Kiama Rugby have made history and are now aiming to break a 22-year title drought, with both their first grade and reserve grade teams winning home major semi-finals over the weekend to qualify for the 2025 Illawarra District Rugby Union (IDRU) grand final.A strong local crowd turned out at Kiama Showground on Saturday to watch reserve grade defeat Shoalhaven 31-21, followed by a thrilling first grade victory over Campbelltown. After losing to Campbelltown twice earlier this season, Kiama turned the tables with a 38-26 win.Kiama’s first grade opened the scoring with a penalty goal, but from the 15th minute, Campbelltown took the lead and held it for most of the match. They went into halftime up 19-10.“I think we went into this game with a pretty set game plan against Campbelltown and that was just backing our fitness against them. They're big boys and they're just power,” said Kiama number eight Dante Patrick. “We were sort of backing our game plan to really try and move them around the park, but we underestimated their actual fitness. Everything we threw at them, they absorbed and they actually threw it back at us.”Kiama struck first after the break through Patrick, but Campbelltown quickly responded, extending their lead to 26-17 with 28 minutes to play. Then Kiama fullback - and former Dragons player - Junior Amone took over. He inspired a try for winger Nico Cowley and followed it up with a solo effort, running 50 metres to score and seal Kiama’s comeback win.Patrick said the shift happened during halftime when the team made key adjustments to their strategy. “At halftime, we had to really make some changes and sort of do what they wouldn't expect, and that was take them up through the middle. That ended up coming off for us,” he said. “The words at halftime were, ‘there is no life next week.’ There’s no second chance. It was do or die. I think going into the second half with that mentality really helped kick the boys into another notch.”He credited the effort of the forwards for inspiring Amone’s brilliance in the final 20 minutes. Junior Amone was one of the Kiama players who inspired their comeback over the weekend. Photo: Brian Scott“He just came into his own. He saw that our forwards were wanting to take them up through the middle and he's just like, ‘I've got to reward these forwards,’” Patrick said. “That’s the sort of mentality we felt from him. If these forwards are laying the platform for me, then what's my excuse to not give it a crack? He took the ball and just ran with it - and we’re so proud of him.”“He’s a very quiet-spoken guy. When he does speak up, he's got the whole room - all the eyes on him. It’s pretty cool to see that side of him and to have him lead us in that back 20.”Reflecting on the crowd, Patrick said there was no better feeling than coming from behind in front of a roaring home ground. “It started off windy and then it started sprinkling a bit - it was a bit of a four-seasons day. Throughout all of that, the crowd definitely made themselves heard. We couldn't appreciate them more,” he said. “We’re hoping we get that, if not more, at the grand final. It was unreal hearing that roar during the comeback. It just gave us that extra leg and made us want to do it for them as well.”Leighton Cowley played his 200th game for the club on Saturday. Photo: Brian ScottIt was also a milestone day for Kiama rugby veteran Leighton Cowley, who played his 200th game for the club. “He’s probably one of the OGs of this club that I think not too many people give enough praise for. Kiama was on the brink of folding around 2017-18, and he was one of those guys who put his body on the line - playing third grade, second grade, and then first grade straight away - just to make sure the club didn’t fold,” said Patrick.Reserve grade also celebrated a 200-gamer, with Nelson Taione contributing to their 31-21 win that booked their grand final spot. Nelson Taione also played his 200th over the weekend. Photo: Brian Scott“They've just got such good chemistry amongst them. The only thing that could come between them is themselves. There was a disjointed phase there where they gave Shoalhaven a bit of a sniff, but they just went back to what they knew and ran away with it. It’s awesome to watch,” said Patrick. “It gives us in first grade a bit of a kick seeing them doing so well. You just want to follow it up. That’s the kind of bond we’ve got at Kiama now. We just want to do it all together, and that’s thanks to our coach. He’s all about bringing us together. If one grade loses, then we all lose. That’s the mentality, and it’s really something special.”Both grades will have a week off as they wait to see who they’ll face in the grand final in two weeks’ time - and Patrick says the timing couldn’t be better. “It feels like this whole season has prepped us for this week off, with the weather and everything - play one week, off the next. So we’re ready for it, and to be honest, after that brutal game, we’re quite happy to rest up.”This weekend, Shoalhaven’s first grade will take on Campbelltown, while their reserve grade faces Woonona. The winners will go on to meet Kiama in the grand final.

