Thrilling draw in derby

KIAMA Knights were missing several key players for their clash against Gerringong but still fielded a strong side who were up to the challenge.

Adam Thomas continued his terrific form and was the first to score for Kiama.

Joel Moses converted to hand Kiama a 6-nil lead.

Gerringong replied soon after and the game was always within reach for either team.

Tim Boniface scored in the corner to add to his tally for the year.

Scores continued to seesaw back and forth with Gerringong leading 22-16 with 11 minutes left Daniel Cowley tumbled over the line and Moses converted to level the scores.

The game could have easily gone either way with missed field goal attempts, penalties and crucial dropped ball but the end result was a draw, which reflected the game.

Players worthy of note for Kiama were Adam Thomas (2 tries), David Bil and

Damien Bryson. Jarad Finn also backed up well from reserve grade.

The team is away next Sunday, taking on Nowra, and will welcome the return of coach Tony Myers after suspension.

Reserve Grade Gerringong 18 defeated Kiama 8

Reserve grade continues to improve each week.

Matt O"Brien controlled the field position well for the Knights" attack while other standout players were Daniel Cohen, Adam Williams, James Gartside, David Tobin, Scott Nixon and Ryan Worthy, who was awarded player's player.

But with confidence growing, the Knights" reserve grade team is not far away from a win and will continue to improve from this point on.

According to coach Tony Fittler, it was a great display of disciplined football from a team that previously struggled to complete plays in any half of the field.

The Under 18s also went down on the weekend, losing 38-4 to Gerringong.

Next week, the under 18s and reserve grade will play on Saturday against the St Georges Basin Dolphins at Francis Ryan Reserve at 1:15pm and 2:45pm respectively, while the First Grade team will take on the Nowra Warriors at Nowra Showground on Sunday at 2:45pm.

At Centenary Field, a 12-man Albion Park-Oak Flats side were fully tested before prevailing 28-22 over Berry-Shoalhaven Heads on Sunday.

The Eagles lost Darryl Brisbane five minutes before half time when he was sent off by referee William Drury for an alleged knee.

That, combined with a 12-10 halftime deficit made Sunday"s win the defending premier"s hardest-fought to date.

Butfield, Jenkins and Shane Sainsbury muscled up for the Park while Skewes, Butler and Williamson were Berry"s best.

Warilla-Lake South Gorillas broke through for their first win of 2007 after a well deserved 28-10 triumph over Batemans Bay Tigers at Cec Glenholmes Oval on Sunday.

In a match that never reached any great heights, the Gorillas, despite being hampered by injury during the game, with the highlight being the home team"s defence which held the Bay to only two tries, including one in the last minute, despite the Bay dominating for long periods.

Warilla captain Josh Guyatt was outstanding, while hooker Tom Hart, prop Ben Harbvey and five-eighth Chris Henry were their best, while Matt Shubert, Kane Nathan and Steve Elliott never stopped trying for the Bay.

At Nowra Showground, Milton-Ulladulla returned to the winner"s circle with a 44-22 win over winless Nowra on Sunday.

Greg Sherwin, Tom Cook, Paul Windshuttle and Shane Tracey were Milton"s best, while Buddy Braddick and Arthur Scott never stopped trying for the Warriors.