Harlequins are Hamersley Cup champions for the first time after an enthralling 35-33 win over a courageous Celtic side at Ashbury Park on Saturday.
It is the Harlies’ first senior rugby title in 15 years. They have been largely untouchable throughout the season with 13 wins from 14 games, including a 50-10 trouncing of Celtic in the season opener.
There was plenty of delight as 38-year-old Harlequins captain Telusa Latu lifted the silverware on their home ground, in his 146th and final game, after a hard-fought battle where Celtic would just not give up.
Celtic got away to the perfect start, with prop Garret Casey burrowing over for a try after 12 minutes, and first five Hayden Kerr converting.
But then a 10-minute burst from Harlequins saw them score four tries to lead 24-7, and a rout looked on as the Pacific Island influence in their side made it look like festival rugby — with the ball being given plenty of air — rather than a club final.
The first came from a Celtic error at the restart which gifted Harlequins the ball, and a bust by second five Paula Fifita saw prop Taufa Halaufia score. First five Liueli Simote added the extras to tie the game 7-all.
Two minutes later Harlequins were in the lead after several offloads saw openside Maloni Uhi score.
Left wing Samiuela Ahokovi then bolted 60m to the corner after a wide pass gave him some room, leaving defenders in his wake.
Another Celtic fumble gifted fullback Filimoehala Sioeli the ball and he ran 50-plus metres untouched to score.
At 24-7 a one-sided game looked on.
But Celtic dug deep and fullback Jarred Mannex scored an excellent try, albeit with a touch of luck with the bounce of the ball.
There was then a great run from Celtic left wing Peala Matakaiongo, who bounced off several would-be tacklers before off-loading to replacement lock Alofiali Livato, who scored to make it 24-19 at halftime.
Harlequins immediately stretched their lead after the break with a try to wing Lisiate Folau and Simote added a penalty to put Harlequins ahead 32-19.
Some brave defending from Celtic halfback Willie Wright stopped Harlequins going further ahead when he got under Harlequins replacement hooker Apitoni Tola to hold up the ball over the line, when a try would have surely spelled an end to the contest.
Celtic No 8 Conor Anderson then got his side back in the game midway through the second half with a try from close range, and Kerr’s conversion had the margin down to six points — and with Harlequins prop Taufa Halaufia binned for an indiscretion.
Simote, who had an indifferent day from the kicking tee, then landed a crucial penalty for Harlequins, which meant Celtic would need to score twice in the final 20 minutes.
In the final 10 minutes Celtic threw everything at Harlequins. Referee Jackson Henshaw finally lost patience with the Harlequins illegal defence and sent loose forward Siu Kakala to the bin with eight minutes left to play.
Celtic kept the pressure on and were rewarded with a penalty try from a dominant scrum to close the gap to two points, with two minutes left to play.
But Harlequins held on for a memorable victory in front of a delighted home crowd.
As the fulltime whistle blew players from both teams fell to their knees in either exhaustion or prayer.
It was one of the most entertaining club rugby finals in the past decade, with both sides showing plenty of skill and intent.
Harlequins coach Colin Cameron was delighted for his team.
‘‘They showed plenty of guts when it mattered, and I am rapt for them.
‘‘It was a great way for Telusa and Paula to finish [retire].
‘‘Credit to Celtic, as they played exceptionally well.’’
Cameron admitted he was very nervous at the end, as a long-range penalty could have had Celtic stealing the game.
‘‘In the end, it was great for the boys to win, and [we] will no doubt be celebrating with some kava.’’
The title was also special for Cameron who was also in charge, along with Gareth Burgess, when Harlequins won their last title in 2008.
For Harlequins the midfield pairing of Fifita and Lote Fakatou were excellent on defence and attack, while openside Uhi made an impact as a ball carrier, as did the speedster Ahokovi.
Celtic’s best were veteran Wright, who directed play well, and Mannex on attack, while Anderson had a strong game and Livato had a big impact when he came on.
In the Scott Cup (bottom four) final in Fairlie, as expected the Rams romped home over the Mud Dogs 71-5.
Pleasant Point did however celebrate in the senior B final, taking home the Wood Cup with a 39-15 win over Waimate.
