Sunday saw a flash flood warning in effect for the Illawarra region, with Kiama potentially being one of the hardest hit areas, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. 

But the torrential downpour didn’t stop the Kiama Knights in their round five meet-up against the Nowra Bomaderry Jets at The Castle (aka Kiama Showground).

First out, under a grey sky, were the Reggies. They gave a good performance, considering the wet conditions, and beat the Jets 30-05.

The dreary weather definitely didn’t deter the fans, who dressed in their finest winter gear, gathered under the protection of the stands or watched from the protection of their car boots.

The Kiama Knights first grade took the lead against the Jets after 12 minutes of play with a penalty score. 

Meanwhile, the rain kept pounding, both horizontally and vertically.

Three minutes to half time, the Kiama score board showed 8-0. The Jets had yet to score. Right at half time, Kiama scored again - 12-0.

A converted try from the Jets in the second half, with 6 ½ minutes remaining of game time, put the final score at Kiama 18 - Jets 6.

Kiama Knights Juniors

During the weekend, the juniors also played in the rain at Kiama Showground. 

“They did really well,” says President of the Junior Knights, Carl Middleton. “And they really enjoyed it.”

Occasionally, games are called off due to the weather. For now, however, it was decided to keep the Showground open.

“It was good for them to experience playing in the wet weather,” says Middleton.

At the forefront of his mind when it comes to the season, he continues, “is that the kids are having fun and learning to play footy. To play in a really nice area in Kiama, to make good friends and to have coaches, who’ll become mentors.”