Hurricanes Edge Thriller As Sandown & Shanklin Beat Bognor 47–42

(c) Megan Sports

Sandown & Shanklin RFC claimed a dramatic 47–42 home victory over Bognor RFC in a pulsating encounter at the Fairway.

The Hurricanes went into the match looking to extend their unbeaten start to 2026, while Bognor arrived sitting second in Counties 1 Hampshire and backed by a strong travelling support.

Sandown opened the scoring through Michael Barrett, before Bognor responded with a converted try to edge ahead.

The lead then changed hands repeatedly in an end-to-end first half, with tries from Hugo Jolliffe and Ant Burr helping the Hurricanes stay in touch, though Bognor went into the break narrowly in front at 21–17.

The visitors stretched their advantage early in the second half, but Sandown fought back strongly.

Barrett crossed for his second, Jolliffe added another from close range, and Ben Shannon powered over as the Hurricanes began to take control.

Zak Chiverton was influential throughout, adding key conversions and penalties, while Matt Miselbach also touched down as Sandown built a 47–35 lead heading into the closing stages.

Bognor weren’t done yet and scored late to make it a five-point game, but a crucial penalty at the breakdown allowed the Hurricanes to see out the contest and secure a memorable win.

A thrilling afternoon of rugby ended with Sandown & Shanklin celebrating a hard-fought victory in what was widely praised as a superb advert for the league.