By Isle of Wight Observer
With more than 100 points scored by Sandown & Shanklin sides at the weekend, in front of an appreciative crowd, Fairway is fast becoming a feared fortress reinforced by disciplined defence, dogged determination and deadly drives.
Sandown & Shanklin Hurricanes continue their stand-out start to the season, with a 45-7 home win against Bournemouth, in Hants Counties One, remaining level on points with Havant at the top of the table. Relentless runs from Rob Newton, supported by a team enjoying the higher standard of play in Division One, with the consistent kicking of Anthony Burr kept the score ticking over.
Isle of Wight, with six enforced changes, lost 19-56 to a strong United Services Portsmouth side. The visitors took an early lead with a penalty, followed by a breakaway move, involving Dave Hanson and Sam McQueen. This concluded with a chip over the US defence by fly-half George Huish, who was first to the bounce for a fine try. His conversion gave IW a 7-3 lead, with the mainland side adding 2 more tries. Player-of-the-match, Luke Blackman, scored to narrow the deficit to 17-14, but conceding more scores the Island trailed 29-14 at the break.
There were strong performances from Ian Bennett and returning winger, James Fitton, but despite Kevin Blackburn being sin-binned, the Islanders never gave up. Huish took a tap penalty to see the match finish 19-56.
Tottonians were awarded a home win against Ventnor.
Hurricanes 2nd XV won convincing 64-0 at home to New Milton, in the Hants Merit League. There were more than 10 tries in the match, including a classic touch down from Luke Chandler. With percentage kicking from skipper Gary Warvill, the Island side defended bravely to keep a clean sheet.
With an early season break this weekend, the Hurries play Basingstoke on October 12, and the 2nds are at Portsmouth III. Isle of Wight travel to Millbrook, and Ventnor welcome Christchurch, with the seconds away at Fareham Heathens.
To view our on-line gallery from this week’s sport, visit iw.observer/297-sport.