Tallon Smith

A field goal to five-eighth Jake Taylor has lifted the Gerringong Lions to the narrowest of victories in a pulsating second Grand Final rematch with the Shellharbour Sharks at Michael Cronin Oval on Saturday.

Despite scoring two tries to the Sharks’ three, the Lions’ superior goalkicking levelled the scores at 12-all, paving the way for Taylor to secure victory for the home side.

The Sharks put themselves in the box seat to secure victory over the team that has beaten them in the past two Grand Finals, with backline trio Malokai Tomo, Ryan James and Jayme McElhone all crossing the stripe for four pointers.

However, in another gritty display, the Lions scraped home for a much needed victory that put the defending premiers four points clear of sixth-placed Jamberoo inside the top five.

Albion Park and Kiama also played out a thriller in their clash on Sunday, with the two sides finishing deadlocked at 14-all at Centenary Field.

Cooper Barnes picked up a double for the home side, while three different tryscorers crossed the line for Kiama, but ultimately it was a case of both sides kicking just one from three that saw them split the points.

Jamberoo secured a much-needed victory on Saturday when they emerged from Bill Andriske Oval with a 26-12 win over Milton-Ulladulla.

The Superoos’ five tries to two win on the road keeps them two games adrift of Gerringong in the battle for fifth.

Finally, the Berry-Shoalhaven Heads Magpies tasted sweet success in their local derby with Nowra-Bomaderry after picking up a 30-24 victory.

Tyson Walker starred for the Magpies, scoring a try and booting five goals for a personal haul of 14 points as Berry picked up their third win of their return season in the First Grade competition.

Attention in the Group 7 district now turns to round 13 action, with Milton-Ulladulla hosting Gerringong on Saturday, before the Eagles tackle the Sharks, Stingrays take on Nowra-Bomaderry, and Kiama square off with Berry on Sunday.

Full Group 7 Rugby League scores – Round 7 (washout round)

Albion Park Oak Flats Eagles 14 (C. Barnes 2, S. Payne tries K. Ball goal) drew with Kiama Knights 14 (T. Atkins, M. Jennings, C. Hotham tries C. Hodgson goal).

Berry Shoalhaven Heads Magpies 30 (M. Hickey, B. Hayburn, S. Hood, T. Walker, H. Parrish tries T. Walker 5 goals) def Nowra Bomaderry Jets 24 (B. Rumble-Walsh 2, T. Latta, K. Brandon tries B. Rumble-Walsh 4 goals).

Gerringong Lions 13 (J. Kunkler, I. Russell tries J. Taylor 2 goals, J. Taylor Field Goal) def Shellharbour Sharks 12 (J. Manukonga, R. James, M. Tomo tries).

Jamberoo Superoos 26 (J. Talbott, R. Plekan, J. Wilkins, M. Asquith, D. Johnson tries D. Watling 3 goals) def Milton Ulladulla Bulldogs 12 (L. Millard, J. Millard tries K. Lynch 2 goals).