Twickenham Triumph For Sandown & Shanklin RFC As Island Side Crowned Champions

Sandown & Shanklin RFC have been crowned champions at Twickenham after an unforgettable day of rugby that combined sporting success with an emotional celebration of friendship, resilience and community spirit.

The Island side travelled to the home of English rugby in support of the Injured Players Foundation, whose work has supported former player Luke Orton following a life-changing injury.

With Luke joining his teammates for the occasion, the day carried significance far beyond the results on the pitch.

Sandown & Shanklin opened their campaign with a hard-fought 5-0 victory over Guy’s Hospital Penguins.

A resolute defensive display laid the foundations for success before Joe Bussell powered over for the match-winning try.

A 14-0 win over Cobham followed, securing a place in the final. Zak Chiverton crossed for the opening score before a flowing move involving Cooper, Sam Flux and Ash Smith ended with Proud touching down beneath the posts.

The day also featured a Super Vets fixture, with Sandown & Shanklin representatives Nick Drake-Knight, James Bexon and John Buckingham taking part alongside players aged between 47 and 80.

In the final, Sandown & Shanklin faced a strong Chosen Hill side and found themselves trailing after conceding the opening try.

The Island club responded brilliantly.

Michael Barrett sparked the comeback, combining with Cooper to send Ash Smith over the line, before Barrett crossed himself later in the match to level the scores.

With the game hanging in the balance and only moments remaining, a penalty from around 30 metres out offered one final chance.

Sam Flux kept his nerve to send the kick between the posts and seal a dramatic victory.

The final whistle confirmed Sandown & Shanklin RFC as Twickenham champions, sparking celebrations among players, coaches and supporters.

Captain Jamie Dilk described it as the greatest day of rugby he had experienced, with the team's dominant scrum and determination proving decisive throughout the tournament.

Yet for many involved, the highlight was seeing Luke Orton sharing in the occasion alongside his teammates – a powerful reminder of the enduring bonds created through rugby and the importance of the support provided by the Injured Players Foundation.