Lions hold on to win rugby league derby

GERRINGONG Lions have confirmed a spot in the top five of the Good Guys Nowra South Coast League first grade competition after a 24-20 win over Kiama at Michael Cronin Oval.

The Lions led from the second minute but had to hold off a strong finish from the Knights, who are treading the semi-final tightrope.

The Knights welcomed back star forward Daniel Gunning after a long injury lay-off, but were off to the worst possible start with a dropped ball on the third tackle of the game presenting the Lions with an early chance.

Centre Lloyd Bowen crashed over wide out to give Gerringong a great start and a 4-0 lead.

The Lions dominated the early exchanges, pinning Kiama in their own half through defensive pressure and a 5-nil penalty count in the hosts' favour.

Gerringong went within an ace of adding to their advantage in the 24th minute when they found space down the right.

Hooker Michael Brown touched down but referee Nathan Bowden ruled a double movement.

Soon after another try went begging when the Lions broke free but the final pass went over the winger's head.

Gerringong's persistence was rewarded in the 34th minute when Brown darted 10 metres from dummy-half to score next to the posts.

Ryan Staples converted and the Lions looked likely to hold a 10-0 halftime advantage, before a penalty goal to the Knights after the halftime siren allowed them to open their account.

Kiama were back in the contest in the opening minute of the second half when fullback Marc Laird scored to bring the Knights to within four.

The Knights launched several promising attacks but former Knight Jason White took the steam out of their comeback when he leapt above the defence to grab a bomb scored. Staples converted to reinstate Gerringong's 10-point advantage.

The Knights hit back through Laird's second try to close the gap.

However, Gerringong's classy five-eighth Pat Cronin dummied and shimmied his way over near the posts and Staples' conversion again gave his side some breathing space at 22-10.

The Knights lifted and a clever break from Laird saw Daniel Gunning score under the posts for Moses to convert.

At 22-16 the game was back in the melting pot, before Staples landed his fourth goal to wrap up the game, only to see Morris finish well in the corner just before the final siren to end the scoring.

Justin O'Hare, workaholic hooker Michael Brown and Cronin were the pick for a very good Lions, while Laird, James Gartside and Gunning were best for a disappointing Knights.

Meanwhile, at Berry Showground, premiers Albion Park-Oak Flats kept their unbeaten record intact with a 34-18 win over Berry-Shoalhaven Heads.

The Park dominated the first half, racing in four tries for an 18-nil half-time lead.

There was a glimmer of hope when two quick tries to the Magpies made the score 18-16 but the Park steadied scored the final three tries of the match.

At Mackay Park, Batemans Bay continued their impressive run of results with a 32-28 win over Warilla.

Milton scored a hard-fought 32-28 win over Nowra in the remaining match.