KIAMA TRIATHLON - GROUP 3

KIAMA TRIATHLON - GROUP 2

KIAMA TRIATHLON - GROUP 1

It took Shellharbour Sharks 56 minutes to finally break through the Kiama defence in the Group 7 Grand Final at Centenary Park over the weekend - but by then, the Knights had already laid the foundations for a famous win.Coming into the game, both sides were evenly matched. Kiama had beaten Shellharbour just two weeks earlier to qualify for the grand final, while the Sharks entered as minor premiers, playing in their third straight decider.Not much could separate the two teams in the opening 20 minutes, with both being held up over the line in a tense, physical start.A turning point came in the 15th minute when Shellharbour were awarded a penalty - and five-eighth Sam Hooper got into a scuffle with Sharks captain Jayden Morgan. Both were sent to the sin bin, and from there, Shellharbour began to assert dominance. The Sharks earned five consecutive repeat sets on Kiama’s line, but the Knights’ scramble defence continued to hold firm.There always seemed to be another red-and-white jersey to save the day.Both sin-binned players returned as Kiama worked their way back into the game. In the 28th minute, a towering bomb from halfback Cameron Vazzoler was dropped by Shellharbour fullback Jacob Seabrook and pounced on by second-rower Tom Angel, who scored the opening try of the day.The score remained 6-0 at halftime.Rain began to fall early in the second half, and play became scrappy, with both teams guilty of handling errors. In the 55th minute, Kiama winger Callan Thistlewaite dropped the ball coming off his own line, giving Shellharbour another golden opportunity.Two plays later, the Sharks finally cracked the line, with a floating cut-out pass from halfback Braxton Wallace finding winger Jye Brooker, who dived over in the corner. Wallace missed the conversion, leaving Kiama clinging to a two-point lead.Shellharbour looked to be building momentum, but a brilliant 40/20 from fullback Brad Kilmore flipped the script. Moments later, Angel crossed for his second try, off a perfect short ball from Vazzoler. Kiama extended their lead to six with just over 15 minutes remaining.The next 10 minutes were pure desperation, with the Knights making three errors in a row coming out of their own end. But once again, their defence stood tall, repelling wave after wave of Shellharbour attack.Their resilience was rewarded in the 72nd minute. Under pressure, the Sharks ran the ball on the last tackle and began throwing it around. A wild sequence saw the ball travel 10 metres backwards, then another 20 metres back again. Thistlewaite chased a loose grubber and grounded it, scoring Kiama’s third try to seal the game - and the Group 7 premiership.Angel was awarded Player of the Match in a performance full of heart, though it could have gone to any number of Knights players.Kilmore paid tribute to his teammates’ spirit:“I don’t think we played as well as we could have. We made way too many errors, but our response to those mistakes was what mattered. No matter who dropped the ball or gave away a penalty, we all stuck together, got around each other, and defended for our teammates.”Kilmore said the team’s bond was the key to their premiership success.“The club really went to another level this year thanks to the coaches, community members, and support staff. They’ve made the club a joy to be part of, and that creates the perfect environment for us to come together - not just as teammates, but as mates.”Kiama couldn’t replicate the result in the reserve grade final, going down 22-16 to the Stingrays of Shellharbour.Earlier in the day, Berry defeated the Gerringong Lions 34-12 in the Under 18s.

