Match Preview

Sandown & Shanklin return to action this Saturday when they travel across the Solent to face Millbrook RFC. The Hurricanes have been left to lick their wounds following the 17 - 20 defeat to league leaders Basingstoke at the Fairway last time out, on 12th January.

This Saturday will see the reverse fixture of the game that took place back in October, when the Hurricanes ran out 22-16 victors on the day. Since then the Hurricanes have only lost two league fixtures, to the league leaders, and will look to cement their 2nd spot in the league and keep the pressure on Basingstoke at the top of the league. However, as mentioned by 1st XV captain Sam Flux, this will be 'one of the first tests' when they travel to Millbrook, recognising that this away fixture will be anything but a hard-fought game. The hosts are aiming to reel in 3rd and 4th based team Bognor and Fordinbridge themselves, and a victory would surely put them back in the mix and make the battle for 2nd spot very interesting, especially considering Bognor and Fordingbrigde play each on Saturday as well!

Selection wise, Damien Marriott has a few tough choices to make ahead of the game Saturday. With only second-row Luke Hunter and back-row Sam Branston unavailable for this fixture, there are a number of selection decisions to be made. One possibility is the return of scrum-half Jacob Jordan into the squad, who missed the game against Basingstoke last time out.
"I know the boys will be chomping at the bit to get back into action again this weekend, and will want to get back to winnings way following the defeat last time out. Yet, we can't underestimate this Millbrook side. They will be a very tough nut to crack and proved that when they visited us earlier in the season. It should be a very good game of rugby come Saturday" Director of Rugby Damien Marriott.