Hurricanes Upset Bognor In Physical Encounter

Sandown and Shanklin Rugby Club scored a memorable victory as they beat Bognor in a physical encounter.

The Island team travelled down to Bognor in what was to be an expected tough game between two sides vying for the top spots in Counties 2 Hampshire.

The visitors started brightly - causing Bognor issues - which resulted in two yellow cards in quick succession for the hosts. That allowed the Hurricanes to capitalise with a try to Damian Seder and second an excellent snipe from Tom Marriott who bamboozled the fullback to score. Harvey Kirkby converted both tries for an 0-14 lead.

As soon as Bognor regained their numbers, they looked to strike back into the game, and did so with two tries of their own, to cut the deficit, 12-14.

Despite the relentless defensive work from the Miselbach brothers, and an outstanding cover tackle from Charles Little to stop his opposing winger, the Hurricanes could not prevent Bognor from scoring two further tries and a penalty, following two yellow cards of their own for prop Darren Carew and centre Sam Tyson. This left the score at the half time break 20-14 to Bognor. 

The hosts continued where they left off from the first half, by extending their advantage with another try, but the conversion again missing, 25-14.

The Hurricanes rallied, led by captain Zak Chiverton and tireless work from Sam Rees, repelled waves of Bognor attacks with strong tackling and jackling. Sandown got themselves back into the game, excellent work at the line out by Damian Seder secured the away side clean possession. A few phases later, a break from Matt Miselbach led to Tom Marriott getting his second try of the game and putting the Hurricanes back into the game, 25-21.

Bognor attempted to fire back, but Wightfibre man of the match, Sam Flux, defused two attacks, and then set in motion the match winning try for Sandown. An offload just inside the Hurricanes 22 from Flux, found full back Kirkby in space, who then put his foot to floor and sprinted free. Before being brought down he offloaded to Barrett, who in turn drew the last defender and got the ball away to winger Luke Wedderkop who scored just under the posts to nudge Sandown back ahead. Kirkby landed his fourth conversion, to make it 25 - 28 with barely minutes remaining. 

The valiant Hurricanes dispelled the last Bognor attacks, and recorded a rare and well deserved victory in one of the toughest grounds in Hampshire.

Sandown & Shanklin RFC Director of Rugby, Damien Marriott, said:

"I have a growing sense of belief in these lads to get through games like these.

"I am proud of the physicality that the team brought today, and getting the monkey off the back after losing last three in a row against them (Bognor).

"It takes a very good side to come here and get an victory, and I firmly believe this side has got something really special developing.”

Final score: Bognor RFC 25-28 Sandown & Shanklin RFC

Other score

Tottonians RFC 3rd XV 14-15 Sandown & Shanklin RFC 2nd XV

Sandown & Shanklin RFC 2nd XV Captain, Michael Cooper, shared his thoughts post the game:

"This wasn't the team's finest performance, however, the character and hard work the boys displayed for the full 80 minutes, got the boys the win we deserved.

"Credit must go to the forwards in the pack, who for the second week in a row, have been magnificent and given the side a real advantage."