Shamrocks 1st Grade 20 – Kiama 1st Grade 34

In the main game of the afternoon at Woonoona Shamrocks Rugby Club, the Shamrocks 1st Grade team fell to a 34-20 defeat against a clinical Kiama outfit in their Round 4 Illawarra District Rugby Union clash.

Despite moments of promise from the home side, particularly through center Oskar Watson who scored two tries, Kiama’s balanced attack and strong finish proved decisive in securing their away victory.

Kiama opened the scoring through lock Manaia Cairns, who crashed over from close range with the conversion added by their fly-half to establish an early 7-0 lead. Shamrocks responded well with Watson finding space on the wing for his first try, followed by a well-worked score from winger Robbie Coso to give the home side a 10-7 advantage.

The lead changed hands again when Kiama’s flanker Simiki Lufe powered over, though the conversion attempt was unsuccessful. Watson’s second try, beautifully converted by fullback Isaac Murray, restored Shamrocks’ lead at 17-12.

However, Kiama found another gear in the second half, with winger Broc Callaghan crossing the line before Murray slotted a penalty goal to bring the score to 20-17 in favor of Shamrocks. The visitors then took control with flanker Lochlan Brooks scoring a converted try, followed by a penalty goal to extend their lead.

The match was effectively sealed when Kiama’s number 10 crashed over for the final try of the afternoon, which was duly converted to establish the 34-20 final scoreline.

The home side’s forward pack battled valiantly, with number eight Campbell de Montemas and flanker Finn Kiefer making numerous carries and tackles. In the backline, fly-half Sam Ridgway displayed glimpses of his playmaking ability, while Murray’s goal-kicking was reliable.

Despite the result, Shamrocks 1st Grade remains in seventh position on the ladder, with important fixtures against competition rivals approaching in the coming weeks.