Wests Devils have cemented their status as the region’s premier club, going back-to-back in the InterClub Challenge with a hard-fought 22–14 victory over Kiama in a high-quality contest played in four 20-minute quarters at Kiama Showground on Saturday afternoon.
It was a willing and physical opening, with both sides showcasing the qualities that earned them the title in their respective competitions. Wests struck first in the opening quarter, with five-eighth Justin Rodrigues finishing off a slick passage of play set up by halves partner Dane Chisholm. Chisholm added the extras to give the Devils an early 6–0 lead.
Defence dominated the second quarter, as both teams dug deep and refused to yield, heading into the main break with the Devils still holding a narrow advantage. The arm wrestle continued into the third quarter before Devils prop Tepai Moeroa broke the deadlock, crashing over in the 50th minute to extend Wests lead to 12–0 and give his side some breathing room.
Kiama responded with intent, igniting the home crowd when centre Max Jennings capitalised on a Devils error from the restart to score, reducing the margin to 12–6. Momentum quickly swung further in the Knights’ favour with their second try in the space of five minutes, bringing the score to 12–10 at three-quarter time.
With the game in the balance, Wests found another gear in the final quarter. Liam Arnold crossed in the 63rd minute to extend the lead, and Chisholm’s sideline conversion pushed the advantage out to 18–10.
Kiama refused to go away, with Tom Angel pouncing on a well-weighted kick from Cameron Vazzoler in the 68th minute to close the gap to 18–14 and set up a tense final 10 minutes.
But it was Chisholm, the Devils’ dependable big-game player, who put the result beyond doubt. Following a frantic scramble and a costly late error from Kiama, the seasoned playmaker was perfectly positioned to finish under the posts in the final minute to seal the 22–14 win.
Image: Group 7 Seniors Facebook