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 Jets

The 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.