Nowra can test their resurgence in AFL South Coast against the competition’s measuring stick Wollongong Lions in Saturday’s top of the table clash at North Dalton Park.
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The Lions laid claim to being the team to beat on their return to the South Coast comp following a tough 15-point win over premiers Wollongong Bulldogs in round seven.
The Lions are the only unbeaten side while Nowra have been the surprise packet and posted their third win of the season beating neighbours Bomaderry by a point in round seven.
The Blues (3-2) trailed by by almost six goals at quarter-time and by 11 points at three-quarter time but then booted three goals to one in a gutsy win, inspired by Marco Basaglia, Kerry Redshaw and Vincent Barwick.
The Lions had to withstand a final quarter fightback from the Bulldogs but were still impressive in posting their fourth straight win on their return to South Coast AFL.
Lions coach Craig Morrison said inaccuracy in front of goal kept the Bulldogs in the contest and his side would only improve as the season progressed.
Meanwhile, Kiama Power take the confidence of a first win of the season into their home clash with Shellharbour at Bonaira Oval.
The Power are coming off a strong 36 point away win over a disappointing Northern Districts, who slumped to a second straight loss.
Shellharbour had the round seven bye and with no games last weekend haven’t played since a heavy loss to the Lions in round six on May 23.
But while the Lions and Bulldogs look the top two sides, the other two finals spot appear wide open with Shellharbour and Power among the contenders.
In Saturday’s other round eight clash, premiers Wollongong Bulldogs host Bomaderry at Keira Oval.
Meanwhile, South Coast Thunder on Saturday take on Sydney University in Sydney AFL Division One under 19s for the second time in a week and will be looking to improve on a 35-point home loss.
The Thunder are in their first season of Sydney AFL and have a 1-6 win/loss record and head to Henson Park to face a Sydney Uni side who have won two games and are one spot above them in sixth.
The Wollongong Saints womens Division One side are away to Newtown on Saturday at Mahoney Park.
The Saints (1-4) are in fifth spot with Newcastle (4-1) in equal first, but second on percentage.
South Coast ladder: Wollongong Lions 10; Nowra 8; Wollongong Bulldogs 6, Bomaderry 6, Northern Districts 6, Shellharbour 6; Kiama 4.