THE Quarriers were always chasing the game after conceding an early goal in the sixth minute against Ruse in its IFA District League game in The Quarry last Saturday. Kiama were often caught out in defence by the speed of Ruses' forwards and in its first sortie on goal Kiama keeper, Tony Ristevski, did well to parry a strong goalbound shot, but could do nothing about the rebound which fell invitingly at the feet of a Ruse striker to open the score. In a dour game of little options, both sides found it hard to create chances which made playing “total football” obsolete. Neither side was willing to push forward so it became a game of defensive resolve and a hit and hope game in attack. It took 28 minutes for Kiama to threaten its opponents goal for the first time, a well directed header from James Mortimer was punched clear for a corner. But chances were few and far between with little inventive play as Kiama found it hard to break down the Ruse defence. Once again striker, Billy Sterjovksi, was targeted by opposing players and fans alike, as the sometimes volatile crowd urged on the visitors. Kiama equalised just before halftime on the 40th minute mark. After some good work in midfield by Andy Lockard, Michael Pitt managed to lob the advancing keeper giving Mortimer his fourth goal of the season with a simple tap into an open net. Kiama started the second half better, Mitch Grant was finding the feet of his midfielders with some intelligent passing and Michael Pitt had a great effort slam into the side netting from 12 yards.

An Alex Cross throw caused panic in the Ruse 18 yard box, with first Mortimer and then Kyle Glazier having efforts blocked in the six yard area. Kiama were very much in the game and dominated long spells, a Sterjovksi freekick found Mortimer who stabbed the ball goalbound, but it was easily collected by the keeper. Then on 70 minutes the diminutive winger, Glazier, latched on to an Alex Cross through ball only to see his effort go wide. Then Cross himself had a great effort fly just over the bar from distance. But minutes later Ruse broke quickly and with a clinical finish gave Ristevski in goal no chance from 12 yards out, to take the lead 2-1.

Kiama pushed forward again, Daniel Swinton trying his luck from long range before Glazier produced another effort on target but was well saved. Then Ruse completed the scoreline as late as the 88th minute, when a defensive error gifted the visitors its third goal. Chris Reminis went on a mazy late run down the wing as Kiama still tried to pull the deficit back, but his effort at the end of the 60 yard dribble went wide of the mark. This is now Kiama’s third loss in four weeks and sit mid-table with its chances of Premier League status next season fast diminishing. But coach, Robert Hernandez, has been frustrated by long term injuries to key players with; Stephen Dick, Gary Vian, Tommy Mayes, Aaron Murphy and Mick Gillespie all still sidelined.

Earlier in the day Ruse beat a lethargic Kiama Youth side 3-0, while the Reserves were in the game for long spells, but eventually went down 5-2 to a strong Ruse combination. Klaus Wunsch and Mitch Stone scored for Kiama.

Wes Gedling tried hard in midfield to fire Kiama Youth into the game, but Ruse were just far more hungry for the win. Both Gedling and Jordan Inwood played well in an otherwise overall sluggish performance.

The reserves also conceded an early goal after only five minutes. But from a thunderous Scott Schofield freekick, which the keeper could not hold, Wunsch was on hand to slam the ball home from six yards. But Ruse converted two more chances in a hectic ten minute spell to go in 3-1 at half time.

Man of the match Chris Hughes battled away all day in midfield and created a few chances for the front runners, but Ruse ran out with the goals on the board at the end of the day, making it a memorable trip back on the bus to Campbletown with a clean sweep under the belt.