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.

Road closures will be in effect this Saturday around the local area due to the Kiama Triathlon.The annual event, hosted by Elite Energy, uses the local rolling hills, ocean views and the vibrant energy of springtime Kiama to create a spectacular event on the triathlon calendar.Spectators are encouraged to get public transport to the event and plan ahead of schedule as rail replacement buses are running on Saturday.The following roads will be closed between 10.30am and 1.30pm on Saturday.Federal Street between Charles Ave & Riverside DriveRiverside Drive – Swamp Road / M1 Princes Hwy to Oxley Ave(inc Riverside Drive Exit Ramp from M1 Princes Highway – Detour Via Bombo Exit)Swamp Road – Riverside Drive to Jamberoo RoadThere will also be no parking from the Boat Ramp to Carson Place and Charles Avenue to Austin Avenua for 24 hours from 4pm on Friday due to the triathlon.Click here for full road closure times and maps with access travel routes surrounding James Oates Reserve.Key times on the day: 8.30am to 10.20am - Registration & Transition at James Oates Reserve10.20am - Race Briefing at Transition Area, James Oates Reserve10.30am - Walk to race start at James Holt Reserve11am - Race startTo plan your trip on public transport, visit transportnsw.info.For more information, visit Elite Energy's Kiama Triathlon website or phone 0439 538 903.Beautiful spring weather has been forecast for Saturday with the temperature set to hit 27 degrees with west to north-westerly winds of 25-35km/h.

For the first time in its history, all four of Kiama Hockey Club’s women’s teams played in grand finals over the weekend - with two of them walking away as premiers.Held at the Illawarra Hockey Centre in Unanderra, the day began bright and early with fifth grade hitting off at 8:50am - and setting the tone for a strong showing.“We had a big crowd turn up,” said Kiama Hockey Club committee member Emily Wright. “The fifth grade women kicked off at 8.50 and that was a pretty tight game.“They came away with a 1–0 win, so that was a pretty good way to start the day.”Next up was fourth grade, who were down 1-0 for most of their match. A short corner in the final moments gave them a last chance, but they were unable to convert and went down 1-0.“We won the third grade game after that quite convincingly. That was a 5-0 win - a great result,” said Wright.“The girls celebrated with cartwheels at the end of that game - everyone was so pumped and excited.”The final Kiama match of the day was second grade, and it was a thriller. Kiama jumped out to a 2-0 lead before their opponents clawed it back to 2-2. A penalty stroke gave Kiama the lead again, but Uni hit back to level at 3-3. Then, in the final three minutes, Uni scored again to take a dramatic 4-3 win.Despite the close losses, Kiama walked away from the day proud - with two premierships and two tight matches.“Everyone’s just really stoked,” said Wright. “It’s just rewards for all the effort that’s been put in throughout the year.”Kiama's second grade team - who went down in a tightly fought match. Photo: Brian Scott“It also allows us to look at how we can continue to grow the club in the future - and maybe attract more players.”Wright said the success of 2025 is the result of years of planning and investment in local talent.“This was a vision we had probably 10 years ago when we started to grow our juniors, knowing that one day they’d feed into our senior teams. "Now we’ve got a really strong senior comp.”“Kiama is quite unique in that we’ve got a lot of girls coming through. Our junior girls and women’s teams are really strong across the association.”Looking ahead, the club has its sights set on strengthening its men’s sides and finally fielding a first grade women’s team in 2026.“We’ve always aimed to have a first grade team - that’s the pinnacle - and we’re getting close. Considering how well our second and third grade teams went this year, we’re hopeful we’ll be there soon.”The teams wrapped up their big day with a celebration at Kiama Bowling Club, which Wright thanked for its ongoing support of the club.

