The mighty Campbelltown Harlequins rugby club are one from two after a gallant defeat on the road on Saturday at the hands of the reigning premiers Shoalhaven.
In the opening round, the Harlequins hammered Wollongong Uni 48-14 at Campbelltown Showground.
However, Shoalhaven proved to be a more difficult task, with Campbelltown going down 24-14 in a four tries to two defeat.
But the Harlequins will take heart from the closeness of the final score, and the fact that the premiers had home ground advantage.
In a fast, high quality game, Shoalhaven scored in the 12th minute, but failed to convert.
The Quinnies responded 10 minutes later with a converted try to lead 7-5.
An unlucky try just on half time had the boys from Campbelltown trail 10-7 at the break.
The second half opened to Quinnies making several errors, allowing Shoalhaven to mount sustained pressure.
Campbelltown doggedly defended attacking raid after attacking raid, but the effort took its toll and Shoalhaven were able to cross for a try and a 17-7 lead with 25 minutes left.
The brave Harlequins responded four minutes later with a converted try of their own to reduce the deficit to just three points.
Field position see-sawed after that with both sides threatening to secure the game.
Campbelltown threw caution to the wind in a bid to grab victory.
The home side capitalised to score late in the game and secure victory in what was a hard fought game of football.
This Saturday, in round three of the Illawarra rugby premiership, Quins will be on the road again, taking on Kiama.
On May 4, Harlequins will host Camden Rams in the annual Back to Campbelltown round in what should be a big occasion – and another tough battle between the two Macarthur based clubs.
Camden look stronger this season, and indeed are two from two so far, having disposed of the Tech Waratahs 42-23 on the weekend and the Vikings 26-5 in round one.
Also on the card for Saturday, May 4 will be the clash between the Harlequins women’s first division side, who will host Eastern Suburbs.
