1st Grade

In the wettest match the team has played in for some time, a strong first half set up a convincing 29-10 victory for 1st Grade.

The game started evenly with both teams having scoring opportunities in the first 20 minutes and failing to capitalise. Matt Moore crossed for our first try with some strong work in the corner and we scored another 2 tries before the half time to Fonz and Maciu Vosa to have a 15-0 lead at the half time – and in these conditions that was the equivalent to a 25-0 lead.

The game was settled within 10 minutes of the half with Paulo Aukuso scoring a strong individual try and then Alf Mika getting an opportunistic try to increase his position as the clubs leading try scorer. Josh Moore converted both tries and at 29-0 lead a range of changes were made to rest injured players. University camped in the Quins half for the last 20 minutes of the game scoring 2 consolation tries.

2nd Grade

The game against 3rd place Melbourne Uni would have a large impact on Harlequins place on the ladder. A win would put them clear in second but a loss would put them right back in the pack. Harlequins made a poor start when in the opening minutes a misdirected kick and weak tackling saw Melbourne Uni score in the corner. Harlequins however kept their composure and work themselves back into the game. A simple backline move resulted in Siof Tulanga switching with Nathan Redfern and Tulanga scoring next to the posts. Redfern converted the try. Soon after, a kick, chase and tackle from Emil Vartazarian put Uni under pressure and Johnny Iosefo pounced on the resulting loose ball to score in under the posts. His try was also converted. Uni then bounced back into action, kicking a penalty and then scoring a try after breaking through at a ruck. Harlequins argued that the ball had been held up but the try was awarded and converted. This gave Melbourne Uni a 15-14 lead heading into the half time break.

Harlequins knew how important it was to score first in the second half and Redfern obliged by kicking a penalty early on, giving Harlequins back the lead and allowing them to put pressure on Uni. This pressured resulted in Harlequins next try. On their own try line, Uni had their kicked charged down by Stephen Hape as they attempted to kick from the base of a scrum. Hape dived on the ball, to Harlequins delight, to score. The try was unconverted. Uni continued to look dangerous and kicked a penalty to get within 4 points. However excellent defence and effort right til the final whistle saw Harlequins hold on for the win, 22 -18. Harlequins are now clear in second position as they head into the return matches from the first 7 rounds.