Kiama Knights into Group 7 grand final against Shellharbour

The Knights overpowered the Superoos 26-nil at Kiama Showground on Saturday, to book their place in the decider against Shellharbour. 

It would be Kiama’s first Group Seven title since 1985.

Jamberoo ended a 43-year wait when they won a thriller 18-14 against Kiama last year, but on Saturday they were stung by two tries in quick succession before half-time and never recovered. 

“You could just feel it was hard to get yourself up and we probably missed that at the start,” Jamberoo coach Jono Dallas said. 

“They played two semis too, but neither of them have been do-or-die.

“I think that hurt us to start the game and then the critical moments just didn’t go for us, which hurt us.”

There was some late drama, as tension boiled over, but Kiama were already on course for victory.

To win the premiership, Kiama will need to turn around their 46-14 major semi-final loss to the Sharks, who went straight into the grand final.

Coach Matt Clarke said he would try to ensure Kiama continued with their usual routines in preparation

“We’ll stick to what we usually do,” he said. 

“There’s a few niggles, but they’ll play. It was a bit of an arm-wrestle after we got off to an early lead, I’m happy to get the win.”

Grand final

Sunday (4pm)

SHELLHARBOUR 

v KIAMA

Collegians Sports Complex