NSW Sports Minister Steve Kamper was the latest Government bigwig to drop by Kiama on Wednesday, announcing more than $1.1 million for five projects to boost local sporting infrastructure.Kamper and Labor's Kiama by-election candidate Katelin McInerney said the State Government would invest in upgrading facilities in Kiama, Gerringong and Albion Park as a way of removing barriers to participation in the community.The Government has committed to providing:$250,000 to resurface and repair the unsafe Kiama Netball Courts at the Kiama Sporting Complex.$40,000 to cover essential costs of the Kiama Sevens tournament.$275,000 to install new lighting at Bonaira Oval, home of Kiama Power, which has been unable to host night matches.$200,000 to improve facilities and drainage works for Keith Grey Oval, the home of the Albion Park Cricket Club.$387,000 for new lighting at Gerry Emery Reserve, Gerringong, which hosts several sports, including cricket, football, touch and rugby leagueKamper and McInerney announced the funding at Kiama Sporting Complex, the same venue where Opposition Leader Mark Speakman and Liberal candidate Serena Copley two weeks earlier had promised $26 million if the Coalition were to win the state election in early 2027.When asked whether the Government's announcement would pale into comparison, Kamper said: "It's a big number. And it's a promise upon a promise."We're here saying we're delivering this no matter what the case and that's what government does."We look where there's needs and we're delivering."When asked if this was an example of Labor pork-barreling in the lead-up to the by-election, he denied that was the case."This is about delivering for our community. We've established need and we've got some good eyes and ears on the ground at the moment advising us what we need to be doing."And I'm so pleased that this was brought to our attention.“We understand how critical our local sporting facilities are, they are the backbone of our coastal and regional communities."The netball courts at the Complex have been an ongoing concern with several cracks creating an unsafe playing environment."This is where I grew up playing netball. I have many fond memories, some sad and bittersweet defeats, but I really have to say it's almost the same as when I was here, and that's a long time ago now," McInerney said."We have been talking to sporting organisations up and down our area, and we really do need strong investment in this part of the world for our sporting facilities."Kiama Netball Association president Michelle Gregory said they were a large, growing organisation with more than 800 players."We have been rallying for a number of years now regarding our court surfaces and the need for some investment in them," she said.

