By Ron Wood

Shoalhaven have sent out the message loud and clear with a 31 – 14 demolition of unbeaten Kiama at Kiama Showground. Any club with dibs on the IDRU Premiership title in 2024 will have to achieve it at the expense of the Shoalies. Despite running into a strong southerly in the first half, and after a three-week hiatus, Shoalhaven clicked straight into gear with their tradesman like work at the breakdown and well-organized defensive pattern they overshadowed the Cows and established a commanding 26 – 0 halftime lead. 

Kiama on the other hand, although producing a clearly dominate scrum, didn’t fire a shot in the first half. Poor handling plagued the side throughout the stanza, and a lack of commitment in defense was very costly for the home side.  

With most of their big names back on deck, Shoalies put on four tries in the first half and came close to scoring on another couple of occasions. Jack Watts scored one and created another, while the Miller bros got one each, for the side to earn a Bonus Point before the break.  

Watts created the first try for Flanker Duncan Maddinson, with a strong run close to the line before George Miller ran off the back of a scrum 15m out to score, beating three defenders. Two conversions from Keiran Brandon had the Shoalies out by 14 – 0 after just eight minutes.  

Watts scored from an orthodox backline raid after strong play from his forwards, before Will Miller crossed after working a slick play with Steven Brandon right on the break for the 26 – 0 margin. 

Kiama lifted their effort somewhat after the break and on the back of a sequence of penalties managed to dominate field position for a considerable time against the wind. With Shoalies maintaining a strong defensive effort it took the Cows 20 minutes before they could trouble the scoreboard attendant. Impressive center Mick Taylor scored from a powerful personal effort from close range before working a classy one-two play with winger Nico Cowley for his long range second try.

At 26 – 14 the hopes of the local crowd were lifted but with 10 to go it all came crashing down when a handling error cost the Cows dearly and sealed their fate. A Kiama back line raid broke down on halfway with a dropped ball which was kicked through by the ever-present Steven Brandon. He dribbled the ball several times into the Kiama in-goal to score and, with Keiran Brandon converting, the scoring was done. 

For the second time this year a poor start to a match must be of concern to Kiama Coach James Patrick. The Cows conceded 19 points early against Campbelltown but recovered to get the points on that occasion, but not this time. Big center Mick Taylor was very impressive and if it were not for his contribution the result could have been even worse for the local fans. Youngsters Dante Patrick, Jeromy Cairns, Rueben Thomas and Darius Mafileo showed good signs in the forwards with Taylor and Cowley standouts in the Backs. A lack of intensity in the first half especially in defense and poor handling throughout was very costly indeed for the Cows. 

Shoalhaven Coach Will Miller would have been very happy with his sides effort especially in what was a near faultless display in the first half. The sides domination at the breakdown and their effort in defense has become a real trademark of their game. The experienced Will Miller himself is a significant factor in this dominance. Their backrow of Tom Allen, Jett Fraser, Duncan Maddinson, Will Miller, and Captain George Miller were outstanding here. Harri Hibbs, Jack Watts and Keiran and Steven Brandon fed off the success of their forwards efforts all day. 

Shoalhaven 31 (Duncan Maddinson 1 try, George Miller 1 try, Jack Watts 1 try, Will Miller 1 try, Steven Brandon 1 try, Keiran Brandon 3 goals) Def Kiama 14 (Mick Taylor 2 tries, Matt Forsyth 2 goals)

Other Match Results

Campbelltown 73 Def Tech Waratahs 16

Bowral 27 Def Shamrocks 19