Gerringong and Shellharbour have clashed in the past two Group 7 South Coast grand finals, with the Lions coming out on top both times. 

In 2025, however, Shellharbour have had the stronger start and they sit atop the ladder while Gerringong came into the weekend sitting fifth.

Their match-up at Mick Cronin Oval was the Round 7 washout replay, and Shellharbour looked poised to finally get their revenge. 

Both sides were without key players - Gerringong missing captain Nathan Ford and Shellharbour without co-captain Braxton Wallace. 

The Sharks got off to a dream start after Gerringong made an error from the kickoff, scoring off the ensuing scrum. 

They crossed again in the 19th minute to make it 8-0, a lead they held until the 35th minute when Gerringong winger James Kunkler finished off a short-side play to close the gap.

Despite the loss, Shellharbour \remain at the top of the Group 7 ladder. Photo: SticksPix_

Shellharbour led 8–6 at the break and continued to dominate early in the second half, until Gerringong’s Isaac Russell broke through the middle and scored under the posts in the 56th minute.

The Sharks responded just five minutes later, regathering a loose bomb to score through Malakai Tomo.

The match was locked at 12–12 with just under 20 minutes to play.

Both teams tightened up in defence, and a draw looked likely. But in the 75th minute, Shellharbour were awarded a set on Gerringong’s line and nearly scored through hooker Bailey Wallace, only to be denied by desperate Lions defenders. 

A late penalty gave Gerringong field position, and five-eighth Jake Taylor nailed a field goal to edge his team ahead 13–12. 

Shellharbour went short from the kickoff and gained a whole set in Gerringong’s half, but the Lions held firm to secure the win.

Gerringong coach Scott Stewart said he was pleased with the side’s composure, calling it one of the first times this year the team has managed to win a game that was truly in the balance.

“I think it comes down to our young guys getting a bit more experienced,” Stewart said. 

“Early in the year we had a lot of blokes that hadn't played much first grade and now those guys have got 12 or so games under their belt and now they've realised how to hang in there in those crucial moments.”

Reflecting on Taylor’s match-winning moment, Stewart admitted the field goal came from an unlikely source.

“Everyone else in the club likes to kick field goals, Jake's probably the one bloke that doesn't practice it,” he said. 

“But he kicked one against them two years ago that got us a win up there as well.

"So, there's plenty of other blokes in the side that like to think they can do it, but Jake seems to be the only one that steps up to it in a game.”

Kiama will be looking to get back into the winners circle next week against Berry. Photo: SticksPix_

The Kiama Knights travelled to Albion Park with several players sidelined by injury but got off to a strong start, scoring in the 10th minute through standout centre Max Jennings. 

Albion Park hit back 10 minutes later through forward Sean Payne, who powered over from close range. 

Just before halftime, Kiama regained possession after a dropped kick and crossed through winger Cade Hotham.

The Knights struck first in the second half, with fullback Tom Atkins sneaking over after a surprise offload near the line, pushing the score to 14–6.

But Albion Park fought back with two similar tries down the left through winger Cooper Barnes, locking the score at 14–14 and the deadlock remained until full-time, marking the first draw of the 2025 season.

Injured Kiama fullback Brad Killmore praised the team’s effort despite the result: “The lads put in a solid effort, just lacked some polish on the execution. 

“Having a few players out, we knew it’d be a tough battle. A win would’ve been nice, but we’ll take a point and build into next week.”

Jamberoo bounced back with a strong 26-12 win over Milton-Ulladulla away from home. 

Milton, who had only lost once at home this season, looked sharp early, scoring in the 10th minute.

But it was all Jamberoo from there, piling on four tries either side of halftime through Talbott, Asquith, Johnson and Wilkins to take control at 22–6. 

Milton managed a late try in the 72nd minute, but Jamberoo hit back four minutes later to seal the result.

This weekend, Gerringong will look to do the same when they play Milton away. Kiama will be at home against Berry, while Jamberoo has the bye.