KIAMA JUNIOR NETBALL - CADETSBEACHETTES 5 26 d BERRY 2 14

KIAMA JUNIOR NETBALL - CADETSBEACHETTES 4 22 d CENTRAL 8 14

KIAMA JUNIOR NETBALL - CADETSBEACHETTES 4 22 d CENTRAL 8 14

KIAMA JUNIOR NETBALL - JUNIOR AGAINSBOROUGH 4 23 d BEACHETTES 10 9

KIAMA JUNIOR NETBALL - JUNIOR A GAINSBOROUGH 4 23 d BEACHETTES 10 9

KIAMA JUNIOR NETBALL - INTERMEDIATE ACENTRAL 10 33 d CENTRAL 11 18

KIAMA JUNIOR NETBALL - INTERMEDIATE ACENTRAL 10 33 d CENTRAL 11 18

The Gerringong Lions shocked Group 7 competition leaders, the Stingrays of Shellharbour, on Sunday with a hard-fought 22-10 win at home.After more than 150mm of rain hit the Illawarra last week, Group 7 officials were forced to cancel all grades except first grade for Round 17.With just two rounds remaining and every top-five position still up for grabs, the clash between the first-placed Stingrays and fifth-placed Lions had the potential to either shake up the ladder or cement key positions - and it did not disappoint.The Stingrays opened the scoring in just the second minute when replacement fullback Josh Maude stepped off his left foot to break through the Gerringong defence.The score remained 4-0 until the 32nd minute when Gerringong centre Tyrell Taione responded with a similar right-foot step to level it at 4-4.Just before the break, a penalty in front of the posts gave the Stingrays a chance to edge ahead, with halfback Trey Barlow slotting the goal to make it 6-4 at halftime.Gerringong struck first after the restart when halfback Rixon Russell executed a show-and-go to slice through the defence and score in the 48th minute, giving the home side a 10-6 lead. Five minutes later, a slick flick pass from Kayne Brennan put Kye Deane over in the corner, again levelling the scores at 10-10.A tense passage of play followed, with both sides trading sets and defending strongly. Gerringong Lions will hope to leap from fifth to the top three after round 18. Photo: SticksPix_Eventually, Gerringong forward Wes Pring broke the line, putting the Stingrays on the back foot. A few tackles later, centre Beau Doosey finished off the movement to push Gerringong back in front.With time winding down, the Lions attempted a field goal to stretch their lead but it missed the mark. A few minutes later, however, they were handed a full set on the Stingrays' line after a penalty. Winger Liam Holland pounced on the opportunity, grubbering through and regathering to seal the win for Gerringong.Injured Stingrays fullback Jimmy Scott said: “We were pretty good in defence, but we just made far too many mistakes and gave away too many penalties. “Having the last two weeks off probably didn’t help as well. I think the loss might give the squad a much-needed wake-up call. Hopefully we can get a win against Kiama next week to build that confidence into finals.”Meanwhile, a depleted Jamberoo Superoos side were soundly beaten by Albion Park away from home. The hosts, sitting fourth on the ladder, opened their account in just the second minute and added three more tries to lead 22-0 at halftime - a deficit Jamberoo might have recovered from under better circumstances.However, Albion Park ran in two quick tries in the 48th and 51st minutes to put the game out of reach, before piling on four more before full-time to finish 54-0 winners. It marked Jamberoo’s ninth straight loss in a season plagued by injuries, and Albion Park’s third win on the trot as they build momentum for the finals.This Saturday, Jambero will face competition leaders Shellharbour Sharks, while Kiama, who had the bye in Round 17, return to action against the Stingrays. Gerringong take on the Nowra-Bomaderry Jets on Sunday. With only three points separating first and fifth on the Group 7 ladder, both Kiama (third) and Gerringong (fifth) will be desperate for wins in Round 18 to secure a double chance in the finals beginning on 6 September.

