Narrow defeat at Blues

Sandown travelled to Old Blues with a number of changes from the last league match Sam Flux, Shaun Williams, Aiden Price and Joe Rees all in the starting line-up.

The very large pitch and fine weather promised a fast game and both sides fought for territorial supremacy but all the play remained within the middle of the pitch.

Will Baxandall kicked from hand effectively and box kicks from Richard Booth kept Old Blues pinned down. Pressure from Joe Rees and Luke Chandler carrying in attack through the centre challenged the Old Blues backs but again penalties at the break down let Hurries down.

A concerted attack by Old Blues now had Sandown defending under their posts but when moved wide the home side scored in the corner to lead 5 nil. Sandown replied immediately and, with two periods of attacking in the Old Blues 22 metre, were awarded penalties in front of the posts for Tom Monks to convert to put Sandown 5-6 ahead.

VIKOMA man-of-the-match Ricky Harris, playing one of his last games for the 1st team, worked tirelessly and with Sam Flux and Luke Hunter in the second row driving hard in the scrums.

Winger and WIGHTLINK man-of-the-match David Graham seemed to be continuously involved in both attack and defence, supported by Tom Monks, came close to scoring but with the last play of the first half the home side worked through the phases and again Sandown conceded a try on half time to be 10 – 6 behind.

The second half was a bruising affair with Baxandall off with a rib injury, Richard Booth to fly half and Joel Carey on at scrum half. Tom Monks took over the kicking from hand and penalty kicks. This though did not relieve the pressure and a third Old Blues try from a forward break converted gave them a winning lead at 17 to 6.

Sandown now rallied and despite a second injury blow to Aiden Price, Joe Rees pushed up to number 8 with Matt Jones in the backs. Tom Pacey now on and from the next attacking scrum Rees fed direct to David Graham who broke the Old Blues defences for a fine score unconverted to move to 17-11.

Sandown now pressured the home line and a number of scrumage drives wore down the home sides resistance until a mighty effort saw Joe Rees score the push over try, unconverted, score now 17 to 16.

With time running out, Sandown forced the pace and from an error had to back track giving away a kickable penalty with 2 minutes left. Old Blues duly converted for a 20 to 16 lead and were very glad to hear the final whistle.

TEAM: Ricky Harris, Shaun Williams, Todd Eldridge, Luke Hunter, Sam Flux, Sam Rees, Matt Jones, Aiden Price, Richard Booth, Will Baxandall, David Graham, Luke Chandler, Joe Rees (CAPT), Andy Gough, Tom Monks, Joel Carey, Tom Pacey, Harrison Booth.

Try: Graham, J. Rees
Conv: -
Pen: Monks(2)