Campbelltown Harlequins were supposed to hit the road along the Hume Highway on Saturday, and head down the Southern Highlands to take on Bowral.
Their round six clash had been washed out, so it was rescheduled for round eight when both were down for byes.
But not at Bowral. The powers to be decided, and the two clubs agreed, to take the game to Wollongong, to help promote the Tech Waratahs.
And didn’t they put on a show, as our rugby correspondent ANDREW CHOICE reports.
Campbelltown Harlequins may have won the game 36-27, but not before a scare or two.
Harlequins started well and shot out to a 17-0 lead after 20 minutes of high paced, entertaining rugby.
However, Bowral rallied as Harlequins relaxed and clawed back two tries late in the first half to narrow the gap to trail 17-12 at half time.
As has been the trend in recent weeks, Quins again struggled after half time and allowed Bowral to level the score early in the second half.
Harlequins desperately needed to get on the board and scored to push the score to 22-17.
Bowral were not finished and scored again to lead 22-24, and after further pressure in the Quins half were awarded a penalty goal, which was converted for a shock 27-22 lead with 10 minutes to go.
A nervous group of Campbelltown supporters looked on as inspirational captain Elijah Sa then rallied his troops and Harlequins started to emulate their form of the first 20 minutes to score and regain the lead 29-27.
Quins then scored again to post a final score of 36-27.
There were no excuses for the scrappy win, but it’s fair to point out that Harlequins did have seven of their regular first graders out through injury and unavailability.
In second grade, Campbelltown won 22-15, the premiership points keeping them in touch with the top four with plenty of games to be played.
On Saturday, the Harlequins ladies team journeyed to Manly with a depleted squad to take on the competition leaders.
With some great wins in recent weeks, hopes were high, but it wasn’t to be, and the girls suffered their first loss in three weeks.
However, with key players back this week I am sure the girls will turn things around against Briars.
Sunday was a great day showcasing Illawarra Junior Rugby at the Campbelltown Showground, with all Harlequin junior sides being at home.
The minis and under 8s started the day and just had a great time playing rugby.
Harlequins recorded great wins in the Under 10s, under 12s, under 16s and the day finished with a big win by the under 18 over Hunters hill 46 – 26 in a very entertaining game
This week the ladies travel to Concord to take on Briars and hopefully return to the winners, list while the men are at home to University – see you there.
IDR ROUND 8 RESULTS – JUNE 14, 2025 – FIRST GRADE:
Kiama 41 Defeated Camden 25
Shamrocks 33 Defeated Vikings 17
Shoalhaven 66 Defeated University 19
Bowral, Campbelltown Harlequins Bye
Postponed Round 6 Game: Campbelltown Harlequins 36 Defeated Bowral 27
SECOND GRADE:
Campbelltown Harlequins 22 Defeated Tech Waratahs 15
Kiama 47 Defeated Camden 17
Shamrocks 27 Defeated Vikings 5
Shoalhaven Defeated University by forfeit
Bowral Bye