As we shift from winter into spring, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights in Kiama are about to come alive with kids and adults of all ages jumping in their cars and heading out to play the town’s most popular sport: Oztag.Kiama Oztag Coordinator Keiron Duncan says the competition is booming, with around 150 teams registered for their 16th season. And while registrations have officially closed, there may still be room for a few latecomers.“We’ve got about 150 teams at the moment. We closed on the 15th of September, but if you get in touch about entering a team, we may still be able to fit you in,” Duncan said.Last year, Kiama Oztag added the Kiama Sporting Complex to its growing list of venues to cater to the huge number of players - and they’ll be back there again this season.“We’ll be at the Sporting Complex this year on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and of course, we’ve got our regular Monday comps,” Duncan said.“We’ve got a full women’s comp with nine teams in it, which is really great.”But even with the added space, finding enough fields is becoming a challenge.“We’re starting to run out of fields and space now. As you know, there aren’t a lot of fields in Kiama. That’s why we’re using the sporting complex on Tuesdays as well. You really need a minimum of six fields to keep it to a few nights and not stretch the comp across too many days. So it’s been great to lock those fields in.”Duncan also shared details about a proposal for upgrades at the Kiama Sporting Complex - particularly focused on lighting and drainage.“We’re a night sport, or afternoon into night, so we definitely need lights. A lot of the facilities either don’t have them or the lights aren’t great,” he said.“Drainage is another big one. The complex can get quite wet, so better drainage would really help.”“But we’re adaptable - we’re only on one afternoon or night per week, so we can make do for now.”Keiron Duncan and Cooper Lee with their winning medals from Australian titles. Photo: Kiama Oztag.This year, Duncan has teamed up with Kiama Leagues Club to introduce weekly Player of the Match and Referee of the Week vouchers.“Kiama Leagues Club gives us Player of the Match vouchers for every game, every week, across all three days.We’ve also added a Referee of the Week voucher to recognise our refs - we have around 70 referees, both juniors and seniors, and they do a fantastic job.”Looking ahead, Duncan has his sights set on strengthening Kiama’s presence at the Junior State Titles.“Last year, we had solid numbers in most age groups, but this year the goal is to fill every age group, which is a big ask for a small area,” he said.“But we're the biggest sporting group in Kiama and we're still growing. I'd love to see us continue to be competitive on the representative stage."To support the rep program, Kiama Oztag will also be hosting a fundraising Golf Day on Friday 12th December, with proceeds helping cover costs for players heading to representative carnivals.If you missed the deadline but still want to play the biggest sport in Kiama, there's hope.For more information or to enquire about joining a team, email [email protected].

KIAMA WOMEN'S HOCKEY - 2ND GRADE GRAND FINALUNI GOLD 4 d KIAMA 3

KIAMA WOMENS HOCKEY - 3RD GRADE GRAND FINALKIAMA 5 d OAKS 0

KIAMA WOMEN'S HOCKEY - GRAND FINAL WESTS 1 d KIAMA 0

KIAMA WOMEN'S HOCKEY GRAND FINALKIAMA 1 d WESTS 0

This week's special edition of The Bugle is filled with all the wash-up from the Kiama by-election last Saturday.McInerney has identified housing, infrastructure, early childhood, public education as her big ticket items in her 500-day mission to convince the Kiama electorate that she deserves to be their long-term state MP.There is also in-depth coverage on the Folk By The Sea festival and the Hot Rods which roared into town on the weekend.CLICK HERE TO READ THE DIGITAL EDITIONDespite the artistic success of the Folk Festival, organisers remain frustrated by an issue that is preventing the festival from reaching its full potential: the lack of camping at Kiama Showground.You can also read plenty of great community stories, including the latest from Kiama Council's monthly meeting on Tuesday night, our local SES captain's highway heroics and how The Pines is making a difference in the community.In sport, you can read about Kiama Rugby Club's grand final victory, the Knights getting through to the Group 7 decider and how the Sporting Complex revamp is progressing.Kiama went “one more step" higher than last year with a thrilling 37-36 victory over Shoalhaven on Saturday afternoon in the Illawarra rugby grand final at Collegians Sports Stadium.They began emphatically to claim a 22-point lead but that was cut to 12 points by half-time with the second half turning into a real nail-biter.Shoalhaven’s Luke Marnane scored a try in the final minute which could have stolen the trophy from Kiama but Mark Brandon’s conversion was off target.

