Sandown & Shanklin Hurricanes ended their season with a dominant 52-5 win over Winchester 2nds, securing 5th place after a strong campaign.
Sandown & Shanklin Hurricanes produced an emphatic performance to defeat Winchester 2nds 52-5 away from home, avenging their opening-day loss.
The Hurricanes made the perfect start, scoring from the first lineout of the match as a well-worked move released Rob Newton to slice through the defence.
Winchester responded by taking advantage of ill-discipline to reduce the deficit to 7-5, but Sandown quickly regained control. A quick penalty from Sam Flex caught the hosts off guard before sustained pressure began to tell.
Newton crossed for his second try following good work from Matthew Miselbach, while a strong defensive effort led by Sam Thomas, Tom Marriott and Freddie Sheath ensured the visitors remained firmly on top.
Half-time: Winchester 2nds 5-22 Sandown & Shanklin Hurricanes
After the break, Sandown continued their dominance. Wightfibre Man of the Match Michael Barrett powered over after being put through a gap by Zak Chiverton, before Freddie Sheath added another in the corner.
Barrett was a constant threat throughout the second half, with one powerful break setting up captain Tom Marriott for another score.
Harry Thomas then added his name to the scoresheet after breaking through before kicking ahead, with Ben Kulik returning the ball for the finish.
Barrett rounded off the scoring with a trademark powerful run, breaking through multiple defenders to score his second try.
The match was brought to an early close, confirming a comprehensive victory for the visitors.
Full-time: Winchester 2nds 5-52 Sandown & Shanklin Hurricanes
The result sees the Hurricanes finish 5th in Hampshire Counties 1, an improvement on last season’s 8th-place finish.
