With the Harlequins men’s group having a bye to close out the first half of the Illawarra District competition, the spotlight on the weekend was on the women’s team and their long awaited fixture against the star studded Sydney Uni, reports our rugby correspondent, ANDREW CHOICE:
The Harlequins came into the game as firm underdogs against a Sydney Uni team boasting five Wallaroos and a further nine Waratahs.
While this would be the first time this season that Quins had the services of their two representative Wallaroos Atasi Lafai and Sally Fuesaina, injury and player unavailability greatly reduced their numbers and tested their depth.
Things did not start well with Harlequins struggling with the pace of the Uni game and were down 14-0 after just 10 minutes.
The girls fought on through the first half, but going long periods without the ball they leaked another two tries.
Quins went to the half time break 24-0 down.
Coach Donny Nepia asked the girls to step up in the second half and the girls responded.
Competing harder at the breakdown and lifting their intensity in defence, Harlequins started to see more of the ball, restricting the Uni attacking opportunities in their 22.
Although Quins still struggled to breach the Uni line they were eventually rewarded with a converted try 20 minutes into the second half.
This was followed by numerous visits into Uni’s red zone without being rewarded with points.
The game finished with a Uni try in the final moments to make the final score 29-7.
Harlequins were buoyed by the result and the second half performance because despite the limited personnel, their young and inexperienced group showed that they could match it with the competition leaders
Seventeen year old five-eighth Vini Sorovi was outstanding, along with Sally Fuesaina.
However, the entire group will take great heart from the second half performance knowing they can compete with anyone.
On another positive note for the Campbelltown club, at the weekend’s NSW country and state rugby championship of the 200 players to represent Illawarra at both a senior and junior level 73 came from the Harlequins.
Quite an effort and well done to all those that have gone on the country and state representation.
