Hurricanes Lose to Undefeated US Portsmouth

United Servies Portsmouth RFC 31 - 12 Sandown & Shanklin RFC

Saturday saw the two form teams in Snows Group Hampshire 1 face off, with the Hurricanes looking to extend their seven-game winning streak.
The visitors almost got off to the perfect start, when the man of the match, Sam Tyson found space and chipped ahead, with only the bounce of the ball evading the Sam and the Hurricanes of a dream start.
US struck back after the early warning, with two tries of their own through the strength of their pack. Ill-discipline was costing Sandown & Shanklin and a third try was scored by the hosts, and despite some sustained pressure to finish the half, US lead at the break 19-0.

The second half did not get off to the best of starts either, with the home side looking to extend their advantage they scored a quick double salvo to put the game to bed. During this period the ill-discipline of the Hurricanes cos them again, this time as prop Darren Carew was shown two yellow cards for back-chatting to the referee. Nevertheless, the remainder of the half was very much in the Hurricanes favour, as with nothing to lose, they cut loose. Fresh impetus from substitutes Sam Rees and Aidan Price lead to a fine move from the Hurricanes that allowed Jack Wedderkop to sprint up the touchline. Coming close to the line, the ball was recycled and passed along the line to Michael Barrett to score.
With the pace of the game increasing US were beginning to struggle with the pace of the game. Some more strong carrying from Zak Chiverton and Sam Flux allowed the Hurricanes to get on the front foot, but with some mistakes creeping in US managed one last score. Yet, the Hurricanes managed to get the last hurrah in the fixture, with a quick tap penalty from Flux five metres out, he was held short, but a few phases later the ball found its way to Henry Bagnall, who dotted down, with Tyson scoring a drop goal to convert.

Despite the result and the game not reaching the desired outcome for the Hurricanes, an enjoyable last 30 minutes of the game, was at least a silver lining for the visitors. They now turn their attention to the remaining three games of the season, with Fordingbridge visiting the Fairway on Saturday 24th March, and the Sandown & Shanklin RFC 2nd XV hosting US Portsmouth 2nd XV.