The Bowral Blacks’ season of discontent continued on Saturday when they bungled a two try lead and crashed to their third defeat at the hands of Campbelltown at Eridge Park.

Flimsy one up defence and poor ball handling again plagued the locals as the well-drilled Harlequins capitalised on the Blacks mistakes to run away with a convincing 20-10 victory.

But a defiant Bowral coach, Chris Krebs warned supporters not to write off his team despite a lukewarm start to the season.

“It’s just very disappointing to play so well and still lose,” he said.

“We’ve lost three games by less than ten points and we’ve played the hardest teams in the comp.

“I believe our forwards are the best in the whole competition and injuries to key players in the backline have just killed us.

“By the time the second round starts we should be a lot better and I still think we’ll make the finals.”

The Bowral forwards again played superbly, dominating the bigger Harlequins pack and proving that a mobile, rolling pack can be a deadly combination at this level.

But the injury-plagued backline is proving the Achilles Heel for the Blacks, with the robust Campbelltown backs cutting a swathe through the locals.

The Blacks made the perfect start to proceedings though when classy winger Trent Rengger capitalised on a Campbelltown mistake by soccering a loose ball over the line to dive under for a five pointer.

The Blacks crossed the line again in the 20th minute when prop Ricky Krebs barged over on the end of a textbook rolling mall to make the score 10-3.

Just before the break the Harlequins levelled the scores though when rampaging fullback Steven Cook charged over on the end of a brilliant backline move.

The second half was characterised by plenty of dropped ball and silly mistakes and it wasn’t until ten minutes from full time that Campbelltown fly-half put the game out of reach for the locals when he crossed over under the posts to give the Harlequins a 20-10 lead.

It was a tough day all round for the locals with second grade going down 31-3 and thirds being trounced 24-0.

The Colts continued their impressive form though, saluting 24-12.

All three grades now find themselves languishing in the bottom half of the table and it will take a concerted effort and some speedy recoveries to resurrect the locals finals hopes.

And it won’t be easy for the Blacks who find themselves up against the powerful Tech-Tahs this weekend.