Tarrawanna Blueys notch up eighth win of 2022 Illawarra Premier League campaign

Goals inside the opening 20 minutes to Takumi Ofuka, Nicolas Tomasiello and Kyle Kirkland helped the Blueys open up a 3-0 half-time lead at Tarrawanna Oval. Woonona responded through Richard Lee in the 57^th minute, but the hosts were able to hold on for a solid win.

It was Tarrawanna's eighth win in 2022 and sees them stay on top of the ladder from Bulli, who jumped up to second place with an 8-0 dismantling of Bellambi on Saturday, while Wollongong Olympic's clash with Coniston on Friday night was washed out.

It's a stark improvement for the Blueys, who notched up four victories last year before the season was cut short due to COVID.

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While happy to get the win on Saturday, coach Scott Chipperfield said it was far from their best performance.

"We had a good start, but then we sort of fell away a bit after that and allowed Woonona back into the game. When it got back to 3-1, they could have made us a bit nervy, but we were just happy to get the three points," he said.

"We've played a couple of games more than the other teams, but we're top of the table and it's good to have the points on the board. The only concern right now is if the rain keeps coming. We're doing well, but we don't want the season canned. And the forecast isn't good for next week."

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Saturday marked the second time that the Blueys have beaten Woonona in 2022, after Tarrawanna recorded a comprehensive 5-0 victory at Ocean Park in April.

"We had a good start in both games. Last time, I think we were up 2-0 after 10 minutes and beat them 5-0, and today we probably should have put a couple more away to make it easier for us," Chipperfield said.

"But we'll just take the three points and move on to next week."

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