Four weeks ago, Hayden Buchanan became the fourth Gerringong junior to debut in the NRL this season - with the number of Lions in the league now pushing double figures.The 19-year-old centre had been biding his time throughout 2025 with the NSW Cup and Jersey Flegg squads for the St George Illawarra Dragons. But when starting centre Mat Feagai was ruled out with a groin injury, Buchanan got the call-up for the Dragons’ Round 23 clash against the Cronulla Sharks.“The night before the captain’s run, they messaged me and said, ‘Come in - Matty Feagai has a bit of a groin issue. We need you just in case, all precautionary',” Buchanan said.“At captain’s run, I asked Matty, ‘How are you going?’ And he goes, ‘I honestly don't feel too good. I’m not sure I’ll be able to play.’ So I had a feeling in the back of my mind that I was a chance.“They did a final fitness test and ruled him out. Then Flanno [coach Shane Flanagan] yelled, ‘Everybody in!’ I had a feeling he was going to make the announcement. After that, it was all a bit of a blur until after the game.”With his spot in the team confirmed, Buchanan was finally able to share the news with his family - the dream he’d been chasing since he was a little boy was about to become reality.“Since I was seven years old, it’s all I’ve ever really wanted to do,” he said. “So it was pretty special when I found out. I’ve never really strived for anything else in my life.“Mum was shocked - I think there were a few tears on the phone, which was really nice. She’s done so much for me. And Dad was just excited and happy. He said, ‘Just do your thing, mate, and back yourself'.”And back himself he did. Buchanan starred in the Dragons’ 22-14 win over Cronulla, racking up 18 runs for 110 metres, 18 tackles, a try assist - and even scoring a try of his own.Captain Clint Gutherson broke into open space and looked certain to score, but instead found the debutant looming in support and handed him the honours.“He definitely could’ve scored himself,” Buchanan laughed. “But he gave me a try and said, ‘Remember that, mate - remember who gave you your first try.’ That was really nice of him and pretty special.Hayden playing in his debut match against the Cronulla Sharks. Photo: St George Illawarra Dragons“Especially because I scored right in front of all my friends and family in that corner - just by chance.”Buchanan also shared some of the advice and support that boosted his confidence leading into the match.“Flanno told me, ‘We’re all confident you can get the job done, mate. You’ve worked hard - just go out and do your thing.’ He also said Gutho and Cookie [Damien Cook] told him they backed me to do the job,” he said.“That kind of stuff gives you real confidence. When you know your coach, captain, and leaders believe in you, it makes a huge difference.”Since his debut, Buchanan has featured in all three of the Dragons’ following matches. While he knows he’s still developing, he’s embracing life on the big stage.“I definitely have things to improve on, and that’ll come with more experience, time, and training - but I’m really enjoying it,” he said.As for why Gerringong keeps producing NRL-ready players - with eight now in the top tier - Buchanan believes it’s a mix of strong mentorship and inspiration from those who’ve made it.“We’ve got so many good role models like Scott Stewart, Rixon Russell, Johnny Ford and Nathan Ford - he’s won seven Group 7 grand finals. "He was also my school teacher and I remember being really competitive at school, and Nathan told me, ‘Never lose that, mate - it’ll take you places.’ That always stuck with me,” said Buchanan.“And I also think when you see someone from your town, someone you’ve played with or looked up to, making it - it gives you that belief that maybe you can do it too. I looked up to Hamish [Stewart] and Dylan [Egan] and wanted to be like them growing up. “And I’m sure they were the same for Reuben [Garrick], Tyran [Wishart] and Jackson [Ford] - and Reuben, Tyran and Jackson were probably the same for the group before them.”This weekend, the Dragons wrap up their season with a final-round clash against the Penrith Panthers at WIN Stadium - Buchanan’s first NRL game so close to home.He’s hoping for a strong crowd to help the Red V end the year on a high.

Just 17 for-and-against points separated the Kiama Knights from clinching the 2025 Group 7 South Coast minor premiership, despite a commanding 44-6 win over the Stingrays of Shellharbour.Heading into the final round of the season, three teams - Shellharbour Sharks, Kiama Knights, and the Stingrays of Shellharbour - were locked at the top of the ladder on 25 points.Kiama trailed the first-placed Sharks by 11 points in the for-and-against tally, but their big win couldn't quite match Shellharbour's even more emphatic 48-4 victory over the Jamberoo Superoos.Playing away on Saturday, the Knights started strongly with a fourth-minute try to forward Matt Nicholson.It was a high-scoring day for the forward pack, with prop Taj Roberts burrowing over for the team’s second try more than 20 minutes later.Second-rower Travis Barrett-Hancock then powered over in the 31st minute to send the Knights into the break with an 18-0 lead.Kiama halfback Cameron Vazzoler shined in their win against the Stingrays. Photo: @SticksPix_For context, the next day, the minor premiership rivals Shellharbour Sharks went into halftime leading 24-0 over Jamberoo.In the second half of Kiama’s clash, second-rower Tom Angel continued the forwards’ dominance, scoring in the 46th minute.The Stingrays responded in the 52nd minute through Zechariah Taufa, who crashed over after a sharp pass from halfback Trey Barlow.But three late tries from Kiama, including a double to centre Max Jennings, sealed the result and sent the Stingrays sliding to fourth on the ladder.Despite the strong scoreline, Shellharbour's 48-4 win over Jamberoo ensured they held onto the minor premiership, finishing with a 15-point advantage in for-and-against over Kiama.Knights fullback Brad Killmore was still pleased with the performance.“We played a complete 80 minutes. We defended well and executed the chances we got, which were good signs. Securing a home semi-final and a second chance was our main aim - and we did that,” Killmore said.Kiama will now host the third-placed Albion Park Oak Flats Eagles in a major semi-final next Sunday. Having lost to the Eagles in their last meeting, Killmore said the focus would be on fixing the finer details that led to that defeat.“Mainly just the little things - they beat us last time. Our completions weren’t great, so completing high and defending well is a good start. If we do that, the points will come,” he said.Meanwhile, the Gerringong Lions delivered a statement win heading into finals, thrashing the Nowra-Bomaderry Jets 46-6 on the road.The Lions ran in eight tries to the Jets’ one, with doubles to fullback Wes Pring and centre Toby Gumley-Quine.Gerringong finished the regular season in fifth place and will now face the fourth-placed Stingrays in an elimination minor semi-final as they begin their quest for a threepeat.Final 2025 Group 7 South Coast Ladder:Shellharbour Sharks (27)Kiama Knights (27)Albion Park Oak Flats Eagles (25)Stingrays of Shellharbour (25)Gerringong Lions (24)Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs (16)Jamberoo Superoos (12)Nowra-Bomaderry Jets (12)Berry Magpies (12)

