Kiama Power held their annual Ladies Day at Bonaira Oval over the weekend, celebrating the many women who contribute to and support the club. Unfortunately, the on-field results didn’t match the spirit of the occasion.The Men's Premier Division side was unable to continue its winning streak, falling to the third-placed Wollongong Lions 75-24.Power official Anthony Grady said the final score didn’t reflect the team’s true potential.“We didn’t think the result on the day reflected what we’re actually capable of,” said Grady. “Unfortunately, we just didn’t fire any shots and never really got into the game to compete.”The loss drops Kiama Power out of the coveted top four, making the path to finals qualification more challenging.Tom Bell from the Kiama Power Premier Division team. Photo: Kiama Power“It makes it a little harder for us to qualify as we head into the back end of the season. We play Northern Districts, the second-placed team, next week, so that will be a huge test,” Grady said.“But if we can get that win, we have the bye the following week, and we’ll be in a great position leading into the finals.”The Women’s Premier Division team also suffered a disappointing loss, but Grady noted they were missing several key players.“They’ve played the Lions a few times this season, and this was the biggest margin,” he said. “It was just a combination of unavailability and being outplayed on the day.”That loss also drops the women’s team out of the top four, but they’ll be looking to bounce back this week against a lower-placed Northern Districts side.Despite the tough results, Grady said the overall atmosphere of the day remained positive, with the focus firmly on celebrating the women behind the club.Ladies Day celebrations at Bonaira Oval. Photo: Kiama Power“It was a really fun afternoon. There are so many women who are part of and support the club in so many ways - they were all down at the clubhouse having a great time,” he said.“The clean-up took a little while afterwards, which is always a good sign that everyone enjoyed themselves.”All grades will take on Northern Districts at Hollymount Park on Saturday (26 July).

St George Illawarra's fading finals hopes are all but extinguished as they head north to face the Cowboys for Friday night's Round 21 clash at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.The Dragons' ongoing injury woes have continued with rookie winger Sione Finau joining Maroons centre Valentine Holmes in being ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing shoulder surgery.Shane Flanagan has brought in Mat Feagai at centre with Corey Allan shifting to the wing for the crucial match against North Queensland.Emre Guler has been named in the run-on side with Michael Molo on the interchange after the pair were involved in late switch on Saturday evening in the only other change to the team which lost last Saturday to Canterbury.Gerringong Lions forward Hamish Stewart has retained his place on the bench after he made 27 tackles in just 32 minutes along with 67 metres from eight hit-ups against the Dogs.The Dragons looked like they were about to cause a boilover win over the high-flying Bulldogs but a late try to Jethro Rinakama with less than three minutes on the clock gave the home side a 20-18 triumph.They have now lost eight matches this year by 10 points or less and have won just once in their past six outings.Both teams are falling out of finals contention with the Dragons now likely to have to win their remaining seven matches to have any hope of sneaking into the playoffs.Cowboys coach Todd Payten has named English forward John Bateman in the second row to make his return from a groin complaint, but playmaker Jake Clifford (thigh) will miss another week.In the NRLW, the Dragons are at home to the Broncos on Sunday at WIN Stadium, sitting in sixth spot on the ladder with a 2-1 record.Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Robert Derby 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Zac Laybutt 5. Braidon Burns 6. Thomas Duffy 7. Tom Dearden 8. Harrison Edwards 9. Reece Robson 10. Griffin Neame 11. John Bateman 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Karl Lawton 15. Kaiden Lahrs 16. Kai O’Donnell 17. Coen Hess 18. Jaxson Paulo 19. Nicholas Lenaz 20. Temple Kalepo 21. Marly Bitungane 22. Dane AukafolauDragons: 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Moses Suli 4. Mathew Feagai 5. Corey Allan 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. David Klemmer 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Jack de Belin 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Hamish Stewart 17. Michael Molo 18. Nicholas Tsougranis 19. Ben Murdoch-Masila 20. Lachlan Ilias 21. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 22. Jacob Halangahu

