Hurricanes Lose Out in Enthralling Game

Hurricanes Lose Out in Enthralling Game
Fordingbridge RFC 38 - 34 Sandown & Shanklin RFC

In the fourth away game on the trot, Sandown & Shanklin RFC visited Fordingbridge RFC for one the most anticipated fixtures before Christmas. With conditions bright, a little breezy and a touch chilly, it was a perfect autumnal afternoon for a clash between two sides, whose shared focus was to climb the league table.

Unfortunately the game did not start in the best fashion, with the Hurricanes losing possession from the restart. Fordingbridge starting brightly had stretched the defence and got an early score in the corner, and was duly converted. With the shock the system, the visitors were soon upping the intensity from the restart. However, with the early momentum Fordingbridge were testing the Sandown defence, which stood resolute, although infringed twice and allowed 'Bridge' to convert - to take an early 13 - 0 lead. Following the pin point restart from Fly half Joel Carey, the Hurricanes were able to recover possession and take their turn to attack and to test the Fordingbridge defence. Despite some slick handling and incisive running, the 'Bridge' defence held firm, but could not prevent conceding a penalty was converted in front of the posts.
With the Hurricanes off the mark, the hosts struck back, gathering the ball from the restart and making headway around the fringes of the breakdown. Finally when close enough their second row dived over the line and with the try converted, had given the home side an unassailable 28 - 3 lead. With another restart claimed and after good interplay by the forwards and backs, Sandown were threatening on the Fordingbridge 22 again. With the ball coming to Joel Carey to bring another forward pod in to play, he jinked and found a gap in the defensive line which allowed him to race in under the posts and provide the Hurricanes with their first score of the game. The try was converted by Flux for a 28 - 13 scoreline at the half time break.

Off the restart the Hurricanes started the much brighter, and with their attacking game eventually coming together with more structure, they were beginning to fully stretch the 'Bridge' defence, which were starting give away penalties as they could not contain the Hurries attack. Off the back of a kick to the corner, a line out catch and drive formed a powerful driving maul that was making impressive in roads through the defensive line. With advantage in favour of the away side and the maul stopped illegally, the ball was passed through the hands of Joel Carey and David Graham who found Michael Barrett on a strong running line and touched down over the try line. From the restart the tails were up and the momentum had swung the way of the Hurricanes. Some more swift and incisive handling from centres had created space out wide. This allowed the forwards to earn the yardage and field position. Then when in 22, and with the Fordingbridge sucked in, the back line shipped the ball to full back Sam Tyson, who scored his fourth try in as many games.

This brought the game up to a nerve racking 28 - 27 with 20 minutes to play. With Fordingbridge finally waking up in the second half, an infringement, saw number 8 Sam Branston, take ten minutes in the bin, in what would be a costly period for the Hurricanes. The hosts scored two tries in the period. and extended their lead up to 38 - 27. With Fordingbridge attempting to convert the tries and missing two further penalty attempts Sandown were let off the hook here. The visitors rallied, and with Branston back on the pitch, the forwards pods began to stretch the hosts defence again and probing the holes. With a kick into the corner and Fordingbridge holding on, the ball was spun wide with crisp handling and Matt Miselbach dotted down. This try was converted by the man of the match Sam Flux, who converted six attempts from six, in a sublime display of kicking. This brought the scores up to 38 - 34 with five minutes left to play. With possession secured at the restart. the Hurricanes attacked from deep and kept the ball moving. However just outside the Fordingbridge 22, the ball was shuffled in to touch, which brought to an end a close and enthralling encounter.
In the post match pleasantries both sides where full of respect for one another after a great game of rugby. Both Captains in the Clubhouse also stated it was tough game and look forward to the reverse fixture at the Fairway in the new year.

Now the team turns it's attention to the next fixture in two weeks time, when they welcome the Isle of Wight RFC, in a local derby under floodlights, on Friday 18th November. Kick off at 1930.

SSRFC 1st XV: 1. David Wolfenden, 2. Zak Chiverton, 3. Sam Flux, 4. Luke Hunter, 5. Sam Rees (c), 6. Oliver Buchanan, 7. Ryan Carey, 8. Sam Branston; 9. Jacob Jordan, 10. Joel Carey, 11. Michael Barrett, 12. David Graham, 13. Matt Miselbach, 14. Michael Booth, 15. Sam Tyson
Subs: 16. Harry Hopper.