For the first time in its history, Kiama Hockey Club has seen all four of its women’s teams qualify for the grand final this weekend.The women’s fifth, fourth, third, and second-grade teams will all compete for the championship on Saturday at the Illawarra Hockey Centre in Unanderra."I believe this is the first year that Kiama has had all of its women's teams make it to the grand final, and it's also one of our biggest years in terms of female player numbers," said Kiama Hockey Club committee member Emily Wright.Wright admits that, at the start of the season, she never could have predicted such a historic outcome."If you’d told me at the start of the season that all four teams would be in the grand final, I would've been flabbergasted," she said. "I’d have said it would be a dream come true. But everyone’s worked incredibly hard and been really committed. The spirit within the club has been amazing, and we’re all looking forward to a great day on Saturday."Wright believes that 2025 has been a breakthrough year for the club, with players making a concerted effort both on and off the field."Everyone’s been really dedicated, attending training every week, and our coaches have put in a lot of effort. But there’s been a big focus on having fun, coming together as a team, and supporting each other. I think that’s the secret to our success," she said.The third and fifth-grade teams finished the regular season as minor premiers and have been dominant throughout the year."They’re the favorites for their grand finals, but our second and fourth-grade teams, though they haven’t been as dominant during the season, ended up second on the ladder,” she said.“They’ve peaked at the right time, so hopefully we can secure all four wins.”All four women’s teams will take the field at the Illawarra Hockey Centre on Saturday, September 20, with the first game kicking off at 8:50 am.With a majority of the games being contested by Kiama teams, local community support could go a long way in helping to secure four Kiama premierships.

Following on from Kiama Rugby's dual grand final appearance, the Kiama Knights have followed suit - both their first grade and reserve grade teams have qualified for their respective Group 7 decider after wins on the weekend.Playing at Shellharbour’s Ron Costello Oval, the Knights faced off against the Shellharbour Sharks in both major grand final qualifiers.In first grade, Kiama surged to an early 20-point lead within the opening 30 minutes, thanks to three impressive tries involving five-eighth Sam Hooper, and a penalty goal from fullback Brad Killmore.The first try came in the sixth minute, when Hooper’s kick to the sideline rebounded perfectly into winger Tom Atkins’ arms. Six minutes later, Hooper slipped through the Shellharbour defence to score one himself. Then, in the 18th minute, he delivered a pinpoint grubber for Atkins to collect his second.Shellharbour struck back before the break, with Palu Tausala crashing over from close range in the 33rd minute to cut the margin to 20-6 at halftime.Sam Hooper was a standout for the Knights on the weekend. Photo: SticksPix_The Sharks continued their fightback in the second half, with Jayme McElhone scoring in the corner in the 48th minute and Wayde Aitken adding another in the 55th.But a second penalty goal from Killmore, combined with desperate defence, helped Kiama hold on for a hard-fought 22-16 victory - and a spot in the grand final.“We got out to a good start and then sort of fell away a little in the middle there, but I’m so proud of how we stuck in there,” said Killmore.“It’s so easy, when a team is on a roll like Shellharbour were, to let them run away with the game. But I think we did a great job keeping our heads up and staying composed. When that final siren went - it was all worth it.”Earlier in the day, the Knights’ reserve grade side delivered a dominant 20-8 performance to punch their ticket to the big dance. Killmore said having both grades in the grand final adds extra meaning.“To have them with us all week at training, and then there on the day - it’s just fantastic. We’re one club, and having them there really lifts us. I’m so happy they’ll be part of it,” he said.Kiama's reserve grade team also booked their grand final spot with a win over the weekend. Photo: @SticksPix_As for a preferred grand final opponent, Killmore said the Knights will be ready for whoever they face.“We’ve beaten both of those teams in the last two weeks, so we know we can do it. We’ll rest up, enjoy the week off, and come back ready to keep doing what we’ve been doing.”The Knights will meet the Sharks again or the Albion Park-Oak Flats Eagles - who knocked out the defending premiers, the Gerringong Lions, with a convincing 38-16 win on Saturday.The Lions’ hopes of a three-peat ended at Centenary Field, with the Eagles dominating early, scoring two tries in the opening 10 minutes. Gerringong responded in the 13th through second-rower Noah Parker, and both teams added another try each before halftime to make it 18–10 in favour of Albion Park.After the break, Eagles halfback Kane Ball took control, scoring a try in the 48th minute and then setting up another with a brilliant grubber for centre Jiye Ellis in the 56th.Gerringong showed signs of a comeback when Tom Knox crashed over in the 64th minute, but a late try from the Eagles sealed the result.Kiama will now enjoy a week off, while Albion Park and Shellharbour battle it out for the remaining grand final spot on September 28.

