Legends turn it on

JOEL RITCHIE

LEGENDS of league reliving their glory days were the main drawcard at the Kiama Knights Nines – and the crowd of about 2000 didn’t go home disappointed.

The Legends of League side cruised through their two group games before retiring to the hospitality tent.

The Legends, including internationals Rod Wishart, Bryan Fletcher, John Simon, Paul McGregor and Craig Smith and ex-Steelers Jonathan Britten and Ian Russell, were “coached” by Kangaroo and Kiama Knights Junior Shaun Timmins.

They didn’t need much guidance though, accounting for Gundagai 20-6 and Matraville 24-4.

Timmins didn’t play this year after requiring knee surgery in the aftermath of the 2007 Knights Nines.

“I ended up in hospital after last year so I just wanted to organise the boys this year,” he said.

“It was good to get Fletch (Bryan Fletcher) down here as someone different with a bit of profile.

“A few of the boys have still got it, a few of them are a bit slower but they all have some skills.”

The pink jerseys worn by the Legends of League were auctioned to help raise more than $10,000 for the Joanne Mackay Breast Cancer Foundation.

Thirlmere-Tahmoor made it two Kiama Knights Nines championships from as many events with a 42-8 win over Gundagai on Saturday.

The Roosters received the inaugural Piper Family Cup and $7000 for their efforts. Gundagai did not walk away empty handed, taking home $2,000.

Host club Kiama were defeated 22-8 in the Plate final by Lithgow while Taren Point won the Bowl decider 14-10 against Mittagong.

Jamberoo were surprise winners of Pool F, defeating Cumberland and Terrigal before their run ended against Coogee in the Piper Family Cup quarter-finals. In Pool C, Gerringong defeated Blacktown before losing to Cootamundra.