NRL star Zac Lomax made an unexpected switch over the weekend, donning Kiama Cavaliers colours for his debut in the club’s fourth-grade side.

Released from his Parramatta Eels contract in November, Lomax had been linked to the yet-to-launch R360 competition (which has been delayed until 2028), sparking speculation about his sporting future with Super Rugby franchises lining up for his signature.

Few, however, would have predicted a move to fourth-grade cricket for Kiama.

Kiama's fours entered the match sitting second on the ladder and hosted third-placed Gerringong, who batted first and put on an opening partnership of 40 before Lomax was introduced into the attack.

“Zac Lomax, on club debut, tore through the top order, entering the attack at first change and finishing with 3–38 from six overs,” Kiama Cricket Club president Bernie Brown said.

“Clancy Sloan - also on grade debut - took 1-15, Harry McCrone 1-17 and Adam McCrone 1-23, plus a run out, as the visitors closed at 8-169.”

Lomax capped a standout performance with an unbeaten half-century.

“Lomax and Harry McCrone strode to the crease with an eye on the total and got straight to work,” Brown said. “Zac was the first to retire on 50 not out in the ninth over, belting six fours and three sixes from 34 balls.

“Zach Gervaise made a run-a-ball 14 before youngster Harry reached the retirement milestone of 50* to record his maiden grade half-century.”

The chase, however, was not without tension. Matt Harrison made a solid 23 from 26 balls to keep Kiama in the contest, but a collapse of 4-11 left the home side under pressure.

“Club stalwart Shane Wilson and youngster Clancy Sloan expertly guided the team to victory in the final over with three balls to spare,” Brown said.

“The Cavs have been building something special under the guidance and leadership of Andrew Marsh. Seen as a nursery for the next generation and mentorship, the side is well entrenched in the top two and making the most of every opportunity.”

One grade higher, club legend Geoff McIntyre reached a major milestone, claiming his 300th club wicket in Kiama’s third-grade loss to second-placed Jamberoo.

McIntyre reached the mark in style, jumping from 298 to 304 wickets with six scalps from seven overs of leg-spin. Despite his efforts, Jamberoo posted a strong 9-250.

Kiama’s reply began positively, with Brendan Czulowski carrying his bat for an impressive 91 not out and Steven Piper contributing 36, but the remainder of the batting order struggled to make an impact - until McIntyre arrived at the crease as the final batter.

“It was a day of third-highest achievements for Geoff with bat and ball, finishing the chase on 30 not out - his third-highest score - and putting on a wonderful display of power hitting, including a big ‘free-hit’ six over deep mid-wicket,” Brown said.

“His 10th-wicket, 80-run partnership with opener Brendan Czulowski was great to watch and brought the Cavs within 40 runs of the total. In true style, Geoff made sure everyone celebrated Brendan’s highest club score and carrying the bat.”

Despite the loss, with Kiama finishing on 9-211, Brown praised McIntyre as one of the club’s great servants.

Geoff McIntyre walking off the pitch after taking his 300th wicket. Photo: Kiama Cricket Club

“Making his club debut in 1991, Geoff recently brought up his 200th club match - just the 27th Cav to do so - which is a fantastic achievement,” Brown said.

“Geoff is a humble clubman who checks in every week with the captain and is always willing to sit out to make way for others. He has played every grade for the club, earning his first-grade cap, number 288, on December 16, 2001, against Lake Illawarra. His teammates formed a guard of honour as he left the field.”

Elsewhere, the Kiama Cavettes went back-to-back heading into the Christmas break. Bowling first at home, they restricted Oak Flats to 3-123 before openers Ebony Winston (50 not out) and Carolyn Perry (49 not out) chased down the target themselves in just 14 overs.

“The Cavettes have been outstanding with the bat this season, making a name for themselves as the chasing champions and losing just 13 wickets across eight matches,” Brown said. 

“The result moves them into fourth on the ladder with strong momentum heading into 2026.”

The back to back winning Kiama Cavettes side. Photo: Kiama Cricket Club

Kiama’s first-grade side fell seven runs short in a T20 loss to Shellharbour after chasing 152, despite a blistering 43 from Josh Battishall off just 12 balls.

They rebounded in their one-day fixture against Lake Illawarra, bowling the visitors out for 126 and reaching the total in just 23 overs. 

Niall Owers and Glenn Cleary claimed three wickets each, while Adam Ison top-scored with 46.