JAMBEROO JUNIOR SUPEROOSUNDER 6 BLUE VS GERRINGONG BLUE

GERRINGONG JUNIOR LIONSUNDER 6 BLUE VS JAMBEROO BLUE

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

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

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

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

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

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

KIAMA POWER JUNIOR AFL - U15 BOYSVS NORTHERN DISTRICTS

KIAMA POWER JUNIOR AFL - U15 GIRLSVS NORTHERN DISTRICTSV

KIAMA POWER JUNIOR AFL U13 MIXEDVS NORTHERN DISTRICTS

KIAMA POWER JUNIOR AFLVS NORTHERN DISTRICTS

KIAMA POWER JUNIOR AFL - UNDER 11 GIRLSVS NORTHERN DISTRICTS

KIAMA POWER JUNIOR AFLUNDER 11 MIXED VS NORTHERN DISTRICTS

JAMBEROO SUPEROOS FIRST GRADE 24 d GERRINGONG LIONS 6

GERRINGONG LIONS 2ND GRADE 24 d JAMBEROO SUPEROOS 14

JAMBEROO SUPEROOS LLT 1 - 28 d GERRINGONG LIONS 0

JAMBEROO SUPEROOS LLT2 -32 d WARILLA 0

In a complete reversal of last week's Group 7 Rugby League results, Jamberoo have claimed their first win of the season, defeating premiers Gerringong. Kiama went down by just two points in a heartbreaker to Nowra-Bomaderry.After a tough opening loss to Kiama, things weren’t looking great for the Jamberoo Superoos, who went into half-time at Kevin Walsh Oval trailing 6-4.But they came out a different team in the second half, scoring four unanswered tries to take the match 24-6. Zac Fairall was instrumental for the Superoos, crossing for three tries in a dominant performance.Jamberoo coach Jono Dallas credited the win to improved discipline and control.“We probably didn’t do too much differently to the previous week, outside of just thinking about our actions better,” said Dallas. “We didn’t put Kiama under any fatigue, and let them play with momentum for most of the game.“Just slowing down when we had to, and kicking a bit more tactically, made all the difference this week.”At Bomaderry Sporting Complex, the Knights started strong in their clash with Nowra-Bomaderry. Fullback Brad Killmore nailed a 40/20 early and then threw a cut-out pass for their first try in the sixth minute.But two tries from dummy half and a lucky rebound off a grubber kick saw Nowra take the lead 16-10. Kiama crossed for a final try with five minutes left, but it was too little too late, the match ending in a narrow 16-14 win to Nowra-Bomaderry.Gerringong will have a couple of weeks to prepare for their next game due to the Easter long weekend followed by a bye. Source: Brian Scott“I thought we didn’t do ourselves any favours completing our sets at 55%,” said Kiama five-eighth Sam Hooper. “But we’ll learn from it and hopefully bounce back against Shellharbour in two weeks.”All Group 7 teams will have next weekend off due to Easter. Gerringong will enjoy an extended break, following up the bye the week after. Jamberoo are set to host Nowra-Bomaderry at Kevin Walsh Oval on Saturday, 26 April, while Kiama will take on Shellharbour at Kiama Showground on Sunday, 27 April.Weekend Results - All GradesBomaderry Sporting ComplexLLT2: Kiama 34 def Nowra-Bomaderry 6LLT1: Kiama 34 def Nowra-Bomaderry 14U18s: Nowra-Bomaderry 34 def Southern Highlands 20Reserve Grade: Kiama 26 def Nowra-Bomaderry 8First Grade: Nowra-Bomaderry 16 def Kiama 14Kevin Walsh OvalLLT2: Jamberoo 32 def Warilla 0LLT1: Jamberoo 28 def Gerringong 0Reserve Grade: Gerringong 24 def Jamberoo 14First Grade: Jamberoo 24 def Gerringong 6