Campbelltown Harlequins kicked off their 2026 Illawarra Rugby campaign in emphatic fashion on Saturday, with a clean sweep across the grades giving it bragging rights over neighbours and long‑time rivals Camden. Rugby correspondent ANDREW CHOICE reports:
In first grade, and despite playing away from home, Campbelltown defeated Camden Rams 44-15 at Wire Lane.
Quins began cautiously and were punished early by a confident Camden outfit, the Rams controlling the opening exchanges for a 10–0 lead midway through the first half.
Under the steady leadership of captain Faiva, the Quins gradually settled, and momentum shifted sharply in their favour as the game went on.
Their reward were two well‑constructed tries, sending Harlequins to the break ahead 20–10.
The halftime reset proved decisive. Returning to the field with renewed purpose, Harlequins produced a tradesman‑like second‑half performance built on discipline, pressure, and superior fitness.
Four unanswered tries blew the contest open, stretching the lead to 44–10 before Camden crossed late to narrow the final margin to 44–15.
It was a bit closer in second grade, with Harlequins edging Camden 30-25.
Campbelltown showcased the club’s attacking flair, breaking the line repeatedly and running in five tries.
Their enthusiasm with ball in hand, however, wasn’t always matched in defence, allowing Camden to stay in the contest far longer than the Quins would have liked.
Despite the defensive lapses, Harlequins’ power game and ability to strike from anywhere on the field proved enough to secure the five point victory.
Coach Luke Norton praised the resilience shown across the grades.
“Happy to get away with a win. We had a number of players unavailable and lost a couple from first grade, so it’s a good result after a difficult week. First game of the season – we’ll look at defence, and discipline, but it’s a strong start,” he said afterwards.
On Sunday, Campbelltown hosted Parramatta Two Blues, West Harbour and Gordon in a four‑way pre‑season carnival as the Harlequin women edge closer to their season opener in two weeks.
The multiple‑game format produced entertaining rugby, and the young Quins squad impressed throughout the day, recording wins over Gordon and Parramatta and a draw with West Harbour, finishing the carnival as overall winners.
It has been a challenging preseason for the Harlequin ladies, who are rebuilding after losing several experienced players and their coaching staff over the past two years.
The weekend’s results highlight the strong progress made under new coach JV Visesio, who has guided the inexperienced group with energy and clarity.
Looking ahead, on Saturday the Harlequins men travel to face Wollongong Tech in Round 2.
On Sunday, Campbelltown Showground will host a full festival of rugby, with all junior teams playing at home from 9am, culminating in the Under 18s match at 3pm.
IDRU ROUND 1 RESULTS – FIRST GRADE:
Shoalhaven 76 Defeated Tech Waratahs 17
Campbelltown Harlequins 44 Defeated Camden 15
Bowral 38 Defeated Vikings 29
Kiama Bye.
SECOND GRADE:
Shoalhaven 48 Defeated Tech Waratahs 25
Campbelltown Harlequins 30 Defeated Camden 25
Bowral 14 Defeated Vikings 7
Shamrocks 24 Defeated Avondale 10
Kiama 33 Defeated UOW 5