1st Grade

Unfortunately we fell short to Souths on Saturday losing 19-25 in what was a fairly dour style of game with few highlights. We did hit the lead with 10mins to go at 19-18 but Souths scored a late try to skip ahead and we had our chance late in the game to score a try but unfortunately wasn’t able to steal the win. Our first half was slow and lacked enthusiasm – there was no hard running and the opposition displayed far more urgency. Josh Moore was kicking for goal very well, and Souths only had the one try from a penalty quick tap to lead at the half 13-9.

The guys intensity picked up in the 2nd half, but Souths scored first to skip away to a 18-9 lead scoring a well worked 2nd phase try before Quins striked back from a quick tap on the half where Brendan Goodwin moved quickly to find Paulo Aukuso who showed some exceptional speed to go 40m to score. This was followed by another penalty to have our noses ahead 19-18 but alas Souths scored the late try to win the match.

2nd Grade

This round 9 game represented the start of the return matches of the first 7 rounds. In the first game of the season Harlequins had lost 13 -16 to Southern Districts and so gave Harlequins an opportunity to make an immediate improvement in the first of the return games.

The game started off as an even battle, Harlequins struggled to maintain the ball and apply any pressure and often scrambling defence keeping South out. Once they started to stop throwing 50/50 passes and control more possession, opportunities started to present themselves. This lead to tries to Emil Vartazarian, Johnny Iosefo and Ritchie Milne. With Vartazarian converting all 3 to give Harlequins a strong 21 - 0 lead going into half time.

Harlequins did not let up in the second half, showing superior fitness and a very strong bench who made immediate impact. This resulted in 5 second half tries. The try scorers included Edwin Lusala, Chris King and Steve Carlisle. Vartazarian also added 2 more tries to score a hat trick and converted all but the last try for an impressive personal tally of 29 points. Hopefully Harlequins can maintain this momentum throughout the remainder of the return matches.

Team points : 3 – Emil Vartazarian 2 – Richard Henderson 1 – Troy Drew