THE Kiama Knights recorded their first victory of the 2016 season on Sunday, defeating the Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs 28-12.
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Returning home to the Kiama Showground following last week’s 8-all draw with Jamberoo, the Knights were desperate to reward the fans that braved the conditions to watch the home opener.
The match started at a frantic pace, with both teams having chances. It was the hosts, via fullback Tom Atkins who broke the deadlock.
Atkins perfectly timed an inside run off the hip of lock Josh Toohey, who stretched his left hand out and found his number one.
Off a scrum on their own 10m line, the hosts’ outside backs combined before winger Cameron Cornell ran 80m to cross.
Vaughan Thistlethwaite added the two points and the Knights led 12-nil after 10 minutes.
The Dogs finally got on the board when fullback Lachlan Moore busted through the line and ran 20m to score.
Moore converted his own try to cut the deficit to 12-6 at the break.
Kiama prop Luke Sutton was soon the recipient of a nice off-load to score.
As the rain set in, the Dogs again reduced the lead to six, when hooker Nick Goodman dived over from dummy-half.
With 10 minutes to play, Knights skipper Luke Muttdon found himself on the end of a grubber kick, to put the Knights back up by 12.
Sutton scored his second in the final minutes of play.
Meanwhile, reigning premiers Gerringong have made it two wins from as many starts, following a 26-12 victory over Port Kembla at Noel Mulligan Oval on Sunday.
It was Gerringong’s experience that proved the difference as they made the most of the opportunities presented to them by a spirited Port Kembla side.
In other Group 7 action, Nowra-Bomaderry Jets bagged a 32-18 victory at the Nowra Showground against Albion Park-Oak Flats on Saturday.
It was also the 300th match for Park hooker Dean Gray.
Winger Ed Ansell scored two tries for Shellharbour, as the Sharks overpowered Jamberoo 24-10.
Warilla-Lake South Gorillas scored a late try to run away with a 22–20 victory over Berry-Shoalhaven Heads Magpies at Berry Showground on Saturday.