In the first ever Shellharbour showdown, the Stingrays hosted the Sharks at Flinders Oval after joining first grade this year, it proved a one-sided affair. 

Down the road at Kiama Showground, the Knights were hoping to finally prove their premiership credentials after coming close to a grand final in recent season, but were outlasted by champions Gerringong.

The Stingrays are still winless, having been close to the make in the opening rounds, but coach Dean Gray admitted they were “pretty poor”.

Shellharbour struggled with injury during the contest, while the Stingrays lost Hamish McLaurin, as the Sharks ran out 44-8 winners. 

“We were pretty poor, compared to the last couple of weeks,” Gray said. 

“All credit to Shellharbour, they’re a good side, they’re a top two side. We dropped two much ball, we’re not completing our sets and we can’t give Shellharbour too much field position.

“It was a great turnout, it was disappointing that we put in a performance like we did today in front of our fans, it’s great they’re turning out for us.”

Kiama led 18-12 at the break, but the Lions hit the front with 20 minutes remaining to secure a 30-22 triumph. Gerringong and Jamberoo remain the competition’s only unbeaten teams, after the Superoos outmuscled Berry 42-4. Nowra-Bomaderry thrashed Albion Park-Oak Flats 48-16 and Milton-Ulladulla defeated Port Kembla 20-16.