The Campbelltown Harlequins maintained their flawless start to the Illawarra Rugby season on Saturday, surviving a gritty second-half surge from Bowral to secure their third consecutive victory.
In a clash of the titans featuring two previously undefeated sides, it was the Quins who showed the early class needed to take the points in a match that’s best described as a “tale of two halves’’.
Campbelltown opened the contest with a scintillating display of “enterprising football, slicing through the Bowral defense with clinical precision.
By the halftime whistle, they had crossed the line three times to establish a 20-0 lead.
While the scoreboard was healthy, it arguably flattered the hosts; the Quins’ expansive play could have easily resulted in two or three more tries if not for a few final-pass wobbles and desperate Bowral scrambling.
The momentum shifted abruptly after the break.
A contentious refereeing decision following a Bowral kick-through resulted in a penalty try, breathing life into the home crowd and the Highlands’ players.
As the score narrowed to 20-7, the match descended from a flowing spectacle into a physical “slog.”
Hampered by a sin-binning and a string of crucial injuries, the Quins lost the clinical edge they displayed in the first stanza.
However, despite the late pressure and a final Bowral score, Harlequins held firm to win 27-21.
“We will bank the win,’’ head coach Adam Choice said bluntly when questioned about the second-half drop-off.
He added: “It is April, not September.’’
In second grade the previously undefeated Quins suffered their first setback of the new season, falling to Bowral by 10 points.
While Campbelltown played excellent foundational rugby, they struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
The club’s injury toll in the top grades trickled down, exposing the depth of the squad, though coaches remain confident for a bounce-back next week.
Women’s Rugby (Johnston Cup): The Quins ladies made a massive statement in the Sydney Rugby competition, shutting out Manly 28-0. It was a dominant performance from a young squad that is rapidly finding its feet.
Colts (U18s): The future looks bright as the U18s moved to 2-0 in the Sydney Southern Conference with a comprehensive 44-19 dismantling of Southern Districts.
Junior Quins:
It was a busy weekend for the junior ranks with all age groups traveling. The mini and mod categories led the way with a clean sweep of victories for the U9s, U10s, U11s, U12s, and U13s.
While the U14s and U16s found the going tougher, the club was thrilled with the high participation numbers and the competitive spirit shown across the board.
Next Saturday marks a massive milestone as the Quins return home for the first time this season.
In a special one-off promotional weekend, Harlequins will play host to a big schedule featuring matches from Bowral and Camden alongside their own fixtures.
Women’s Kick-off: 11.30am, with the men’s kick-off to follow at 1pm and 3pm
This will be a big test for the ladies as they host the Newcastle Wildfires in what promises to be the match of the round.
Get down to the grounds to support the Quins in what is shaping up to be a historic day for the club!
ANDREW CHOICE