James Spence's first grade squad were in a buoyant mood ahead of the clash with the second-placed Thunder. Kiama recorded a 3-2 home victory over Balgownie Rangers the previous week which saw them consolidate fifth spot on the ladder with only one defeat in six league fixtures. Spence praised his side's character in coming back from 2-0 down to win. 

Spence made one change from that match, with striker Chris Christodoulou coming in for James Donlon. Dylan McDonald continued in-goal and a back four of Adam Hinkley, captain Dean Land, Chris Hill and Kane Rowe was determined to continue the away side's promising defensive record this season. 

Kiama dominated the early stages on an uneven pitch but Thirroul were dangerous on the counter-attack and their quick forwards tested Kiama's disciplined defence. 

Nineteen-year-old midfielder Jacob Lester was typically effervescent in the centre of the park, industrious winger Daniel Gillespie was busy on the right flank and the silky Christodoulou a goal threat. 

Kiama deservedly struck first in the 26th minute. Lester received the ball 25 metres from goal and unleashed a shot which took a deflection off a Thirroul defender's head and looped over goal-keeper Josh Williams and into the net. 

Spence implored his side to remain focused but was left seething when Thirroul equalised in the 42nd minute.

Matthew Kellond appeared to be off-side when he received the ball but play was allowed to continue.

Kellond ran through on goal and hit a powerful shot past McDonald and inside the far post to level matters.

Thirroul began the second half strongly and rattled the crossbar in the 52nd minute in front of the boisterous home support. The second half became an arm-wrestle as Kiama tried in vain to breach the parsimonious Thirroul defence and tempers flared on the pitch and on the opposing benches. 

Christodoulou played a delightful lob through to Daniel Swinton and the winger controlled the ball well and rounded Williams, only to see his effort cleared on the goal-line.

The match was transformed with about 14 minutes to play as striker Keegan Beringer received two yellow cards within a minute.

Kiama was handed another blow with six minutes remaining as Lester received a straight red card for insulting referee Blake Herbert, ensuring the away side finished the match with nine men.

Kiama's grit was typified by captain Land, who contested a ball bravely with his head only to end up with a bloody and bruised forehead at full time. 

The match ended 1-all and Spence was pleased with his side's display, if not with their discipline. 

Earlier in the day, there were two bad results for the Quarriers. Jason Perinich's youth grade side were brave but succumbed 3-0 to a strong Thirroul side.

Neil Spence's reserve grade side were humbled 7-1 by the table-topping Thunder.

Jason Forrester, who recently returned from a nasty knee injury suffered in a cup match earlier in the season, scored for the away side. 

Kiama host Warilla Wanderers on Saturday and play away to University in the Bert Bampton Cup on Sunday.