THE major improvers of the South Coast Cricket first grade competition this season, Kiama experienced a reality check after being skittled for just 64 on Saturday.
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The Kookas knocked the Cavaliers over for double figures during the one-day encounter at Oakleigh Park.
Elsewhere, Oak Flats, Lake Illawarra and Albion Park all scored victories as the one-day final looms on December 21.
Winning the toss and electing to bat, the home side registered what appeared to be a moderate total of 136 from 42.4 overs.
Medium-pacer Eric Davies was chief destroyer, snaring 5-10, while Kookas skipper Gerard Healey made 41.
All of that good work was undone though as the Cavaliers were humbled in just 26.4 overs.
No batsman reached double figures, top-scoring honours going to extras (20).
Tweaker Scott Cox and Josh Cuthbert bagged three victims each, while Chris Leaudais and Healey took two wickets apiece.
The result has the Kookas in second place on the one-day table, as Kiama cling to fourth spot on percentages.
Table-topping Oak Flats successfully chased down Shellharbour's runs for victory.
Shellharbour won the toss and batted at Geoff Shaw Oval.
Their 8-165 was led by Nicholas Formosa (58) and captain Ben Mitchell (47).
Aside from three run-outs, Steve Maloney and Ben Morrow each claimed two victims.
Despite opener Michael Arblaster (named Carlton Mid Regional Player of the Round after scoring a century against the Kookas in round seven) falling cheaply, skipper Kieran Gray (55), Zachary Hilton (34 not out) and Andrew Newman (unbeaten 33) steered the Rats to victory for the loss of five wickets.
Left-arm spinner Mitchell continued his strong season, taking two scalps.
Albion Park won a tight contest over The Rail at Croome Cricket Oval.
After being sent in, Albion Park notched up 6-210 from their 50 overs, spearheaded by half-centuries from Graeme Smith and Stephen Hopkins.
Andrew Warren starred with figures of 3-29.
In an exceptional all-round display, Warren also scored nearly half his side's total, amassing 97 not out.
Unfortunately for his side it wasn't enough, the Razorbacks falling just short and finishing with 6-200.
Lake Illawarra were more successful in their run chase, reeling in Gerringong-Jamberoo's 9-192.
Six bowlers shared in the spoils for the Lakers in the Howard Fowles Oval match-up.
Greg Connor's 72, which included 11 boundaries, and Nathan Tyrrell (44 not out) helped them get home with seven wickets and 10.3 overs in hand.
