Kiama opener Jaya Hartgerink is bowled for 25 in his side's clash against Albion Park. Pictures: DAVE TEASE
CRICKET
The merger of Gerringong and Jamberoo in first grade paid immediate dividends with a thrilling first innings victory over Lake Illawarra in Saturday's opening day of South Coast Cricket.
The Lakers claimed the one-day, Twenty 20 trophy double last season plus made the premiership final, but collapsed with the bat to be bowled out for just 95 against the newly formed club at Gerry Emery Oval.
Lake Illawarra slumped to 8-38 before being saved by a 54-run stand between Nathan Hore (20) and top-scorer Ryan Smith (36).
Scott Adams took 6-25 for the Jets/Bulls, with the Lakers out in 37.3 overs.
Gerringong-Jamberoo were 7-72 before Adams (10) and Dan Jones (34) put on 29 to deliver the new club first innings points.
New Lakers skipper Shane Cody took 5-28.
Kiama posted 160, after being 9-117, with Ben King-Gee (51) and No 9 Mitch Nevins (32) top-scoring.
Meanwhile, Albion Park's home clash against Kiama is evenly poised.
"We couldn't have asked for a better start," said Gerringong-Jamberoo skipper David Reid, who made 27.
With 20 wickets falling on day one and Gerringong's first innings lead just eight, both clubs will fancy their hopes of an outright win on Saturday's day two.
"We really bowled well and backed it up in the field ... but it's good to get first innings points."
Andy Peters, Raheel Chaudry, Jack Bennett and Rob Monaghan took two wickets each for The Park, who will resume at 3-90.
Opener Mick Perry top-scored with 58 as the Kookaburras posted 225.
New Shellharbour skipper Ben Mitchell took 4-45, with Harbour to resume at 1-15.
Oak Flats claimed first innings points by one wicket against The Rail at Croome Cricket Oval.
The Rail were rolled for just 98, but Oaks Flats also struggled and just reached the target.
The Rail are 1-19 in their second dig.
Meanwhile premiers Warilla Sports made a positive start against Shellharbour at Tom Willoughby Oval.