Match Preview

Sandown & Shanklin RFC welcome New Milton & District RFC to the Fairway for the first home fixture of the new year and decade!
Round 14 of the Hampshire Premier sees the return leg of the fixture, which the Hurricanes were victorious defeating this weekend's visitors, 19 - 74 back at the end of September. No doubt a lot has changed since then, with Sandown & Shanklin suffering a handful of losses and now sitting in 5th place, two places above New Milton who are placed 7th and are eight points behind the hosts.

Sandown's patchy run of form has seen them drop from 2nd place and some twelve points of that position now, however spirits are still high despite the run of form. A number of long term injuries have ruled out a number of players, such as Harry Hopper (shoulder), Ben Sanderson (shoulder), James Pemberton (shoulder), Connor King (Collarbone) and recently Zak Chiverton succumbing to an ankle injury in last weeks fixture.
Nevertheless, the return of Henry Bagnall from his honeymoon couldn't be more timely, as well as new signing Alex Smith who has slotted in well at Number 8 in his first two fixtures for the Club.

1st XV Captain Sam Flux has praised the team for their hard work during this period:
"It's not been ideal, I think all can agree on that. Everyone has been doing their best to get the results we want, but some circumstances have worked against us in certain places. But all the boys have been putting the work in to push ourselves back up the ladder and hopefully put on a good show against a tough New Milton side on Saturday."

The Clubhouse bar is open from 1.00pm - all are welcome to support the boys and enjoy the game! With kick-off set for 2.00pm.