Campbelltown Harlequins have made it three wins on the trot after a gutsy win over Shamrocks at Ocean Park, Woonona on Saturday. The final score of 36-25 flattered the home side, writes our rugby correspondent ANDREW CHOICE.
After two impressive wins at home, the Harlequins travelled to Woonona on Saturday knowing a win would cement third spot on the table and keep them in touch with Shoalhaven and Kiama in the chase for the minor premiership.
Quins, pictured above recharging the batteries at half time, started well and opened with a try after a few minutes to lead 7-0 as the forwards started to show their dominance early in the game.
However, the home side stayed in touch with a penalty goal 15 minutes in for a 7-3 scoreline.
Quins then mounted a number of attacking raids and scored twice to lead 19-3 with 10 minutes to go until the break.
Shamrocks again kicked a penalty goal to stay in touch, however right on halftime Quins responded with a well crafted line out drive to secure a bonus point and lead 26-6.
Campbelltown were dominant in all areas of the game, however this was nullified in the second half in the face of a 21-7 penalty count against them.
Shamrocks scored early in the second half to close the gap to 21-13.
While obviously frustrated by lack of possession, eventually Harlequins got a scrum 40 metres out from the Shamrocks line. This enabled their backs to go to work that resulted in a try.
The scoreboard said 31-13 with 30 minutes to go.
After several contentious decisions Shamrocks mounted continued pressure on the Harlequins line but it was the visitors who scored next to lead 36-13.
Off the back of a mountain of possession, Shamrocks scored late to push the scoreline to 36-18 and with a penalty try on full time the home side narrowed the final score to a flattering 36-25.
Earlier, second grade continued their winning ways in a hard fought two point 19-17 win over Shamrocks and are now firmly in the top four.
Harlequins women’s side lost 41-29 loss to Warringah Rats to end a big week. On Wednesday the girls headed to Gordon for a deferred wash out game. In what was probably their best performance of the season, Harlequins walked away with a 36-5 win.
On Saturday the girls had to again travel to Pittwatter for a 10.30am game against Warringah. The girls started well and led 12-10 at half time, however the travel took its toll and the girls faded to go down 41-29. It was a great effort from the girls as they continue to show that they belong in the top tier of women’s rugby in Sydney.
Next week The Quins are at home to Bowral while the ladies are at home to Parramatta Two Blues in what should be a great day at the Campbelltown Showground.
IDR ROUND 7 RESULTS – FIRST GRADE:
Shoalhaven 20 Defeated Camden 0
Campbelltown Harlequins 36 Defeated Shamrocks 25
Kiama 64 Defeated Bowral 14
Tech Waratahs Bye
SECOND GRADE:
Shoalhaven 43 Defeated Camden 17
Campbelltown Harlequins 19 DefeatedShamrocks 17
Bowral 41 Defeated Kiama 25
University 15 Defeated Vikings 14
Tech Waratahs Bye