WERRI BEACH BOARDRIDERSSUPER SURFERS

WERRI BEACH BOARDRIDERS MASTER BLASTERS

WERRI BEACH BOARDRIDERSSHREDDERS

WERRI BEACH BOARDRIDERSYOUNG GUNS

WERRI BEACH BOARDRIDERSPOINT SCORE

ILLAWARRA RUGBY UNION - FIRST GRADEMAJOR SEMI-FINALKIAMA 38 d CAMPBELLTOWN 26

ILLAWARRA RUGBY UNION - 2ND GRADE MAJOR SEMI-FINAL KIAMA 31 d SHOALHAVEN 21

KIAMA JUNIOR NETBALL - INTERMEDIATE A PRELIMINARY FINALGERRINGONG 6 26 d CENTRAL 11 19

KIAMA JUNIOR NETBALL - INTERMEDIATE BPRELIMINARY FINALBEACHETTES 8 22 d CENTRAL 12 12

KIAMA JUNIOR NETBALL - JUNIOR CPRELIMINARY FINALGERRINGONG 10 7 d BEACHETTES 12 6

KIAMA JUNIOR NETBALL - UNDER 10BERRY 7 12 d CENTRAL 17 0

St George Illawarra Dragons' defence went missing in their loss to Manly at Kogarah on Saturday.They went down 40-24 as the Sea Eagles kept their slim finals hopes alive, the second week in a row that the Dragons have conceded 40 points.Lyhkan King-Togia scored in the ninth minute as part of a promising start by the home side but they looked to be heading for an embarrassing defeat after trailing 22-6 at halftime.Manly prop Tof Sipley was sin-binned in the 42nd minute and Jacob Liddle and Christian Tuipulotu touched down to bring the Dragons back into the contest at 22-18.Sea Eagles forward Corey Waddell and Tommy Talau crossed the stripe soon after Sipley returned from the sin bin as the scoreline blew out.The Dragons have dropped to 15th on the ladder after they were top-eight contenders for most of the season."We've got to go out next week playing Penrith, and who knows what team they put out, but go out with some respect," Dragons coach Shane Flanagan said.Their record now sits at 8-15 heading into Saturday's WIN Stadium showdown with the Panthers.Gerringong Lions forward Hamish Stewart missed the match against Manly due to a recent concussion while rookie centre Hayden Buchanan made 88 run metres from 13 hit-ups and 26 tackles out wide.In the NRLW, Kiama junior Maria Paseka continued her recent purple patch with a try in St George Illawarra's 26-18 win over the Warriors.The Dragons have improved to a 3-6 record and moved up to a share of seventh spot with the Warriors heading into the final round.They travel north to face Newcastle next Sunday.

