Sandown & Shanklin Tornadoes battled through atrocious weather conditions to claim an impressive away victory over Havant 4ths.
The Tornadoes travelled to the mainland to face Havant Barracudas, recovering from a five-point half-time deficit to secure victory with a powerful second-half display.
The home side made the brighter start, benefiting from a fortunate decision to score an early unconverted try. The Tornadoes responded by forcing their way into the Havant 22, where a well-executed driving maul allowed Ben Kulik to cross for the visitors’ opening try.
As the weather deteriorated, handling became increasingly difficult. Havant regained the lead with a try out wide before the Tornadoes’ forwards began punching holes through the home defence, creating an opportunity for Jordan Langdon to power through two defenders and continue his impressive scoring streak.
Havant struck again with a well-worked attacking move, capitalising on the visitors’ handling errors to extend their advantage.
With five minutes remaining before the interval, George Shannon produced a barnstorming run, brushing aside four defenders on his way to the line to keep the Tornadoes firmly in contention.
Half Time: Havant 4ths 20–15 Sandown & Shanklin Tornadoes
A half-time team talk from captains Chris Ormerod and Liam Little helped spark a remarkable turnaround, with the visitors emerging determined to take the game to their opponents.
Tom Mills struck early after finishing an excellent attacking move, earning a deserved try for his tireless work throughout the contest.
The Tornadoes maintained the pressure, with Jack Winter crossing to put the visitors ahead. Winter also dominated in the scrum alongside fellow prop Tom Sewell, who made his presence felt with a series of thunderous tackles.
Powerful carries from Keegan Boudier, Ben Kulik and Rhys Mundell repeatedly drove the visitors deep into Havant territory, with the forwards and backs combining effectively despite the worsening conditions.
Kulik was unfortunate to be denied a second try, but the sustained pressure eventually earned the Tornadoes a scrum just five metres from the Havant line.
The ball was moved quickly to fly-half Gary Warvill, who stepped inside the scrambling defence before sliding over for the visitors’ sixth and final try. Warvill also contributed points with the boot as the Tornadoes pulled clear.
The visitors were equally determined in defence. Captains Ormerod and Little led by example with a series of excellent tackles, while Reuben, Will and Ryan produced crucial try-saving interventions to keep Havant at bay.
There were also encouraging debuts for Connor and Brad, who both impressed in their first appearances for the Tornadoes.
Sandown & Shanklin’s 22 unanswered second-half points completed a convincing comeback in driving rain, rewarding a determined team performance in difficult conditions.
Full Time: Havant 4ths 20–37 Sandown & Shanklin Tornadoes
Tornadoes captain Chris Ormerod praised his players’ determination following the victory.
“Overall, we couldn’t be prouder of the lads for their grit and performance.”
