JAMBEROO JUNIOR SUPEROOS UNDER 11VS SHELLHARBOUR MAROON

JAMBEROO JUNIOR SUPEROOS 9NVS SHELLHARBOUR

JAMBEROO JUNIOR SUPEROOS 16-2 BTVS SHELLHARBOUR

Losing Dapto Dogs for the Illawarra would be like the Dragons losing Jubilee Oval, or Fords and Holdens no longer being able to race around Mount Panorama, with the cultural and spiritual significance attached to their respective communities.The Dapto Agricultural and Horticultural Society has notified Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) that there will no longer be racing next year at Dapto Showground after 89 years. However, it seems the Society does not want to part ways completely, as it owns the brand “Dapto Dogs”.Nowra Hill trainer Allan Manwaring was saddened by the potential demise of the Dapto Dogs.“My father raced dogs at Dapto back in the 60s and my wife and I won our first and only group race at Dapto, so it holds a special place in our hearts and is one of our favourite tracks” Manwaring said.While there has been much speculation within racing circles about the future of greyhound racing at Dapto, with many up in arms about the closure, Manwaring sees it differently with the financial logistics weighing heavily on the Dapto outcome.“There is talk that the rent was around $20,000 a month at Dapto,” he said. For newly appointed GRNSW CEO Steve Griffin, this is a significant issue for him to resolve but he appears to be approaching it with a positive outlook. “While the Dapto decision is disappointing, we have exciting plans to modernise greyhound racing in the months and years ahead, introducing innovative measures to make it a more visually appealing TV sport for punters across the state and around the world” Griffin said via a GRNSW statement. One of the innovative measures being introduced by GRNSW is the development proposal from over the other side of the Great Dividing Range in Goulburn. This “straight” greyhound racing track is said to be a safer option of racing than the conventional “two bend” circuits within the industry. This decision is not the first time this has happened to the Dapto greyhound fraternity after the Society announced a similar decision in 2019. The Society later renewed its lease with GRNSW.The inquiry commissioned by the NSW State Government into GRNSW has been extended to 31 July due to the high number of submissions. The purpose of this inquiry “is to ensure a viable and sustainable greyhound racing industry in NSW with the highest standards of integrity and animal welfare”.Across the ditch in New Zealand, their greyhound industry was decimated earlier this week with the New Zealand Government’s decision to ban the sport from July next year, something the Mike Baird-led NSW Government tried to do unsuccessfully in 2017.

The inaugural South Coast Cup took place over the weekend, with Southend Boardriders Maroubra taking home the win in "all-time conditions" at Jones Beach.Thirteen clubs competed for a $4500 prize pool and after a week of poor weather, the sun made a welcome appearance on Saturday, setting the stage for a highly successful event.“It was a beautiful, sunny day. The amazing weather really allowed the event to flourish,” said Jones Beach Boardriders member Geoff Latimar.“We ended up holding it in the middle of Jones Beach in what were probably all-time conditions, surf-wise. "The paddle out was challenging, but the wave quality - and some of the surfing we witnessed - will be remembered for a long time.”The surf gods provided for the South Coast Cup at Jones Beach. Photo: Brian ScottAfter the heats, the field was narrowed down to eight clubs, then four for the final. Southend came out on top with a total score of 29.64, followed by Ulladulla in second with 26.84.“It was super close,” said Latimar. “It was back and forth for a while, and then Maroubra locked in a perfect 10-point ride from Blake Thorton - an ex-professional surfer who was on the world tour. That sealed the win for them.”Jones Beach Boardriders, who also hosted the event, took third place.“Oceanna Rogers dropped a 9.5 in the semi-final - the highest scoring wave by any female surfer all day,” Latimar said. “She was a standout throughout the event. Unfortunately, we didn’t quite click as a team in the final and fell away a little at the end. But to place third in the first year, with the calibre of clubs involved, gives us something to build on for next time.”Clubs travelled from as far north as South Sydney and as far south as the Victorian border, and according to Latimar, feedback was overwhelmingly positive.“Everyone was so stoked with how it went. The camaraderie and the event atmosphere were epic. A lot of people can’t wait for next year’s edition,” he said.Approximately 500 people attended on the day, which featured more than just surfing. There were BBQs, live commentary, music, and a community celebration to close the event.The first South Coast Cup proved to be a big success. Photo: Brian Scott“In collaboration with the surf club, there was live music during the finals. The presentation was held at the surf club afterwards with more music and a pizza truck. It was a pretty special afternoon - great surfing, great vibes, and a perfect way to wrap it up,” said Latimar.JBB are confident the South Coast Cup will return in 2026, and they’re already looking forward to doing it all again.“We want to thank the entire local community for showing up and getting behind the event. And of course, a huge thanks to our sponsors and partners - Zink Surf, Kiama Council, The Man Walk, Haworth Guitars, Atmosphere Productions, Ocean and Earth, Secret Sumatra, Kiama Downs IGA, and Superior Meats Shellharbour,” Latimar said.