Local boxer Jarod Sainsbury claimed victory at the NSW Novice State Titles recently for his weight and division at the Hudson Hotel in Seven Hills.Sainsbury competed in the elite division for boxers aged over 19, in the 75kg weight class. He also fought in the C division, which is for fighters with less than four bouts.Originally scheduled to have three fights, Sainsbury's first opponent withdrew. In his second bout, he secured a win in the second round, and in the final, he clinched the title with a unanimous decision.His coach, Steven Anton - owner of Boost Boxing Gym in Albion Park Rail, where Sainsbury trains - said the title was a well-deserved achievement."He's been trying hard for a long time, and from the beginning, we set out with the goal to win this competition," said Anton."I had a lot of confidence in him based on how he trains. I knew he was going to be too strong for that category. His skill level is above the three-fight experience level."It was Sainsbury’s first appearance at the NSW titles. Despite boxing for seven years, he had only two judged fights prior to the competition - both wins - as well as a few exhibition bouts."That’s quite normal in amateur boxing. Jarod’s had a lot of opponents pull out over the years," said Anton. "His first official fight with Boost was almost two years ago, but he’d been trying to get matched up for two years before that as well."Anton explained that many boxers spend years building skills before entering regular competition."You start off training a couple of times a week, learn the fundamentals, and gradually develop into someone ready to fight. It's a natural progression."Sainsbury is also a highly regarded coach at Boost Boxing Gym."From the first day he walked in, Jarod’s been about the community. He helps everyone, he's a team player, and he works incredibly hard," said Anton. "He listens, he trains hard, and he's super encouraging to everyone around him. He’s not just an amazing athlete - he’s an amazing coach as well.""He's brilliant with the kids and juniors. He’s always inspiring others, always showing up, and just a massive asset to the gym. We all love him."Sainsbury trains several times a week, putting in an average of 6-8 hours of physically and mentally demanding work. Anton believes this dedication is laying the groundwork for a professional future.“Hopefully we can get him another 15 to 20 fights and turn him pro,” said Anton. “He’s ticking all the boxes. He’s doing everything we set out to do, and I’m so glad to be part of it.”"It means everything to me to see his hard work paying off. The training is intense, it takes a real toll on the body - especially when you're working full-time and supporting a family. To have someone from the Boost Boxing family achieving so much makes me incredibly proud."

This week's edition of The Bugle brings you all the latest news about the upcoming by-election for Kiama now that the campaigning is in full swing.There are seven names thus far on the ballot paper with candidates making plenty of promises about how they will revitalise the region if they get elected.Kiama will create history with the first female state member set to be voted in at the 13 September by-election.Check out The Bugle digital editionLabor’s Katelin McInerney is considered the early favourite to win the seat following the resignation of jailed former independent MP Gareth Ward.Liberal Party nominee Serena Copley has also been busy on the hustings after launching her campaign last week with independent Kate Dezarnaulds and Greens candidate Tonia Gray can also see a path to victory in an election where the vast majority of the primary vote will be split between this talented quartet.There is also a feature on the drama over Council's decision to cancel the New Year's Eve fireworks as well as the stoush between local businesses over the employment land strategy.Former Mayor Neil Reilly has also written a column about Gareth Ward's time as the state member.You can also read plenty of great community stories, including an update on the renewable energy transition, a local legend who is turning 105, a four-page liftout on the Folk by the Sea festival as well as plenty of sport, including a Kiama AFL player who has racked up the 200-game milestone.

NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman has pledged $26 million for urgently needed upgrades to the Kiama Sporting Complex, delivering the first stage of Kiama Council’s masterplan.The funding promise, which would be delivered if the Liberals are voted in at the next election in 2027, has been welcomed by Serena Copley, their candidate for the upcoming by-election in Kiama.Copley said the local sporting community had been crying out for these upgrades.“From netball and basketball to football, cricket, athletics and Little A’s, the precinct supports thousands of players every week. This funding will make sure those facilities keep pace with demand and are safe, accessible and ready for the future,” Copley said.“This announcement is about listening to the needs of local clubs and delivering what matters most, modern amenities, safer playing surfaces, and facilities that encourage participation for all, including women and juniors.”“I’m proud to be part of the Liberal Team that believes so strongly in Kiama and is willing to invest to ensure we have a better future for generations to come.”Speakman said the $26 million commitment would deliver the first stage of a modern, fit-for-purpose sporting precinct for Kiama. "For too long, players, families and clubs have been operating with ageing facilities that simply don’t meet today’s needs. A NSW Liberal Government will change that," he said.“For the first time, female footballers will have their own dedicated changerooms. The upgraded netball facilities, lighting, and a synthetic athletics track will ensure our young people can train and compete in all conditions. "This investment is about backing grassroots sport, boosting sports tourism and encouraging healthier and more active lifestyles.”“For two years Labor has neglected Kiama. The Liberals have a proven record of investing in the roads, schools and hospitals needed to support this community. "Now we’re turning to sporting infrastructure, which only the Liberals can deliver.”This funding could deliver:· New football amenities and changerooms, including dedicated facilities for female players for the first time· New netball amenities and changerooms· Installation of high-grade lighting for four football fields (including cricket) and the athletics track· Resurfacing and reconfiguration of outdoor netball courts and car parking· Extensive new drainage and irrigation to weather-proof fields and track· Construction of a new synthetic athletics track (replacing the existing grass track)· Installation of new CCTV to improve community safety and security

