After a week off, Jamberoo and Kiama returned in strong form in Group Seven's Anzac Round, both securing impressive wins despite the wet and windy conditions.At Kiama Showground on Sunday, the Kiama Knights faced last year’s runners-up, the Shellharbour Sharks, who were sitting atop the ladder before the match.With rain and wind creating challenging conditions, both sides went into half-time locked in a scoreless 0-0 draw.Kiama finally broke the deadlock in the 54th minute when centre Callan Thistlethwaite capitalised on a loose ball, toeing it ahead and diving on it over the line.Six minutes later, second-rower Tom Angel powered through a gap and muscled his way past the fullback to score, extending the lead to 10-0 - a scoreline that held until the final whistle.Knights coach Matt O’Brien said it was a satisfying return to form after a close loss to Nowra-Bomaderry Jets prior to the Easter break.“It was good to win after losing a close one to Nowra before Easter - particularly pleasing to play well again at home,” O’Brien said.“It was heavy going after the rain we had during the ladies league tag matches, but we defended really well in the second half. "Our back row was tremendous - Ryan Hodgson, Tom Angel, and Kieren Poole really stood out.”Nowra-Bomaderry and Jamberoo standing for an Anzac Day ceremony. Photo: Jamberoo SuperoosOver at Kevin Walsh Oval on Saturday, the Jamberoo Superoos enjoyed a dominant day, with all four grades recording victories against the Nowra-Bomaderry Jets.In first grade, the Superoos got on the board early in the sixth minute and never looked back, running in multiple tries to complete a commanding 36-0 win.First grade coach Jono Dallas says he is so glad to see the club coming together in 2025.“It was a really nice day for the club to see all four teams winning at home. I feel as though everyone has bought into the club so these kinds of afternoons generally come about when the club is happy and together,” he says.In terms of first grade, we are still trying to figure a few things out, but the way they are competing and supporting each other is what's getting us results right now. I'm big on positivity while you’re in games, and even though we probably aren’t playing as well as we would like, we’re able to move past adversity pretty quickly.”Both Kiama and Jamberoo now sit on two wins and one loss. Jamberoo will have the bye next week, while Kiama travels to face Berry.Gerringong Lions had the weekend off but will return this weekend after a two-week break, eager to make a statement at home against Milton-Ulladulla.In other local sport, Kiama Rugby Club’s first grade team were narrowly defeated by Campbelltown 15–14, with a try in the final five minutes deciding the match.First grade captain Dante Patrick said the weather played a big part in what turned out to be a disjointed game.“It was a very scrappy game - the surface was slippery and there were a lot of mistakes from both sides. But ultimately, it was neck and neck the whole way through, and they pulled out an amazing try at the end,” Patrick says.Four young players debuted for first grade over the weekend, and with it being the side’s first game of the season, the team was still finding its rhythm.“We were very fortunate to be able to debut four new young boys who did exceptionally well. Given it was our first game of the season for first grade, it just took us a little while to get into it,” Patrick says.“Trying to balance brushing off the cobwebs, helping guide the debutants, and taking the full force of the Harlequins side was always going to be a hard task. We thought we did the best we could at all of those, but just fell short. So we’ll be back to the drawing board this week and put our full focus on the Shamrocks this weekend.”In Other Local Sport:Kiama Power's first-grade AFL side was defeated by the Northern District Tigers, though their Ladies Premier League team dominated in a huge 92-6 win.Gerringong Breakers men’s first-grade football team earned a convincing 6-1 win over Thirroul.