The stars aligned when Gerringong Lions held their annual gala over the weekend, bringing together club legends, current NRL stars and St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan.The event, held each year, offers players, supporters, friends and family a chance to connect, celebrate the club’s community and raise vital funds.“It’s something we try to do every year - a night for the club,” said Lions president Alan Miller.“We’re a young club with a lot of younger players, and they all turned up dressed well and really respected the night.Manly centre Reuben Garrick with Gerringong Lions players. Photo: Game Face Photography“Having a few of the older players there too was great - it’s not just a fundraiser. It gives us energy. It’s been a stop-start season, which hasn’t been easy on anyone. Events like this help re-energise the players and build camaraderie.”Held at Gerringong Town Hall, the night featured guest speakers including former Australian Wallaroos rugby union captain Grace Hamilton, who now plays for the Dragons in the NRLW.“Grace was insightful and really funny, with a great sense of humour,” said Miller. “The Dragons women’s team stayed in Gerringong last weekend and trained, so she knew the area well and gave great insights.”Around 100 people attended the gala. Other speakers included Manly Sea Eagles star - and former Gerringong junior - Reuben Garrick, as well as Flanagan, who brought along two of his current players, Hamish Stewart and Dylan Egan, both former Lions.“Shane stayed the weekend in town with his family and friends, and he was fantastic,” Miller said. “The banter between him and Reuben was great - they go way back to when Shane was coaching at Manly. Gerringong Lions juniors and Dragons players Hamish Stewart (left) and Dylan Egan. Photo: Game Face Photography“He also shared funny stories from his playing days under Mick Cronin, who was in attendance, of course.”Cronin, a rugby league great and local legend, coached Flanagan during his playing days at Parramatta in the early 1990s.Looking ahead, the Lions will be hoping to turn their season around this Saturday when they take on the Stingrays of Shellharbour in Group 7’s inaugural Magic Round in Bomaderry. Gerringong are just outside the top five, with two wins and three losses.

Magic is in the air for Round Eight of the Group 7 South Coast Rugby League competition, with the launch of the inaugural Magic Round. For the first time, all four first-grade games will be played back-to-back at Royal Artie Smith Oval in Bomaderry on Saturday, 31 May.Inspired by the NRL’s own Magic Round, Group 7 Operations Manager and former NRL player Ashton Sims says the concept is about more than just the game.“It’s not just about rugby league - it’s about bonding communities. That’s what rugby league on the South Coast has always been about at its core, for 114 years,” Sims said.“You’re bringing people from as far north as Warilla to as far south as Milton-Ulladulla, and from the Moss Vale region as well. We have such a vast area, rich in tradition and cultural diversity - but all united by the common language of rugby league.”The day’s action will kick off at 12:00pm with the Berry Magpies taking on the Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs. The headline clash between the Gerringong Lions and Stingrays of Shellharbour will close the day at 5:15pm.Group 7 Operations Manager Ashton Sims, former Gerringong Lion and St George Illawarra Dragon. Photo: Game Face PhotographySims is especially looking forward to the key matchup between two ladder leaders - the Albion Park Oak Flats Eagles and the Jamberoo Superoos.“They’re both well-entrenched in the top five, and whoever gets the two points this weekend will gain a crucial advantage heading into the back half of the season,” he said.Another game to watch is between the home team, Nowra-Bomaderry Jets, and last year’s runners-up, the Shellharbour Sharks. As the only home side playing, the Jets will be keen to impress at their newly renovated stadium.“It’s a fantastic facility and could definitely host bigger rugby league events in the future. It’s centrally located on the South Coast, with easy access to train lines and buses,” he said.“I want to give a big shout-out to Shoalhaven City Council for their ongoing investment in sport. Their commitment to upgrading or building new facilities not only supports players, but also strengthens the broader community and local infrastructure.”In addition to the four high-quality rugby league matches, the day will also feature local food and beer vendors, as well as a family-friendly zone to round out the event.“We want to create a really positive and welcoming environment where families can enjoy our great game and experience four back-to-back matches of community rugby league,” Sims added.Group 7 Magic Round will be held at Royal Artie Smith Oval, Bomaderry, on 31 May. Local fixtures include Jamberoo vs. Albion Park at 1:45pm, and Gerringong vs. Stingrays at 5:15pm. Kiama has the bye.