Two Kiama Quarriers senior teams have claimed Division One league championships and are now through to their respective grand finals in two weeks’ time.The All Age Division One women’s team went undefeated throughout the 2025 season, finishing with 14 wins and 2 draws. Their closest competitors on the ladder, Moss Vale, trailed by 10 points.The team had a scare in last Sunday’s major semi-final against Moss Vale, falling behind 2-1 early in the match. But they fought back with two goals from Alyce Quod, securing a 3-2 win and a place in the grand final.Kiama Quarriers Football Club secretary Nerissa Peterson said the team had put in a tremendous effort this season.“They recruited a few new players, and the team has really bonded. They’ve been training harder, even showing up on cold Thursday nights,” she said.“Despite the rain, they’ve been booking alternative venues like indoor courts. They’re more cohesive this year and have a deeper squad to draw from.”The club’s Over 30s Women’s Division One team also booked their grand final spot with a 3-1 win over Russell Vale on Sunday. After conceding a goal in the 30th minute, the team rallied to dominate the remainder of the match.They’ve also had a standout season, losing just one game all year - though Peterson says that match came under unusual circumstances.“The Over 30s had one loss, and that was when they only had nine players against a full team of eleven. But they’ve beaten all the teams they’ll face in the grand final, including Russell Vale, so they’re pretty confident,” she said.The over 30s division one league champions. Photo KQFCWeather permitting, both grand finals are scheduled for Sunday, 31 August, and Peterson says the club is buzzing with excitement at the prospect of two potential wins.“It would be really special. The Over 30s won the grand final in 2023, but for the All Age Division One women, it’s been a while. I don’t think they’ve won for some time - especially since the split between the Women’s Premier League and the community league. So it’s been several years,” she said.Meanwhile, the All Age Division Three men’s team is still in contention after a dramatic victory over Gerringong on Saturday.The Kiama All Age Division Three men's team are one win away from a grand final spot. Photo: KQFCThe match ended 1-1, going to penalties, where Kiama emerged victorious with a 7-6 result.“For our Division Three team to make the semifinals is huge. They’ve got a good mix - some new players, and a few who’ve come back from the district league to play again for their local club,” said Peterson.“It’s just really great to see that momentum and strength returning to the club.”Kiama will now face the University of Wollongong next week. If they win, it will mean three Kiama Quarriers teams will be playing in grand finals this season.

