The first real opportunity to score fell to Gerringong back-rower Callum Cooper, who nearly barged over from close range, with only the desperate Knights’ defence holding him out.

Two tackles later though, the Knights nearly had their first points when speedster Dylan Morris toed the ball ahead into space. 

But he failed to handle the ball, with only open space in front of him and a try went begging for the Knights.

But it didn’t take long for Morris to make up for the error, as he found space minutes later off a scrum on halfway and ran around the right edge of the Lions’ defence.

Kiama led 16-nil, before, against the run of play, the Lions’ Kyle Marks intercepted a loose Knights pass and ran 60 metres before being chased down by Matt Cornell.

But Lions clung to hope two minutes before half-time, after their first try through Toby Gumley-Quine, but could not bridge the gap.

Donte Drummond was named man-of-the-match after Kiama’s success.

Meanwhile, Shellharbour also denied Gerringong a premiership in reserve grade, winning 22-12, after leading 10-6 at half-time.

Sharks centres Kade Chapman and Liam Morrisy both posted crucial tries out wide as the Sharks ran out winner 22-12. In his last game Garry Breakspear was awarded man of the match.

Culburra won the third grade grand final with an 18-2 triumph over Albion Park Outlaws.