Unable to overpower a 12-man Sharks last weekend, the Gorillas bounced back in style with a determined 20-16 triumph to keep their finals hopes well and truly alive.

However, the door to the top three might have been slammed shut on Kiama after a 12-6 loss to Shellharbour in driving rain at Ron Costello Oval.

"That was a real good game of footy, they'll be there at the end of the year for sure," Sharks coach Abed Atallah said.

"Our attitude and the way the boys have been defending the last couple of weeks has been a massive effort."

The Sharks struck early and doubled the lead to be 12 ahead at the break, before Kiama had a handful of opportunities after the break.

"I thought they responded well," Kiama coach Matt Clarke said. "Two dummy-half tries that were pretty sort (and then) last week and this week haven't been taking (their chances)."

However, it leaves Kiama four points behind the Sharks and Gerringong, after the Lions overpowered Albion Park-Oak Flats 44-18.

Elsewhere, Nowra-Bomaderry kept up the pace with a 38-12 win over Berry-Shoalhaven Heads.

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