Time to Stand Up and Be Counted

With all Grades getting on the paddock this weekend, we will finally get an indication as to how all of the Clubs are travelling in the new season.

1st Grade have a wonderful opportunity to charge away early in the season against recent powerhouses Warilla at Cavalier Park. Early indications are that the Kookaburras may well find the going a lot tougher this season, and 1sts must take advantage of that in the coming match. 1st Grade have an abysmal record against Warilla, having won only 5 matches out of the 45 played between the two sides since Warilla’s initial season in 1979/80 – the last victory coming on December 22, 1990. If Kiama are to move forward this season, they must overcome this to do so.

2nd Grade had a rough start; falling to an opponent they should have defeated comfortably, and will be looking to rectify that against Warilla at Oakleigh Park.
2nds will be in the mix again this season, but their charter has been reformed from recent seasons. Unlike recent times, the 2nd Grade side is expected to be filled with players who are aiming at playing 1st Grade, rather than with players who for one reason or another will not gain elevation to the top Grade.
The selectors have been consistent in this attitude throughout the pre-season. It may affect the overall playing strength of the side, but it will certainly improve the long-term strength of the 1st Grade side, and this is what the Club must be aiming for.
The match against Warilla, who are angling the same way themselves, will be the benchmark. Win the game, and the season is back on track. Lose the game, and the focus may change entirely.

3rd Grade has a wealth of playing talent to sift through and call upon as a result of 2nd Grade’s charter. The team for the weekend’s match against The Rail Red at Bonaira Street has an abundance of talent and experience, and must be seriously thinking about a maiden premiership. Containing players like Jason Wills, AJ Savage, Simon Pearson, Jeff Lawler, Luke Bombaci and Ryan Gunning, this side, if it stays together, should be one of the dominating sides of the summer.
The Rail has two sides in the 3rd Grade competition this season, and if recent history is any guide, it should be a fairly comfortable victory to the Kiama side.

4th Grade will hope to reap the rewards of last season’s youth investment policy, by pushing for more victories, and the further development of the Club’s future. Most of the kids who played last season have returned for another crack, and no doubt the experience that they gained from last season will benefit them enormously.
They face The Rail in their first match, and will be confident of putting a win on the board.
The word from around the Club is to keep an eye on youngster Eric Mete. We shall see how his season progresses.

So – away we go. The coming few weekends will soon tell the tale of how Kiama can hope to go this season. If they perform to their potential, it should be one of the most exciting in recent years.