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

Gerringong Lions forward Hamish Stewart has been recalled to the St George Illawarra side for Saturday's crucial clash with the Roosters at Kogarah.Stewart was stood down from last Saturday's 28-24 loss to the Raiders in Canberra after suffering a concussion in the prevoius round when the Dragons knocked off Parramatta at WIN Stadium.The rookie lock has been cleared to make his return and was named on the interchange bench when Shane Flanagan announced his Round 19 team on Tuesday.Former Maroons forward Jaydn Su’A will line up for his 150th NRL game after the Samoan international previously played for Brisbane and South Sydney.He joined the Dragons in 2022 and after winning the Dragons Medal a year ago, he has been one of the team's top performers this season.Queensland winger Valentine Holmes has been named to back up from Wednesday's State of Origin decider at Accor Stadium, which means centre Corey Allan has been dropped to the reserves.Veteran second-rower Luciano Leilua has overcome a quad strain which sidelined him last week to also boost the pack alongside Stewart.Michael Molo has been relegated to the interchange with Loko Pasifiki Tonga and Viliami Fifita now in the reserves.The Dragons have won just six of theeir 15 starts in 2025 but are still in the playoff hunt in 11th spot, just two competition points behind eighth-placed Manly.They could leapfrog the Roosters, who are in ninth, if they can topple them at Kogarah this weekend.The Roosters have five players on representative duty - Connor Watson, Robert Toia, Angus Crichton, Spencer Leniu and Lindsay Collins, while centre Billy Smith (knee), halfback Sam Walker (thumb) and lock Victor Radley (concussion) have also been named to make their return from injury.This Saturday's match will be a double-header with the NRLW side taking on the Roosters at 3.15pm before the NRL match at 5.30pm.The club will be celebrating the 15-year anniversary of the 2010 grand final victory over the Roosters with a strong contingent of former players on hand for the clash.

Kiama Power’s Premier Division side sent a powerful message to the Illawarra competition with a crushing 138–30 win over the Wollongong Bulldogs.In a historic day for the club, both the Reserve and Premier Division teams defeated their Bulldogs counterparts - something committee member Anthony Grady believes may never have happened before.“It might be the first time we’ve ever beaten both Bulldogs men’s sides on the same day,” Grady said.“We’ve been digging through the records and can’t find another instance - so it could be a club first.”It was only the second time the Power and Bulldogs had met this season, with the previous encounter decided by just four points in Kiama’s favour.To turn that into a 108-point blowout reflects how far the side has come.“That first game was our first win of the season, but we walked away a little disappointed,” Grady said.Kiama Power were coming off three losses before their historic win over the weekend. Photo: Maddi Aitkin.“We felt we dominated most of that match but let them score a few late goals in the last quarter, which made it look closer than it was.”At the halfway point of the season, Grady had called on the team to play with more confidence and maintain intensity through all four quarters. Last weekend, he saw that mindset come to life.“We showed much more confidence and focus. It was great to see the boys overcome that mental barrier,” he said.“We kicked 10 goals to none in the final quarter - we didn’t take the foot off the gas the whole way through.”Seventeen-year-old midfielder Elias Oldfield made his Premier Division debut and was a standout, kicking three goals.“We actually had 5-6 regular starters out, so it was great to see other players step up,” said Grady.Elias Oldfield made his Premier Division debut. Photo: Kiama Power.“Elias has come through our juniors, and he was outstanding on debut.”Despite the dominant performance, Grady stressed the team is staying grounded ahead of a huge match-up this weekend.“The Bulldogs are below us on the ladder, so we’re not getting ahead of ourselves,” he said.“This weekend is a big one - we face Shellharbour, who we haven’t played yet and they’re sitting third. We haven’t beaten a team above us yet, so this is a real test.”Meanwhile, Kiama Power’s women’s side narrowly went down to Bomaderry by just three points. They’ll be looking to bounce back this weekend when they take on the Wollongong Bulldogs.

