Eight-time premiership winners Warilla had plenty of reason to celebrate before kick-off, but added to the festivities with a 52-8 win over Milton-Ulladulla, after leading 30-0 at half-time.

Despite the thumping win, coach Peter Hooper said the Gorillas still had plenty of improvement in them, as they try to keep the heat on the leading teams.

“The scoreline probably flattered us a little bit,” Hooper said. “We were OK in patches, but we’ve got some stuff to work on. (Hooker) Ryan Hodgson is starting to come into his own.”

It came as premiers Gerringong stayed at the top of the ladder after winning their first encounter against Shellharbour since last year’s decider.

Goal kicking grand final hero Joel Roberts may have missed two shots in the 20-12 win, but he produced two tries to seal victory for the Lions.

Meanwhile, Berry Shoalhaven Heads breathed life into their season with a stunning 30-18 win over Port Kembla on Sunday. 

The Blacks have been the fairytale team this season, surging into the top four in the early rounds. But Berry delivered some of the promise they’ve shown so far.

Nowra-Bomaderry kept their finals torch alight with a hard-fought 16-14 success over Kiama, who have lost two in a row after being unbeaten in the opening six rounds. Jamberoo thumped struggling Albion Park-Oak Flats 58-0.