Illawarra Rugby's Invincibles Ready for Semifinal Showdown

Illawarra Rugby's Historic Path

Illawarra rugby's so-called invincibles Shoalhaven are just two wins away from creating more history. Should the minor premiers down Kiama in Saturday's major semifinal at Shoalhaven Rugby Park and then win the grand final two weeks later, Shoalhaven will join a select group of Illawarra rugby clubs to win three straight titles. The Shamrocks were the last team to win three Illawarra District Rugby Union premierships in a row when the Woonona-based club lifted the trophy in 1992, 1993, and 1994. Kiama also did the three-peat on two occasions, first from 1966-68 and then again from 1973-75. The Wollongong Vikings are the only team to win four on the trot, achieving the remarkable feat from 1962-65.

Upcoming Semifinal Excitement

All these teams deserve praise, but not many have been able to go through one season, let alone two, undefeated, as has the back-to-back champions Shoals. July 29, 2022, was the last time Will Miller's all-conquering side were beaten. Shoalhaven have won 37 games on the bounce heading into their much-anticipated showdown against the Cows. Miller is happy with what his team has achieved but stressed his players were always looking forward to what had yet to be ticked off.

• "We've had a good season but we have a tough game coming up against Kiama. They really pushed us last time we played them, with a 17-all tie before we clinched it at the last minute."
• "Kiama were missing key players then, so we expect a full-strength lineup on Saturday."
• "There’s a lot of motivation existing within the group to perform at our best since it’s a final match."

The winner of the Shoalhaven Rugby Park fixture will secure their grand final berth, while the loser will play the victor of Sunday’s minor semifinal between Campbelltown and Camden. The Macarthur derby will be played at Ocean Park in Woonona on Sunday, August 25, from 3 PM.