By Isle of Wight Observer
In Division One, Sandown & Shanklin Hurricanes secured a 12-12 draw away at Bognor, with the defence of both sides limiting scoring opportunities. The Islanders scored 2 tries and a conversion before the break. In the second half, two yellow cards and brave battling secured a draw for 2nd-placed Sandown.
Isle of Wight narrowly lost 32-39 in their Division Two home clash with Chichester. The visitors took an early lead, but the IW fly-half weaved through to level the scores on 16 minutes. Conceding again, the Islanders responded through front-row Martin Newnham to trail 22-10 at the break, and were frustrated by a disallowed skipper, Luke Blackman.
Ben Hart, Sam McQueen and player-of-the-match Kevin Blackburn tried to regain the initiative, and were rewarded when George Huish scored for 22-15. It was followed by Blackman stopping short, and forward Brad Martin battling his way over, gaining a bonus point, with Huish’s conversion levelling the scores at 22-22 with 20 minutes remaining. The momentum swung back to the visitors who scored twice, but Huish scored his hat-trick try under the posts to convert, and, with the last attack of the game, the Islanders were awarded a penalty gaining a second bonus point, before conceding again to lose 29-32.
Sandown’s 2nd XV lost 36-10 away at Chichester.
This weekend, Hurries welcome unbeaten Havant, IW travel to Fareham Heathens, and Ventnor visit Southampton. Ventnor 2nd XV are home to New Milton, and Sandown 2nd XV host Fareham Heathens 2nd XV.