KIAMA QUARRIERS O45 MENQUARRIERS 1 drew with COLEDALE WAVES 1

Kiama Sports Complex is one of the town’s most valued and widely used assets, hosting football, netball, cricket, and athletics serving residents as young as four as well as senior citizens.Despite its importance, the facility faces serious shortcomings - and locals are calling for urgent action.With the upcoming election on the horizon, the Kiama Sporting Complex Workers Group has written to Fiona Phillips and Andrew Constance, urging them to pledge their support for a long-overdue upgrade and modernisation of the site.In their letter, the group outlined several major concerns: a cramped 45-year-old clubhouse, dilapidated change rooms and toilets, limited disability access, poor lighting, inadequate field drainage, and unsafe netball courts.“These deficiencies not only hinder current sporting activities but also prevent us from attracting major sporting events, impacting our community both economically and reputationally,” said Ryan McBride, President of the Kiama Junior Football Club.Phillips and Constance have expressed support for the project.  Constance voiced concern that upgrades hadn’t already been carried out, being vocal about it via Facebook.“Have to wonder where Labor’s Phillips and the two Labor councillors have been on this for the past six years,” said Constance.“They haven’t been doing their job and now the new Council is having to fix it. What’s even more embarrassing is that both Labor Councillors are Labor staffers, one of whom works for Fiona Phillips.”Andrew Constance and Sussan Ley checking out the Kiama Sports Complex facilities. Source: Andrew ConstancePhillips reaffirmed her backing of the Kiama Sports Complex Master Plan, which is being developed by Kiama Council.“Federal funding, through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, was utilised by Kiama Council to support the development of the Kiama Sporting Complex Master Plan,” she said.“I understand that Kiama Council is to consider the Master Plan at their May meeting. Once the project is shovel ready, I will explore and advocate for further federal funding for this important community project.”The Kiama Sporting Complex Workers Group letter was also addressed to Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald, CEO Jane Stroud, MP Gareth Ward, Opposition Deputy Leader Sussan Ley, and Craig Scott, President of the Kiama District Sporting Association.A statement from Kiama Council said: “Kiama Council has been working for many months now on the preparation of draft masterplans to help guide grant applications and the future layout and design of two of our highly used sports facilities - the Kiama Sporting Complex at Havilah Place and Werri Reserve in Gerringong.”In their letter, the Kiama Sporting Complex Workers Group noted that the Master Plan has been in progress “since at least 2021.”Kiama Sporting Complex being used for football - one of the many sports played there. Source: Kiama Junior Football ClubCouncillor Stuart Larkins, a long-time advocate of the project, said he and Councillor Imogen Draisma requested the inclusion of the upgrades in council advocacy documents as early as 2022.“This is something that Councillor Draisma and I requested be included in an advocacy document as far back as early 2022, with the support of the former mayor, and we have continued to work towards upgrading these facilities,” said Mr Larkins.“Ensuring that we get the site shovel ready has been something I have always wanted to see happen, and thankfully we were able to obtain funding that has allowed Kiama Council to develop a draft masterplan - which I understand will be coming before council soon.”As for the delays, Larkins believes missed funding opportunities across multiple council terms have contributed.“The request for addressing the growing infrastructure needs at this site stretches a lot further than one or two terms of council. There has been an ongoing request by the community to address infrastructure needs at this site, and in conjunction with a need for improvements at the Kiama Leisure Centre,” he said.“There have also been multiple previous grant funding opportunities, which I'm not sure Council had applied or taken up, that may have assisted in obtaining earlier upgrades and improvements at the site. I always believe Council should be applying for as many grants as possible.”

KIAMA JUNIOR KNIGHTSUNDER 8 BLACK VS GERRINGONG LIONS

GERRINGONG UNDER 8NVS KIAMA BLACK

GERRINGONG JUNIOR LIONS UNDER 8 BT VS SHELLHARBOUR MAROON

GERRINGONG JUNIOR LIONS - UNDER 6 RED VS STINGRAYS GOLD

JAMBEROO JUNIOR SUPEROOSUNDER 6 BLUE VS GERRINGONG BLUE

GERRINGONG JUNIOR LIONSUNDER 6 BLUE VS JAMBEROO BLUE

The Kiama Softball Association is inviting women of all ages and skill levels to step up to the plate and give softball a go, with a special Come and Try day planned for next Saturday (3 May) at Chapman Oval.Led by association president Pam Gehrmann, the initiative aims to introduce more women to the sport in a fun, inclusive, and relaxed environment. Attendees are encouraged to arrive by 12:30pm, with the first game set to begin at 1pm.“No experience or gear is needed,” says Gehrmann. “Whether you're a seasoned player or just curious to try something new, the focus is on fun, friendship, and being part of a supportive community.”Softball, she adds, offers more than just physical activity. An action shot from last year. Source: Kiama Softball AssociationIt’s an opportunity to build connections, learn new skills, and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with team sports.“We’re an awesome group of ladies who share some laughs and give something new a try,” Gehrmann says. “You walk away with more than just a few new skills - you walk away with new friendships.”The event is part of the association’s broader effort to grow participation in community sport and encourage women to stay active through social and accessible opportunities like softball.Anyone interested in joining is welcome to turn up on the day, or contact Pam Gehrmann at 0402 683 306 for more information.

