The season is over for Campbelltown Harlequins rugby club after the men’s first grade lost by two points in the final against Kiama on Saturday. But as our rugby correspondent ANDREW CHOICE reports, it could have easily gone the other way.
Harlequins lost 26-24 in what can only be described as a thriller, including a helter-skelter last five minutes of the match.
Campbelltown started well and got out to a 6-0 lead courtesy of two penalty goals from full back Joe Marr.
However, despite sustained pressure for 20 minutes, Harlequins could not cross the Kiama try line.
A serious injury to a Kiama player saw the game and Harlequins momentum stopped for a lengthy period of time.
Upon the resumption Kiama seized the initiative to score and lead 7-6 after 25 minutes of game time.
Harlequins regained their composure and hit back with a try and penalty goal to lead 14-7 at the half time break.
After the break Harlequins continued to mount pressure on the Kiama line and were eventually rewarded with a converted try to that man Joe Marr for a 21-7 lead.
Kiama regained momentum off the back of a mounting penalty count and scored twice to close the deficit to just two points at 21-19.
But Harlequins kept working for field position and were rewarded with an offside penalty that took the scoreline out to 24-19 – and just 10 minutes to go.
Kiama regained possession from the kick off and began to mount pressure, but Harlequins defended courageously.
However after a number of penalties enabled sustained raids on the Quins line, Kiama eventually scored to take the lead at 26-24.
The last five minutes were frantic with Kiama pinned in their own 22 thanks to aggressive defence from the Harlequins.
And with the help of a couple of questionable decisions, Kiama held on to win what was an outstanding game of rugby played in great spirit.
Kiama will now go on to play Shoalhaven in the grand final, while Harlequins are left to lament what could have been.
