Tallon Smith
The Gerringong Lions will enter the opening round of the Group 7 finals this weekend on the back of a six-game winning streak after emerging from the Bomaderry Sports Complex with a hard-fought 34-22 win over Nowra-Bomaderry on Sunday.
After a try to Shalome Bire off a Dylan Farrell kick just after half time brought the Jets within two points of the lead at 12-10, the Lions kicked into gear with four consecutive tries to Isaac Russell, Beau Doosey, Thomas Knox and Corey Mulhall to open up a 34-10 lead, all but sealing the win.
Despite the impressive nature of the side’s second half, Gerringong coach Scott Stewart said the first half wasn’t anywhere near the Lions’ best, with Nowra being a ground where the Lions have traditionally found it tough.
“I think a few blokes had their eyes on next week, we always struggle with Nowra down there, it’s just one of those sides, they’re big bodies and that causes a few problems, they’re hard to handle,” he said.
“I know they got a couple of late ones, but once we got going in the second half it was pleasing.
“The first half wasn’t our greatest football, but [we’re] happy to get the win.”
Next up for second-placed Gerringong is a qualifying final at Michael Cronin Oval on Saturday against Kiama, which brings its own strong form to the table after downing minor premiers Albion Park-Oak Flats 20-4 in the final round.
Both clashes between the Lions and the Knights have been decided by the same two-point margin in 2026, with Gerringong taking a 12-10 win on Anzac Day, before Kiama returned the favour 14-12 in early July.
Holders of the last three Group 7 premierships, the two local rivals are very familiar with each other’s game, with Stewart well aware of the threat the Knights pose on both sides of the ball.
“Last year when they won the comp they were the best defensive side, and their attack inside the 20 is probably the best in the comp,” he said.
“They’re just starting to hit their straps now, they’ve had guys in and out, but they’re pretty much back to full strength.
“I think they will be ready for their title defence, and we’re just going to have to be patient, because the way the games have gone this year, there hasn’t been many tries in them, so you’ve just got to take your opportunities.
“We might only get a couple, we’ve got to make sure we nail them.”
Looking around the grounds at other results from the final round of Group 7 regular season action, sixth-placed Berry-Shoalhaven Heads finished its season with an upset 22-20 victory over fifth-placed Shellharbour Sharks, while Jamberoo downed Milton-Ulladulla 40-24 and Stingrays of Shellharbour recorded a 60-0 win over Warilla-Lake South.
This weekend’s elimination final will see a Shellharbour derby as the Stingrays take on the Sharks on Sunday at Flinders Field.
GERRINGONG 34 (Corey Mulhall 2, Wyland Hall, Isaac Russell, Beau Doosey, Thomas Knox tries; Jake Taylor 5 goals) DEFEATED NOWRA-BOMADERRY 22 (Shalome Bire 2, Keagan Solberg-McGuinness, Tyreace McGuinness tries; Braydon Rumble Walsh, Chase Mumberson goals) at Bomaderry Sports Complex, Sunday August 30.
