The Hurricanes trounced the visiting Tottonians 66-5 at The Fairway ground on Saturday (12th November).
The hosts dominated the 1st half, notching up 5 1st half tries. The opening try was scored after 2 minutes when a well worked maul drove Captain Zak Chiverton over the line.
Luke Chandler then scored his 1st before Chiverton and Chandler secured a brace of tries to have Sandown 24 – 0 ahead with 20 minutes played. The hosts did have some warning shots fired by the visitors as a line break was almost converted into an opening try, but not for an excellent turnover by Sam Tyson.
Sandown worked their way up the field and 2 more scores before half time. The 1st for Wightfibre Man of the Match Anthony Burr, who finished off a well-worked backs move. Then, flanker Jacob Jordan sprinted away to touch down for the Hurricanes to take a 38 – 0 lead at the half time break.
Half time: Hurricanes 38-0 Tottonians II
The 2nd half began very much the same as the 1st, with the home side in charge. A dominant scrum pushed the Totts of their own ball and a phase later Ben Shannon barged over before touching down. This was shortly followed up by a score from the ever-impressive Tom Marriott, who cut his way through the defence.
The Hurricanes notched up to 2 more touch downs to hit a double figures in tries. The 9th came from Harvey Kirkby after great work by the centres Barrett and Burr. The final try from the home side came from Tyson, who stepped through the defence.
Kirkby had a fine day with the boot with 8 conversions. The visitors didn’t leave empty handed however, as they conjured up a score in the last minutes of the game, as the hosts discipline slipped.
Full time: Hurricanes 66 – 5 Tottonians II
Hurricanes II 12-30 Isle of Wight II
Friday night lights made a return to Sandown with a friendly derby clash, between the Hurricanes and local rivals Isle of Wight RFC
The game was exciting and didn’t lack any passion. Both teams tackled hard and battled over field position and territory. Penalties hurt the home side, gifting the visitors easy yards, and resulting in them capitalising to score first and race to a 0 – 10 lead.
Finally, the Hurricanes clicked and after great work from powerful forwards Luke Orton and Jamie Dilk, the backs were unleashed. allowing Kurtis Whale to attract 3 defenders before being brought down 5 yards from the line. Quick play from Richard Waldron fed Nathan Proud and game him the opportunity to dive over and score.
Half time: Hurricanes 11 5-10 Isle of Wight II
In the 2nd half, Sandown had their chances, with Greg Dean rolling back the years and crashing over the try line for a converted try.
However the visitors vast experience shone through with 1st XV Number 8 Blackman, and fly half Huish making strong impacts and taking control of the game. A late score from the latter put a nice shine on the score for the away team, on a night Sandown just couldn’t click together.
Wightfibre Man of the Match for the Hurricanes went to the ever impressive Connor King, who when on the pitch tackled everything in sight.
Full time: Hurricanes 11 12-30 Isle of Wight II
After the game, 2nd XV Captain Michael Cooper said:
“It was a frustrating night for the boys, we were incredible in defence and around the field, but just couldn’t adapt to the referee giving far too many penalties away. The pack really stepped up and when we clicked, the backs looked very dangerous, but this didn’t happen enough. It was a proud moment for me and the club having 29 2nd XV players available with all having played at some point this season.”
The Hurricanes have a bye week on Saturday 19th November, and will be back in action on the 26th November, away to Ellingham & Ringwood. The 2nd XV are in action on the 19th November, against Southampton RFC.
