Meat Loaf sang “two out of three ain’t bad’’, and the same could be said for Campbelltown Harlequins after their start to the 2025 rugby union season.
The men’s first and second grade sides returned from their road trip to Wollongong with solid victories against the Vikings.
The 29-21 final scoreline flattered the home side in first grade, while Harlequins were too good for the Vikings in reserves, winning 40-29.
In the first grade clash, the Campbelltown side ran on for the start of the match minus a number of its star players. It meant a first grade debut for the two U18s lads pictured above, Connor Norton and “Glassie”.
Seemingly buoyed by the performance of second grade, the Harlequins started the match in confident style.
Although they did not have a lot of ball in the opening exchanges Campbelltown defended stoutly.
When they finally got some possession they put on a well worked blind side move to score the first points of the match.
The 7-0 lead to the Harlequins only last five minutes, with a defensive lapse in the 30th minute allowing the Vikings to level the score.
However, the Harlequins responded immediately with a converted try of their own to lead 14-7 at half time.
They also came out firing in the second half, racing to a 29-7 lead.
In the final 10 minutes the home side capitalized on the Harlequins being a man short and scored two late tries for a flattering final score of 29-21 to Campbelltown.
Back home at Campbelltown Showground, the Harlequins women’s team opened their season against Southern Districts in the Sydney first division competition.
It was not the start Campbelltown were looking for, going down 45-3 to a very well prepared Souths group.
It’s fair to point out that this is a very young Harlequin squad and the coaching staff are confident that they will be competitive as the season progresses.
After a break for Easter, both the men and women’s teams will be playing their next round games at Campbelltown Showground on Saturday, April 26.
Women will host the Briars at 11.30am, with the men’s firsts (3pm) and reserves (1.30pm) taking on Kiama.
- With ANDREW CHOICE
IDRU ROUND 2 RESULTS:
First Grade:
Shoalhaven 24 Defeated Bowral 22
Camden 41 Defeated University 12
Campbelltown Harlequins 29 Defeated Vikings 21
Shamrocks and Kiama Bye.
Second Grade:
Shoalhaven 39 Defeated Bowral 33
Camden 31 Defeated University 0
Campbelltown Harlequins 40 Defeated Vikings 29
Shamrocks 27 Defeated Tech Waratahs 5
Kiama Bye.
