Harlequins proved too strong for Camden, winning the local rugby union derby 36-26 at Campbelltown Showground on Saturday, but while the two points keep the Quins top of the table, the match exposed its Achilles heel, reports ANDREW CHOICE.
As befits the only team to beat the Quins this year, Camden started confidently and were rewarded with an early penalty, which they converted to lead 3-0 after just a few minutes into the match.
Campbelltown hit back immediately with a try to lead 7-3.
Not to be outdone, Camden regathered a kick down the left wing to score and regain the lead, 10-7 at the 20 minute mark.
The next 20 minutes of the first half saw Quin score another two tries, but Camden stayed in touch to trail by just two points at the break.
Two minutes into the second half the Harlequins Achilles heel was on display when they missed a penalty in front.
Taking a shot at penalty goal was unusual decision for Quins, who normally have a positive mindset.
However they soon got another opportunity and this time they attacked the Camden line on the back of a dominant scrum to push their lead out to 22-15.
Camden still would not go away and took their opportunities, kicking a penalty goal and scoring a try to lead 23 to 22 with 18 minutes to go.
Harlequins responded, regaining the ball from the kick off and mounted immediate pressure on Camden’s line.
As was shown last week, when this Harlequins team gets it right, they are very hard to stop.
After multiple phases of highly skilled rugby, Campbelltown were back in front on the scoreboard, 29-23.
The good crowd in place for Back to Campbelltown day was treated to some thrilling rugby in the last 10 minutes, with both sides pushing hard for the win.
Camden had some good field position, however despite being down to 14 men the Harlequins defence held firm and was rewarded with a runaway try late in the game to post a flattering 36-26 final score line.
Camden turned up to play and pushed the competition leaders all the way.
Campbelltown may dismiss the close call, highlighting a 6 tries to thee victory, but this simply highlights a serious issue with Quinn’s push for the title, goal kicking.
Earlier in the day, Harlequins second grade went down 21-19 in a very close and entertaining game. While it was not the result Harlequins were looking for, they remain in the hunt for a semi final spot.
The Harlequins women’s side had a 28-0 win over Parramatta, the team they will meet in the first semi final of the women’s Sydney rugby competition this Friday at Campbelltown Showground. Kick off from 7.30pm.
IDRU ROUND 13 RESULTS – FIRST GRADE:
Bowral 36 Defeated Vikings 24
Campbelltown Harlequins 36 Defeated Camden 26
Kiama 67 Defeated Shamrocks 12
Shoalhaven and University byes
SECOND GRADE:
Bowral 40 Defeated Vikings 11
Camden 21 DefeatedCampbelltown Harlequins 19
Kiama 47Defeated Shamrocks 19
University 26 Defeated Tech Waratahs 5
Shoalhaven bye