With only three rounds remaining in the regular season, the Campbelltown Harlequins have tightened their grip on top spot in the Illawarra First Grade competition, producing a commanding 51-19 performance against a desperate Vikings outfit fighting to keep their finals hopes alive. The lady Quins also flew the Campbelltown flag high in a crucial encounter, reports ANDREW CHOICE.
The Vikings arrived at the Showground knowing their season depended on an upset.
The visitors started with urgency, dominating early possession and forcing the Quins to defend repeat phases.
But the Harlequins’ defensive line was disciplined, connected, and patient, refusing to crack.
Once Harlequins finally secured meaningful ball, the momentum swung sharply.
Their trademark tempo returned, their forwards straightened, and their backs found space.
In a blistering 20 minute stretch, the Quins crossed for four unanswered tries, surging to a 22‑point lead and dampening the Vikings’ early enthusiasm.
The visitors did managed to cross for a late first‑half try, but the home side responded immediately, to take a commanding 29-7 lead into the break.
The second half was less polished from a Harlequin perspective.
Vikings threw everything they had, possession, territory, and ambition, and were rewarded with three tries.
But each time they scored, Harlequins answered.
The competition leaders never looked rattled, and in the final 10 minutes they accelerated again, closing out a convincing 51–19 victory.
Lock Ben Movick was immense, working tirelessly in contact and around the park. Flanker Adam Powell provided relentless pressure at the breakdown, while giant centre Ben Faavre powered over for two tries in a standout performance.
Women’s Rugby: Harlequins 22 def West Harbour 5
Earlier in the day, the Lady Quins faced a crucial clash of their own: a must‑win match to stay in the hunt for a top‑two finish and a home semifinal.
Fourth‑placed West Harbour travelled to Campbelltown confident after their first‑round victory, but the Harlequins women were in no mood to repeat history.
From the opening whistle, the Quins controlled the pace, the collisions, and the territory. Their structure held firm, their defence was ruthless, and their attack showed real spark.
They led 15–0 at halftime and continued to play enterprising rugby throughout the second stanza, even if the scoreboard didn’t fully reflect their dominance.
The final score, 22-5, keeps the Lady Quins firmly in the race for a top‑two finish.
They now face Randwick at the Showground next Saturday at 12 noon, with a home semifinal on the line. The club is calling on supporters to turn out in force.
Men Second Grade: Harlequins 19 drew Vikings 19
The Second Grade clash may well have been the match of the day.
Harlequins desperately needed competition points to stay in the finals race but found themselves staring at a 19‑point deficit at halftime.
What followed was a gutsy, determined, character‑driven comeback. The Quins tightened their discipline, lifted their work rate, and slowly clawed their way back into the contest. With minutes remaining, they scored to level the match at 19–19, securing two vital competition points.
Young gun Kai Masoe was outstanding, showcasing maturity and impact well beyond his years.
He is shaping as a key figure in the first grade squad as the semifinals approach.
NEXT WEEK:
- Men’s First Grade and Second Grade: Away to Shoalhaven
- Women’s Rugby: Home vs Randwick 12 noon, Saturday at the Showground
