Four of a Kind, or a Straight Flush

It is a rare event when it can be said that Kiama have won all four Grades, but the past weekend was one of them. They were of varying degrees, against varying opposition. Comparing them, one may get a glimpse of what lies ahead.

1st Grade's victory by an innings over Warilla is one that should be celebrated to the maximum, and used as evidence that the team combination is heading in the right direction. Much has been said of the lack of success our Club has had against Warilla, and needs not be repeated. In the end, the victory was an emphatic one.
Having said that, the opposition are acknowledgably at their weakest in memory. Historically, Warilla have fought between themselves on and off the field, but always pull together (in a manner of sorts) when required to gain victory on the field. Now, it appears, they are unable to summon up that ability at will, which makes them vulnerable for the remainder of the season. Up against a Kiama side that is as well drilled as any that I can remember, Warilla were simply unable to match their enthusiasm and spirit.
It is important for 1sts to continue to build on their impressive start, and not get caught taking opposition for granted. The next two matches are against perennial finalists Jamberoo, and big improver of the past two seasons Lake Illawarra. In four weeks time, the story may be heading towards that happy ending.

2nd Grade had the distinct pleasure of not only rolling Warilla for just 95, but of asking them to follow on. That was where the joy really ended, as Warilla batted out the day to finish at 7/250, and some of the gloss of the first innings points was taken away with it.
Though the win made up partly for the first round loss, it also emphasised that 2nd Grade this season do not contain the firepower they have had in recent seasons. There is a sense in the team that it is building up to that, and that the side will be right in the mix come finals time. Yet, with only 12 rounds scheduled in the 2nd Grade competition, and one of those a bye, one slip could mean the difference between playing finals and watching from the sidelines. Losing to Shellharbour, and the inability to force the outright against Warilla are both equations that would have been reversed in the past 2 seasons.

3rd Grade completed an easy outright victory over the hapless Rail Red side, which gave them the best possible start to the season. It's interesting to hear around the traps that 3rds are 'almost certainties' to win the premiership this season. Without attempting to compare this season's side to any other, it must be remembered that last season 3rds were undefeated at Christmas, and only just snuck into the top four. Three seasons ago, Kiama fielded what I consider to be the best ever 3rd Grade side our Club has put on the paddock – and they too were defeated in the semi-final.
There is a hell of a lot of cricket to be played between now and March. No matter what the quality of the players available to 3rds this year, they still have to combine as a team, and win the important games. The Rail is not a good guide. Albion Park and Oak Flats will be the guides as to the fortunes of our 3rd Grade aspiriations this season.

4th Grade started their season with a victory, again against The Rail, and got good contributions from their young brigade. Eric Mete, Ben Runge, Matt Cook, Mitch Formosa, Grant Regan and Dave Tobin all did good things, and is a promising sign for the side during the coming season. Most of this side played together last year, and are developing nicely as a squad. One would not expect it to be too long before some, if not all, of these guys are gracing the field in higher grades.And that is the big picture with 4th Grade. Winning games will be great, but the development of the players in the side will be ever so much more important.