Just 17 for-and-against points separated the Kiama Knights from clinching the 2025 Group 7 South Coast minor premiership, despite a commanding 44-6 win over the Stingrays of Shellharbour.

Heading into the final round of the season, three teams - Shellharbour Sharks, Kiama Knights, and the Stingrays of Shellharbour - were locked at the top of the ladder on 25 points.

Kiama trailed the first-placed Sharks by 11 points in the for-and-against tally, but their big win couldn't quite match Shellharbour's even more emphatic 48-4 victory over the Jamberoo Superoos.

Playing away on Saturday, the Knights started strongly with a fourth-minute try to forward Matt Nicholson.

It was a high-scoring day for the forward pack, with prop Taj Roberts burrowing over for the team’s second try more than 20 minutes later.

Second-rower Travis Barrett-Hancock then powered over in the 31st minute to send the Knights into the break with an 18-0 lead.

Kiama halfback Cameron Vazzoler shined in their win against the Stingrays. Photo: @SticksPix_

For context, the next day, the minor premiership rivals Shellharbour Sharks went into halftime leading 24-0 over Jamberoo.

In the second half of Kiama’s clash, second-rower Tom Angel continued the forwards’ dominance, scoring in the 46th minute.

The Stingrays responded in the 52nd minute through Zechariah Taufa, who crashed over after a sharp pass from halfback Trey Barlow.

But three late tries from Kiama, including a double to centre Max Jennings, sealed the result and sent the Stingrays sliding to fourth on the ladder.

Despite the strong scoreline, Shellharbour's 48-4 win over Jamberoo ensured they held onto the minor premiership, finishing with a 15-point advantage in for-and-against over Kiama.

Knights fullback Brad Killmore was still pleased with the performance.

“We played a complete 80 minutes. We defended well and executed the chances we got, which were good signs. Securing a home semi-final and a second chance was our main aim - and we did that,” Killmore said.

Kiama will now host the third-placed Albion Park Oak Flats Eagles in a major semi-final next Sunday. Having lost to the Eagles in their last meeting, Killmore said the focus would be on fixing the finer details that led to that defeat.

“Mainly just the little things - they beat us last time. Our completions weren’t great, so completing high and defending well is a good start. If we do that, the points will come,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Gerringong Lions delivered a statement win heading into finals, thrashing the Nowra-Bomaderry Jets 46-6 on the road.

The Lions ran in eight tries to the Jets’ one, with doubles to fullback Wes Pring and centre Toby Gumley-Quine.

Gerringong finished the regular season in fifth place and will now face the fourth-placed Stingrays in an elimination minor semi-final as they begin their quest for a threepeat.

Final 2025 Group 7 South Coast Ladder:

1. Shellharbour Sharks (27)
2. Kiama Knights (27)
3. Albion Park Oak Flats Eagles (25)
4. Stingrays of Shellharbour (25)
5. Gerringong Lions (24)
6. Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs (16)
7. Jamberoo Superoos (12)
8. Nowra-Bomaderry Jets (12)
9. Berry Magpies (12)