Report by Peter Quine, Head Teacher PDHPE

For the first time in the school’s history, the Kiama High School Open Rugby League side has won the NSW State Combined High Schools competition, the University Shield.

Playing in front of a solid crowd at the Cessnock Sports Ground yesterday, the boys defeated Bass Hill HS 22-10 in a ferocious, highly skilled encounter.

The Kiama community should be extremely proud of the boys efforts, whose win came against a much bigger side.

Kiama HS went into the half time break 6-4 down with the sole try going to captain Dylan Egan, who crashed over from close range.

The first 20 mins of the 2nd half is where Kiama HS set up the win.

Five eighth Cooper Harrison, put in a neat little grubber which he regathered and scored under the posts. Front rower Jack Quine then made a big charge close to the try line, and managed a good off load to half back Wes Pring, who then took off, beat three defenders and put the ball down next the posts.

The last try was an excellent individual effort by lock Hayden Buchanan, who broke the line 40 metres out, then ran around the fullback to score.

The last 10 minutes was an intense period as Bass Hill HS came back hard at Kiama HS, scoring one try and almost a couple more if it was not for some amazing desperation shown on the try line.

Congratulations to Hayden Buchanan and Wes Pring who were named joint Man of the Match and to Captain Dylan Egan who was named Player of the Tournament.

The Under 14’s were very unlucky not to also be named champions in the Buckley Shield.

With the lead changing multiple times during the match, Kiama HS unfortunately went down 24-20 in golden point extra time.

Best players for the under 14’s were Samuel Guevara, Mason Andrews, Phoenix Johns, Reed Palmer, Jett Brookfield and Kye Anderson.

Congratulation to Jett Brookfield who was named Player of the Tournament.