By Isle of Wight Observer
Sandown & Shanklin Hurricanes continued their positive start to the season, winning 27-0 away at New Milton, with a resolute defence and outstanding debut for Harry Thomas.
In almost perfect conditions, following a line-out, Hurries number 8, Michael Barrett, ripped possession from the opposition flanker and was able to sprint in under the posts for an early score, which Anthony Burr converted 7-0. Injuries saw skipper, Sam Rees, and prop, Ben Booth, leave the field of play. Shortly after two New Milton players were shown yellow cards and sin-binned.
Winning a line-out, player-of-the-match, Damian Seder, secured possession, spinning the ball wide, to find winger Ash Smith, who outstripped the New Milton defence for speed to score for 12-0. A move involving Sam Flux, Hugo Joliffe and Zak Chiverton carrying hard, the final carry over from Barrett to offload to Rob Newton, who then charged in under the posts, increased the Sandown advantage even further. Burr added the extras for a 19-0 lead at the break.
In the second half a penalty from Burr extended the lead to 22-0, and later a line-out ball fell into Chiverton’s hands, who in turn had the easiest of walks to score, as the opposition all stood in disbelief, to secure a try bonus point and 27-0 win.
After the match the Hurries’ director of rugby, Keith Wallace, said: “That was a phenomenal defensive effort from all 18 men that travelled over today. To keep a side like New Milton, on their own patch, to nil, especially away from home is no mean feat, and chucking in their result last week, we had to be on our toes. It’s a great performance all round, despite the unfortunate injuries to Reesy and Ben, but hopefully they don’t turn out too serious.”
IW Rugby Football Club’s Team Teddy conquered their three peak challenge, in aid of the Lily Foundation, in 23 hours and 47 minutes. Further information is on the club’s website and donations can be made via iw.observer/teamteddy. Club veteran Ollie Boulter also fundraised, alongside 50 other Island swimmers, completing a cross solent swim in aid of West Wight Sports Centre, from Hurst Castle to Colwell Bay.
This weekend in Counties One, the Hurricanes welcome Portsmouth, with the 2nd XV away at Millbrook. IW Rugby entertain Locksheath Pumas in a match to be filmed by England RFU to feature in the grassroots documentary ‘The Club’. In Counties Three, Ventnor are home to Aldershot & Fleet, with the 2nd XV travelling to Chichester.