It was a tough weekend for Kiama Cricket Club, with all grades slumping to disappointing losses as the competition reaches its pointy end.

The weekend began with an achingly close match between the Cavettes and Lake Illawarra in the penultimate round of the South Coast women's competition. Both teams sat fourth and fifth respectively on the ladder and were playing for a finals berth.

“Bowling first, the Cavettes started strongly, having the visitors 3-13,” said Kiama Cricket Club president Bernie Brown. 

“Thanks to some accurate bowling from Emma Ford (3-16) and a great direct-hit run-out from Ebony Winston.”

The only other wickets came via a run-out by Naomi Poole and a wicket from Winston herself, with Lake Illawarra finishing on 6-114 from their 20 overs.

“Kiama went into bat and another excellent innings from Ebony Winston (51 not out) set up the chase. Along with her opening partnership with Carolyn Perry (12), they looked to have the Cavettes on track,” Brown said.

“Emma Ford fell in the 16th over with the Cavettes on 95, needing 20 runs for victory. Emma Timbs and Sharon Kelly fought hard in the face of some tight bowling but fell just four runs short in an exciting finish.”

The Cavettes can still make the finals with a win over the undefeated Kookas this Friday night at Oakleigh Park in their annual McGrath Pink Stumps Day Challenge.

First grade looked to maintain their strong end-of-season form as they faced second-placed Shellharbour away from home.

“Batting first, the Cavs struggled to build meaningful partnerships, slumping to 6-70,” Brown said. “Before Niall Owers (37), with support from the tail, pushed the score to 148. Jaya Hartgerink (30) was the only other Cav to pass 30.”

Kiama began the second innings on fire, removing the top order quickly.

“Brad Ison (2-28) struck in his second over, removing one of the openers. Niall Owers then produced a direct-hit run-out to leave Shellharbour 2-35 after 10 overs,” Brown said.

However, Shellharbour put on a 66-run partnership from there, and even a late collapse could not prevent them from taking the match.

“Veteran Dan Reilly (1-13) broke the 66-run stand, triggering a collapse that saw the home side lose 4-8, but it wasn’t enough. Mick Norris toiled as usual, taking 2-27, while Joe Burgess claimed 1-20,” Brown said.

Firsts will also play The Kookas at Oakleigh Park this Saturday.

Second grade had the bye and will host the final two rounds against the top two teams, Gerringong and Lake Illawarra, to keep their finals hopes alive.

Third grade bowed out of the finals race with their loss to Jamberoo, but it wasn’t without cause for celebration.

“Welcoming back captain Dane Parnaby from injury, the Cavs started well, removing the dangerous top order thanks to a wonderful spell from Nick Webster (4-38),” Brown said.

“At 4-75, the Cavs were in a strong position to restrict the home side to a modest total. However, a dip in intensity allowed Jamberoo to post 195.”

Parnaby and Steven Piper took two wickets each, while Geoff McIntyre claimed the other.

With the bat, Brown was the only player to post a significant score, finishing unbeaten on 46 as Kiama were dismissed for 136. With their finals hopes dashed, they will play the Kookas away this week.

Fourth grade also suffered defeat, but there was something to smile about with bowler Giles Brown claiming a five-wicket haul.

“Fourth grade faced competition leaders Jamberoo. Jamberoo struggled early thanks to Kiama’s enforcer Giles Brown (5-26), who dismissed the top five,” Brown said.

Giles Brown holding the match ball after his five-wicket haul. Photo: Kiama Cricket Club

Jamberoo were bowled out for 143 and Kiama had the target in sight, but unfortunately began in similar fashion.

“They lost their top five cheaply. Brett Nortje (58 not out) tried valiantly, striking six fours and three sixes with some lower-order support, but it wasn’t enough as Kiama were bowled out in the 30th over for 115.”

Fourth grade fall to third on the ladder but are all but assured of finals cricket. They travel to Albion Park this Saturday.