Gerringong Rugby League Club has a long and rich history. The Lions have won the most premierships in the South Coast competition and punch far above their weight for such a small town. Reading about local lads Hamish Stewart and Dylan Egan recently making their NRL debuts for the Dragons reminded everyone of the large number of Gerringong boys who have played in the top rugby league competition in Australia. Some have even represented our country.In 2014, Barry Ross wrote an excellent book on the history of the club which compares favourably with any such publication, even those of major Sydney clubs. His book, "Gerringong Rugby League Football Club: Celebrating 100 years 1914-2014: From our boys to Lions”, gave me great help for this article.Scrolling through eBay one day I came across an item that was a list of the premiers in the Wollongong District Rugby league competition. The Wollongong area has competed with success against touring international sides and produced and continue to produce champions, such as Graeme Langlands, Steve Roach and Jason Ryles.But scrolling through the list I glanced upon a premier team 100 years ago - Gerringong.Gerringong? What is a little town on the South Coast doing with a premiership trophy from 1925 in the Wollongong competition?Seeing that it is the 100th anniversary of that great year I thought I might reminisce about those “good old days”.At the start of that season it was thought it might be a good idea to join the South Coast and Wollongong competitions together. This did not last long. However, Gerringong decided to join the Wollongong competition. Some South Coast clubs were glad to see the back of the dominant Gerringong club. The rugby league had begun in 1914 and in the nine seasons since then Gerringong had won six.As the season developed it was clear Gerringong was the team to beat in a six-club competition. Gerringong finished minor premiers after winning 10 games, drawing and losing only one each. Glebe and Port Kembla finished equal second and under the rules at the time, those teams played off for the honour of meeting Gerringong in the final.Port won and the final was played at Kiama Showground on 29 August 1925.Now you can imagine the excitement. Port Kembla had been a powerhouse in the Wollongong competition for many years, and the new boys from Gerringong were minor premiers.Fans from both towns had to scour the district to find as many cars as they could to transport the crowds to the game. Not many people could afford cars in those days. Around 3000 spectators packed in to watch. Now it may not seem a big number compared to crowds today, but this was a record for the rugby league on the South Coast.The game itself lived up to all the expectations. The result was in doubt until the last minute. A missed goal from in front for Port was very costly. Mind you, Gerringong did score three tries, they just did not kick any goals! They won by the skinniest of margins, 9-8.A rugby match at Gerringong in 1909. Photo: Athol Noble CollectionAn interesting sidelight came from an injury to a Port player, S Harris who broke his collarbone in a tackle. Although I believe replacements were allowed, he refused to come off. When he had the ball, he had to tuck it under his one good arm left and just lean into the tackle. The Gerringong players were at a loss as to how to tackle him without causing him immense pain. On more than one occasion they stopped him by just holding him around the waist.The Gerringong team on that glorious day was Jack Miller, H. Morrow, Clive Cant, C. Miller, W. Guthrie backs, Vic Martin and Ray Miller halves, Vince Fields, J. Wall, Hedley Chittick, Roy Love, A. Burgess, S. Miller forwards.The back of the postcard featuring the match in 1909. Photo: Athol Noble CollectionIt is interesting to note that a lot of the names in the Gerringong Rugby League team reappeared in the Gerringong Cricket Club’s first-grade team that also won the local competition. Sport in Gerringong 100 years ago was particularly strong.For the pictures to accompany this article I would like to share with you, not photographs from 1925, but special ones from a time long before.Before Gerringong Rugby League Club was established in 1914 the local lads played Rugby Union. Once I went in search of an old cricket scorebook from 1894 that I knew Athol Noble had. Michael Tierney was kind enough to give me access to Athol’s collection that included, in addition to the aforementioned scorebook, a collection of Gerringong football memorabilia. Jack and Vince Fields. Photo: Athol Noble CollectionAmong that collection were some great old photos. One was of the two Fields boys, Jack and Vince. Both of these players were some of the best players Gerringong have ever had. And that is saying something.  Two other photos grabbed my attention. These were from games at what is now Michael Cronin Oval. One game was not dated but the postcard type picture stated it was a 1909 Gerringong v Berry rugby union game.Sitting at the eastern end of the oval one Friday morning, watching members of the club mark out the field for the big weekend game, I got to thinking that the goalposts looked a bit more secure than 1909. I also wondered if the Gerringong players would be wearing hats.