Kiama Junior Football Club (KJFC) talent Ava Sloan represented the NSW Country U16s team at the Emerging Matildas Championships in Sydney last week.The six-day tournament showcased the next generation of football talent, with teams from all nine of Football Australia’s Member Federations competing, along with international guests from Malaysia.Ava, who played for Kiama between the U6 and U9 age groups, was selected to represent NSW Country. While the team had a mixed tournament - winning two games and losing three - Ava said the experience was worth far more than the results.“I found the week so much fun, and the experience was definitely worth it,” said Ava. “At first I didn’t know many people, so it was a bit harder, but I quickly got to know everyone - and they were all so nice.”Despite a few close losses, NSW Country ended the tournament on a high note.“Sadly, the results didn’t quite go our way, especially in matches we were definitely capable of winning. But we worked hard together and came out with a win against Victoria and WA in our last match - and we got to sing the Country team song!” she said.“Before the tournament, I was really focused on results and being the best. That still matters, of course, but I’ve come to realise the experience itself is what’s most important.”Ava admitted to feeling nervous before the big games, but said those nerves faded once she stepped onto the pitch.Ava in action for NSW Country. Photo: Jackie Sloan“Before the games I’d get really nervous - especially when we were up against a great team, or if I was playing in a position I wasn’t very comfortable with,” she said. “But as soon as each game started, all the nerves went away. Maybe it was because I had to focus on the game - or maybe it was just having my teammates there with me.”Reflecting on her individual performance, Ava is both honest and humble.NSW Country had a mixed tournament at the Emerging Matildas Championships. Photo: Jackie Sloan“Overall, I feel like I had a pretty good tournament. I definitely had a mix of games - some where I made heaps of mistakes, and others where I was really happy with myself,” she said.“But honestly, I don’t think I could’ve tried any harder - and that’s what really matters.”Ava began playing football at the age of five, joining Kiama FC when there were no all-girls teams available - so she played alongside her twin brother.“I honestly had so much fun during those early years at Kiama,” she said. “I think my love for the game started there, and it’s the reason I’m still playing today. I just had too much fun!”Now playing U16s for the Illawarra Stingrays, Ava trains up to six times a week. Her mum, Jackie, says Ava’s passion and energy have always been part of who she is.“She’s like the Energiser Bunny,” said Jackie. “She’s always had boundless energy and a strong internal drive to give everything her all.“It’s not unusual for her to squeeze in a surf between school and training - and she still stays on top of her schoolwork despite all the hours spent training and travelling. Team sports really suit her. She’s a social person who thrives on the connections she builds with teammates and coaches.”Despite her age, Ava shows a remarkable sense of perspective. When asked who her favourite player is, her answer reflects not only admiration but also inspiration.“Of course I look up to the Aussie Matildas - especially Caitlin Foord and Ellie Carpenter - but one player I admire a lot is Pelé, the retired Brazilian star,” she said. “He shows that no matter where you come from, self-determination and hard work can take you anywhere. All you need is belief.”

Kiama Rugby returned to their winning ways over the weekend with a dominant performance against the Woonona Shamrocks, running in 11 tries on their way to a commanding 67-12 victory.After suffering just their second loss of the season last week to Campbelltown, Kiama were determined to bounce back - and with a scoreline like that, their statement was loud and clear.“Coming into this game, there was a lot of tension and a bit of a ‘get back’ feeling,” said forward Dante Patrick. “It took a while for us to get into our systems in the first half, but in the second half we really found it - and that’s when we started putting the points on.”Once they got going, they got going. Kiama were clinical in their execution, with tries coming from Cade-Michael Patrick, Atu Taufa, Nico Cowley, Jeromy Cairns, Jack Hobbs, Junior Amone, Mick Taylor, and Donte Efaraimo and more.Patrick said much of the week’s preparation focused on discipline and cutting out small errors after their second loss of the season.“We hadn’t lost a game since Round 1, so it was easy to get complacent. Campbelltown were just too good on the day,” he admitted.“Our ill-discipline let us down - making poor defensive decisions. We thought we could slip straight back into our patterns without giving them the respect they deserved. That’s what we needed to fix this week and we did a great job.”The match took place at Kiama Showground as part of the Celtic Rugby Festival, which featured performances from the Kiama Pipe Marching Band, dancing by the Blackbird Academy of Irish Dance, and traditional Celtic food.Kiama Pipe Marching Band playing Kiama onto the field for the Celtic Rugby Festival. Photo: Kiama Pipe Band “It was a big turnout. The bagpipes were going, they had the Irish dancing - it was the kind of thing you see on TV,” said Patrick. “To have something like that in our own backyard, and to be walked out and played out like that - it was unreal. We were really humbled and honoured.”This season has also been a milestone one for several Kiama players. Simiki Lufe, Raynold Taufa and Cade Patrick both played their 50th games, while Patrick notched his 100th - a testament to the strength and loyalty within the club.Kiama have had multiple players reach a milestone number of games this season. Photo: Kiama Rugby Club“It was a huge honour for me, especially for this club,” Patrick said. “To come back to where my old man started, and reach that milestone here, was really special. I was very humbled.“There’s a lot of loyalty in our club. Seeing those guys get their flowers is important - you’ve got to celebrate those achievements because, at the end of the day, they aren’t really small. That’s what keeps the morale high. Some of the younger boys will see those milestones and say, ‘I want to do that'."Next week, Kiama will face a major test in a 2024 grand final rematch against Shoalhaven. When the two teams met earlier in the season, Kiama ended Shoalhaven’s 43-game winning streak, and the reigning premiers will no doubt be hunting revenge.The match will be played at Shoalhaven Rugby Park as part of Digger’s Day, which will feature military displays, a Last Post ceremony, and an after-match function. The event also serves as a fundraiser for the Keith Payne VC Veterans Benefit Group, supporting veterans.

