Sandown and Tottonians faced off in a mouth watering top of the table clash, with 2 cracking squads ready to test themselves at the business end of an exciting season.
The game did not disappoint, with both teams showing high intensity and passion. Unfortunately, Totts sustained a very early injury. Their scrumhalf, rolling his ankle and having to be carried from the field. This did not stop the aggressive carries from the hosts’ big forwards, and although Sandown were matching aggression with incredible tackles, they managed to score the opening try. The conversion was pushed wide, but first blow to Tottonians (5-0).
This galvanised the Sandown pack. Smaller than the opposition, but punching well above their weight. Sam Webster-Smith being an absolute nuisance at the breakdown. Tom Sewell putting in his trademark huge hits were enough to stop the home sides attacks.
Now, it was Sandown’s turn. Powerful runs by the age-defying Adam Tyas, and slick ball skills by Ollie Parker and Jack Winter, led to inspirational pack leader George Shannon going over the white wash, bringing the visitors right back into the game. With Warvill re-entering the fray as the score was finely balanced at 5-5, as the conversion was pushed wide by Charles Little.
Sandown’s belief grew, and with Warvill back on the pitch orchestrating the team, with Wightfibre Man of the Match performance. Warvill converted 2 further penalties under pressure and to get the scoreboard ticking over in the visitors favour (5-11).
As half time loomed, the 2 sides battled for supremacy in the midfield. Unbeknownst to everyone at the game, the Hurricanes 1st team had their fixture away to Basingstoke called off, and as the forwards waited for the line-out to set, a huge noise was heard from the clubhouse, as an army of Sandown & Shanklin players and supporters approached the pitch to cheer on their brothers. That was all the pack needed to lift them. Instantly winning the line-out. Then, who else to score, other than the mighty Bristolian powerhouse Jack Davey, crashing over the try line, after some excellent phases led by scrum half Liam Little. Warvill had to deliver and calmly slotted over the conversion from the touch line to give the Hurricanes a a healthy 5-18 lead.
Half time: Tottonians RFC 3rd XV 5-18 Sandown & Shanklin RFC 2nd XV
The 2nd half was very much the same as the first. Both teams showing incredible heart, determination, bone crunching tackles and brilliant defence. Nevertheless, Tottonians couldn’t find an answer to Sandown’s disciplined attack. Showing why they have the most potent attack in the league with an incredible 387 points scored. The mighty Bristolian powerhouse, Davey, found himself going over once again, extending the lead even further, leaving the (5 – 23).
With their half time goal in sight, the Hurricanes rallied for the vital 4th try and all important try bonus point. Warvill started to dictate territory with smart accurate kicks pinning the opposition back, forcing Totts to to kick return, to the dynamic back 3 of Jamie Dilk, Will Hatch, and Ed Gurling. They immediately started running everything back with interest. Backed up by the hard hitting midfield duo of Luke Gales and Charles Little, it was only a matter of time before the Tottonians defence gave way. Under pressure to clear their lines, a rushed kick was expertly charged down by Shannon, retrieving the ball and scoring, to secure the bonus point.
Tottonians, the proud club that they are, never gave up fighting, and were rewarded for their efforts with a great team try which was duly converted.
Full time: Tottonians RFC 3rd XV 12 – 28 Sandown & Shanklin RFC 2nd XV
Next week the Hurricanes welcome both Eastleigh and Chichester 2rd XV to the fortress Fairway. As the 1st XV aim to consolidate their position as one of the dominant teams in Counties 1 Hampshire, the 2nd XV continue their quest for promotion to Hampshire 4.