MORRIS HAT-TRICK TAKES QUARRIERS TO TEN

KIAMA continued on their way to the Division One title with a hard earned 5-1 win over a stubborn Ruse at The Quarry last Saturday.

In a dour first half performance, it was only when Kiama found their backs to the wall, did they really dig deep enough to secure the win, putting them nine points clear at the top.

While Ian Morris had the first clear opening of the game after 15 minutes, it wasnt until the 68th minute when one such attack forced the Ruse fullback to clear off his line, from the resulting corner Mick Gillespie found himself in space, driving home the first goal much to the delight of the players and coaching staff.

The frustrating start can be put down to relentless defence of Ruse, who planned to shut down the leagues leading goal scorers Kris Brant and? Morris.

Halfway through the first half Brant was unceremoniously up ended in the six yard box, but the referee called play on, much to the consternation of the players and supporters.

Ruse threatened briefly, but the teams went into the interval deadlocked and goal less.

An early scare in the second half clicked the engine room of Josh Rooney, Richard Astone and Mick Gillespie into gear working desperately hard to gain the advantage.

Morris started to find more space as the game progressed with the floodgates opening and the Quarriers scoring three goals in five minutes.

Strong running directly at the Ruse defence paid dividends for Morris in the 71st minute, taking his chance when the keeper came out to narrow the angle.

At 2-0 down, Ruse came back hard however, with a well-worked goal, catching the Kiama rearguard napping and got the visitors back into what was turning into an exciting game.

Morris' persistence paid off yet again on the 84th minute, with the goal of the game. Another fine ball out of midfield to the feet of the onrushing Morris, saw the striker hit a glorious shot from 18m across goal and into the far corner of the net.

It was Morris again, four minutes later, who had the final say on the outcome of the game, with a telling strike on target to earn a well deserved hat trick.

Ruse went close to scoring courtesy of a header, which just flew inches over the Kiama crossbar, and a great save by Brad Hunter.

The workmanlike performance comes at the critical half way mark for Kiama, now looking to further consolidate their top spot at home against a lowly University.

Earlier Kiama Youth came away with a well-earned draw (1-1), reserves went down in a close game 1-0.