to 247 runs with David Coleman (3-19), first-grade debutant Niall Owers (3-31) and Jon Hay (2-37) the standouts with the ball.In reply, the Cavs looked well placed at 4-136, but a late batting collapse saw them lose six wickets for just 40 runs, finishing all out for 176. Adam Ison, continuing his strong form, top-scored with 74, supported by Nathan Barr (40) and David Coleman (23).Club President Bernie Brown said the side was disappointed with the result.“Captain Jaya Hartgerink was especially disappointed, feeling they gave the home side too many chances. He’s looking forward to the team putting in extra effort through the week to bounce back next round,” said Brown.The Kiama Cavettes also suffered their first loss, going down to the Oak Flats Ratettes at home. Bowling first, they took early wickets but couldn’t remove Ratettes captain Anne Boatswain, who powered her side with 63 off 38 balls. Oak Flats finished on 154, with Kiama captain Ebony Winston the best of the bowlers, taking 1-15 from four overs. Winston then led the way with the bat, scoring 38 and putting on a 61-run opening partnership with Ava Sloan.However, the Cavettes fell short of the target, finishing on 128 to be 26 runs short of victory.In second grade, Kiama bounced back strongly after a narrow two-wicket loss the previous week. Bowling first against Shellharbour, they claimed their first wicket in the second over and eventually restricted the opposition to 182. Rob Denny took his maiden club wicket and finished with 3-33, while Saad Yasin (3-42) also claimed his first club wicket and veteran Dan Reilly contributed with 2-31.Kiama’s reply started shakily at 2-26 before an excellent 100-run partnership between Yasin and captain Josh Battishall steadied the innings.Battishall finished unbeaten on 121 from 74 balls, smashing 12 fours and eight sixes to guide the side to a bonus-point win, passing the total in the 25th over.He brought up his century with a booming six. Battishall celebrating his century in style. Photo: Brian ScottThird grade endured a similar fate to first grade, letting too many chances slip against Jamberoo. After setting a competitive 213 thanks to solid contributions from Steve Holz (40), Dane Parnaby (35*) and Steve Piper (35), they were unable to defend the total, with Jamberoo chasing it down eight wickets down and an over and a half to spare.“Kiama gave away too many chances, gifting the Jamberoo batters extra lives on their way to the win,” Brown said. “On reflection, this is one that got away from the boys, who will bounce back stronger.”The highlights with the ball came from the father-and-son duo of Steve and Lennox Holz. On debut, Lennox took 3-47 while his dad claimed 2-53 - and the pair combined for Lennox’s debut wicket in a memorable “Bowled Holz, caught Holz” moment.Fourth grade claimed their first win of the season against the Kookaburras. Bowling first, Kiama restricted their opponents to 192, with Col Bayley starring with 4-13, captain Andrew Marsh taking 3-21, and Giles Brown bagging 2-16.Kiama chased down the total comfortably, thanks to debutant Hayden Cannon’s unbeaten 50 (65), supported by Adam McCrone 50* (28) and Zac Gervasie 44* (28).This Saturday, the first-grade side will take on Warilla at Kiama Sporting Complex, while the Cavettes face Shoalhaven on Friday night at Bonaira Oval, with both sides eager to return to the winners’ list.

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Illawarra Hawks enter one of the toughest parts of their season in winning form after bouncing back to their best by beating the Wildcats in Perth.Three-time former NBA champion JaVale McGee was the star of the show in the 85-84 triumph last Saturday at the RAC Arena with 24 points, 11 rebounds and three assists.McGee was the difference maker in the closing stages as he scored two baskets in the final minute before Tyler Harvey put the Hawks up by three.Perth levelled via an Elijah Pepper three-pointer but McGee was fouled with just over a second remaining and after missing the first foul shot, the 37-year-old centre drained the second for Illawarra to register a rare win in the West.After a 40-point thrashing the previous round, Illawarra’s win over Perth ensured they stayed in touch with the finals equation as they gear up for four matches in the space of a week."That felt good," McGee said. "Perth put up a hell of a fight; fans going crazy, everyone's against us."That was definitely a crucial win. "We came in with a mindset that we can't lose any more games, and it showed."Harvey played a superb support role to McGee with 24 points, eight assists and five rebounds.Illawarra forward Wani Swaka Lo Buluk chipped in with 11 points while Kiwi teenager Jackson Ball was impressive after getting promoted to the starting line-up.The Hawks enjoyed a +8 differential when he was on the court even though he only finished with two points and five rebounds."It's not just about having confidence in him, this young man worked his tail off for it," coach Justin Tatum said. "As soon as he got here from high school, he still has to go take his exams in a couple of weeks, he had a challenge of going against Swakand TB [Todd Blanchfield] and never backed down."Right now, we needed somebody with his skill set of having composure and who could competently put the ball in the hole."This young man is a very talented kid and we're going to keep using him as we can."The Hawks host the New Zealand Breakers on Friday before travelling to Adelaide for a Sunday stoush with the 36ers.They return to WIN Entertainment Centre on Wednesday against Melbourne United, who have won their first nine matches, before the Hawks head north to Cairns on Friday for a tussle with the Taipans.At 2-4, they cannot afford to slip further down the standings but if they can emerge from this next week with a winning record, they will at least be on an even keel after 10 matches.

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