Sandown & Shanklin secured a 3-point victory in a tough and physical game against Bognor in Counties 2 Hampshire on Saturday 1st October.
The visitors started brightly and this caused Bognor issues, which resulted in 2 yellow cards in quick succession for the hosts. This allowed the Hurricanes to capitalise on their numerical advantage, 1st with a try to Damian Seder, and 2nd an excellent snipe from Tom Marriott, who bamboozled the opposing fullback to score. Harvey Kirkby converted both tries for a 0 – 14 lead.
As soon as Bognor regained their numbers, they looked to strike back into the game and did so with two tries of their own, to cut the deficit to 12 – 14.
Despite the relentless defensive work from the Miselbach brothers, and an outstanding cover tackle from Charles Little to stop his opposing winger, the Hurricanes could not prevent Bognor from scoring two further tries and a penalty, following 2 yellow cards of their own for prop Darren Carew and centre Sam Tyson. This left the score at the halftime break 20 – 14 to Bognor.
Half time: Bognor 20-14 Sandown & Shanklin
The hosts continued where they left off from the 1st half, by extending their advantage with another try, but the conversion was again missed (25 – 14).
The Hurricanes rallied, led by captain Zak Chiverton, repelled waves of Bognor attacks with strong tackling. Sandown got themselves back into the game – excellent work at the line out by Damian Seder secured the away side clean possession. A few phases later a break from Matt Miselbach led to Tom Marriott getting his 2nd try of the game (25 – 21).
Bognor attempted to fire back, but Wightfibre man of the match, Sam Flux, defused 2 attacks and then set in motion the match-winning try for Sandown. An offload just inside the Hurricanes 22 from Flux, found full-back Kirkby in space, who then put his foot to floor and sprinted free. Before being brought down, he offloaded to Barrett, who in turn drew the last defender and got the ball away to winger Luke Wedderkop, who scored just under the posts, to nudge Sandown back ahead. Kirkby landed his 4th conversion, to make it 25 – 28.
Full time: Bognor 25-28 Sandown & Shanklin
The valiant Hurricanes dispelled the last Bognor attacks to record a rare and well-deserved victory in one of the toughest grounds in Hampshire.
After the game, Sandown & Shanklin RFC Director of Rugby, Damien Marriott, said:
“I have a growing sense of belief in these lads to get through games like these. I am proud of the physicality that the team brought today, and getting the monkey off the back after losing last 3 in a row against Bognor. It takes a very good side to come here and get a victory, and I firmly believe this side has got something really special developing”
