With both the Campbelltown Harlequins women’s and men’s reserves teams losing their games, first grade came through for the club’s only win on the weekend. But even they caused a few palpitations, reports ANDREW CHOICE.
Up against the Shamrocks at Ocean Park, Woonona, Harlequins – hot favourites to win – found themselves trailing 14-0 after just 15 minutes.
But when they finally got some possession, the Campbelltown boys immediately showed their class.
Two converted tries later, including one courtesy of a trademark rampaging run from breakaway Penimapa Tuitupou, helped Harlequins go to the break level on the scoreboard at 14-14.
They really got to work in the second half, applying pressure to the home side.
When Shamrocks did not find the line from a clearance kick, Quins back thee responded quickly to counter attack.
Winger Faiva Faiva took advantage to make a break and put prop Alex Sherwin in for a try under the posts.
From that point on, and despite a mounting penalty count, Quins took control of the game, scoring another four tries to run out winners 45-14.
Best on field for Harlequins were winger Faiva Faiva, he really is a class act, while Peni Tuitupou was again a very strong presence on the field, and lock Ben Movik made a great contribution through his high work rate.
The victory puts the Quins nine points clear in first place.
Second grade’s woes away from home continued with a heavy loss to a very good Shamrocks team.
And despite a narrow 22-20 loss on the weekend to Kiama, Harlequins under 18s remain in second place in the southern conference of the Sydney junior competition.
On Friday night the Harlequin ladies played the first game of the Sydney Rugby Women’s final series.
Quins, who went into the game against Parramatta Two Blues at Campbelltown Showground as favourites, were leading 19-14 with 20 minutes to go.
The visitors hit back with a try of their own to grab the lead, 21-19.
Quins had a chance to regain the lead with a penalty kick eight minutes from time.
Unfortunately, the kick missed and that was the end of the session in what was a great game of rugby.
Quins will now face Eastern Suburbs in a sudden death game on the weekend.
IDRU ROUND 14 RESULTS – FIRST GRADE:
Kiama 29 Defeated Shoalhaven 26
Bowral 36 Defeated Camden 26
Campbelltown Harlequins 45 Defeated Shamrocks 14
Vikings, University bye
SECOND GRADE:
Kiama 38 Defeated Shoalhaven 12
Bowral 37 Defeated Camden 20
Shamrocks 73 Defeated Campbelltown Harlequins 10
Tech Waratah 22 Defeated Vikings 12
University bye.