With Campbelltown Harlequins having a bye in the Illawarra men’s competition all the attention moved to the women’s team as they took on Southern Districts in the Sydney Division 1 competition, reports ANDREW CHOICE.
After some mixed results in recent weeks Quins were hoping for a change of luck as they took on one of the competition front runners at the Campbelltown Showground on Saturday.
Quins started well and with some very good phase play they scored after only five minutes to lead 5-0.
On the back of errors and poor discipline by the home side, Souths mounted a sustained attack on the Quins line.
Despite some resolute defence by Campbelltown, the visitors were able to score twice to lead 10 -5 midway through the first half.
Harlequins responded well and it was only a couple of handling errors that cost them more points as half time approached.
Souths started the second half with a more expansive approach and showed some great continuity and skills and after 15 minutes of sustained pressure were able to score and convert to lead 17-5.
Harlequins then started to get some possession and scored to get within a converted try and 20 minutes remaining.
With the game in the balance that change of luck that Harlequins were hoping for did not eventuate and Souths scored off a forward pass to lead 22-10 with only 10 minutes to go.
The Harlequin girls stuck to their tasks and finished the game strongly going down 29 points to 15 in a game that they could have easily won.
Despite the loss the game did highlight the improvement in this young group who lost their opening game of the season to Souths by 40 points.
Meanwhile in Canberra Harlequins own Sally Fuesaina (pictured above) was playing for Australia A against Samoa, a match which Australia won 50-23.
After a number of club games this was a big step in Sally’s return from the calf injury that has interrupted her world cup dream.
The final preparations for the team heading to the world cup will be two tests against Wales on July 26 and August 1.
From all reports Sally performed well in the game and hopefully this is enough to see her named in the Wallaroos squad.
This coming weekend Harlequins will be playing Vikings at home, Campbelltown Showground.
