KIAMA Knights have notched their biggest scalp of the Group 7 Rugby League season, scoring a 26-14 upset win over Gerringong Lions at Michael Cronin Oval on Saturday.
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In a physical affair, it was the Knights' defence that laid the platform, the visitors taking an 8-4 lead to the sheds at half-time before grinding out the victory in the second half.
The result now sees Shellharbour City as short-priced favourites to take out the minor premiership, the Sharks now four points clear of the Lions with three rounds to play.
With the game being called by 2GB's Continuous Call team, there was a vocal crowd on hand and the two sides didn't let the occasion overwhelm them as they opened the contest at a fast pace.
It was the visitors who got the first points, a Gerringong error gifting Kiama a prime attacking opportunity they made the most of, shifting the ball to the right to allow James Brown to crash over.
A run of penalties by the Lions on their own line allowed the Knights to extend their lead, a penalty goal pushing the score out to 8-0.
The Lions finally found themselves with a decent attacking opportunity and opened their account.
Shifting the ball to the left, replacement back-rower Jack Murchie had just enough pace and strength to crash over.
After Murchie's try the Knights again dominated possession and set up camp deep in Lions territory.
A combination of penalties and line-drop outs gave the Knights eight straight sets on the Lions' line and despite sticking their noses through on a number of occasions Kiama couldn't crack the home side.
The start of the second half featured Gerringong having the majority of possession and despite early resistance from Kiama managed to level the scores.
Peter Cronin proved too strong from close range and barged over in the 49th minute to level the scores.
However, a penalty when they had Kiama pinned in their own territory proved costly.
The ensuing set saw the Knights retake the lead when Josh Toohey's strength and footwork enabled him to touch down.
With just over 15 minutes to go the Knights took control of the game.
Firstly Brown grabbed his second when he scooped up a bomb spilt by the Lions, and soon after Luke Sutton scored the match winner.
In other Group 7 action, Jamberoo Superoos kept their slim finals hopes alive and ended a six-game losing streak via a 46-18 victory over the Port Kembla Blacks at Noel Mulligan Oval.
Warilla-Lake South have all but confirmed a semi-final berth after thrashing Berry 58-16 on Sunday at Cec Glenholmes Oval.
Shellharbour scored a convincing 50-22 win against defending premiers Nowra-Bomaderry Jets at Nowra Showground on Saturday.
Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs accounted for the visiting Albion Park-Oak Flats Eagles 38-16 at Bill Andriske Oval on Sunday.