THE Kiama Knights have come from fifth place to win the Group 7 Rugby League reserve grade premiership, downing traditional rivals Gerringong Lions on Sunday.
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The Knights beat the minor premiers 22-4 at Collegians Sporting Complex, handing Gerringong their third successive grand final defeat.
Both sides bombed promising attacking opportunities throughout the first stanza, including Gerringong fullback Jade Blair, who ran nearly the length of the field but lost the ball in the in-goal area after trying to improve the position.
On a day of upsets, the scores were locked 4-all at the oranges, before Kiama notched up 18 unanswered points.
Kiama’s Matt Morris, who was awarded Man of the Match, scored a great solo try, while Lions rake Ewen McCarroll ran more than 60 metres to touch down.
An error-riddled performance from the Lions, especially throughout the second half cost them at crucial times, including a forward pass after receiving the kick-off.
They paid the price; Kiama going further ahead as Peter Rheinberger pounced on the crumbs from a grubber-kick and scored under the black dot.
The Knights again capitalised on a mistake from the opposition, skipper Kal Baird barging his way over for a converted try.
The Knights sealed the victory in the 64th minute when Morris combined with pivot Fletch Atkins, a fortuitous bounce from a chip-kick securing the 22-4 score-line.