Kiama Rugby returned to their winning ways over the weekend with a dominant performance against the Woonona Shamrocks, running in 11 tries on their way to a commanding 67-12 victory.

After suffering just their second loss of the season last week to Campbelltown, Kiama were determined to bounce back - and with a scoreline like that, their statement was loud and clear.

“Coming into this game, there was a lot of tension and a bit of a ‘get back’ feeling,” said forward Dante Patrick. 

“It took a while for us to get into our systems in the first half, but in the second half we really found it - and that’s when we started putting the points on.”

Once they got going, they got going. Kiama were clinical in their execution, with tries coming from Cade-Michael Patrick, Atu Taufa, Nico Cowley, Jeromy Cairns, Jack Hobbs, Junior Amone, Mick Taylor, and Donte Efaraimo and more.

Patrick said much of the week’s preparation focused on discipline and cutting out small errors after their second loss of the season.

“We hadn’t lost a game since Round 1, so it was easy to get complacent. Campbelltown were just too good on the day,” he admitted.

“Our ill-discipline let us down - making poor defensive decisions. We thought we could slip straight back into our patterns without giving them the respect they deserved. That’s what we needed to fix this week and we did a great job.”

The match took place at Kiama Showground as part of the Celtic Rugby Festival, which featured performances from the Kiama Pipe Marching Band, dancing by the Blackbird Academy of Irish Dance, and traditional Celtic food.

Kiama Pipe Marching Band playing Kiama onto the field for the Celtic Rugby Festival. Photo: Kiama Pipe Band

“It was a big turnout. The bagpipes were going, they had the Irish dancing - it was the kind of thing you see on TV,” said Patrick. 

“To have something like that in our own backyard, and to be walked out and played out like that - it was unreal. We were really humbled and honoured.”

This season has also been a milestone one for several Kiama players. Simiki Lufe, Raynold Taufa and Cade Patrick both played their 50th games, while Patrick notched his 100th - a testament to the strength and loyalty within the club.

Kiama have had multiple players reach a milestone number of games this season. Photo: Kiama Rugby Club

“It was a huge honour for me, especially for this club,” Patrick said.

“To come back to where my old man started, and reach that milestone here, was really special. I was very humbled.

“There’s a lot of loyalty in our club. Seeing those guys get their flowers is important - you’ve got to celebrate those achievements because, at the end of the day, they aren’t really small. That’s what keeps the morale high. Some of the younger boys will see those milestones and say, ‘I want to do that'."

Next week, Kiama will face a major test in a 2024 grand final rematch against Shoalhaven.

When the two teams met earlier in the season, Kiama ended Shoalhaven’s 43-game winning streak, and the reigning premiers will no doubt be hunting revenge.

The match will be played at Shoalhaven Rugby Park as part of Digger’s Day, which will feature military displays, a Last Post ceremony, and an after-match function.

The event also serves as a fundraiser for the Keith Payne VC Veterans Benefit Group, supporting veterans.