Campbelltown Harlequins have bounced back from their narrow loss to Camden with a nine try romp against the Woonona Shamrocks at Campbelltown Showground on Saturday.
The 51-21 triumph over their traditional rivals confirmed that Harlequins will be a contender again in the Illawarra District Rugby Union (IDRU) premiership in 2025.
On Saturday they hit the ground running, racing to a 7-0 lead off a converted try just two minutes after the kick off.
They were never headed after that, scoring three more tries to head to the sheds at half time with a handy 24-14 lead.
They were even more dominant in the second half, scoring another five tries to completely shut out the gallant Shamrocks.
It was a very good all round performance by the Quins, the forwards setting the platform for the backline to do its job.
The win puts Harlequins on top of the first grade ladder – with loads of improvement left in the side.
Second grade went down 31-21 in what was a very competitive game, and with goal kicking being the only difference.
While the Quins seconds only have one win from four outings so far in 2025, they have been very competitive and will most definitely be in the mix as the season progresses.
The festival of rugby at Campbelltown Showground concluded with a very entertaining women’s match with Harlequins taking on Warringah under lights.
For the young Harlequin team this was to be a real test against a Warringah team full of Waratahs.
And although they did not get the win they proved to be most competitive and dominated territory for the majority of the game.
Courtesy of a couple of long range tries from turnovers, the visitors won the game 31-12.
It’s fair to note that the final scoreline was not an accurate reflection of the game.
The lady Quins battled hard and were unlucky not to finish a lot closer.
Sunday saw the continuation of the junior competition with Quins recording good wins in all age groups.
The club’s Under 18s travelled to Riverwood to take on Oatley in the Sydney Junior Rugby competition, walking away winners 29-22 – a good start to the year for the boys.
This week there is a break in the Illawarra District Rugby competition due to country championships, however the women’s side will tackle Eastern Suburbs at 2.30pm on Saturday at the showground.
If you are still looking for your rugby fix the junior club is at home on Sunday with the day culminating in the Quins Under 18s hosting Randwick mid afternoon.
IDRU ROUND 5 RESULTS – FIRST GRADE:
Kiama 33 Defeated Shoalhaven 27
Camden 22 Drew with Bowral 22
Campbelltown Harlequins 51 Defeated Shamrocks 21
Vikings, University Bye
SECOND GRADE:
Shoalhaven 23 Defeated Kiama 17
Camden 12 Defeated Bowral 10
Shamrocks 31 Defeated Campbelltown Harlequins 22
Vikings 13 Defeated Tech Waratahs 10
University Bye.
