Despite playing without skipper Steven Brandon, Super Rugby star Will Miller, Michael Dun and Tom Hill (away for navy commitments), Shoals came back from 22-10 to win 29-22 at Rugby Park.

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Shoals' seventh straight win to open the 2021 season was set up by tries to Jimmy Hendrix (three), Keiran Brandon (one) and George Miller (one) - with Keiran Brandon landing two conversions.

The victory, which resigned Avondale to their second straight defeat, marked the first time in 10 years Shoals had defeated the Illawarra Rugby powerhouse - which also secured them the Peter Woods Challenge Shield.

Elsewhere in first grade, Shamrocks belted Vikings 54-12, University claimed their first win of the year 22-17 against Camden, while Tech Waratahs edged Kiama 36-29 and Bowral smashed Campbelltown 52-29.

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In second grade, Shoals went down to Avondale 24-17.

After eight rounds, Shoals, with a game in hand, sit on 33 points, sitting ahead of Campbelltown (31), Shamrocks (30), Avondale (28), Vikings (23), Bowral (21), Tech Waratahs (15), Kiama (11), Camden (10) and University (eight).

Next round, Shoals are away at Vikings.

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