Kiama RUFC plays at home this Saturday (29 June) in their round 11 game against the Woonona Shamrocks with second grade kicking off at 1:30pm.

Several of the home games have had their fair share of heavy rain but this weekend’s forecast promises better conditions with overcast and a high in the 17°C. There will also be a canteen, and bar facilities available.

“Both grades are travelling well for the first half of the season. We’re looking forward to making a final push,” says Jack Smith, players rep for the Kiama Rugby Football Club.

Ahead of Saturday’s clash, Smith gives the rundown on round 5-10 of the 2024 draw. On the Illawarra District Rugby Union ladder, Kiama first grade currently sits in second position and Kiama second grade at fourth.

Round 5: vs. University of Wollongong (11 May - away)

“The away game was cancelled as the ground was washed out due to rain. A bit unfortunate, is what it is,” he says.

Round 6: vs. Shoalhaven (18 May - home)

First grade: Kiama 14 - Shoalhaven 31

Second grade: Kiama 17 - Shoalhaven 12

“They’re [Shoalhaven] the reigning champs, so good to see where we’re at in the competition.”

With the first grade having their first loss of the year, Smith says, “It was a toss and turn-game. We’d score a try, they’d score a try, we’d score a try – that sort of game. They got the last bit of the puzzle. To be honest, we should have won.”

Round 7: vs. Bowral (25 May - away)

First grade: Kiama 64 - Bowral 14

Second grade: Kiama 25 - Bowral 41

“Bowral was a great win by our boys,” he continues. “The second grade had a really good game.” 

Round 8: vs. Camden (1 June - away)

First grade: Kiama 21 - Camden 19

Second grade: Kiama 25 - Camden 19

“The first grade game was the same as the second grade one,” says Smith. “They held on for 21-19 for seven to eight minutes due to solid defense.”

Round 9: vs. Wollongong Vikings (15 June - home)

The game got cancelled because of the bad weather.

“We aim to reschedule it for a Thursday night. But since everyone [on the team] works in the afternoon, it’s a bit tricky to pull it together,” he says.

Round 10: vs. Tech Waratahs (22 June - away)

First grade: Kiama 19 - Tech 15

Second grade: Kiama 15 - Tech 12

Smith summarises, “As seen in the photo above, very wet and tough games on the weekend. It was good to get the two wins in a very physical match in both grades.”

Photo credit: Kiama Rugby social team.

Illawarriors representatives

The following players were selected as Illawarriors representatives: Manu Ahokovi, Jeromy Cairns, Nico Cowley, Jack Hobbs, Simiki Lufe, Darius Mafeli’o, Dante Patrick, Frank Rodger, Mick Taylor, Reuben Thomas and Isaac Kaunicaramaki (Colts).

There were several close games but, in the end, the Illawarra Seniors fell short against the Central Coast in the Caldwell Cup final, 43-46.