THE Kiama Knights secured a thrilling come from behind 24-18 victory over the Shellharbour City Sharks at Ron Costello Oval on Sunday.
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The Knights trailed by 18-8 at the break, but they completely shifted the momentum in the second half through a deadly left side attack, which produced four of their five tries for the match.
The Sharks were equally as excellent and forced the away side to defend in their own territory for lengthy periods.
Desperation in defence from Kiama was just enough to get over the line in a thrilling and brilliant game of rugby league.
The first half was a nail biter to begin with, as the lead changed four times within the first 25 minutes.
Kieran Poole was assisted by Knights young gun Cameron Vazzoler from close proximity, which allowed Kiama to gain an early 4-nil lead.
Shellharbour centre Jye Brooker scored the Sharks’ first converted try, off the back of a marvellous 40/20 kick from Matt Carroll as Shellharbour led 6-4.
Kieran Poole combined with Ethan Ford in fine style from just five metres out from the Shark’s goal line as the Knights led by two.
Shellharbour had full control for the rest of the first period, as they took full advantage of great field position when given.
Gary Breakspear pounced on a Kiama mistake close to Kiama’s goal line and Jamie Manukonga was assisted by a scintillating left edge attacking movement.
Matt Carroll nailed his two sideline conversions as Shellharbour led 18-8 at the break.
Kiama came out firing in the second half as Ethan Ford and Kieran Poole continued to pepper the Sharks defence, as Ford posted two more tries from close range securing his hat trick.
Dylan Morris slotted a terrific sideline conversion as the scores were locked up at 18-all.
Blake Rickard came up with an important converted individual effort close to the Shark’s goal line as the Knights led 24-18.
Shellharbour tried their guts out to tie scores once again but the away side managed to just hang on in the last 30 minutes and ran out winners by 24 -18.
The Knights were led by Ethan Ford, Kieran Poole, Blake Rickhard, Daniel Martin and Josh Toohey while Abraham Attallah, Matt Carroll, Ryan McCracken, Craig Stapleton and Brad Chapman were the Sharks’ best.
