THE Kiama Knights have produced one of their best performances in 2019 as they outplayed a trying Warilla Lake-South Gorillas side by 38-6 in the elimination final at Kiama Showground on Sunday.
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The Knights came into the match with strong form, as they had won their last five matches, three of which they piled on 40 points or more and were up against a Gorillas side, who claimed a tough come from behind victory against Albion Par-Oak Flats the previous weekend.
It was set to be a tight and tough battle, but the hosts held their composure in defence and errors were kept to a minimum in their attack, which gave them the perfect platform for a commanding victory.
After the Gorillas conceded possession on the halfway line, the Knights gained a 4-nil lead after five minutes through Tom Angel, who was helped by a perfect cut out ball from Dylan Morris.
Ten minutes later, Callan Thistlethwaite claimed a try of his own 30 metres out from the Gorillas try line.
Cameron Vazzoler converted for a 10-nil lead.
The Gorillas opted for short kick-offs on multiple occasions and finally enjoyed having possession in enemy territory.
Despite their best efforts, the visitors couldn't replicate the attacking prowess of their opponents.
Kiama made Warilla pay for their costly errors through Matt Morris, who benefited from a sharp passing game from his inside players - before Vazzoler nailed his sideline conversion and conjured up a side stepping individual converted try of his own.
Kiama went into the break with a commanding 22-nil lead.
The Knights carried their perfect execution into the second period as Thistlethwaite bagged a double for the match off a handy scrum play.
Vazzoler converted for a 28-nil lead.
The Gorillas couldn't find their rhythm in attack as frustration led to them conceding penalties which led to a hard running Luke Chalker try.
Vazzoler converted for a 34-nil lead.
Chad Lisch scored a brilliant individual try of his own which included a grubber kick and regather on the halfway mark.
Daniel Burke added the extras as they trailed the Knights by 34-6.
After Warilla front rower Jake Goody was sin binned, the Knights sealed victory in commanding fashion as Ethan Ford charged onto an inside ball from Tom Atkins which secured a Knights 38-6 victory.
Daniel Martin, Luke Chalker, Cameron Vazzoler, Callan Thistlethwaite and Tom Angel were the standouts for Kiama while Daniel Burke, Chad Lisch, Jaime Burns, Kayne Brennan and Kye Deane tried hard for the Gorillas.
The Kiama Knights will now play the Gerringong Lions in a semi-final next Saturday at Michael Cronin Oval.
Other elimination finals results from earlier in the day saw Shellharbour edge Nowra-Bomaderry 20-18 (reserve grade), Gerringong defeat Kiama 28-16 (under 18s), Sussex Inlet smash Culburra 38-nil (third grade), Nowra-Bomaderry oust Berry-Shoalhaven Heads 14-6 (WLT1) and Gerringong thump Stingrays 24-10 (WLT2).
