Kiama got revenge on Shoalhaven for the second time this Illawarra rugby season, securing a 29–26 win over the weekend.

Shoalhaven famously defeated Kiama in last year’s grand final, sending them home empty-handed.

But earlier this year, Kiama ended Shoalhaven’s remarkable 43-game winning streak with a 33-27 victory - striking back at the premiers.

And last weekend, they did it again, though it was far from convincing.

“We started the first half pretty much the same way we did against Campbelltown a couple of weeks ago,” said forward Dante Patrick. 

“They got out to two quick tries and we spent most of the half defending. Then straight after half-time, they scored another two. So it was like, ‘Come on boys, that first win couldn’t have just been a fluke.’”

Patrick said an inspirational half-time speech from coach Chris Meizer turned things around.

“Coach said, ‘Boys, even though we’re down, I don’t feel like we’re going to lose this game’.

"He just had so much confidence in us, and hearing that when you’re behind gives you hope.

"I think that belief is what got us through.”

And they did get through. After conceding those two early second-half tries, Kiama kept Shoalhaven scoreless for the rest of the game and clawed their way back to take the lead.

Kiama move to second place while Shoalhaven drop to third. Photo: Kiama Rugby

“For us to chase down a lead like that shows how far we’ve come over the last few years,” said Patrick. “We’ve worked hard not to be a one-hit wonder.”

Not only did they come back, they held the lead through a tense final stretch - something Patrick is especially proud of.

“That last 10 minutes was probably the longest 10 minutes we’ve ever experienced,” he said. 

“Shoalhaven are a never-say-die team. Whether they're winning or losing, they stay in the game. In tight matches like that, they’re always dangerous, so I’m proud of how we defended that lead.”

The match was played at Shoalhaven as part of the club’s annual Diggers Day, which included military displays, a Last Post ceremony, and an after-match function.

“Diggers Day is massive. Shoalhaven always host it, and it’s an unreal day,” Patrick said.

“We got to meet a few veterans, which is just breathtaking. You see their medals and hear about their achievements - it’s incredibly humbling.”

The Kiama players wore special jerseys to honour veterans, which added extra meaning to the match.

“We had jerseys made just for the occasion. I think it pushes the boys to lift that extra arm and leg to represent the veterans and make sure they’re not forgotten,” Patrick said. 

“Shoalhaven always know how to turn it on - there was a helicopter, flags flying, both anthems sung. It was a real moment of pride. With so many cultures coming together, it was unreal to be part of something that meaningful.”

Kiama now move into second place on the ladder with just four matches left before finals. They'll be looking to carry this momentum forward, starting this Saturday when they host University at Kiama Showground.