Gerringong surfer Lucy Darragh has risen to the top of the Oceania/Australia Qualifying Series rankings following her standout victory at the Nias Pro in Indonesia.The 15-year-old surfed her way to a breakthrough win on the international stage, dominating the event held in Nias from June 21 to 26.“The trip was such a cool experience,” Lucy said. “I learnt so much. The waves at Nias were incredible - especially for a competition.”In the final, Darragh faced close friend Charli Hately. She locked in scores of 7 and 6.53 on her opening two waves - enough to secure the win.“It was so good to share a final with such a good friend. We were laughing and having a chat out there - it was such a good atmosphere,” she said.Her father, Larn Darragh, was waiting in the channel during the final. Once the result was confirmed, Lucy paddled over to share the special moment with him.Lucy surfing in Nias.“Both my dad and I were so excited - and a bit shocked too! It took a while for the achievement to sink in, but I’m so happy and can’t wait to compete there again,” said Lucy.The win bumped her to number one on the Oceania/Australia Qualifying Series Rankings - one of her major goals for 2025.“I’m surprised to be on top of the rankings this early, especially with how many incredible surfers are competing,” she said.“I’m hoping to do well in the upcoming QS6000 events later in the season and hopefully finish in the top four to qualify for the Challenger Series.”While in Indonesia, Lucy also competed in the Krui Pro, facing off against a field of more-experienced surfers. She advanced to the Round of 32 before being narrowly eliminated.“Although I got knocked out early, I learnt a lot of new heat strategies and gained experience at the top QS level,” she said.“Krui is such a special place - with so many waves to surf and fun adventures - so I’m really grateful I got to go there.”With her sights now firmly set on the Challenger Series, it seems Gerringong may have another rising star in the making - following in the sandy footsteps of local legend Sally Fitzgibbons.

KIAMA QUARRIERS 3 d M OSS VALE 0

KIAMA JFC - UNDER 16/17 MIXED DIVISION 3KIAMA JFC 4 d SOUTH COAST UNITED 0

It wasn’t a good weekend for local teams in NAIDOC Round 12 of the Group 7 competition, with both first-grade sides falling short in two tightly contested clashes.All first-grade teams wore specially designed NAIDOC jerseys to commemorate the occasion, with every game kicking off with a Welcome to Country ceremony.Group 7 Operations Manager Ashton Sims said the round held special significance.In a top-of-the-table showdown at Ron Costello Oval in Shellharbour, third-placed Kiama Knights were aiming to upset ladder leaders Shellharbour Sharks for the second time this season.Despite missing five-eighth Sam Hooper due to injury, Kiama struck first through a slick backline movement, finished off by Kye Andrews in the 34th minute.They led 6–0 at halftime, but the Sharks struck back just three minutes into the second half.Shellharbour and Kiama in their clash earlier this season which Kiama managed to win. Photo: @SticksPix_ Halfback Braxton Wallace grubbered for himself and scored under the posts to level the scores.Moments later, Shellharbour capitalised on an awkward bomb that Kiama failed to field, scoring again to take a 12-6 lead. A late penalty goal sealed the win for the Sharks, with the final score 14-6.Kiama fullback Brad Killmore, who sustained an injury in the match and is expected to spend four weeks on the sidelines, remained optimistic.“It was a disappointing scoreline, but there are still lots of positives to take away from the game,” he said.“Completing at 60% was what killed us yesterday, so that’ll be a big focus. Very happy with the defensive effort - only conceding tries off kicks.”Meanwhile, the Jamberoo Superoos also suffered a narrow defeat, going down to the Nowra-Bomaderry Jets.Nowra Bomaderry players participating in the smoking ceremony at the beginning of the match. Photo: Nowra-Bomaderry JetsThe Superoos have been plagued by injuries this season and are still awaiting the return of several key players. Nevertheless, they started strong, with centre Riley Plekan beating three defenders to cross in the 10th minute.Nowra hit back quickly, scoring off a kick just three minutes later. No further points were added in the first half, with Nowra leading 6-4 at the break.Centre Dean Watling put Jamberoo back in front early in the second half after finishing off a pinpoint kick from halfback Jono Dallas.Nowra winger Braydon Rumble-Walsh turned the game with back-to-back contributions - first scoring a try with some sharp footwork, then breaking the line and offloading for another to push the lead to 16-10.Jamberoo equalised with 17 minutes left through centre Dill Johnston, but couldn’t hold off Nowra, who sealed the win with two late tries.Gerringong Lions had the bye this week. Next round, they’ll face competition leaders Shellharbour Sharks, while Jamberoo take on Milton and Kiama face off against Albion Park-Oak Flats.

KIAMA KNIGHTS U18 GTKIAMA KNIGHTS 22 d DE LA SALLE 12

KIAMA JUNIOR KNIGHTS U16 GTKIAMA KNIGHTS 34 d SHELLHARBOUR 22

KIAMA JUNIOR KNIGHTS U14 GTKIAMA 20 d APOF 10

KIAMA JUNIOR KNIGHTS U12 BTKIAMA RED VS BOMADERRY

KIAMA JUNIOR KNIGHTS U12 BTVS STINGRAYS

GERRINGONG JUNIOR LIONSUNDER 10 BT