Kiama get monkey off backs

ILLAWARRA RUGBY

PAUL GLOVER

KIAMA Rugby Union returned to the Illawarra Rugby Union (IRU) winner's circle with a 38-24 win over Tech Tahs at Kiama Showground on Saturday.

The visitors started well, scoring two early tries to race to a 12-nil lead.

Despite running into a southerly wind in the first half Kiama found good field position through driving runs by Trevor Patrick and Ian Ross.

Kiama opened their account when a clever pass by Michael Quinn put Chris Jack over for a 12-7 score line.

Tec Tahs responded with a try against the run of play for a 19-7 lead before a well-executed maul led to Trevor Patrick's first try, converted by Baden Hunter for 19-14.

Coach Peter Asquith asked Kiama to dig deep in the second half and the hosts made a perfect start when another clever Quinn pass sent Paul Glover over next to the posts.

The game was held up by 20 minutes due to an injury to a Tech Tahs forward but when play resumed Kiama continued to attack and Trevor Patrick crossed again for the black and whites first lead.

Tech Tahs started throwing the ball around but an errant pass ended up in the hands of Chris Weir, who scored under the posts and sealed victory for Kiama.

Scott Duncan, in his 100th game for Kiama, marked the milestone with a try for a 38-19 lead.

Tech Tah scored a late consolation try but Kiama had sealed the win and second spot on the IRU ladder.

Second grade scored their best win of 2007, 23-12 over Tech Tahs in a replay of the 2006 decider.

Ben King-Gee reminded Tech why he was named best on-ground that game with a flawless first half display.

The forwards contained the bigger Tech pack and strong defence from Tim Slater and Tim Howard frustrated the opposition.

The first half was tight but Kiama broke free in the second through a pushover try to Tim Howard and a try out wide to Ross LeBoss.

Harley Nortje and Tim Howard were named Kiama's best and Sonny Scott also got a mention from coach Shaun MacPhellamy.

Third grade put up a brave effort but went down 6-5 to Wollondilly.

Some new faces made their Kiama debuts in the match but old hands the Blacka brothers, who travelled from Perth to watch the game, found themselves sitting on the bench.

They got a run with Kiama trailing 3-nil and made an immediate impact when Ben Blacka found himself in the right place at the right time to score a try with his first touch.

The ensuing conversion attempt went wide, which proved costly when a late penalty goal to Wollondilly handed them the win.

Kiama this week travel to Bowral and their next home game will be against Uni at Kiama Showground on August 11.