Event success has league on cloud nine

KIAMA"S sporting calendar may have a new landmark event after the success of the inaugural Knights Nines rugby league tournament.

Almost 3000 people passed through the gates at Kiama Showground for Saturday"s event, more than double the expectations of organisers.

"The event was a tremendous success, everyone involved said it was a good day and were happy with it," Kiama Knights first grade coach Tony Myers said.

"Everyone from out of town loved the event, their response was overwhelming.

"It was a beautiful day and a credit to Kiama."

The nine"s biggest drawcard was the Legends team, featuring South Coast juniors Shaun Timmins and Jonathon Britten (Kiama) and Rod Wishart (Gerringong), along with New Zealand International Craig Smith and Brad Mackay. An estimated 2000 people watched the Legends" clash against Kiama A at Chittick Oval.

The Legends swept through their three pool games before withdrawing due to injury and other commitments.

"It"s pretty good when you get the calibre of players we had at the event," Myers said.

"We are just so blessed to have players the calibre of Timmins and Wishart from around here.

You could tell these guys played top-fight league , their play the ball was faster, their speed off the line was faster.

"Paul McGregor scored a couple of 100m tries and Craig Smith put on some big hits.

"They would have come close to winning the whole competition."

The Legends wore pink jerseys in support of breast cancer research, with more than $6000 raised for the Joanne Mackay Breast Cancer Foundation through auctions and raffles.

For the record, Thirlmere A won their way through to the finals by defeating Dapto in the semi finals 14-10, before defeating East Campbelltown by 22-6 in the Cup Final and collecting $6,200 in prize money.

Other winners on the day included Blacktown City, who defeated Toukley in the Plate Final 32-20 to collect $1,100, and Colyton Mt Druitt who defeated St Christophers in the Bowl Final 18-4 to collect $300.

South Coast clubs Kiama, Warilla and Nowra all made the quarter-finals of the Cup, while Gerringong and Kiama B were semi-finalists in the Plate.

Organisers are already planning for next year"s event, with hopes that the St George-Illawarra Dragons will come onboard in some capacity. It is hoped that next year an Australian Legends team, including former Kangaroos skipper Brad Fittler and lock Luke Ricketson will play in 2008.

"The success of this year"s event has certainly given us a great platform to work off in future years," Myers said.

"We would like to thank our major sponsors Ray White Kiama, Bostock Services and Hanson Quarry for their support on the day, as well as all the people on our committee that put in a huge effort to make this day possible."