Campbelltown ends 25-year rugby drought with dramatic IDRU title win
Campbelltown beat Shoalhaven 24-12 to claim its first Illawarra rugby title in 25 years.
Campbelltown Harlequins claimed their first IDRU first-grade premiership in a quarter-century on Saturday, holding off Shoalhaven 24-12 in a tense grand final at Collegians Sports Complex. Campbelltown Harlequins played in their fifth straight decider.
Flyhalf Faiva Faiva kicked three crucial second-half penalties to seal the win. Late-game physicality sparked an all-in brawl in the 76th minute that saw three players sent off: Campbelltown's Tafulu Isaako and Roko Nailolo, and Shoals' Will Miller.
Nailolo's red card drew scrutiny because he had been substituted and ran onto the field to join the clash. Officials checked the rulebook but ruled no automatic forfeit applied.
Faiva said after: "I don't really know what to feel. This club has been through so much.
We've come close a few years, but today we're finally able to make it count."
- Campbelltown 24, Shoalhaven 12
- Final score
- 25 years
- Title drought
- Fifth in a row
- Straight grand finals
- Collegians Sports Complex
- Venue
Why it mattersCampbelltown players and fans celebrate a moment 25 years in the making; the drought-breaking win matters deeply to the Illawarra rugby community.
AustraliaCampbelltown Harlequins and Illawarra rugby supporters have waited a quarter-century for this premiership. The win has limited impact beyond the Illawarra region.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 12 d ago
