Kiama ready for black and blue battle this week

Kiama Rugby suffered their second straight defeat on the weekend, going down to Shoalhaven 47-5.

The match started with Shoalies gaining a mountain of possession in Kiama territory.

Kiama defended well but couldn’t keep the home side out close to the line and it was 7-0 early on.

Kiama struck back through a well-worked line-out move that saw flanker Matt Archer barge his way over and it was 7-5.

Kiama had possession in attacking territory but penalties allowed Shoalies go back down the field and crossed again out wide when it seemed the ref missed a knock-on and it was soon 14-5.

It could have been more but if not for some great tackling from fullback Scott Morgan.

Shoalies were able to maintain possession and scored again to go to the break 17-5 in front.

The second half began as the first ended with Shoalhaven able to keep control of the ball and converted that into points.

Prop Andrew Saulter was solid in defence all game for Kiama, as was flanker Steve Emmett and winger Alex Korber on debut.

Captain Mitchell Payne tried hard all day and was unlucky not to score after some kick charge downs.

The final score was 47-5 after Shoalies ran away with it in the final 10 minutes.

Coach Mark Corkin was disappointed with the way his side finished the match but said there were things the team could build on for this weekend’s grudge match against Vikings at Kiama Showground.

There were mixed results in the lower grades with second grade losing 17-12 after thirds came away with a solid 12-7 victory.

Second grade found themselves behind early after two quick tries to Shoalhaven but were able to work their way back into it with some great defence from flankers Jeff Mitchell and Stuey Richardson.

The team got themselves into good field position with great kicking from half Ryan Paget and came close with a try to Richardson but suffered a major setback when centres Mark Burns and Dave Matthews collided and had to be taken from the field. Shoalhaven then scored a try to seal the win.

In third grade the side continues to build into their season and had a courageous win.

All three grades will do battle this weekend at Kiama Showground against Vikings in the first round of the traditional Black and Blue Cup.