After nine straight losses to begin the season, the Kiama Power Women’s Premier Division side has finally broken through in the biggest way possible.
The Power stunned competition leaders Wollongong Lions 20-16 on Saturday, claiming their first win of the year against a side that had lost just once all season.
The result also knocked the Lions from top spot on the ladder and gave Kiama a much-needed confidence boost heading into the closing rounds.
It didn’t look promising early, with the Lions taking a 6-1 lead at quarter-time, but the Power responded brilliantly in the second term with two goals to level the scores at 13-13 by half-time.
The visitors edged back in front to lead 15-14 at the final change before Kiama produced one last surge, kicking the only goal of the final quarter to secure a memorable four-point victory.
Women’s senior coach Tony Grady said the win was reward for the belief the playing group had shown throughout a difficult season.
“The girls played super on the weekend and it was a special win to witness,” he said.
“They were able to match the ladder-leading Lions’ trademark physicality and really had to dig deep to win the game, as the Lions kept coming until the final siren.
“I’ve firmly believed all season that if we play to our potential and execute our game plan, we can beat any team in the competition, and the girls proved that on the weekend.”
The victory came despite the Power entering the match heavily undermanned, with 20 players unavailable across the women’s program. Six reserve grade players backed up after their earlier match, where Kiama went down 32-23 to competition leaders Northern District Tigers.
“It wasn’t all smooth sailing as we had 20 players unavailable across the group going into the game, so we had six players backing up from the reserve grade earlier that day,” Grady said.
“I’m proud of the character and connection in this playing group and what they can do when their backs are against the wall and the odds are stacked against them.”
Grady praised captain Maddie Edwards, Courtney Smith, Oasis Huender and Tiana Darragh but said the performance was a complete team effort.
“I could name almost every player as everyone had a good game and were all on the same page. I couldn’t ask for much more as a coach,” he said.
The win was also a significant milestone for the club, with Kiama defeating the Lions for the first time since September 2020.
Published by The Bugle on 24 July, written by Lleyton Hughes.