It was heartbreak for the Kiama Knights in Round 9 of the Group 7 South Coast Rugby League competition, as they went down in the 78th minute of their top-of-the-table clash with the Stingrays of Shellharbour.

The Stingrays got off to a flying start with a try in just the second minute. From there, it was a back-and-forth battle. Kiama’s Brad Killmore responded in the eighth minute, but Tim Lafai put the Stingrays back in front with a try in the 18th.

Soon after, Trey Barlow extended the Stingrays’ lead by pouncing on his own kick to score. But the Knights stayed in the contest, with Matt Morris crossing before half-time to bring the score back to 16-10 at the break.

Coach Matt O’Brien revved up the Knights during the interval and they came out firing in the second half with tries from Kye Andrews and Kieran Poole propelling the home side into the lead.

Lafai struck again in the 73rd minute with his second try, narrowing Kiama’s lead to 22-20 with seven minutes to play. The Knights defended bravely but couldn’t hold out, conceding a try in the corner in the 78th minute that sealed the Stingrays’ victory.

“It was a good hit-out, finally getting back on the field after three weeks off, especially against the top team,” said Knights fullback Brad Killmore. 

Fullback Brad Killmore scoring the Knights' opening try. Photo: @stickspix_

“Disheartening finish with them scoring in the last minute, but there are still plenty of positives to take from the game. I’m keen to move on and take on Jamberoo next week.”

Jamberoo also pushed last year's runners-up, Shellharbour Sharks, but couldn’t quite secure the win. After an even first half, the Superoos led 14-12 at the break.

But the second half started all Shellharbour, who ran in three quick tries to make it 28-14.

Jamberoo showed plenty of fight. Jack Talbott ran nearly the length of the field for a try in the 63rd minute, and the team capitalised again three minutes later to bring the score to 28-24. Unfortunately, they couldn’t close the gap before the final siren.

Despite the result, Jamberoo coach Jono Dallas found plenty of positives, especially given the injury toll affecting the squad. 

“We’re still missing our two starting props, so to hold their pack was impressive,” Dallas said.

“We actually turned a corner in a few areas. Most of the tries we conceded came down to poor decisions. I think we could have solved them with a bit more composure. 

“We’re still without eight from our squad and suffered another broken arm yesterday, so if we can fight through the next couple of weeks, we’ll get some luck and finish the year strong.”

Gerringong Lions were the only local first-grade team to secure a win in Round 9, ending their losing streak with a 30-18 victory over the Nowra-Bomaderry Jets. 

The Lions roared out to an 18-0 half-time lead, but the Jets responded strongly, levelling the scores at 18-18 midway through the second half. 

However, Gerringong regained control with tries in the 64th and 72nd minutes to seal the win and put themselves back in the title hunt.

Lions captain Nathan Ford said he was glad to be back in the winners circle, especially considering it was a milestone match for club stalwart Jake Taylor.

“The win was set up by our defence early in the first half which allowed us to score points in the back end of the half,” he said.

Kiama will face Jamberoo next week in a local derby. Photo: Stickspix_

“Didn’t start well in the second half with errors and some poor decisions letting them back in the contest. I was proud of how we fought our way back and held our composure, especially back at home for Jake Taylor’s 150th first-grade appearance.

“It will be a great confidence boost heading into the second half of the season. We will continue working hard before the game with Berry this week.”

Kiama take on Jamberoo in a local derby next round, while Gerringong face Berry in another crucial clash.