Wollongong Lions delivered an emphatic message of their premiership intentions as Bomaderry emerged as shock finals contenders on Saturday.
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The Lions hadn't beaten Kiama in 16 months and have been empty-handed at Bonaira Oval since 2016, which could well be the major semi-final venue even though the Wollongong powerhouse have now secured the minor premiership.
The 14.8 (92) to 2.7 (19) win was breathtaking, having lost the last four in a row, but it may not even be the biggest result of the weekend, after Bomaderry stunned Wollongong Bulldogs on Saturday to move into fourth spot on the ladder.
The Tigers have won their past three, beating Shellharbour, Northern Districts and then the Bulldogs 8.7 (55) to 5.14 (44).
Bomaderry meet the Lions in the final round, but Wollongong Bulldogs now need to beat Kiama if the Tigers lose to make the finals.
Lions coach Ray Burgess said it was an important win against Kiama, who they will meet again in a fortnight, given the kicked six goals to one in the final term.
"We just wanted to play 100 minutes of good footy," he said.
"We knew we haven't beaten them for a while, but it was good for some of our newer and younger players to stand up against the premiers.
"Our tackle pressure was good and we used the footy well."
Figtree tuned up for their elimination semi-final, now likely to be against Bomaderry, with a fiery 20.19 (139) to 2.0 (12) win over Northern Districts.
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