It was heartbreak for Gerroa’s Sally Fitzgibbons on Monday after she was narrowly defeated in the final 90 seconds of her must-win heat in the Round of 16 at the Margaret River Pro.Fitzgibbons was surfing to avoid the mid-season cut for the third consecutive year. A win would have secured her spot on the 2026 Championship Tour, while a loss meant she would miss the top 14 cut for the rest of this year.She opened the heat strongly, scoring a 6.83 on her first wave, followed by a solid 5.00, putting pressure on her opponent, Gabriela Bryan, who needed an 8.00 to advance.With just 90 seconds remaining, it looked like Fitzgibbons had done enough. But Bryan delivered an almost flawless wave, landing two massive turns to score a 9.00 - snatching the win and a place in the quarter-finals.Speaking to the Australian Associated Press, Bryan said: “I think for the first, like, 98 per cent of that heat it was all going against me, I could not get it together. “I’m like, I just need to do two big turns, and I hit the first one as hard as I could and then I was like, OK, just finish this thing - and it all worked out. So I was so stoked that wave came."Fitzgibbons lingered in the water after the buzzer, visibly devastated by the result.After 14 seasons on the Championship Tour, the 34-year-old remains one of Australia surfing’s most admired competitors. She will now have to fight it out in the Challenger Series if she wants to qualify for the 2026 Championship Tour.Whatever comes next, Sally’s journey is far from over.

WERRI BEACH BOARDRIDERS - SLASHERS

WERRI BEACH BOARDRIDERS - POWER-RIDERS - 25TH MAY 2025

WERRI BEACH BOARDRIDERS - MASTER-BLASTERS

WERRI BEACH BOARDRIDERS- CARVERS

SOUTH COAST CUP SURFINGGROUP 4

SOUTH COAST CUP SURFING - GROUP 3

SOUTH COAST CUP SURFING - GROUP 2

SOUTH COAST CUP

Kiama Netball Association’s Molly Allan was chosen to represent the South Coast at the NSWCHSSA State Netball Championships in Tamworth this week.Molly, who is a player and coach with KNA, has been playing netball since the age of five and she says being selected for the South Coast team was one of her key goals for 2025.“This is my first time representing the South Coast. Getting selected was one of my goals for this year, so it’s really exciting to see that hard work pay off,” she said.The tournament went from 20-22 May and while the South Coast team didn’t place in the top five, Molly gave it her all and enjoyed the experience.“She did really well, getting some beautiful intercepts,” said Molly’s mother Nat Allan. “The team didn't make the top five, but they played well and had a great time.”One of the highlights for Molly was the opportunity to play alongside athletes from across the region and train with the South Coast Blaze Trailblazers.The South Coast All Schools Netball team. Photo: Supplied.“We had four training sessions in the lead-up to the tournament, and three of those were alongside the South Coast Blaze Trailblazers. Even though some of us didn’t know each other beforehand, the team was welcoming and encouraging from day one,” Molly said.She credits the KNA representative program as a major factor in her development and success.“Kiama Netball Association has been a huge part of my journey. The rep program has given me access to excellent coaching and helped me focus on continuous improvement. It’s opened doors to opportunities like this one, and I’m really grateful for the support and encouragement,” she said.Molly also serves as the assistant coach for KNA’s 11 Years Development Squad. She says giving back to the sport and the association that has supported her is a rewarding experience.“I really enjoy coaching because it helps me make new connections and gives me the chance to give back. I love sharing what I’ve learned, and seeing the progress in the girls I coach is so rewarding,” she said.“Balancing coaching, playing, and school can be a lot, but I’ve got great support from my club and association. If I have a rep carnival or a big school week, there are always people willing to step in and help.”

