The Kiama Cavaliers first grade side suffered their first loss of the season on the weekend, going down to North Nowra at Cambewarra.

Bowling first, the Cavaliers restricted North Nowra to 247 runs with David Coleman (3-19), first-grade debutant Niall Owers (3-31) and Jon Hay (2-37) the standouts with the ball.

In reply, the Cavs looked well placed at 4-136, but a late batting collapse saw them lose six wickets for just 40 runs, finishing all out for 176.

Adam Ison, continuing his strong form, top-scored with 74, supported by Nathan Barr (40) and David Coleman (23).

Club President Bernie Brown said the side was disappointed with the result.

“Captain Jaya Hartgerink was especially disappointed, feeling they gave the home side too many chances. He’s looking forward to the team putting in extra effort through the week to bounce back next round,” said Brown.

The Kiama Cavettes also suffered their first loss, going down to the Oak Flats Ratettes at home.

Bowling first, they took early wickets but couldn’t remove Ratettes captain Anne Boatswain, who powered her side with 63 off 38 balls. 

Oak Flats finished on 154, with Kiama captain Ebony Winston the best of the bowlers, taking 1-15 from four overs.

Winston then led the way with the bat, scoring 38 and putting on a 61-run opening partnership with Ava Sloan.

However, the Cavettes fell short of the target, finishing on 128 to be 26 runs short of victory.

In second grade, Kiama bounced back strongly after a narrow two-wicket loss the previous week. 

Bowling first against Shellharbour, they claimed their first wicket in the second over and eventually restricted the opposition to 182. Rob Denny took his maiden club wicket and finished with 3-33, while Saad Yasin (3-42) also claimed his first club wicket and veteran Dan Reilly contributed with 2-31.

Kiama’s reply started shakily at 2-26 before an excellent 100-run partnership between Yasin and captain Josh Battishall steadied the innings.

Battishall finished unbeaten on 121 from 74 balls, smashing 12 fours and eight sixes to guide the side to a bonus-point win, passing the total in the 25th over.

He brought up his century with a booming six.

Battishall celebrating his century in style. Photo: Brian Scott

Third grade endured a similar fate to first grade, letting too many chances slip against Jamberoo. 

After setting a competitive 213 thanks to solid contributions from Steve Holz (40), Dane Parnaby (35*) and Steve Piper (35), they were unable to defend the total, with Jamberoo chasing it down eight wickets down and an over and a half to spare.

“Kiama gave away too many chances, gifting the Jamberoo batters extra lives on their way to the win,” Brown said. “On reflection, this is one that got away from the boys, who will bounce back stronger.”

The highlights with the ball came from the father-and-son duo of Steve and Lennox Holz. On debut, Lennox took 3-47 while his dad claimed 2-53 - and the pair combined for Lennox’s debut wicket in a memorable “Bowled Holz, caught Holz” moment.

Fourth grade claimed their first win of the season against the Kookaburras. Bowling first, Kiama restricted their opponents to 192, with Col Bayley starring with 4-13, captain Andrew Marsh taking 3-21, and Giles Brown bagging 2-16.

Kiama chased down the total comfortably, thanks to debutant Hayden Cannon’s unbeaten 50 (65), supported by Adam McCrone 50* (28) and Zac Gervasie 44* (28).

This Saturday, the first-grade side will take on Warilla at Kiama Sporting Complex, while the Cavettes face Shoalhaven on Friday night at Bonaira Oval, with both sides eager to return to the winners’ list.