Kiama Knights and Gerringong Lions claimed victories over the weekend in Round 13 of the Group 7 South Coast Rugby League, with both sides now sitting comfortably inside the top five.Coming off a one-point win against the Shellharbour Sharks, the Lions went one better against the Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs, clinching the match by just two points.Played in Milton, it was the home side that struck first, scoring a try in the second minute. They followed it up with a spectacular effort in the ninth minute, as Jake Walsh plucked a Jayden Millard kick out of the air for a try.It looked as though the score would remain 12-0 at halftime, but seconds before the siren, Lions five-eighth Jake Taylor turned Noah Parker inside to score next to the posts.Gerringong needed to hit back after the break, and in the 55th minute, Toby Gumley-Quine broke through the Milton defence, running 40 metres to score a brilliant solo try and level the scores at 12-all.Gerringong are hitting form at the right time. Photo: @SticksPix_Ten minutes later, a clever short-side play allowed James Kunkler to cross in the corner. However, an unsuccessful conversion from Taylor kept the score at 16-12.With 10 minutes to go, Milton were attacking Gerringong’s line when halfback Jayden Millard put up a bomb, chased it himself, and capitalised on a fumble by the Gerringong fullback to reclaim the lead at 18-16.The game appeared to be over, but in a dramatic finish, Kunkler grubber-kicked near the sideline.The ball ricocheted off a Milton player's leg, and Kunkler kicked it again - twice - before Tyrell Taione grounded the ball millimetres from the dead-ball line, sealing a stunning game-winner for Gerringong.“It’s always a tough road trip down to Milton. We started slow, but I was impressed with how we changed the momentum with our kick chase and defence,” said Lions Captain Nathan Ford.“It was great to get a late win. We’re starting to win some of those close ones, which will put us in a good position for the games coming up at the end of the season.”Coach Scott Stewart reflected on the tight competition:“The competition is so close at the moment. It's crucial that you turn up every week because everyone's been beating everyone. So it's really important.”In a sign of just how unpredictable the competition is, league leaders Shellharbour Sharks suffered an unexpected loss to Albion Park-Oak Flats.Meanwhile, the Knights hosted Berry and even though the Magpies were coming off a strong win against Nowra-Bomaderry, they were no match for an in-form Kiama side.The Knights dominated early, scoring three unanswered tries in the first half through Kye Andrews, Callan Thistlethwaite, and Tom Atkins.Kye Andrews, who has been a standout for Kiama this year, crossing for one of Kiama's six tries. Photo: @SticksPix_Leading 16-0 at halftime, Kiama halfback Cameron Vazzoler sliced through the defence to score right after the break. Ashton Thurgate added another try in the 54th minute to extend the lead to 26-0.Berry did manage a well-worked consolation try off a long cut-out pass, but Kiama had the final say with Atkins crossing again in the 63rd minute - his second of the day.Injured fullback Brad Kilmore praised the team’s defensive effort:“The boys played very well. It was a great defensive effort - only letting in one try - and so good to get back in the winning circle."It’ll hopefully get us some momentum for the back end of the year.”Looking ahead, Kiama will host Milton-Ulladulla next week, while Gerringong will take on Albion Park. Jamberoo, who had the bye this week, will face Berry at home.