WERRI BEACH BOARDRIDERSMASTER-BLASTERS

WERRI BEACH BOARDRIDERSCHARGERS

WERRI BEACH BOARDRIDERSSLASHERS

WERRI BEACH BOARDRIDERSSHREDDERS

WERRI BEACH BOARDRIDERSGROMS

KIAMA LITTLE ATHLETICS - GROUP 5

KIAMA LITTLE ATHLETICS - GROUP 4

KIAMA LITTLE ATHLETICS - GROUP 3

KIAMA LITTLE ATHLETICS - GROUP 2

KIAMA LITTLE ATHLETICS GROUP 1

This week's special edition of The Bugle is filled with a wide variety of local news and views from the local community.There is in-depth coverage of the biosecurity scare at Kiama Shopping Village on the weekend, a local table of kindness which is helping the community and an update on the Jamberoo sewer main saga.CLICK HERE TO READ THE DIGITAL EDITIONYou can also read plenty of other great community stories, including a rare fish that washed up on Werri Beach, the Gerringong Co-Op's funky disco and how Kiama made its presence felt at the Illawarra Business Awards.In sport, you can read about Kiama's grand final preparations in the Group 7, Sally Fitzgibbons making waves and our victory, the Knights getting through to the Group 7 decider and Kiama's victories on the hockey scene.In 2024, the Kiama Knights won just three games all season. A year later, they’re on the verge of claiming their first Group 7 Rugby League grand final victory since 2019.Knights coach Matt O’Brien is hopeful a strong crowd of Kiama supporters will be there to cheer both sides on at Centenary Field, Albion Park, on Sunday, with Kiama's reserve grade kicking off against the Stingrays of Shellharbour at 1.15pm and first grade against the Shellharbour Sharks at 3pm.

Australia’s national surf team, The Irukandjis, broke a 14-year drought last week when they were crowned world champions at the Surf City El Salvador ISA World Surfing Games.Captained by Gerroa’s Sally Fitzgibbons, the team topped the overall pointscore thanks to a gold medal from 19-year-old Dane Henry in the men’s division, and bronze medals from Morgan Cibilic and Fitzgibbons herself.Fitzgibbons said she was incredibly proud of the result.“I’ve ridden the highs and lows of every opportunity chasing the team gold over the past 14 years, so to be able to stand on the podium in the green and gold with my teammates, knowing we’ve broken that drought, is something super memorable,” she said. “Surfing can be such an individual sport, but these moments where you come together as a team and win for your country are so deeply felt.”As the most experienced member of the squad, Fitzgibbons also played a mentoring role for emerging stars like Henry and Milla Brown - something she described as an honour.“I can reflect and relate to the chapter Milla and Dane are currently experiencing. To be there alongside them during this stage, helping them focus and celebrate what is happening now - before worrying about what comes next - was really fulfilling for me.”Seeing Henry win gold at his first open ISA World Surfing Games was a highlight for Fitzgibbons, who also praised the resilience shown by her fellow teammates.“It was unreal watching Dane step up at his first open Worlds and claim gold - it was goosebumps stuff. And Morgan’s bronze showed so much grit, determination and experience. Every athlete’s result added fuel to the fire and inspired me in different ways.”This victory marks Australia’s sixth team gold medal in ISA World Surfing Games history, and their 16th overall team medal, reaffirming Australia’s status as the most successful nation in the event’s history.“It shows that Australia is right at the top again. This win proves we’ve got the depth, the talent, and the belief to compete with the best teams in the world. From the juniors all the way up to the experienced Tour surfers, the pipeline of talent is strong, and full of fire and inspiration to carry forward Australia’s long surfing legacy.”Fitzgibbons also reflected on her own performance, which earned her a bronze medal. After a sluggish opening in the final, she changed her approach mid-heat and committed to chasing bigger scores on the other side of the bank - a move she said she was proud of.“After a slow start on scores at the beginning of the heat, I knew the door was open for a big number on the other side of the bank, and the only way to put myself in contention was to roll the dice and go after it. It’s about staying composed, reading the ocean, and committing to your choices,” she said. “Even though I didn’t come away with the gold, I’m proud of the way I kept pushing until the very end, working the problem and staying calm and aware as I weighed up the best percentage plays.”Sally surfing in the ISA World Surfing Games. Photo: International Surfing OrganisationThe World Surfing Games was also a key step toward qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, and Fitzgibbons said she would be all in if given another chance to represent Australia.“The Olympics is such a pinnacle moment for any athlete, and I’d love nothing more than to have another crack at it. Competing in Tokyo was such an honour. Many stars have to align to get to another Games - all you can do is keep showing up, and you never know what the future might have in store.”For now, Fitzgibbons is focused on competing in the Challenger Series, aiming to requalify for the 2026 Championship Tour - but her mindset is about embracing every moment.“It’s all about savouring every opportunity and milestone. In sport, some things might lead to more success, or they might be your last big moment. Not knowing is hard, and creates challenging emotions, but I’ve come to discover that sitting in that ‘hard’ - that’s the real gold in all of this.”“In light of that, if this was my last pinnacle moment, I could walk away with my heart full and lifelong memories."For the next generation, just know this: you’re part of an Australian surfing culture that’s alive and thriving. If you love it and commit to it, anything is possible.”

