Gerringong laid the early platform and reaped the rewards as they launched their Group Seven campaign in style against Jamberoo on Saturday.
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The Lions prevailed 22-4, which was also the scoreline at halftime, before the toll of two COVID-halted years and the wet big on the South Coast disrupting the pre-season were put to rest.
Winger Toby Gumley-Quine, centre Kane Brennan, second-rower Corey Grigg and hooker Nathan Ford all crossed before the break, while Nathan Gallastegui offered the only reply from the Superoos.
The Gerringong pack took control of the contest in the heavy going at Michael Cronin Oval, on a day where the Lions celebrated winning all five grades, including the two under-18s teams and the women's league tag.
"Everyone ran out of energy late there, they were all pretty gassed," Gerringong coach Scott Steward said.
"We started well, our forwards got on top a bit and we kept it pretty simple.
"I'm just happy for our blokes getting back out there to play, it's been a long couple of years and we haven't had much time to train either with all the rain.
''We will build on that as no doubt will Jamberoo."
Grigg was impressive against his former club, while Ford and prop Aaron Grigg were the standouts for the Lions, as well as lock Danny Wedd.
Elsewhere, prop Jake Kamire crashed over in the final moments to seal the Stingrays' thrilling 26-18 win over Berry-Shoalhaven Heads on Saturday.
The Rays led 14-12 at halftime, before Magpies fullback Caleb Robinson scored with seven minutes remaining to make it 20-18.
In the other game on Saturday, Shellharbour Sharks outclassed Albion Park-Oak Flats 22-6 at Centenary Field.
Kiama kicked off the year with a 26-0 shut-out of Nowra-Bomaderry on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Warilla piled on four second-half tries to overwhelm Milton-Ulladulla 34-22.
The Bulldogs led 16-6 at halftime, however the Gorillas clicked into gear afterwards.
It came after the first round was postponed because of the heavy rainfall this year.
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Tim Barrow
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
