Kiama Cavaliers first grade moved a win clear of fifth place with a strong victory on the morning of the club’s 170th anniversary.

In a weekend heavily impacted by weather, with many matches abandoned - the Cavaliers first, third and fourth grade sides managed to take the field.

But it was only first grade who truly impressed.

Playing at Kiama Sporting Complex against the Oak Flats Rats, the Cavaliers won the toss and elected to bat.

Kiama began well, with openers Adam Ison (15) and Joe Burgess (24) combining for a steady 28-run opening stand. 

Ison was the first to depart, followed soon after by first-drop David Coleman (2), leaving the Cavaliers at 2–32.

A trio of strong middle-order partnerships then steadied the innings. Captain Jaya Hartgerink (21), Ryan Butta (30) and Nathan Barr (33) guided the hosts into a promising position at 6-139.

Unfortunately, the tail failed to add meaningful runs, and Kiama were eventually dismissed for 147 after 45.4 overs.

Despite the modest total, Kiama’s bowling attack responded with intent. Oak Flats made a solid start, reaching 4-60, but from there the Cavaliers took control. 

Tight bowling and regular wickets saw the Rats slump to 98 all out from 38.1 overs.

Wickets were shared evenly, with Brad Ison, Adam Ison, Glenn Cleary and Joe Burgess each claiming two. The remaining dismissals came via a Hartgerink run-out and Niall Owers, who took the opening wicket of the innings.

The win leaves Kiama sitting fourth on the ladder, one victory clear of fifth and sixth. With just four rounds remaining, the Cavaliers can almost smell finals cricket.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t as successful for Kiama’s other sides.

Cavaliers president Bernie Brown had labelled the third-grade fixture against Oak Flats as the “match of the round”.

Despite a superb century from captain Sheldon Hall, who scored 100 off just 83 balls after benefitting from a dropped catch in the outfield midway through his innings, Kiama’s total of 190 from 40 overs proved insufficient. 

The bowling attack managed only two wickets, as Jaye Jackman’s remarkable 100 not out from 49 balls powered the Rats to 191 in just 26.3 overs.

In fourth grade, Kiama fielded what Brown described as a “youthful side” against Gerringong at home. 

The young Cavaliers struggled with the bat, managing just 67 from their 35 overs, with Riley McCrone (25) the only player to pass 20.

Gerringong reached the target in just 11 overs, though Heath Marsh provided a highlight for Kiama with three wickets.

This Saturday, first grade and the Cavettes will host Albion Park, while second and third grades travel away. Fourth grade will face Jamberoo on the road.