The Kiama Men’s Shed has honoured Kiama Rugby Club’s 2025 premiership win - their first in 22 years - with a specially made plaque commemorating the historic victory.The presentation was held at the Men’s Shed on Tuesday, where committee member Steve Dalton presented the plaque to Rugby Club president Mark Redding.“This has been a collaboration by a number of people - and ‘collaboration’ is the key word for the Men’s Shed,” said Dalton. “Sometimes we're at each other's throats, but generally it’s a good collaboration.”Dalton thanked fellow members Ralph Steel, who designed the plaque, along with members Phil, Alan Chris, and himself for their work in bringing it to life.The plaque features the Kiama Rugby Club coat of arms, an inscription of their 2025 premiership win and a Latin phrase:"Cave tauros nigros et albos incurrentes" - which translates to: "Beware of the black and white bulls charging," in reference to the club’s colours and mascot.Crafted from Kiama red cedar using the club’s new BlueCarve CNC machine, it’s also the Men’s Shed’s first-ever 3D carving.Dalton said he hopes this marks the beginning of a long-lasting relationship between the Men’s Shed and the rugby club.The commemorative plaque created by the Kiama Men Shed“We hope this is the start of a great connection between Kiama Rugby Union Club and the Kiama Men’s Shed.”Redding was clearly moved by the gesture.“That’s pretty spectacular,” he said. “It’s the first time I’ve seen the finished product - aside from a little prototype Ralph showed me a few weeks ago - but it’s really impressive. “We’ll find a great spot for it in the clubhouse, probably next to the team photo celebrating not only the first grade premiership, but also the club championship.”The connection between the two clubs is already strong, with many Men’s Shed members being former Kiama rugby players. Redding joked he may soon be joining their ranks.“I’m getting closer to Men’s Shed age myself,” he laughed. “I retired last year, so I might be seeing more of you fellas soon.”The presentation concluded with Men’s Shed member Ian Yebbsley thanking Redding for his past support.“When Mark retired, he donated all the hardware from his workshop to us - so we just want to thank you for that, Mark,” Yebbsley said.The presentation was a fitting tribute to a historic season for Kiama Rugby Club.