When a young footy player gets the chance to play a higher grade of rugby league, they can have a number of highlights, if they are lucky, in a career. The first-grade debut is certainly one of these. A lot of great players never get the chance to run on the field in ONE premiership match. I certainly did not.Ashton Ward is a young player who sought a chance at South Sydney this year. In the normal course of events, he most likely would have just played in the lower grades and hoped for a chance next year or the one after. This would be the same for many young men and women in all the NRL clubs. But this has not been a normal year for Souths. Almost a whole NRL team has been on the injury list on many occasions. This meant Ashton got a chance to play first grade, and he has made every post a winner.He has played in five premiership games. By coincidence (or is it coincidence?), Souths have won the last three games in a row after a horror run of losses.Last week was the highlight in his brief career when he starred in their 40-0 win over St George Illawarra. Ashton's old teammate from his Gerringong days, Hayden Buchanan, was playing at centre for the Dragons so this game had a special meaning for him.And what a game it was. Ashton played no small part in a great victory. The highlight was the try assist for the first try of the match. Ashton threaded the needle with a little kick behind the line for Jacob Host to pounce. In fact, he was heavily involved in just about all of the significant attacking plays in the match. Ashton’s defence has been notable in all games. He has a beautiful style of “grasscutting”, an old term meaning he tackles around the legs. Everybody did that in the olden days.On top of this, the rookie five-eighth was in sensational goalkicking form with six goals from seven attempts.The commentators were generous in their praise of him although they made jokes at his expense about his size and the fact that he looks very young. Interviewed after the match, Ashton did make a comment about how tough it was when huge bodies headed his way.Mind you he and Jye Gray share the ‘little blokes’ tag in the team and the fullback has also been in sensational form.They only have one more match this season after the bye when they face the Roosters next Friday.Ashton will hopefully get to have extended time playing alongside Cody Walker next season. Cody is a brilliant, highly experienced playmaker and would be a great mentor.South Sydney’s supporters certainly hope so - they have been lavish in their praise on The Warren fan forum with comments like these ones:“This kid is not ready for first grade, but no one told him. He has stood up with one of the smallest frames to play the game in a long time. The kid tackled his heart out and stood in front of anyone.”“We’ve had two wins straight with Ward starting.“Ward is a very legitimate chance to be one of our long-term halves.”“Ward reminds me of a young Keary. If he’s half as good as Keary, he’ll be a fine player.”“Take a bow Ashton Ward, and a ten-year contract.”Will Ashton be able to compare with the other Gerringong legends who made it in the premiership like Eels legend Mick Cronin, Paul Quinn and Rod Wishart? Time will tell but he’s off to a great start.