The Gerringong Breakers Football Club women’s teams have had a shaky start to the 2025 season - but spirits remain high as they look to bounce back ahead of Female Football Week, running from 2–11 May.The club will mark the occasion with a special celebration on Saturday, 11 May, when three of its women’s teams will play home matches at Gerringong.Club player, manager and women’s coordinator, Danine Cunningham, says the event is a great opportunity to recognise the growing presence and passion of women in football.The O40's Women's team in action last year. Photo: Brian Scott“We’ve got two absolutely beautiful senior women’s teams, and it’s just really lovely to see women getting out, having a kick, and being competitive,” says Cunningham.“On the 11th, which is the final day of Female Football Week, we’ve got three of our teams playing at home - the Under 16s, the All Age, and the Over 40s.”It’s the first year the Over 40s division is running in the Community League, and the Breakers’ team has had a solid start with one win and one loss. Meanwhile, the All Age and Under 16s teams have struggled early, each recording two losses.But Cunningham says there’s no panic - the season is still young, and many players are adjusting to new levels of play.“We’ve had quite a few junior players come up this year. In our All Age team, we’ve got players ranging from 16- and 17-year-olds to players in their 40s,” she says. “It just takes a bit of time to build that chemistry between players.”Cunningham also praised the club’s strong community spirit and the structure that unites junior and senior teams under the same banner.“We 100% pride ourselves on being one club. "It’s just really well run. "There’s a lot of communication and connection because it’s all under the one name - from juniors through to seniors. There’s no separation or division.”The community atmosphere will be front and centre on 11 May, with matches coinciding with Mother’s Day, making it a perfect occasion for a family-friendly celebration of women in sport.Before that, the Over 40’s team will play Russell Vale on 27 April at Cawley Park, while the All Age team will have the week off with a bye.

It was his first marathon - and he won it. James Asquith, co-director of Kiama Downs support work company Movement Five, took out the Run Shellharbour Marathon on April 6.Not only did Asquith get the win, but it also became a community moment for Movement Five. Staff members and participants were out on the course either running or manning the water stations, creating an atmosphere of support that Asquith credits for helping him reach the finish line.“We had five clients running the aid station and three others joined in the five-kilometre fun run with a staff member, which was so awesome,” says Asquith.“Plus, we had 10 staff members doing the half marathon. "So it was actually really engaging, as far as runs go, because I was kind of keeping my eye out, looking for familiar people as opposed to worrying about how fast I was going or how much further I had to go to run.”James Asquith running past one of the Movement Five aid stations. Source: James AsquithAsquith crossed the finish line in front of 166 other competitors in a remarkable 2 hours, 52 minutes and 53 seconds - well under his ambitious sub-three-hour goal.“I thought I might be able to crack three hours, but being my first marathon, I knew it’d be tough,” he says.“Everyone talks about the 32-kilometre mark, when you hit the wall. I was a bit hesitant to set a big goal because of that.But once I hit 21 kilometres, I felt really confident - like I could not only meet the goal, but beat it. That was a great feeling.”Running, he says, has become more than just a physical challenge - it’s a tool for mental clarity, and something he hopes to share with the people Movement Five supports.“The endorphins I get from running outdoors, and the lift in energy and productivity that lasts for hours afterwards - I haven’t found that in any other sport,” Asquith says.“A big part of what we’re trying to promote at Movement Five is going beyond traditional support work and becoming more like mentors. "If we can be positive role models, show up for ourselves, and pursue what brings us joy, then hopefully the people we support will feel inspired to do the same.”As for what’s next, Asquith has set his sights high on a future place in the Boston Marathon.The Movement Five support crew. Source: James Asquith“There are qualifying times and specific events you have to run at - and only a few of those happen around the world,” he says. “But that would be the ultimate goal.”Asquith’s marathon success is more than just a personal milestone - it’s a testament to the strength of the Movement Five community he’s helped build.