On 19 September 1981, Shellee Gibson was born at Kiama District Hospital. Almost 44 years later, and only a few hundred metres down the road at Bonaira Oval, she ran out for Kiama Power to play her 200th senior AFL game on Saturday, 16 August.Fifteen years in the making, Shellee has won five premierships, represented both NSW and the South Coast, and kicked 142 career goals.Although her team couldn’t secure the win to mark the milestone, she still enjoyed the occasion.“They were just stronger than us. We had our shots, and they just fell short. That’s footy. What can you do?” said Shellee.“I’ve been around a long time, so it doesn’t affect me that much. I love just getting out there and running around. The girls all have pretty good attitudes. We gave it our all and just weren’t the better team on the day.“But it was a good day for footy. I think everyone had a good day. We all had a good night, the boys got some wins, so the atmosphere was really good.”Shellee was the president, treasurer, coach, captain and player of the Wollongong Saints 15 years ago. Photo: Brian ScottShellee was the driving force behind the Illawarra’s first women’s AFL team - the Wollongong Saints - where she took on the roles of president, treasurer, coach, captain and player.She reflected on her very first game, which was against Sydney University, and how it all started after playing only soccer before.“Game number one, I think we played Sydney Uni or something, and the ball was dribbling along the ground and I walked backwards away from it,” she said.“I’m like, man, they’re all tackling and jumping on the ground. It’s too crazy. But yeah, eventually I got there. It was very, very different to soccer.”So what motivated her to start a team in a sport she barely knew?“I think I’m just determined. I like kicking. I like kicking and catching. I like kicking the ball. I don’t like tackling. So I just practised kicking, running, catching - and I’m still, that’s still all I can do really,” she said.“I just like playing team sports. I like the whole atmosphere. Kiama is a good family club. Everyone’s up and about, everyone says congratulations, all the guys get around you - we all train together.”Shellee in action in her 200th game. Photo: Brian ScottThat family spirit, she says, was nowhere to be seen when she first started.“We weren’t affiliated with anyone when we started in the women’s competition. No one really wanted anything to do with us. We couldn’t join the men’s club. We couldn’t train on their fields. We had nothing. We didn’t even have toilets. It was terrible - we didn’t even have equipment,” she said.Now, there are 11 teams across two divisions in the South Coast competition - something Shellee says she never imagined.“I struggled to get eight players for the first three games. That’s all I had. I had to fill my car up - just so I knew I’d definitely have five players to drive to Sydney every week,” she said.“And like, we had no experience. I’d never played a game before. And I was the coach and the player and the captain and the president. Now we’ve got like 15s and 16s and 17s - some will have played a hundred games before they even hit seniors. And it’s only growing. It’s going to be massive.”Gibson’s knee collapsed during pre-season this year, and it nearly stopped her from reaching the 200-game milestone.“My cartilage is gone. I’ve worn it out playing too many games. So I had a couple of weeks just strengthening and rehab and wore a bit of tape and got through it,” she said.But is 200 the end?“As long as the girls kick me the ball and I don’t have to tackle, that’d be good. But yeah, I’ll just keep going until I fall apart.”Her team is out of finals contention this season, but she’ll lace up the boots one last time for Kiama Power’s final match of the year against Northern Districts at home on Saturday (23 August).To wrap up, Shellee shared the pre-game superstition that might just be the secret to her long and resilient career.“I like to put my right boot on first, and then I put both boots on, and then I tie them up. I don’t tie one at a time,” she said. “I also like to go for a lap of the field and have some me time. I just need one or two minutes.”

UNDER 17 GIRLS AFLBOMADERRY 58 d KIAMA POWER 24

Kiama asserted their dominance over the Illawarra District Rugby Union competition last weekend, claiming emphatic wins in both grades against the Camden Rams.Played at Camden Rugby Park, Kiama’s first-grade side ran in five tries in each half to secure a thumping 64-17 victory.Centre Mick Taylor was the standout performer, crossing the line four times. Captain Jack Hobbs added a double, while flyhalf Cooper Hansen contributed 17 points with a try and six goals.Kiama forward Dante Patrick praised the team’s overall performance but acknowledged there were still areas to improve.“I thought our discipline and defence throughout the game were actually pretty sound, but there were just some unlucky reads. Camden threw a couple of moves at us that we weren't really ready for - hats off to them,” Patrick said.“But after those 17 points, we made it personal. From that point on, we didn’t want to let anything else through.”Kiama’s reserve grade team also put on a dominant display, winning 52-17.“Both grades went out there this week with the mindset of making a statement heading into the business end of the season,” said Patrick.“We just wanted to show we’re the team to beat in both grades. Camden put up an awesome fight, but we wanted to show that it’s going to be really tough for anyone to beat us in the run home - and I think we executed that pretty well.”With the two wins, it's all but confirmed that both Kiama teams will host a home major semi-final in two weeks - an achievement not seen in Kiama for many years.“It’s one for the history books, having both grades playing in a major semi at Kiama,” said Patrick. “It’s going to be massive, and we can’t wait to put on a big performance on such a big stage in front of a home crowd.”Both teams are currently sitting second on their respective ladders, with an outside chance of finishing first depending on next weekend’s results.As they prepare for finals rugby, Patrick said the focus now turns to opposition analysis.“We’re studying our likely opponents and looking at what we can do to get the job done,” he said.“For example, Campbelltown - who are in first place - are a very powerful, well-rounded team. They’ve got strength, pace, skill, and flair, just like us.“So we’ve been focusing on our own playing group - figuring out who we need to start the game strong and who can come off the bench and close it out.”Both grades will face Bowral at Kiama Showground on Saturday (23 August) in the final round of the regular season.

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.

UNDER 16 SEMI-FINALKIAMA 31 d CAMPBELLTOWN 14

UNDER 18 RUGBY UNIONKIAMA VS RANDWICK

UNDER 14 RUGBY UNION SEMI-FINALAVONDALE 14 d KIAM 12