Quarriers match report

Kiama's first grade team, led by young coach James Spence, went into the match in fifth place on the competition table and on the back of four consecutive victories.

Spence was prepared for a titanic battle as Berkeley were just one spot below in sixth and desperate to keep their finals hopes alive. 

Kiama had not played a competitive fixture since their 3-0 home victory over Thirroul Thunder three weeks prior and they lacked dynamism and focus in the opening 20 minutes.

Berkeley striker Greg Moon rattled the crossbar with a header within five minutes of the first whistle, while his wily strike partner Tony Paglialunga tested Kiama goal-keeper Dylan McDonald.

Berkeley's pressure told when they opened the scoring in the 21st minute after veteran midfielder Chris Rowlan received a lofted cross from the left flank and steered a volley past a sprawling McDonald from six metres. 

Kiama struggled to get speedy wingers Daniel Swinton and Jye Marks into the match.

Prolific strike duo Keegan Beringer and James Donlon kept possession well but had no clear chances in the opening 25 minutes. 

Berkeley extended their lead in the 27th minute when an errant Swinton pass was pounced on by a Berkeley midfielder and played through to the Rowlan, who dinked a finish over McDonald and into the corner of the net.

Kiama were second best in a frustrating first half for Spence and his assistant Curtis Campbell, and despite efforts on goal from Donlon, Swinton and midfielder Todd Wade they went into the break 2-0 down.

Kiama showed more vigour in the second half as Spence opted for a 3-5-2 formation, with Marks and Kane Rowe playing on the flanks and Swinton in an attacking midfield role.

Donlon and Beringer were influential while Rowe marauded often down the left flank.

Aaron Buzinki produced a fine header from a Swinton cross that flew just wide of the right post .

In the 77th minute, Rowe was felled in the penalty box as he tried to cross the ball from the byline after a typically barnstorming run.

Referee Peter Ilcevski pointed to the spot and Swinton dispatched a fine penalty to make it 2-1.

Kiama piled on the pressure in the final 15 minutes but were unable to score an equaliser and the match finished 2-1.

Captain Dean Land and McDonald were outstanding for Kiama, while teenager Joshua Gomes came on in the second half to make his first grade debut. 

Earlier in the day, Jason Perinich's youth grade side had a massive 7-1 victory. Jacob Lester scored one while Wayd Sheridan, Taite Edmond and Adam Scanlan all bagged doubles.

Gomes was outstanding for Perinich's young Quarriers and helped them to their fourth victory of the season.

Neil Spence's reserve grade side were superb as they won 2-0 courtesy of goals to Mitch O'Neill and Mitchell Gowland.

Midfield maestro Mitchell Spence was immense for Kiama in their fifth league victory. 

Kiama play University away on Saturday and Warilla away on Sunday.