Campbelltown Harlequins have sounded a warning to their Illawarra rugby premiership rivals after a 73-16 demolition of the Tech Waratahs on Saturday.
Playing in front of a boisterous home crowd at Campbelltown Showground, the Quins romped home despite a slow start to the game.
The first grade victory followed triumphs in reserve grade and the Harlequins women’s side, who posted their first win of the season. ANDREW CHOICE reports:
Following their big win over competition front runners Camden, Harlequins hosted a confident Tech Tahs, who have had some good wins so far this season.
The visitors started confidently to be leading 16-14 after 25 minutes.
Despite running into a solid breeze, Harlequins hit back with two long range tries to go to the half time break leading 28-16.
The half time score line gave no hint to what was to happen after the break.
The coaching team of Kam f’aavaeeli and Adam Choice went to work cleaning up a few rough edges during half time and Quins came out firing, scoring two entertaining tries in the first eight minutes of the second half.
Both were converted and the score blew out to 42 points to 16.
With the forwards providing a stable platform and quick ball, the Harlequin running game took flight before running out winners 73-16.
Best on the day were fullback Norwin Latu with four tries, No 8 Peni Tuitupou whose ball running terrified the opposition, five-eighth Joe Maher controlled the game and up front captain Elijah Sa helped lay a solid platform.
Earlier in the day the Harlequin ladies (pictured above) had their first win over West Harbour with a strong 19-5 win.
In a game where Harlequins forwards dominated they were always in control and would have been disappointed not to walk away with more points.
However, I am sure they will take the wins after a luckless start to the season.
The Harlequin’s back row led the way with no 8 Malama Leatigaga and open side Sandra Lauughlin having stand out games along with 17 year old Viniana Sorovi who continues to impress and is destined for higher honours.
Men’s second grade continued to improve and recorded their second win of the season with a 29-15 victory over Tech Tahs.
Man of the match No 8 Neueli Merina impressed for the second week in a row and continues to put pressure for promotion to first grade.
Next week the women are away to Warringah and the men at Shamrocks, before returning home the following week to tackle Parramatta Two Blues and Bowral respectively.
IDR ROUND 5 RESULTS – FIRST GRADE:
Shoalhaven 31 Defeated Kiama 14
Campbelltown Harlequins 73 Defeated Tech Waratahs 16
Bowral 27 Defeated Shamrock 19
Vikings Bye
SECOND GRADE:
Kiama 17 Defeated Shoalhaven 12
Campbelltown Harlequins 29 Defeated Tech Waratahs 15
Shamrocks 39 Defeated Bowral 33
Camden 18 Defeated University 8
Vikings Bye
