Their spot in the finals was already secure when Campbelltown Harlequins ran on to the field to take on Avondale Wombats on Saturday in round 17 of the Illawarra District Rugby Union premiership.
But the club where You Are My Sunshine is the go to victory song, always looks forward to this particular match.
It’s not exactly a grudge they have with the Wombats, but it’s not far off that either.
The Wombats roster boasting players who hail from Campbelltown certainly adds some spice to what are usually physical affairs.
The Harlequins, who started the season poorly, fared badly when the teams met the first time in Round 7.
Playing at home, the Wombats dominated that clash, putting 59 points on the Quins, who only managed two unconverted tries.
But it was obvious early something big was brewing at the Campbelltown Showground for the return clash.
The first sign was that the Showground grandstand was buzzing with Harlequin supporters, who obviously weren’t just there for the last home game of the season.
The second was how energised the home team boys looked when they came out for the warm up 30 minutes before kick off.
At the end of it all the signs were right: Harlequins triumphed 38-17 after a superlative performance that even impressed one or two Avondale officials.
However, it took a big effort from the Campbelltown boys to win the premiership points – and bragging rights over the Wombats.
The home side drew first blood when Darren Paese crossed the try line 10 minutes into the first half.
Avondale were quick to respond through their fly half, Tevita Masima.
The teams headed into the dressing sheds for the break with Harlequins leading by just two points, 19-17, off the back of tries from Faiva Faiva and the skipper, Alex Sherwin.
In the second half and with about 19 minutes left on the clock, the Harlequins finally cut loose and ran in a try and converted.
When they repeated the dose 10 minutes later and again five minutes after that it was all over red rover.
It was especially pleasing for the coaches that the Quins kept the Wombats scoreless in the second half.
That’s because everyone knows that defence wins premierships in rugby as much as any other football code.
The Harlequins face table leaders Shoalhaven next week in the final round of the competition.
In other Illawarra District Rugby Union news, the first grade game between Bowral and Shamrocks was abandoned due to a serious injury to a Bowral player. Several ambulances responded to the emergency call for medical assistance.
