Last Friday’s rugby match between the Waratahs and a NSW Pacifica select side at Campbelltown Showground was such a big hit it looks set to become an annual fixture.
Col Packer, the president of the Campbelltown Harlequins rugby club, says the match attracted the biggest ever crowd to the Showground.
“Both camps congratulated our club for putting on such a splendid event at our club home ground,’’ Mr Packer said.
“We also got heaps of compliments about the first class quality of the playing surface and the stadium itself, so we want to thank Campbelltown Council for their support there.
“A commitment has now been made that this will become a regular annual event.
“Harlequins are very proud to have been part of this magic day of rugby and Pacific Island culture,’’ Mr Packer said.
He was backed up by Campbelltown Mayor George Greiss, who congratulated everyone involved in making the event happen.
“On behalf of Campbelltown I’d like to thank both teams for their efforts on the field and for bringing such a great event to Campbelltown and Macarthur,’’ he said during the post match presentations.
For those who know Campbelltown Showground, the entire grandstand on the western side as well as the seating either side of it were packed with spectators.
The clubhouse at the top of the grandstand, and the viewing balcony off it, were also jam packed for what was essentially a trial game for the NSW rugby rep side, the Tahs.
But it quickly became obvious that interaction of the fans among themselves in the stands was just as important as the action on the field.
Including watching a Waratahs drone circle overhead to take footage of the match from the air.
The event also drew plenty of Harlequins old boys, including legends such as Steven Cook and Paul Hughes, among others.
At half time, the entertainment was a Pacific Island cultural performance that enthralled the crowd.
As for the match, and for the record, the Tahs were just too strong for the Pacifica side, winning 45-7.
But the NSW Pacifica lads never gave up and produced a huge roar from the crowd when they scored their only points courtesy of an intercept try.
