Sandown & Shanklin Run Riot with 15 Tries

Sandown & Shanklin welcome Eastleigh RFC 2nd XV to the Fairway for their sixth fixture of the league season. The Hurricanes wary of the threat that the visitors carried, after playing out a narrow victory for Sandown at home last year, 15 - 12, and Eastleigh managing to upset some of the more established 1st XV's in the county during their debut season in Hampshire Premier.

The Hurricanes started in the game in a flash and were 12 - 0 up in the space of 5 minutes. The first score coming from Man of the Match Matt Miselbach, and the second from fly-half Owen Williams. This fast start would set the tone, as the hosts notched in a further eight unanswered tries in the first half. A quick tap penalty from Sam Tyson saw him exploit the space in defence, and a second for Owen after outpacing the scramble defence put the hosts in an unassailable lead.

Harry Hopper grabbed an impressive score himself, after making a break from inside the Sandown half, and then dummying past the opposition fullback he sprinted in. This was followed up by the Sandown backs again cutting through the Eastleigh defence and with prop Sam Dawson going over for his first Sandown try. Scrum-half Tom Borrer taking over the kicking duties converted both tries.

The final four tries of the half were scored by Zak Chiverton, whose strong carrying was causing the defence issues all game. This was followed by a score for Jack Wedderkop, using his pace and power to burst through a gap in the line. Mislebach darted over for his second try of the game and the half was brought to an end with a Michael Barrett try, leaving the Hurricanes up 60 - 0 at the interval.

In the second half, the frenetic pace of scoring decreased, as the visitors searched and battled for a consolation score, using their big forward pack to barge their way to the Sandown 22.

Fly-half Owen Williams completed his hat-trick with the first score of the second half, making the most of the open space in front of him. Matt Miselbach completed his hat-trick with a well-worked move from the back setting the Number 8 free to scoot in.

Michael Barrett completed his brace, after a turnover was secured in the Sandown 22, the ball was fed to the winger who evaded one defender and then sprinted clear of the cover defence. He then weaved past the last two defenders to score an impressive breakaway try.
Young winger Rob Newton Jnr got his third try in as many games, collecting a crossfield chip from Tyson and doing very well to score under pressure.

The final try came from the Miselbach, who notched up four tries in total. A well-worked break with fine offloading and support lines was finished off by the tyro and converted by Williams. Bringing the game to close and an emphatic 91 - 0 victory for the hosts.

Director of Rugby Damien Marriott, shared his thoughts following his side's victory:
"Full credit must go to Eastleigh, to keep going in the last ten minutes and throwing everything at us, perhaps should have deservedly got something for all their efforts. Yet, again we stood tall in defence, and over the last two games conceding nothing and scoring 141 points, we are just starting to fire up nicely for the next few games, which will be a real challenge and settle out the league."

The Hurricanes are back on the road next week when they make the trip over to Fareham to play Fareham Heathens. The 2nd XV are at home and welcome Alton RFC 2nd XV to the Fairway, looking to bounce back with a victory after suffering their first loss of the season last weekend.