Kiama Cavaliers first-grade team bounced back with a vengeance on the weekend after suffering their first loss with a nine-wicket South Coast cricket victory over the Kookas.

At Cav Park, stand-in skipper Mick Norris lost the toss and was forced onto the field first, with conditions a little wet from the week’s rain.

The Kookas got off to a good start, moving to 23 before John Hay took two wickets in as many overs to put the Cavs on the front foot. 

The Kookas then built another partnership through Craig Bramble and Chris Leaduis, but as they reached 49 runs, the wicket of Bramble was taken by Niall Owers.

“That effectively saw the end of the Kookas’ resistance, with Adam Ison (5-10) being the chief destroyer as the Kookas were dismissed for 97,” said Cavaliers president Bernie Brown.

“In an event that will see the statisticians diving for the databases, all 10 wickets fell at the Blue Haven end of the ground."

The Cavaliers then went into bat, with the five-wicket man Ison getting the Cavs off to a good start with 19 runs before mistiming a ball to cover to leave the Cavs 1-41.

“Ryan Butta came to the crease next and took complete control of the match, with Joe Burgess’ 23 not out providing a perfect role at the other end,” said Brown.

“Butta’s 45 not out off 34 deliveries saw the Cavs record a commanding nine-wicket victory, claiming a bonus point in the process.”

The Cavs sit third on the ladder and will face Albion Park away from home this Saturday.

Kiama's second-grade side took their second loss of the season against a firing Lake Illawarra side away from home.

“In a much-anticipated match-up, Kiama were sent into the field on a tacky and awkward wicket. Having the Lakers reeling at 1-1, the Cavs found themselves in a grind with spin twins Lee and Yasin keeping the run rate below three and taking consistent wickets,” said Brown.

The Cavaliers had Lake Illawarra at 6-123, but a few dropped catches allowed the home side to get back into the game and post a respectable score of 204 runs. Jake Lee (3-30), Saad Yasin (2-25), and Mick Hook (2-62) were the pick of the bowlers.

“The Cavs’ chase never got going, facing a home side who revelled in the conditions, rolling the Cavs for 91,” said Brown.

Captain Josh Battishall top-scored with 22, with Matt Kennedy and Joey Timbs the only others to make double figures, posting 11 and 13 respectively. Second grade take on Albion Park this weekend before the bye.

Third grade went down for the second week in a row, posting a low score of 111 with Sheldon Hall (22) and Jacob Lewis (28) top scoring.

The Kookas were completely in control with the bat, passing the score in the 35th over with only five wickets down. Captain Dane Parnaby fought hard, managing figures of 3-11 off eight overs. They’ll also take on Lake Illawarra in the next round.

On the opposite side of the stick, fourth grade made it two wins in a row against Albion Park on the weekend.

“Kiama were relentless with the ball,” said Brown. “Matt Harrison bagging 3-9, Adam McCrone 3-23 and Harry McCrone 3-20, followed by the miserly Giles Brown chipping in with 1-11 from four overs, with the home side making only 96.”

Kiama surpassed the score one down in the 17th over. Posting his third consecutive 50*, Adam McCrone was all class, followed by Matt Harrison (23*) and Milo Brown (14*). Fourth grade next take on the in-form Jets in the match of the round.

The Kiama Cavettes’ match against the Ex-Servos was abandoned due to the weather. They will take on the undefeated Oak Flats team this Friday.