After securing the minor premiership last weekend Campbelltown Harlequins will take on Kiama in the major semi final of the Illawarra first grade competition this Saturday, reports our rugby correspondent ANDREW CHOICE.
The game will be a replay of last year’s final that saw Quin go down by two points, however the honors have been with Harlequins so far this year, securing two hard fought wins over Kiama in the competition rounds.
Harlequin coach Kam F’aavaeeli says his team were peaking at the right time and he expects a bold showing against last year’s grand finalists
Despite finishing first, Harlequins will travel to Kiama for the bumper clash on Saturday with a full squad for the first time this season, spearheaded by captain Elijah Sa.
Despite a lack of rugby through recent a combination of a bye and wet weather, F’aavaeeli said he was optimistic they can make the grand final with a win on Saturday .
“The boys are peaking at the right time,” F’aavaeeli said.
“I thought they played really well last outing against Shoalhaven,” he said, referring to their 38-16 takedown of the incumbent premiers.
“We’ll make sure that we keep our emotions in check this week. The boys can get a lot of confidence out of the way that we’re playing.
“There’s a lot of stats that show that we’re playing very good footy, and we’ve also shown consistency throughout the season.”
Harlequins have been the standout club all season and are looking to avoid what would be only their second loss this season.
In other news the Illawarra junior competition will hold its grand finals on Sunday at Camden Rugby Park.
Harlequins will be represented by the under 10s, who are looking to take out the premiership.
Last Saturday saw the club’s under 18s bow out of the semi finals of the Sydney Rugby junior competition.
Despite the loss the boys can feel justifiably proud of a very successful season finishing second at the end of competition rounds.
Overall, it has been a great season for Quinns with the young women’s team going through to the playoffs and the under 16s also being involved in the semi final series.
A grand final victory by first grade would be the icing on the cake for the club.
Congratulations Quins!! Doing Campbelltown proud as ever