Grudge match

ILLAWARRA RUGBY

SHAMROCKS won its 2007 Illawarra Rugby grand final rematch against Kiama 42-24 at Kiama on Saturday.

The highly-anticipated rematch of the 2007 decider lived up to its pre-match hype and was preluded by a formal ceremony remembering those who had proudly served our nation on the battlefield.

From the opening whistle, it was clear the Rocks limited pre-season was showing with uncharacteristic mistakes allowing Kiama to capitalise and skip away to a 14-nil lead.

The Rocks then lifted with a converted try before Kiama again forced mistakes from the premiers and went to the half time break with a 24-7 lead.

Many Rocks supporters who had made the trek south Kiama feared that this would be the end of the great undefeated run that had lasted since August, 2006.

This feeling however had not made its way into the Rocks players and coaching staff, who at half time were talking confidently about how they were going to win the match.

Coach Brandon Schoupp had noticed the Kiama forwards were starting to tire and tasked his forwards with playing an up-tempo game through the middle of the field before shifting the ball wide to the Rocks speedy back line.

This game plan was exercised clinically and Kiama soon found themselves behind on the scoreboard before watching the Rocks march on to dominate the match with a 42-24 victory.

“There was real team spirit from our blokes today”, Shamrocks spokesperson Scott McKellar said.

“The guys believed in each other and stood up for their mate to not only claw their way back but then go on and dominate their opposition.”

For Kiama it was a solemn feeling thinking they had a definite chance at breaking the Rocks dominance of Illawarra Rugby.

“They definitely have the right to be dirty on themselves”, McKellar said.

“They had a wonderful opportunity to put the match away early in the second half but their lack of fitness allowed us back into the contest.

“It was a clear argument that to be the best in this competition you need to play at your best for the full 80 minutes.”

Setting themselves nicely for their club championship defence, the Rocks beat Kiama in all grades. Second Grade won 45-5 after thirds won 17-8.

This week the Rocks are at home to Avondale. Kick off is 3pm on Saturday at Ocean Park, Woonona.

In other games, Shoalhaven is still unbeaten after a 24-12 win over Tech Waratahs.

Bowral defeated Camden 17-nil and the University-Avondale match was abandoned due to rain.