In 2024, the Kiama Knights won just three games all season. A year later, they’re on the verge of claiming their first Group 7 Rugby League grand final victory since 2019.The turnaround has been driven by the return of key players such as fullback Brad Killmore and halfback Cameron Vazzoler, as well as the signing of five-eighth Sam Hooper. Their first-grade squad finished the regular season equal first with grand final opponents Shellharbour Sharks.The Knights have carried that momentum into the finals, defeating Albion Park-Oak Flats 30-28, and then toppling the Sharks 22-16 a week later to earn a valuable week off - something coach Matt O’Brien said was “a great reward”.“We trained on the weekend and simulated some game-type stuff,” said O’Brien. “But I reckon anyone who says a week off is bad is crazy. At this point in the season, any opportunity to freshen up the body is a good thing.”Kiama have won two of their three clashes against Shellharbour this season, but O’Brien isn’t underestimating their opponents, who are heading into their third consecutive grand final.“They’ve got class across the park - two strong front-rowers, a classy halfback, powerful centres, and mobile back-rowers,” he said. “It’s a very even match-up.“You don’t make three grand finals in a row by luck. They’ve been building with a consistent squad for years. It’s going to be a great game.”As for his own team’s mindset, O’Brien said the focus will be on treating the grand final like any other match - and not getting overwhelmed by the occasion.“Grand finals usually go down to the wire, so we’ve got to be willing to play for 80 minutes and not get bored or frustrated,” he said.“We’ve been improving every week. It’s great to have our reserve grade side in the big dance as well - we’re training together Wednesday and Friday, and then it’s game day Sunday. We’re used to that. We’ve been playing on Sundays all year, so it honestly doesn’t feel that different.”The 2019 Kiama Knights premiership team. Photo: Kiama KnightsThe Knights will field six players who were part of their 2019 premiership team - Thistlewaite, Atkins, Vazzoler, Martin, Poole, and Angel - bringing valuable big-game experience to the squad.One of the most talked-about comeback stories is that of halfback Cameron Vazzoler, who was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome in 2022. The rare autoimmune disorder left him in a wheelchair, and he spent 18 months learning to walk again. Now, he’s back leading Kiama toward another title.First grade halfback Cameron Vazzoler was awarded player of the match when the Knights last won the grand final in 2019. Photo: @SticksPix_“He’s just got this deep competitiveness - he’s a winner,” said O’Brien. “First and foremost, we’re just happy to see Cameron back playing well. “And he and second-rower Tom Angel have formed a deadly combination down the left edge all year. It’s just so good to see him back playing great footy.”O’Brien also praised the broader club culture for bouncing back from a tough 2024 to now have both grades playing in grand finals.“The club has set everything up perfectly, and it’s a credit to them,” he said. “But it doesn’t work unless the players buy in. “Everyone - from the fullback in first grade to player 20 in reserve grade - has done that. It makes a huge difference when everyone’s supporting each other.”O’Brien is hopeful a strong crowd of Kiama supporters will be there to cheer both sides on at Centenary Field, Albion Park, on Sunday (28 September), with reserve grade kicking off against the Stingrays of Shellharbour at 1.15pm and first grade against the Shellharbour Sharks at 3pm.“We’ve had great support all year - even on some terrible, rainy days up at the Showground - and we’ve always had the crowd behind us,” said O’Brien. “We’ve got two teams in the grand finals, so I don’t expect anything different this weekend.”

Kiama will be represented in one of Australia’s most unique sporting events, Pledge for the Planet’s 48 Hour Mission, where sports achievement crosses paths with environmental action.Instead of paying entry fees, this virtual competition has participants across Australia pledge to make environmental changes in their daily lives, then they run, ride, swim, or walk from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 September to climb the leaderboard.Local resident Amy Kline leads The Girls Run Club in both Gerringong and Berry, and is among over 30 teams signed up from NSW for the event trying to make a positive impact.“It’s an amazing opportunity for the girls to see that their running could be part of something bigger and make an impact beyond our little community as well,” she said.The 48 Hour Mission is now in its fifth year and it challenges participants to commit to environmental pledges such as reducing plastic consumption, ditching the takeaway cup, eating less meat, or using public transport more often.Rather than individual pledges, Amy chose a collective approach for the club, their pledge focuses on recycling running shoes through a partnership with Shoes for Planet Earth, an organisation that distributes recycled shoes to local organisations.“Any running shoes that they're no longer using that are in good condition, they've brought to the session,” said Amy.“We've also had some members of the Kiama Run Club get on board with this as well, so they've donated some shoes too”.The Girls Run Club runs weekly morning sessions before school in Gerringong on Tuesdays and Berry on Thursdays for girls aged between 10 to 18, and was established by Amy who is a qualified run coach. Amy started the club as a way to give back to the community and to help adolescent girls stay engaged with movement.“I really want to provide a space where girls felt supported and encouraged to find a love of movement for how it feels in themselves rather than the results or the competition,” she said.Amy encourages Kiama to get involved in the 48 Hour Mission and looks forward to seeing the event on a “bigger community scale”, people can join The Girls Run Club pledge or make their own pledge.The 48 Hour Mission runs from 4pm 26 September to 4pm 28 September, more information about Pledge for the Planet can be found at their website www.pledgefortheplanet.org.The Girls Run Club welcomes new members of any ability or pace level.