The Campbelltown Harlequins delivered a club‑wide statement on Saturday, with both the men’s and women’s sides climbing to the top of their respective competitions after a dramatic and highly entertaining weekend of rugby, reports ANDREW CHOICE.
At the Campbelltown Showground, the First Grade top‑of‑the‑table clash between the Harlequins and Shoalhaven was billed as one of the season’s marquee fixtures – and it lived up to every bit of the hype.
The Quins exploded out of the gates, stunning Shoalhaven with 14 unanswered points in the opening 10 minutes, playing fast, confident, high‑tempo rugby.
But Shoalhaven, as they always do, refused to fold. They struck back, then traded blows with the home side, sending the match into halftime with Harlequins leading 24–12.
If the Quins felt comfortable, Shoalhaven fullback Mark Brandon made sure that feeling didn’t last long.
Every time he touched the ball, Harlequins were under pressure – and he would go on to score three tries in a brilliant individual performance.
The second half became a nerve‑shredding arm‑wrestle. Harlequins pushed ahead to 31-19, only for Brandon to drag Shoalhaven back into the contest again.
When the Quins extended the margin to 36–24 with under 15 minutes remaining, the crowd finally exhaled – but Brandon wasn’t done, crossing again to make it 36–31 with seven minutes left.
With the match in the balance, Harlequins steadied. A powerful kick return from rampaging No. 8 Ben Fa’avae set the platform, and winger Vili Troddi finished in the corner to seal a thrilling 43-31 victory.
It was a match worthy of two top‑tier sides – fast, physical, and played with genuine intent.
The Quins still appear to be operating in patches, but when they click, they look capable of troubling any team in the competition.
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While the men were lighting up Campbelltown, the Harlequins women were making their own statement at Parramatta, defeating the home side 32–12 to remain unbeaten and move to the top of the Sydney Women’s Rugby Division 2 ladder.
The Quins were dominant early, racing to a commanding halftime lead while keeping Parramatta scoreless.
The second half required more grit than flair, as Parra mounted a determined fightback, but the Harlequins’ composure and structure ensured they remained in control throughout.
This is a side playing with confidence, clarity, and belief – and their unbeaten run is no accident.
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Harlequins’ men’s Second Grade fell 12–3 to Shoalhaven in a match they felt had slipped through their fingers.
The opportunities were there, but the finishing wasn’t. Despite the loss, they remain equal fifth in a tightly packed ladder and are well positioned to surge into the top four by September.
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As if Saturday wasn’t enough, the Campbelltown Showground hosted a full round of Illawarra junior rugby on Sunday, with 17 matches played across the day and a fantastic display of emerging talent.
For the Harlequins, it was another strong showing:
- Under 10s – Win
- Under 11s – Win
- Under 12s – Win
- Under 14s – Win
- Under 13s – Loss
- Under 16s – Loss
A brilliant day of rugby, great crowds, and a club atmosphere that continues to grow.
The Harlequins flag is flying proudly across all junior age groups.
