As the party faith full gathered in a function room to watch the count, it became apparent early in the evening that they were going to withstand a spirited campaign by Labor in both seats.

Standing out among the results were returns from Berry in Kiama and Sanctuary Point in South Coast, both of which polled exceptionally well for the incumbents.

Labor candidate for South Coast Fiona Phillips conceded defeat shortly before 9pm, telling the Register she it was clear she had not won. "But I am pleased with the swings we have seen," she said.

Labor candidate for Kiama Glenn Kolomeitz conceded shortly after.

Mr Ward estimated his margin had risen from just over 8 per cent in the 2011 election to 10 per cent, while Mrs Hancock estimated her margin had been clawed back from just over 20 per cent to about 11 per cent.

In a joint victory speech, in which both MPs thanked their volunteers and campaign workers.

"To the most extraordinary campaign director Gareth and I have ever had, we would not be standing here tonight without Luke Sikora," Mrs Hancock said.

"He has guided us, calmed us down, led us through the murky, stormy waters, just run a fantastic campaign."

To chants of "Four more years, four more years", Mr Ward said, "Four years ago I stood here and said this was the first time we had won this seat. They said then it was a fluke. They said it was a once off. Well, friends, today we proved that was no fluke. 

"Luke Foley said tonight they had won back their heartland. Wel, mate, look at Albion Park, which we won on primaries. Today, we have proved that hard work, determination and commitment to your community will pay off. Tonight is a message to Labor that the politics of fear, smear and lies will be defeated every single time by this community."