By Isle of Wight Observer
Counties Two leaders, Sandown & Shanklin Hurricanes, took a giant step forward to winning the Division in beating United Services Portsmouth 35-13, with one match remaining. They play away at 6th-placed Winchester, on April 6.
Led by skipper and player-of-the-match Jacob Jordan, the Islanders battled from the start with Michael Barrett scoring early on, and Anthony Burr converting, but windy conditions saw the visitors take a 13-7 lead. The Hurries responded, with Ash Smith finding Zac Chiverton to cross the try-line for 14-13 at half-time.
Luke Wedderkop maintained the momentum, with Burr’s conversion giving the home side a 21-13 advantage, after the break.
Chiverton added the vital fourth try in the dying minutes. Burr was picked out by Sam Flux to score the fifth try, followed by conversion for a 35-13 victory in the last home league match of the season.
In Counties Three, IW, with only 16 available players, lost 59-7 away at Aldershot & Fleet. Trailing from the start, the Islanders battled throughout the match. Strong carries by Keith Wallace and Tom Turtle led to repeated infringements by the hosts, before the referee awarded a penalty try to close proceedings.
Ventnor also lost 39-7 away at Overton.
There are no planned Island league fixtures this weekend, with IW having a programme of charitable events from 1.30pm.
