The Gorillas sent a message to the competition by overpowering Shellharbour at Ron Costello Oval, but forward Aaron Henry admitted they struggled to back it up in a 28-18 loss to the Knights. 

“They came out fast and caught us early,” Henry said.

“We just couldn’t peg it back. 

“Another top-of-the-table clash, we had to be up for it, we probably weren’t up for it like we were last week.”

Kiama led 20-8, but hooker Kieran Poole left the Knights with 12 men and sparked a Warilla comeback. 

The Gorillas were within two, but Kiama picked up consecutive penalties and Hamish McLaurin scored the try to seal victory. 

“We got a roll on and then gave away two quick penalties away and then they score off it,” Henry said. 

“Our discipline was off today and so was our defence.”

Meanwhile, Shellharbour Stingrays almost pulled off their first victory of the season, only to be overpowered late by Milton-Ulladulla. 

The Stingrays, in just their second season of first grade, led 16-12 with 20 minutes remaining, after it was locked at six-all at half-time. 

Milton hit back to win 22-16. 

Elsehwhere, Gerringong stayed in the minor premiership race with a 40-24 win over Nowra-Bomaderry at Michael Cronin Oval, as Lions fullback Matt Winchester scored a double.

And Jamberoo kept their finals hopes alive with a 30-10 win over Albion Park, who had been the competition’s big improvers this season.