St George Illawarra's hopes of squeezing into the NRL finals have taken a huge hit after their controversial loss to Canterbury at Accor Stadium.The Dragons looked like they were about to cause a boilover win over the high-flying Bulldogs but a late try to Jethro Rinakama with less than three minutes on the clock gave the home side a 20-18 triumph.Dragons coach Shane Flanagan was irate over two calls from the match officials which he said cost his team the two valuable competition points."I was really proud of the effort they put in and the way they played, but the game was taken away from us from I believe wrong decisions," he said.He was particularly incensed after Canterbury successfully used a captain's challenge for a call on Jacob Kiraz, who planted the ball illegally as Luciano Leilua was ruled to have interfered in the ruck.Flanagan described that decision as "outrageous"."He's got to get to his feet before he plants the ball. You can't be falling sideways. You can't ball-plant. We lost the game because of it."Flanagan was also angry over Viliame Kikau batting the ball into Tyrell Sloan as he tried a quick pass on the left edge but the call was missed in the lead-up to new halfback Lachlan Galvin throwing the pass to Rinakama a short time later."In the collision that's a knock-on. Ever since 100 years, that's a knock-on and that was at the 78-minute mark," he said.'Some decisions tonight cost us two competition points and could cost us an opportunity to play semi-finals."The Dragons have now lost eight matches this year by 10 points or less.Kiraz scored the first try of the match but Sloan countered in the 16th minute. Galvin and Reed Mahoney crossed to make it 16-8 at half-time but St George Illawarra rallied with centre Moses Suli and winger Sione Finau getting on the scoresheet to put the underdogs up with 25 minutes remaining.They hung on grimly as the Dogs kept hammering their line before finally breaking in the 78th minute for Canterbury to rise into second spot following Melbourne's surprise home loss to Manly.Gerringong Lions forward Hamish Stewart made 27 tackles in just 32 minutes along with 67 metres from eight hit-ups.The Dragons are 11th with a 6-11 record, likely needing to win their final seven matches to get a spot in the playoffs.In the NRLW, the Dragons rose to a 2-1 record for the season after sinking the Dogs 18-14.

Kiama Rugby hosted a special exhibition match on Tuesday night (15 July), taking on a touring Canadian team in a spirited clash that ended in a 21-21 draw.The match was the brainchild of former Kiama player John Symington, who now lives and plays rugby in Canada. With his team touring Australia as part of the British and Irish Lions series, he saw it as the perfect opportunity to reconnect with his old club.“Their team is called The Black Sheep. They're from all over Canada, but mostly from Vancouver Island,” said Kiama Rugby players’ representative Jack Smith, who also laced up for the match. “They played against a mix of our under 18s, second-grade players, and a few old boys who wanted a run.”Played under the lights at Kiama Showground on a crisp winter evening, the game was filled with good humour and plenty of banter between the clashing Canadian and Aussie accents.“It ended in a 21-all draw, and it was just a great friendly to be part of - something fun to get around,” Smith said. “It’s always good to host an overseas club and connect like that. The Canadian Black Sheep team at Kiama Showground.“We even told the young boys, ‘Technically, this is an international fixture,’ so that gave it a bit of extra fun. "But it was also great to see how teams from other countries do their thing.”After the match, both teams came together in the clubhouse to swap stories, share laughs, and celebrate the spirit of international rugby.In a show of camaraderie, The Black Sheep presented a training jersey to the best player from the opposing team - an idea Kiama were happy to adopt and reciprocate.The game was played in great spirit, featuring competitive rugby, plenty of laughs, and flashes of genuine talent on both sides.The Black Sheep are continuing their tour across Australia and will be attending the third Test of the British and Irish Lions series against the Wallabies at Accor Stadium on 2 August.The Lions series kicks off this Saturday and Kiama Rugby’s under 18s will be hosting a watch party following their match against Shamrocks Rugby Club. The event will help raise funds for the team’s upcoming rugby tour to Japan.The watch party kicks off at 6pm, following the Celtic Rugby Festival, which begins at midday at Kiama Showground. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here: 👉 Eventbrite – British and Irish Lions Party

