A Billy Sterjovski strike on 28 minutes was enough to earn The Quarriers three hard-earned points in its IFA District League clash with Bellambi in The Quarry last Saturday. In a dour battle, the game was marred by two injuries to key Kiama players in a game of few chances, but plenty of action. Gary Vian (torn calf muscle) and Aaron Murphy (dislocated elbow) will test the Quarriers resolve if the pair are long-term absentees.

Kiama had the better of play in the first half, with both Michael Pitt and Alex Cross trying their luck from distance but both efforts were off target. Kiama custodian, Tony Ristevski, was called upon to pull off some marvelous saves to keep the quick Bellambi forwards at bay, one at point blank range in the 38th minute which looked goal bound all the way. But it was a great through ball from Alex Cross which found Sterjovksi on the edge of the six yard box and the striker fired in a low drive from a tight angle to break the deadlock.

Vian did not return from the interval, his place taken by Chris Reminis, while Murphy was carried off shortly after to be replaced by Tommy Mayes. The diminutive striker almost made an immediate impact, but his free header ballooned over the bar. Ristevski was once again called upon to keep a clean sheet at the other end, as Bellambi piled on the pressure in search of the equaliser.

Steven Dick was marshalling the defense well with man-of-the-match Mitch Grant and Nate Chellew. But coach Robert Hernandez was forced to change his tactics yet again, bringing on young Daniel Swinton for a very tired Michael Pitt. James Mortimer probed the Bellambi defense, while Andy Lockard had a great effort saved in the dying minutes of the game. Bellambi tried in vain to capitalise on the reshuffled Kiama line-up, but the Quarriers held firm for a gutsy win.

Earlier Kiama Youth Grade played out an entertaining 1-1 draw. Some excellent inter-passing play saw Daniel Swinton shoot Kiama into the lead, but it was short lived as Bellambi equalised just befofe the break. In the Reserves, Bellambi ran out 5-1 winners, but the margin flattered the visitors. Two major defensive errors cost Kiama the game midway through the second half. Aaron Brown headed home Kiama's consolation goal 8 minutes from time.

This Saturday Kiama (2nd) meet University (3rd) at Kooloobong Oval, Keiraville, in what should be a testing game for the depleted Quarriers.