Shamrocks 2nd Grade 33 – Kiama 2nd Grade 22

The Woonoona Shamrocks 2nd Grade side continued their impressive form in the Illawarra District Rugby Union Competition with a hard-fought 33-22 victory over Kiama at Woonoona Shamrocks Rugby Club on Saturday afternoon.

In what proved to be an entertaining, try-filled encounter, the home side’s attacking prowess was on full display with five tries, four of which were converted, to secure the valuable win in Round 4.

Fly-half Ben Ridgway was the standout performer for Shamrocks, crossing the whitewash three times and adding four conversions for a personal haul of 23 points. The playmaker directed traffic superbly throughout the contest, showing poise under pressure and creating numerous opportunities for his outside backs.

The match began with intensity as Atu Taufa powered over for Kiama in the early exchanges, though Collins Kinyua was unable to add the extras. Shamrocks responded quickly through Ridgway, who not only scored but also converted his own try to give the home side a 7-5 advantage.

Kiama’s Christopher Finden showed his finishing ability with a try, but the conversion attempt again sailed wide. Momentum swung back to Shamrocks when Hagen Degarnham crossed the line, extending their lead before scrum-half Ashton Hook darted over for another try, which Ridgway converted to give the home side breathing space.

Finden claimed his second try for Kiama, with Kinyua adding the conversion this time to keep the visitors in touching distance. However, Ridgway continued his masterclass with two more converted tries to effectively seal the result, despite a late consolation try from Kinyua for Kiama.

Coach Lachlan King praised his team’s resilience. The second grade side showed great character against a determined Kiama outfit. While Ben Ridgway was exceptional, this was a complete team performance with everyone contributing both in attack and defense.

The substitution bench made significant impacts throughout the game, with Fletcher Sutton, Xavier McDevitt, and Thomas Ah Tong adding fresh energy when introduced. The forward pack, led by props Jarred Leece and Gus Goodyer, established a solid platform that allowed the backline to flourish.

The victory moves Shamrocks 2nd Grade to third on the ladder as they build momentum heading into the middle portion of the season.