The Campbelltown Harlequins rugby club produced a series of outstanding results across senior and junior grades over the weekend, setting up what promises to be a thrilling and decisive fortnight for the club. ANDREW CHOICE reports.
Harlequins Women travelled to Randwick on Saturday morning for the Sydney Second Division Semi Final, with a Grand Final berth on the line.
Despite finishing above Randwick on the ladder, an unexplained scheduling decision handed the opposition home‑ground advantage – a frustration the Quins refused to dwell on.
The visitors began with authority, establishing an early lead and maintaining control throughout the contest.
Their dominance at set piece and ability to retain possession denied Randwick any meaningful counter‑attacking opportunities.
Harlequins closed out a confident 24–12 victory and booked their place in next weekend’s Grand Final against Hunter Wildfires.
A large crowd gathered at Campbelltown Showground on Saturday for the top‑of‑the‑table clash between Harlequins and Kiama men’s, with the minor premiership at stake.
Kiama required victory to secure a top‑two finish, adding further intensity to an already high‑stakes encounter.
Harlequins endured a difficult first half, spending long periods without the ball as Kiama surged to a 14–0 lead.
The Quins struck back to narrow the margin, but Kiama responded again to take a 21–5 advantage into the break.
The second half belonged entirely to Harlequins: with their forwards winning collisions and the set piece functioning cleanly, momentum swung sharply.
The backs capitalised, producing three tries, including a length‑of‑the‑field effort involving nine sets of hands,to overturn the deficit and secure a 24–21 victory.
The result delivered Harlequins the Minor Premiership and confirmed a home Major Semi Final in two weeks’ time.
Earlier in the day, the men’s Second Grade faced fourth‑placed Kiama in a match carrying significant implications for the club championship.
After last week’s loss to Shoalhaven ended their finals hopes, Harlequins found themselves trailing 14–0 after just 10 minutes.
However, their response was emphatic. Harlequins took control of the match, producing some of their best rugby of the season to claim a 43–21 victory.
The performance keeps the club championship race alive, with Second Grade travelling to Shamrocks next weekend in what looms as a crucial fixture for the club’s overall standing.
Sunday saw the Campbelltown Showground host the Illawarra Junior Rugby Semi Finals, with a full day of matches and strong community turnout.
Harlequins recorded excellent results, with the Under 10s and Under 13s advancing to their respective Grand Finals.
The Under 11s, 12s, and 14s will compete next Sunday for their own chance to qualify.
The day showcased the strength of the club’s junior program and the promising talent emerging through the ranks.
WHAT’S AHEAD FOR THE HARLEQUINS:
- Women’s Grand Final: Harlequins vs Hunter Wildfires
- Second Grade: Away to Shamrocks in a decisive club‑championship fixture
- First Grade: Bye week before the Major Semi Final against Shoalhaven on August 29 at Campbelltown Showground.
