First loss for Kiama Rugby

KIAMA Rugby Union suffered their first loss of 2007 when they went down 34-12 to Shoalhaven in tough conditions at Kiama Showground on Saturday.

Third grade fought hard but injuries took their toll, resulting in a 15-0 loss.

The hosts started strongly when Lachlan Payne displayed a clever chip and chase that he regathered before being cut down just short of the line.

Alex Korber lead the way in attack all game with several line breaks but Kiama were unable to convert their chances into points.

The side lost halfback Adrian Fitzgerald with a head injury just before halftime before and more injuries hit the side late in the game before Shoalhaven scored two tries to take the match.

Mick Horner made a stack of tackles before injuring his eye while Tim Mathie and Austin Statham both pulled off a number of try-saving tackles.

Statham was named man of the match while Korber and Payne also played strongly.

Coach Ian Spackman strapped on the boots when the side lost several players to injury.

To his credit Spackman copped a knock on the chin but played on after some unique dressing from the strappers.

Second grade produced their best effort of the season to date, defeating the competition leaders 26-13.

The team was missing some players that picked an interesting time of year for a holiday to the tropics.

Kiama opened their scoring when seasoned goal kicker Nath Milthorpe coolly slotted a penalty into the breeze for an early 3-0 lead.

Matt Archer led the side around the park and set up a couple of tries to extend Kiama's lead at the break.

The forwards dominated the second stanza, setting the platform for some creative play from the backline.

Coach Shaun MacPhellamy awarded the whole team one point in the man of the match honours while Tim Howard and Harley Davidson were standouts.

First grade faced a fired-up Shoalhaven outfit that had a strong wind at their backs in the first half.

Kiama's back three were forced to field plenty of kicks in the first half and fullback Ben Strong returned the ball with gusto.

However, Kiama were unable to get on the scoreboard in the fist half.

Shoalhaven dominated the set pieces and scored two tries out wide for a 12-nil halftime lead.

Missed tackles early in the second half resulted in two more Shoalhaven tries, putting the game out of reach.

Kiama kept trying and Mick Quinn showed great strength to power over for a great solo try late in the match before Shoalhaven crossed again to kill any

hopes of a comeback.

Baden Hunter scored a late consolation try and kicked a conversion.

Quinn yet again was one of Kiama's best and Trevor Patrick tried hard throwing lineouts in difficult conditions while Chris Mills tackled strongly and Ben Strong also performed well.

Despite the loss Kiama is still atop the Illawarra Rugby ladder, but hold a slender one-point lead over second-placed Shamrocks.

This Saturday the competition heavyweights will meet at Kiama Showground.