The possibility of a Kiama v Gerringong grand final in the Group Seven is still alive after both teams advanced in last week’s opening round of the playoffs.Gerringong survived their sudden-death match by the skin of their teeth to come back from eight points down against the Shellharbour Stingrays while the Knights also had a nail-biter, edging out Albion Park-Oak Flats 30-28.The Lions trailed 8-0 after a scrappy first-half showing but after coach Scott Stewart laid down the law at the break, they responded with four tries in the second stanza to complete a 20-12 triumph at Flinders Field.Tom Knox and Nathan Ford crossed the stripe early in the second term but the Stingrays responded with a four-pointer of their own before Beau Doosey touched down with a few minutes to go to seal the victory.Gerringong’s hopes of a three-peat will again go on the line this Saturday when they travel to Centenary Field hoping to bring down the Eagles, who were narrowly beaten by the Knights.Kiama and the Park went toe to toe in the opening 40 minutes at Kiama Showground After scores were locked up at 20-20 at half-time, the Eagles stretched out to an eight-point lead before centre Max Jennings brought Kiama back into the contest and fullback Brad Killmore scored the match-winner with five minutes remaining.“We just finally got a bit of field position,” coach Matt O’Brien said in explaining their late surge to victory.“Once we held the ball for a few sets in a row, we were able to put them under pressure with our defence.”O’Brien said the Park have an imposing pack but young Kiama prop, Taj Roberts, in his first year out of the under 18s, stood up to the challenge.“It was probably his best game of the year,” he said. “We needed Taj to stand up in the middle and he did, particularly in his first stint.”They now face the minor premiers, Shellharbour Sharks, on Sunday at Ron Costello Oval with the winners earning the right to go straight through to the grand final.“It’s been a pretty tight comp all year,” O’Brien said. “Going into the weekend you would have thought any of the five teams can win. You’ve got to be playing your best footy or the other team will have the wood on you.”Kiama will also take on the Sharks in reserve grade this Sunday and the Knights are aiming to make the grand final in both grades for the first time since back-to-back years in 2017-18.

Gerringong’s Tyran Wishart has been handed the daunting task of filling in for Dally M Medal winner Jahrome Hughes in Melbourne’s NRL finals campaign.The Storm were considered the premiership favourites heading into the final round but Hughes suffered a broken forearm while making a tackle on Broncos forward Brendan Piakura.Wishart has been named to replace Hughes at halfback for Friday night’s AAMI Park showdown with the Bulldogs.The winner of this match will progress to week three of the playoffs but the loser will have to play again next week in a sudden-death clash with the winner of the qualifying final between the Warriors and Penrith in Auckland on Saturday.Wishart has done an admirable job when deputising for Hughes this season.When the Kiwi international was recently sidelined with a shoulder injury, Wishart started in the halves in four straight victories over the Eels, Broncos, Panthers and Bulldogs before the Storm went down to the Roosters in Round 26.The Storm have fallen behind Canberra in the premiership odds after last week’s defeat at the hands of Brisbane and they will also be without fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen (concussion) and suspended prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona for their duel with the Dogs.St George Illawarra missed the finals, plummeting to 15th by the end of the regular season on the back of four straight losses, culminating in their 40-20 loss to Penrith at WIN Stadium last Saturday."I've learned a lot this year about some individuals and the team," Dragons coach Shane Flanagan said."In the end, because of the injury toll that we've had, the lack of that class in real crucial moments has probably hurt us a bit."We just can't get it done when we need to."Gerringong rookie trio Dylan Egan, Hamish Stewart and Hayden Buchanan were bright spots for the Dragons in their disappointing season.Egan scored three tries in eight matches and was cementing a spot in the starting second row when an ACL rupture in a match against the Broncos brought a premature end to his season.Stewart also showed he was up to the task of packing down in the NRL forwards, suiting up for 19 games before missing the final three rounds due to an unfortunate concussion when he had a head clash with teammate Jack de Belin in the loss to the Warriors.Buchanan got his chance late in the season but latched onto it, scoring a try on debut in the upset win over Cronulla at Kogarah last month.The 19-year-old ended up playing the final five matches of the season and will be a strong contender for a starting spot next year.In the NRLW, St George Illawarra will also miss the playoffs after their 42-14 loss to the Cowboys last week but will be looking to finish their season on a positive note when they take on the Knights in Newcastle on Sunday.Kiama junior Maria Paseka has played strongly after getting her call-up to the top side, crossing for two tries in the past three weeks.