A rained-out weekend brought an early end to Kiama Power’s 2025 season, but despite all three grades missing out on finals, the club is calling it a step forward in its ongoing rebuild.Both of Kiama Power’s Premier Division teams - men’s and women’s - finished fifth on the ladder, just one spot shy of finals contention. The reserve grade side wrapped up their season in sixth place.“It was a few rough seasons, with the men's first grade team averaging a 100-point losing margin for two years,” said committee member Anthony Grady. “So it was good to turn that around and be competitive again.”A highlight of the season came in the form of individual accolades, with four players across the premier teams selected in the AFL South Coast Teams of the Year.“We had Hamish Robertson and Josh Simpson named in the men's team, and for the women, Dakota Mason and Teneale Keene were both selected,” said Grady. '“Our women’s coach, Arthur Chilcott, was also named coach of that women’s team of the year, which is a great recognition.”In the league’s medal count, one of Kiama's new recruits, Jack Eastwood, made a big impression - finishing runner-up in the Best and Fairest despite only joining the club in Round 7. “I think if he’d played a full season, he could’ve taken that award out,” Grady said.Off the field, Kiama Power has worked hard to build a stronger club atmosphere and sense of community. Kiama Power's Premier Division mens side finished one spot away from the top four. Photo: Kiama Power“We're really proud of the culture we've built this year,” Grady said. “We had a lot of new players join the club - including some top recruits who were recognised at the league awards night or selected for representative honours.”A major achievement for the club was securing more than 60 player sponsors - a number Grady says is almost unmatched in the league.“We’re very proud of that,” he said. “It’s allowed us to put on more events for members, players, and supporters, which strengthens the connection between everyone at the club.”The club also invested in growing its online presence, recently passing one million views on Instagram. Grady believes that’s been a key tool in attracting new players and sponsors. “We like to think that if a new player is looking around, we’re now front of mind,” he said. “And with that, it brings in new opportunities and partnerships that also benefit local businesses through sponsorship. It also gives people a chance to get to know the players behind the scenes, which really helps connect the community.”Looking ahead to 2026, Kiama Power has its sights set on expanding its women’s program. “Our biggest goal is to field a second women’s team next year - both a Premier Division side and a Reserve Grade team,” Grady said. “Adding a second side will boost depth and performance, but more importantly, help grow the club culture by bringing more women into the fold. That’s a really important step for us heading into next season.”While the on-field action has wrapped, the season isn’t over just yet. Kiama Power’s Presentation Night is set for Friday, 19 September, where players, coaches, and supporters will come together to celebrate a year of progress - both on and off the field.

For the first time in Kiama Rugby Club’s history, the club will host a major semi-final - with the first and reserve grade teams taking the field.The major semi-final, played between the top two teams on the ladder, offers a direct path to the grand final for the winner. The loser gets a second chance the following week in the preliminary final.After finishing second in both grades, Kiama will play for a spot in the grand final this Saturday at Kiama Showground."It's a great milestone for us," said club president Mark Redding. "We've never had a home major semi-final with both grades in it before.“We’ve had minor semis way back in the early 2000s, but never a major semi-final with both teams involved, so it’s a big moment for the club - and very exciting.”Kiama will face Campbelltown in first grade and Shoalhaven in reserve grade. Redding expects both visiting teams to bring strong supporter groups."Campbelltown usually travel well, and Shoalhaven do too," he said. "Plus we’re expecting a big turnout from Kiama, with both teams involved. We’re focused on making sure everyone is looked after and has a great day."This semi-final is the culmination of several years of rebuilding and development, with Kiama first grade making last year’s grand final and reserve grade finishing in the top four.“Both sides did really well last year,” said Redding. “We were hoping to build on that, especially because we didn’t lose many players - and we picked up a few. We were very confident coming into this season."Kiama Rugby are calling on the Kiama community to come out and support both grades as they try and qualify for the grand final. Photo: Brian ScottRedding credited coaches James and Trevor Patrick for their leadership and recruitment, noting the strong culture they've fostered at the club.“James and Trevor deserve a lot of credit. They’ve put together a great squad, they’ve got a strong reputation, and players want to play for them,” he said.“The playing group is a great bunch of blokes - they work hard and enjoy themselves on and off the field. That shows in the way they play. Plus, the club is fully behind them. The support they get really helps.”Kiama Rugby is eyeing an historic double - winning the premiership in both grades, something Redding can’t recall ever happening.“Not in my time,” he said. “The last grand final we won was first grade in 2003. I’m not saying it’s never happened, but I’ve never heard of both grades winning in the same year.”Heading into the weekend, Kiama’s reserve grade holds a 1-1 record against Shoalhaven this season, while first grade has lost both encounters with Campbelltown.Reserve grade will kick off at 1.30pm at Kiama Showground, followed by first grade at 3pm.Redding called on the local community to get behind the teams.“I’d love the community to come down and support both teams,” he said. “To host a home major semi with both sides involved is a big achievement - it doesn’t happen every day.”“We’d love to see that reflected in a big crowd on the sideline, cheering, wearing the black and white. Let’s get both teams into the grand final - that would be fantastic.”