The lengthy wait was well worth it for Kiama bodyboarder Sophie Leathers after she was victorious at the inaugural women’s final of the Shark Island Challenge.Located off the coast of Cronulla, Shark Island is a rock reef renowned for producing one of Australia’s most dangerous and unpredictable waves - and it served as the dramatic setting for the long-awaited competition which draws competitors from around the world.Originally scheduled to take place between April 28 and June 30, the event window was extended to ensure the contest would run in peak conditions. Sophie was invited on March 4, making it feel almost poetic that the event finally went ahead exactly four months later to the day.“It ended up going ahead four months to the day of when I got invited, so it was literally just months of anxiety - and by the end of it, I was just ready for anything,” said Sophie.Although she only received the official confirmation three days before the event, Sophie had a feeling it was going to run that weekend. Sophie (right) with fellow competitor Rio Clarke. Photo: Sam Venn“I could tell just from the forecast. It was the end of the East Coast Low, which meant it was going to be big,” she said.And it was big. “It was crazy. It was a really good size - probably four to six feet all day - but the conditions were changing heaps. I was watching it, trying to work out where I should sit. I’ve only surfed there a few times, and it’s just such an unpredictable wave,” Sophie said.Eventually, she stopped overthinking. “I got to the point where I was like, I’m just going to surf. There’s no point over-analysing, because you don’t really know what you’re going to get.”The women’s heat was held just before the men’s final and was originally set to be an all-Kiama showdown - until local legend Lily Pollard was forced to withdraw due to injury.“She got injured a month ago with a serious lung injury, and I know how badly she wanted to be there,” said Sophie.“She’s really paved the way for women’s bodyboarding in Australia, especially at Shark Island - she’s been out there against the guys before. She inspired me to do it, and I reckon she’ll be back next year, sending it as hard as ever.”Sophie and Rio in the water together. Photo: Sam VennWestern Australian bodyboarder Rio Clarke stepped in to replace Lily. Sophie said her own performance was full of wipeouts, but her first and last waves secured her the win.“It was pretty much my first wave and last wave that were the highest scores - everything in between was a wipeout,” she laughed.“Honestly, my favourite waves of the whole comp were the wipeouts. Just paddling into a wave and getting taken out - it’s so addictive. There’s so many little things you can tweak to improve it. The feeling, the energy of the wave, it’s pretty surreal.”Now, Sophie is hoping her win will earn her a spot in the 2026 event - and she’s keen to see the women’s field grow.“It’s definitely a risky and high-consequence wave, but at the same time, there’s still that point where you can push yourself. "I’m super keen to hopefully get the invite again next year, and if they can get some of these other girls in too, I think it’ll be a crazy show.”

Kiama will take part in a special exhibition match on Tuesday night (15 July) against a touring Canadian team that includes a former Kiama player, as part of the British and Irish Lions tour festivities.The friendly fixture kicks off at 6pm at Kiama Showground and is open to all spectators.Kiama Rugby Club president Mark Redding hoped to see a big turnout for the match.“We love to accommodate past players and we can’t wait to see what the talent is like from Canada, and see how our two teams match up to one another," he said. "It should be a great night.”Kiama are coming off just their second loss of the Illawarra rugby season - once again at the hands of Campbelltown, the side that handed them their first defeat back in Round 1.After a strong run of form since that one-point loss, Kiama were hoping to settle the score on home turf. But it quickly became clear that Campbelltown had no plans to roll over.The visitors crossed in the corner within the opening five minutes. Kiama responded not long after, with Zechariah Taufa powering over the line to even the ledger.From there, the game became a tightly contested affair. Dante Efaraimo bagged a double for Kiama to lock the scores at 15-all, but Campbelltown landed a try just before the break to go into halftime with a 22-15 lead.Straight after the restart, Campbelltown struck again off the back of a dominant scrum and went on to score three consecutive tries, extending their lead to 39-15.Kiama managed a final consolation try through Tonga Kaivao-Tongotongo, but it was too little, too late, as the hosts went down 39-20.After the midweek match with the Canadian touring team, Kiama will turn their attention to this Saturday's clash against the Woonona Shamrocks in hopes of returning to the winners’ circle.

