By Isle of Wight Observer
Sandown & Shanklin Rugby Club enjoyed a much deserved 29-22 victory in their Hants Counties One season opener, at home to Ellingham & Ringwood.
After conceding an early penalty, the 3-point lead did not last long as fly-half, and player-of-the-match, Anthony Burr, punished Ellingham for being caught offside and slotted over the penalty to level the score. The Hurricanes exploited their visitors’ vulnerability on the left flank, with a kick from Anthony Burr on 15 minutes, which he chased down under the posts and converted for 10-3. This was followed by players from both sides treated for head injuries. Hurries added a try from Darren Carew before the break, with the visitors scoring 2 more penalties, the Hurries led 15-9.
After the second half kick off Ellingham scored and converted to lead 16-15, followed by another penalty 19-15, with the mainland side having a player yellow-carded. Sandown took advantage with a cross-field kick, ending when left-winger, George Finan, dived over the line to give Sandown a converted lead of 22-19. A further converted try, scored by Rob Newton, in the 75th minute, saw Hurries lead 29-19, with the visitors pressing to reduce the score to 7 points and secure a bonus point at 29-22. Sandown’s defence held firm as the match ended, and the Hurries secured the first points of the season.
Ventnor’s VIP family funday
Ventnor players old and new enjoyed a family friendly funday, with a visit from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, to launch their 50th anniversary season.
Ventnor’s Mayor, Steve Cooper, later joined by Richard Quigley MP and family, presented the match ball to skippers Warren Riches and Ed Blake, for the President’s XV against the Chairman’s XV encounter, which the President’s side won 10-7.
The game was highly competitive with notable first starts for Henrik Brown, Lewis Howard, Iain Reeves and player-of-the-match, Steve Macey (making a guest appearance). Duncan Kenny and Lewis Wyatt were also welcome returners. Both sides played with attacking ambition, but it was the determined and relentless defence that caught the eye. Warren Riches’ President’s XV won the game, with tries from Lewy Morton and Harry Ottley, while Charlie Magnurson scored the try for Ed Blake’s Chairman’s XV, which Max Wheeler converted.