Kiama proved the South Coast AFL isn’t a two horse race by chalking up their biggest win of the campaign in a come-from-behind 74-67 victory over defending premiers Wollongong Bulldogs on Saturday.
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The Power trailed until midway through the third quarter, but stood tall over the concluding stages to snatch a memorable win at Keira Oval.
Michael Williams was the chief destroyer with four goals while Ryan Bridge as well as Ben and Tom Williams all had two each.
Kent Delbridhe led the Dogs with four of his own but it wasn’t enough to see the hosts home.
Kiama showed grit and determination to secure their upset victory.
“It was good for us,” Kiam coach Bryce O’Connor
“Even when they are a bit depleted, they are still a good side.
“They weren’t at full strength, either were we.
“What is full strength, who knows.
“At the end of the day a win is a win, and they have won the past three flags, so that is one we put in the bag and go that’s good for us.
“Now we will work towards the next one.”
Kiama were able to get the job done despite a wayward kicking performance in front of goal.
The Power kicked 10.14 to the Bulldogs 10.7 in the triumph.
“We should have won by a bit more because we kicked poorly in front of goal but things are starting to come together,” O’Connor said.
Kiama had to forfeit reserve grade because of a lack of players and were undermanned in the top grade against last year’s grand final winners.
They trailed by 16 points at the first change and only closed the margin by two points to go into the sheds at 39-25 behind.
The second half was a completely different story as the Power flexed their muscle away from home.
By three quarter time they led by 9 points at 63-54 on the back of an impressive six goal display.
They held the margin throughout the final term despite consistent pressure from the Bulldogs.
“It was a good 22 player performance,” O’Connor said.
“I didn’t have any player, at any stage yesterday that warranted being dragged from the ground which doesn’t happen too often.
“It was a really good contest, a good battle because they played really well.
“At the end of the day, maybe we were a bit fitter than they were.
“It was a slog.”
The win solidifies Kiama’s spot in third on the competition ladder.
They still trail unbeaten ladder leaders Wollongong Lions and the second placed Bullldogs.
The Lions continued their scintillating form with a stunning 137-38 victory over finals hopefuls Figtree.
Elsewhere, Bomaderry gave their own post-season claims a boost with a determined 89-69 triumph over bitter rivals Nowra Albatross.
Shellharbour made sure Northern Districts remained win-less with a dominant 105-40 success.
