Single point win for Hurries

Sandown started this match following two wins in three games and with a strong team selected despite continued injury doubts. From the beginning Old Tiffs were caught out by the speed of Hurries play with Andy Gough and Michael Booth kicking to great effect. The kick chase by wings Michael Barratt and Zak Chiverton, gave the pack time to support the attacks and Dan Blinkhorn soon capitalised smashing his way over for a try from 15 meters out although the conversion was missed.

Sandown were soon dominating the possession helped by the high penalty count against the visitors. A series of scrums in the Old Tiffs 22 gave stand in hooker Henry Bagnall and prop Sam Flux, back from injury, opportunity to demonstrate their good technique with the power coming from Hunter and Rees in the second row.

A number of near misses from several drives then saw Andy Gough off load to centres Luke Chandler and David Graham before getting a pass inside to score the second try, again unconverted, for a 10 nil lead.

The remainder of the first half proved more challenging for Hurricanes as Old Tiffs fought back. Aiden Price and Sam Branson, in the back row, were now called to defend as the slick visiting backs linked well with their pack for good ground gained in the home half.

A penalty awarded to Old Tiffs went wide of the post but from the restart the next attack gave them their first try, closely followed by a second scored by their pack and Hurricanes found themselves trailing 10 to 12 at the interval.

Either side of half time Old Tiffs lost two players to injuries and the game remained in the balance for long periods. Michael Cooper replaced Tom Borrer in the backs and immediately made some effective breaks, unlucky on two occasions not to score. The pack also piled on the agony with Harrison Booth controlling well for near push over tries on several occasions.

With 10 minutes remaining, the game was settled by an Andy Gough penalty from the 10 metre line. The score gave Hurricanes a 13 to 12 lead and they finished the stronger for a well-deserved win, their third in four games, and a welcome return for skipper Luke Chandler.

TEAM: Dan Blinkhorn, Henry Bagnal, Sam Flux, Sam Rees, Luke Hunter, Sam Branston, Aiden Price, Harrison Booth, Michael Booth, Andy Gough, Zak Chiverton, Luke Chandler (Capt), David Graham, Michael Barratt, Tom Borrer, Michael Cooper, Chris Perfect.

Try: Blinkhorn, Gough
Pen Gough