WHAT the Warilla-Lake South Gorillas lack in experience, they make up for in enthusiasm - shown by their impressive 24-22 victory against the Kiama Knights on Sunday.
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Tries from Guy Rosewarn, Jamie Burns and Justin Jones, as well as a perfect six from six with the boot from five-eighth Blair Grant, secured the Gorillas their first win of the 2020 Group Seven season at the Kiama Showground.
In the loss, Cam Vazzoler crossed for two four-pointers, with Matt Morris and Tom Angel also putting their names on the scoresheet.
Vazzoler also added three conversions, in Kiama's first home game since winning the 2019 premiership.
Gorillas co-coach Troy Grant credited his side's determination in Sunday's win - especially after falling just short the week before against Shellharbour.
"We mentioned how important it was for us to not fall to 0-2 and the boys responded fantastically," Grant said.
"It was a really courageous effort by all 17 players and it's a credit to all the hard work they've all put in.
"Despite the group's youth [with Jake Kiznett and Guy Rosewarn being the eldest at 23], there is a huge amount of belief in the group and I'm really proud of the way they bounced back after the Shellharbour defeat."
While Grant admits his side's inexperience hurt them in week one, he knows they will continue to grow each and every week.
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"Our lack of time together on the park hurt us a little against Shellharbour, as we made numerous errors with the ball in our attacking zone," Grant, who admits he and fellow co-coach Neil Farmilo will have to manage his young roster in 2020, said.
"But on the back of halves Jake Brisbane and Blair Grant, as well as fullback Justin Jones and hooker Sam Hooper, we really improved in that area this week.
"Everyone fed off those guys and played their roles perfectly - especially our middle forwards, who I thought got the better of Kiama's pack on the day.
"The most pleasing thing and it's been our main point of emphasis since we've returned, is the boys are only worrying about what they can control and not getting too caught up in the rest of that - including discipline, which has been much improved."
The young Gorillas next chance to build on their rhythm will be against the Eagles at Centenary Field on Sunday.
"We all know Sunday is going to be a tough challenge," Grant said.
"Our rivalry against the Park is similar to the one with Shellharbour and no doubt Sunday will only add to that.
"The keys for us will be continuing to clean up our improving discipline and not giving the Eagles piggy-backs down the field into our red zone.
"We all know how important a win will be on Sunday and I'm confident our boys can rise to the occasion once again and produce another massive performance."