Even though Kiama Power lost all three games to Figtree last Saturday at the club’s annual Family Day, the results didn’t dampen the club's spirit.The two clubs played for the Darren Williams Shield, named in honour of their former president who died after suffering a heart attack. The day also doubled as a fundraiser for Heart Research Australia, with plenty of community support on and off the field.Jade Quigley receives the Darren Williams Medal for Best on Ground in the Women’s Premier League match, presented by the Williams family. Source: Anthony GradyWhile Kiama didn’t come away with a win, the narrow loss in the Premier Division game marked a major step forward for the club’s top side.“The standout for us was just the turnaround in form for our men's first grade,” says committee member Andrew Grady.“In the last couple of seasons, Figtree has beaten us by 120 points or more, so only going down by seven on the weekend was a big turnaround - and a statement about our intent for the year.”Despite leading at half-time, Kiama ultimately fell 47-40 in a hard-fought match. Grady credits the improvement to a more cohesive game plan and a strong mix of fresh faces and returning players.“This is our second season running the game plan we put in place, and the players are really starting to buy in,” he says.“Our two best players were Hamish Robertson, playing his first game for the club, and Charlie Wood, who hasn’t played for Kiama in a few seasons. "That combination of new and returning players has really boosted confidence.”Beyond the scoreboard, Family Day at Bonaira Oval was a vibrant celebration of club culture, featuring inflatable slides, junior players presenting senior jerseys, and successful fundraising for Heart Research Australia.“We had a lot of kids come down and get involved, and we raised a great amount of money - so it was a really successful day in all those areas,” says Grady.“We’re a family club. We want to build from the grassroots - from Auskick all the way through to first grade - and keep the same values across all levels.”The community spirit didn’t stop on Saturday. Senior players were back at the oval on Sunday, helping out across the junior games in various roles.Sonny Ettridge receives the Darren Williams Medal for Best on Ground in the Men’s Reserve Grade match, presented by the Williams family. Source: Anthony Grady“We had players supporting the juniors all day - running water, delivering messages, or just giving tips. They were there right through until the final game at 6pm,” Grady says.Looking ahead, Grady is excited for the club’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round on May 24, celebrating Indigenous players and culture across the AFL.“We’ll have local Elders coming down to deliver a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, and our players will be wearing Indigenous jerseys. It’s going to be a really special day at the club.”

The Kiama Quarriers Football Club women’s teams have made a flying start to the season, with both sides undefeated after their first two games. The Division 1 team, in particular, is shaping up as a serious title contender.After falling just one game short of the grand final last year - eliminated by eventual premiers Fairy Meadow - the team wasted no time exacting revenge. In their season opener, wearing the new Kiama Quarriers kit, they defeated Fairy Meadow 3–0.KQFC Secretary Nerissa Peterson says much of the team’s early-season success can be attributed to coach Wayne Paton’s leadership.“They’ve got quite a few new players, and many are playing really well. Wayne has a very structured training schedule, and I think a few players came over specifically to play under him after our strong season last year,” she says.Kiama Quarriers women's over 30's team. Source: Nerissa PetersonThe club’s Over 30s Division 1 women’s team is also off to a perfect start, winning both of their opening matches. They, too, are hoping to go one better this year after making the semi-finals in 2024.“They beat last year's league champions, Oak Flats Kraken, which was a fantastic win and a great sign of what’s to come,” says Peterson.Things have been more mixed on the men’s side of the club. KQFC fields two All Age men’s teams - one in Division 3 and another in Division 4. The Division 3 team is off to a strong start, with two wins from two, while the Division 4 side is still searching for their first victory.“The Division 3 team is looking strong, with a lot of talent. We're expecting them to do well this season,” Peterson says. Action shot from the Kiama Quarriers vs Jamberoo Ravens game last year. Photo: Brian Scott“Several players have returned from the District League to play in the Community League for Kiama, which is a great sign.”The Division 4 team, on the other hand, is in a development phase.“They’ve got quite a few new players, including about half a dozen who have come up from juniors and are only 17 or 18 years old. It’s all new for them - they’re just finding their feet.”In the Masters divisions, the Over 35s men’s team, who moved down a division this year, have recorded one win and one loss. The Over 45s team, who moved up a division, have had a tougher start, losing both their opening games.All teams will take a break over the Easter weekend before returning to the field on the weekend of April 26–27. The club’s major fundraiser, a trivia night, will be held on May 10 at Kiama Leagues Club - a great chance to support local sport.

KIAMA POWER JUNIOR AFL - U15 BOYSVS NORTHERN DISTRICTS

KIAMA POWER JUNIOR AFL - U15 GIRLSVS NORTHERN DISTRICTSV

KIAMA POWER JUNIOR AFL U13 MIXEDVS NORTHERN DISTRICTS

KIAMA POWER JUNIOR AFLVS NORTHERN DISTRICTS