Gerringong and Shellharbour have clashed in the past two Group 7 South Coast grand finals, with the Lions coming out on top both times. In 2025, however, Shellharbour have had the stronger start and they sit atop the ladder while Gerringong came into the weekend sitting fifth.Their match-up at Mick Cronin Oval was the Round 7 washout replay, and Shellharbour looked poised to finally get their revenge. Both sides were without key players - Gerringong missing captain Nathan Ford and Shellharbour without co-captain Braxton Wallace. The Sharks got off to a dream start after Gerringong made an error from the kickoff, scoring off the ensuing scrum. They crossed again in the 19th minute to make it 8-0, a lead they held until the 35th minute when Gerringong winger James Kunkler finished off a short-side play to close the gap.Despite the loss, Shellharbour \remain at the top of the Group 7 ladder. Photo: SticksPix_Shellharbour led 8–6 at the break and continued to dominate early in the second half, until Gerringong’s Isaac Russell broke through the middle and scored under the posts in the 56th minute.The Sharks responded just five minutes later, regathering a loose bomb to score through Malakai Tomo. The match was locked at 12–12 with just under 20 minutes to play.Both teams tightened up in defence, and a draw looked likely. But in the 75th minute, Shellharbour were awarded a set on Gerringong’s line and nearly scored through hooker Bailey Wallace, only to be denied by desperate Lions defenders. A late penalty gave Gerringong field position, and five-eighth Jake Taylor nailed a field goal to edge his team ahead 13–12. Shellharbour went short from the kickoff and gained a whole set in Gerringong’s half, but the Lions held firm to secure the win.Gerringong coach Scott Stewart said he was pleased with the side’s composure, calling it one of the first times this year the team has managed to win a game that was truly in the balance. “I think it comes down to our young guys getting a bit more experienced,” Stewart said. “Early in the year we had a lot of blokes that hadn't played much first grade and now those guys have got 12 or so games under their belt and now they've realised how to hang in there in those crucial moments.”Reflecting on Taylor’s match-winning moment, Stewart admitted the field goal came from an unlikely source. “Everyone else in the club likes to kick field goals, Jake's probably the one bloke that doesn't practice it,” he said. “But he kicked one against them two years ago that got us a win up there as well. "So, there's plenty of other blokes in the side that like to think they can do it, but Jake seems to be the only one that steps up to it in a game.”Kiama will be looking to get back into the winners circle next week against Berry. Photo: SticksPix_The Kiama Knights travelled to Albion Park with several players sidelined by injury but got off to a strong start, scoring in the 10th minute through standout centre Max Jennings. Albion Park hit back 10 minutes later through forward Sean Payne, who powered over from close range. Just before halftime, Kiama regained possession after a dropped kick and crossed through winger Cade Hotham. The Knights struck first in the second half, with fullback Tom Atkins sneaking over after a surprise offload near the line, pushing the score to 14–6.But Albion Park fought back with two similar tries down the left through winger Cooper Barnes, locking the score at 14–14 and the deadlock remained until full-time, marking the first draw of the 2025 season.Injured Kiama fullback Brad Killmore praised the team’s effort despite the result: “The lads put in a solid effort, just lacked some polish on the execution. “Having a few players out, we knew it’d be a tough battle. A win would’ve been nice, but we’ll take a point and build into next week.”Jamberoo bounced back with a strong 26-12 win over Milton-Ulladulla away from home. Milton, who had only lost once at home this season, looked sharp early, scoring in the 10th minute.But it was all Jamberoo from there, piling on four tries either side of halftime through Talbott, Asquith, Johnson and Wilkins to take control at 22–6. Milton managed a late try in the 72nd minute, but Jamberoo hit back four minutes later to seal the result.This weekend, Gerringong will look to do the same when they play Milton away. Kiama will be at home against Berry, while Jamberoo has the bye.

