The Illawarra district rugby competition draw is such that Campbelltown Harlequins have not played for three weeks. And as ANDREW CHOICE reports, it was unfortunate that coming off that break Harlequins took on red hot title favourites Shoalhaven on Saturday.
Harlequins’ six game winning streak came to an abrupt end on Saturday at the hands of a very impressive Shoalhaven.
The competition leaders showed why they are the premiership favourites with a comprehensive 45-14 win, although the final scoreboard was not a true reflection of the Harlequins’ effort on the field.
From the start Harlequins discipline was tested and after just seven minutes back to back penalties saw Shoalhaven score from a line out five metres from the try line.
The first half continued in the same vein with Harlequins unable to handle the pace of the game, and as a result leaking another three tries to trail 26-0 at half time.
Harlequins looked more composed after the break and managed to get the ball to their talented outside backs.
After Shoalhaven scored again Quins pulled back two converted tries and started to threaten.
Mistakes from playing catch up football cost the home side two more tries as the final score ballooned to 45-14.
When asked for his thoughts after the game, Harlequin head coach Kam Faavaeeli simply said: “What a difference three weeks makes,” alluding to the long break between games.
On a brighter note, with Saturday’s game under their belt and the return of five eighth Jo Marr, the Quins will hopefully be at their best again when they take on Kiama this weekend at Campbelltown – a win for either side should guarantee second place on the ladder.
Second grade did play last week after a two week break, but they did not fare much better. Missing key players through injury and a couple of first grade call ups, they were never in the hunt.
The Harlequins women’s team travelled to Manly on Saturday to take on the Marlins. Missing some key players including Wallaroos Atasi Lafai and Sally Fuesaina who have been recalled to representative duties, the girls battled on in what was a tight fixture for all but the last 20 minutes where Manly scored two late tries to break the deadlock and run out winners 23-7.
This is the end of the full round of the Women’s Sydney Premiership. Harlequins have finished mid-table. Teams will now split into a first and second division to round out the season – Harlequins will qualify for Division 2 where I would think they will be one of the favourites to take this out.
In more good news for women’s rugby, the Harlequins junior girls won the Sydney Junior under 16 grand final, comprehensively beating Oatley 51-17 to claim the Sera Naiqama Cup. This was a deserved win for a group that has been dominant all year.
Harlequins under 14 girls had their grand final washed out and will play next week – we should see a double – well done to Siteri Tinai, the staff and of course the girls.
IDR ROUND 11 RESULTS, FIRST GRADE:
Bowral 71 Defeated Vikings 19
Shoalhaven 45 Defeated Campbelltown Harlequins 14
Kiama 52 Defeated Shamrocks 12
Camden 35 Defeated Tech Waratahs 8
SECOND GRADE:
Bowral 31 Defeated Vikings 10
Shoalhaven 50 Defeated Campbelltown Harlequins 12
Kiama 24 Defeated Shamrocks 17
Camden 28 Defeated Tech Waratahs 14
University: Bye
