It was a big weekend all round for the Campbelltown Harlequins rugby union club with both the men’s and women’s at home for the first time this year, reports our rugby correspondent, ANDREW CHOICE.
The day kicked off at 11.30am with a great win by the Harlequins women’s side, putting the Briars to the sword 17-7.
This was the team’s first win of the season after going down 15-6 to Newcastle Wildfires on the road seven days earlier. Their win over the Briars was just reward for the effort they have been putting in training and on the field.
Men’s reserves were up next at Campbelltown Showground, up against Kiama. While the 19-12 loss was disappointing the Harlequins second grade boys showed that they will be there at the end of the season.
At 3pm, it was kick off time in the match everyone had been waiting for, a replay of last year’s final between Harlequins and Kiama.
And the match did not disappoint, with both attack and defence from both teams at a very high standard for the entire match.
Harlequins got home in a nail biter 15-14, but not before a mighty scare or two.
The scoring opened in the 7th minute with a try to Jaydon Faaveeeli which Harlequins were unable to convert.
However 20 minutes later Kiama hit back with a converted try to lead 7-5 and this remained the score until the half time break.
The second half opened with Harlequins mounting pressure on Kiama, but basic handling errors meant they were unable to score points.
The home side did eventually manage to bag a try, courtesy of speedy winger Evan Abdilla.
This made it 10-7 to the Harlequins with 20 minutes left on the clock.
In scenes reminiscent of last year’s final, the visitors crossed for a late try to lead 14-10.
But Harlequins hit straight back with a try of their own to snatch a dramatic 15-14 victory.
This coming weekend Harlequins are away to Camden and the women’s side travel across Sydney to tackle Gordon.
IDRU ROUND 3 RESULTS – MEN’S FIRST GRADE:
Bowral 23 Defeated University 12
Vikings 31 Defeated Camden 28
Campbelltown Harlequins 15 Defeated Kiama 14
Shamrocks Bye
SECOND GRADE:
Bowral 38Defeated University 5
Camden 29 Drew withVikings 29
Kiama 19 Defeated Campbelltown Harlequins 12
Shoalhaven 31 Defeated Tech Waratahs 27
Shamrocks Bye