UNDER 15 DIVISION 1KIAMA JFC VS BULLI

UNDER 12 GIRLS - DIVISION 2KIAMA JFC VS HELENSBURGH THISTLE

UNDER 15 MIXED - DIVISION 3KIAMA 2 d SHELLHARBOUR 1

St George Illawarra Dragons' finals hopes are hanging by a thread after a narrow loss to the Roosters loss at Kogarah on Saturday night.They are now four points off eighth spot in 11th place with a 6-10 record and probably have to win seven of their remaining eight matches to have any chance of sneaking into the finals.The Dragons put up a gallant fight against the star-studded Roosters but ended up losing 31-24.Gerringong Lions forward Hamish Stewart made a comeback from a week out with a concussion, playing 21 minutes off the bench and getting through 19 tackles in a typically busy stint from the rookie lock.He injured his knee and could be in doubt to play the Bulldogs at Homebush next Saturday.The Dragons conceded the first try to Daniel Tupou but equalised when Tyrell Sloan crossed the stripe in the seventh minute.After another Roosters try to Tupou, the home side went 18-12 up when young winger Sione Finau touched down twice in the space of four minutes.The Roosters drew level when Maroons centre Robert Toia outleapt Queensland teammate Valentine Holmes for a bomb and they took a 19-18 lead into the break after Sam Walker snapped a field goal just before half-time.Roosters centre Billy Smith extended their advantage to seven early in the second half before second-rower Jaydn Su'A, in his 150th NRL game, set up a thrilling finish when he notched a try with 15 minutes remaining.The visitors sealed the win three minutes from the final siren when lock Victor Radley scored next to the posts.Dragons coach Shane Flanagan said they paid the price for a slow start to the game when they allowed two tries within the first 10 minutes."In the end, that's the game," he said."After that, we got in a bit of an arm wrestle, played some good football but you can't gift any team, let alone the Roosters, 12 points at the start of the game."The Dragons face another tough task next Saturday when they tackle the third-placed Bulldogs at Accor Stadium.

SOUTH COAST AFL PREMIER DIVISIONKIAMA POWER 73 d SHELLHARBOUR 50

KIIAMA QUARRIERS 2 d FIGTREE 0

KIAMA JFC U14 - DIVISION 3VS SHELLHARBOUR

KIAMA JFC U13 MIXED - DIVISION 3VS SHELLHARBOUR

The Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Club's Inflatable Rescue Boat team delivered an outstanding performance at the State IRB Championships, bringing home an impressive haul of 16 medals.Held at Cape Hawke from June 27-29, Kiama Downs SLSC fielded just 17 competitors - but still finished third overall in the pointscore, competing against clubs with up to 60 athletes.“We went up there not expecting a lot, with some key competitors injured or away,” said Kiama Downs SLSC vice IRB captain Steve Strong.“So to come away with 16 medals from 30 races and 20 finals - and to finish third overall - is just sensational.”Of those 16 medals, seven were gold, including wins in the Open Male Rescue and Teams, U23 Male Rescue, 35+ Male Mass and Rescue, 35+ Female Teams, and Rookie Rescue divisions.“To top it off, every competitor came home with a medal,” Strong said.Kiama Downs SLSC at the State IRB Championships. Photo: Malcolm Trees.“For some it was their first state medal, for others their first state gold, and for many their biggest haul at a State Championships.”The result is even more impressive considering several top athletes were absent or managing injuries in preparation for the upcoming Australian Championships.“We’ve got a few competitors overseas and others resting with niggling injuries ahead of Aussies at South West Rocks,” Strong said.“One of our female drivers is among the top in the state in both Open and Masters, and one of our male drivers is a standout in his divisions too. So the fact that we performed so well without our full squad gives us a lot of encouragement.”Strong credits the club’s success to a mix of experienced members, quality coaching, and a sharp focus on individual events.“We’ve got long-time racers who are excellent coaches and mentors,” he said.“Our mindset is simple: focus on the race in front of you. We don’t worry about the point score - we’re there to win what we’re in.”The Kiama Downs team now shifts its attention to the Australian IRB Championships, to be held at South West Rocks from July 16-20. The Bugle wishes all local competitors the very best of luck!Kiama Downs medal winners:Gold1st Open Male Rescue1st Open Male Teams1st U23 Male Rescue1st 35+ Male Mass1st 35+ Male Rescue1st 35+ Female Teams1st Rookie RescueSilver2nd 35+ Male Teams2nd 35+ Female Rescue2nd Rookie MassBronze3rd Open Male Tube3rd 35+ Male Tube3rd 35+ Female Mass3rd 35+ Female Tube3rd 45+ Open Mass3rd Open Mixed Relay