Round 16 proved a tough outing for all three local teams at a critical point in the Group 7 South Coast Rugby League season.

The headline act was the Shellharbour Sharks finally breaking their hoodoo against the Gerringong Lions - the side that had beaten them in the last two grand finals.

Played at Ron Costello Oval on Sunday, 17 August, the game started in familiar fashion, with Gerringong striking early. Toby Gumley Quine crossed in the 9th minute, followed by a try off the back of a sharp linebreak from Wes Pring in the 21st, giving the Lions a 12-0 lead.

But Shellharbour responded calmly, notching two quick tries before the break to level the scores at 12-12.

The second half opened with tight, physical footy before Kade Sampson bagged his second try of the afternoon, finishing off a slick backline move to put the Sharks ahead.

Six minutes later, centre Ryan James powered through on a storming run to extend the lead, and a 70th-minute intercept try pushed the score to 24-12.

Gerringong’s young winger James Kunkler stepped through the line in the 75th to give the Lions hope, but they couldn't capitalise on late possession, falling short 24-18.

The Kiama Knights also suffered a costly loss. Sitting second on the ladder heading into their home clash with Albion Park Oak Flats, they’re now expected to drop to third.

Albion Park struck first through halfback Kane Ball in the 5th minute, but Kiama fullback Brad Killmore replied with a near-identical try six minutes later.

Both teams traded tries to lock the scores at 12-all. Momentum swung, however, when Kiama winger Matt Morris attempted a chip-and-chase that fell straight to Cooper Barnes, who ran the length of the field to make it 16-12.

Albion Park took control from there, scoring back-to-back tries in the 56th and 60th minutes to stretch the lead to 26-12.

A late combination from Sam Hooper, Killmore, and McDonald in the 78th minute gave Kiama a consolation try, but Albion Park held firm for a 26-18 win.

“It was a tough loss,” said Killmore post-match. “They came out fast and out-enthused us for most of the game. It just proves anyone in the five can win it. We’ll regroup.”

He also paid tribute to Kiama captain Kieran Poole, who marked his 250th first-grade appearance.

“He’s been a leader and hero at our club for so many years now. He’s got this never-die attitude - you’ll never see him stop trying, no matter the score. And he’s also just a great bloke. I hope he never stops playing.”

Kiama captain Kieran Poole played his 250th first grade game for the club. Photo: @SticksPix_

Over at Kevin Walsh Oval, the Jamberoo Superoos were stunned by the 8th-placed Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs, who put on a second-half clinic.

The game was evenly poised early, with both teams trading tries to sit at 16-all by the 43rd minute.

Jamberoo’s Rhys Kennedy muscled over from dummy half in the 47th to give the home side the lead, but from the 52nd minute on, it was all Bulldogs - four unanswered tries sealing a commanding 40-22 win.

With two rounds remaining, the top five looks set - Stingrays, Sharks, Knights, Lions, and Eagles - but the final order is still wide open.

Kiama will play a catch-up game against the Berry Magpies at Berry on Wednesday before enjoying the bye this weekend. Gerringong host the Stingrays in what looms as a blockbuster, while Jamberoo travel to face Albion Park.