For the first time in its history, the prestigious international bodyboarding event, the Shark Island Challenge, will feature an all-female heat - and not only is it all women, it’s an all Kiama lineup.Local bodyboarders, Lilly Pollard and Sophie Leathers are set to compete in the Cronulla-based event, which can be held on any day between April 28 and June 30. The one-day contest is scheduled to run in the biggest and best swell conditions, selected in collaboration with Swellnet surf forecasters. The Shark Island Challenge attracts elite bodyboarders from around the world and is renowned for its dangerously shallow reef and unpredictable waves.“It’s a pretty intimidating wave - it breaks on super shallow reefs, and you can only really ride it on a high tide because otherwise the rocks are all exposed,” said Pollard.“But when those big swells come in, there’s a perfect barrel most of the time. If you choose the wrong one, though, you’ll be trapped and thrown onto the reef. It’s one of those exciting, spectacular waves that’s worth the risk.”Lilly with a big smile on her face doing what she loves. Photo: Shaun CotterellThis will be Pollard’s second time competing in the event, after being invited to compete in 2024 in a male-dominated draw.“I had a crack at the contest last year. The conditions were really rough and I didn’t quite get the waves I wanted. Coming up against the men was pretty full-on, but I was stoked and honoured to be involved,” she said.At 44, Pollard had considered stepping back from competition, but the opportunity to surf in the event again - this time with another woman - was too good to pass up.“I haven’t been competing much, and I haven’t really been bothered to do many events. But with an invite like this, I can’t say no. It’s got me training again, it’s got me excited again to give it another go. I’m nearly 45, I’m getting injured all the time - but I still love the sport and getting barrelled.”She’ll be joined by 27-year-old Sophie Leathers, another Kiama local and rising talent. Pollard says she’s proud to share the lineup with her.“We’ve got Sophie joining me this year, and she’s a young Kiama local who I’ve just watched go from strength to strength. She’s a really great person - so much fun to be out in the water with - and I’m excited to share waves with her.”Sophie Leathers in action. Photo: Lance MorganLeathers said she was surprised but thrilled to be invited to compete.“First of all, I didn’t think at all that they would do a women’s division, and second of all, I definitely didn’t think I would be invited. So it was pretty cool to get the call-up,” she said. “I feel like there are so many bodyboarding waves where there’s both risk and reward, and I’ve definitely been getting out of my comfort zone a lot in the last few years. So I’m just going to take it as it comes.”Having looked up to Pollard for years, Leathers said sharing a two-woman heat with her is something she never imagined.“It’s just insane. There’s definitely no way 14-year-old me would believe it if I told her, ‘Hey, one day you’re going to surf Shark Island with just Lilly Pollard.’ It’s going to be sick. It’ll be a good rivalry, but I’m just going to be out there enjoying it, taking it all in and learning from her.”Both athletes hope their participation in the event’s first-ever all-female heat will help inspire the next generation of women in bodyboarding.“It’s kind of a tricky time in bodyboarding right now,” said Pollard. “We had a big boom in the ’90s when the sport was really strong and there were lots of female riders, but it’s gone a bit quiet over the years. There’s very little money or support left in the sport for girls.”She hopes moments like this one help turn the tide.“You see a lot of young girls riding surfboards because that’s where all the money is, but I reckon bodyboarding is more fun. If we can get events like this happening, get some more media for the women, and show how fun and exciting it is - maybe we’ll get more girls into bodyboarding.”To find out when the heat runs, keep an eye on the Shark Island Challenge social media pages - and don’t forget to support our two local legends in Heat 7.

It was a historic day for the Kiama Power AFL club on Saturday, with all three grades defeating the Bomaderry Tigers at Artie Smith Oval - marking the club’s first clean sweep in almost six years.The last time all three teams - first grade, reserve grade, and women's - won on the same day was back in 2019, making Saturday’s achievement a special one for players, supporters, and the broader club community.“It’s good to finally get one of those days on the board,” said committee member Anthony Grady.“It just builds on the momentum we’ve had this season. There’s been a lot of excitement around the club and some really good energy, and now it’s finally starting to show on the field.”The day began with a narrow five-point win for the reserve grade side, followed by a strong 13-point victory for the women’s team. First grade capped off the sweep with a hard-fought 52-43 win, sealing the historic result.“It just confirms the belief we had at the start of the season,” said Grady. “Everyone was ecstatic - not just because of the wins, but because the whole club played a part. It wasn’t just one team, it was a shared moment.”Kiama Power first grade in action. Source: Team Shot StudiosWhile the club took time to enjoy the rare achievement, Grady said the focus quickly shifted back to preparation.“On Saturday, we told everyone to just enjoy it - soak it in. It’s been such a long time. Even in the last three or four years, just getting both men’s teams to win on the same day hadn’t happened,” he said.“But pretty much from Sunday, the message was clear - get back to business, get your bodies right, and rip into a big week of training.”The wins marked two in a row for first grade, a third victory of the season for the women’s team, and the first win of the year for reserve grade.Looking ahead, Kiama Power will host the Sir Doug Nicholls Round next weekend, celebrating Indigenous players and culture across AFL. First grade will face Shellharbour, the women will take on Northern Districts, and reserve grade will play Figtree.“Shellharbour should be a great test for our first-grade boys. Both teams are pretty evenly matched so far this season,” said Grady.“The girls had a big win over Northern Districts last time, so we’re confident there. And reserve grade will play Figtree B - we're feeling good about our chances in that one too.”