A Vice President's lunch, and Halloween party for the kids had created a cracking festival atmosphere.
Tottonians topping the table having played a game in hand were indeed hungry to solidify their place as front runners for the championship. The Tornadoes are an ambitious team though, with their own dreams of lifting the title. With a far superior points difference in attack and defence, they felt they had a point to prove.

From the kick off both teams showed great structure and passion, however, Sandown were edging the battle with strong carries and clever kicks dominating field position and territory early on. An early penalty helped settle the nerves 3 - 0, followed by a try from pack leader and Wightfibre Man of the Match George Shannon, showing how he is growing to be a dominant and effective leader within this team. The conversion was wide leaving it 8 - 0.

A later penalty by Gary Warvill kept the scoreboard ticking over 11 - 0 with the Hurricanes showing great composure. But Totts are a proud club and it was their turn to make a statement. A quick fire try by their pack made it 11 - 5 with the conversion missed. This was the moment that the hosts decided to step up and raise their game. Some fantastic carries by the pack and dynamic lines cutting through the Totts defence, led to Harry Thomas dotting down almost immediately with the conversion successful making it 18 - 5 going into half time.

The crowd had a chance to replenish their drinks and the captain's and coach offered their wisdom and plan to see out this great battle. The second half didn't start as planned for the Hurricanes, as Totts came out of the blocks firing. Making use of the 23 players they brought with them to the island, they brought on some experienced heads who started to make yards and a swift move saw them move the ball out wide. In the act of scoring captain Gary Warvill trying to defend his try line got his timing wrong and cost the team a penalty try and a 10 minute "rest" for his efforts, 18 - 12.

The leaders across this Hurricanes side stepped up, to make sure this wouldn't be a significant moment in the game. Tom Sewell, Jack Davey, and Rich Pitman with their trademark tackles that you can hear from the stands. Luke Chandler, Harry Thomas, George Finan and Josh Braham with their silky skills and swift footwork, and the delivery and organisation from the half back pair Beau Bridgeman and Liam Little meant that the home side had loads more in the tank, and that the tries would flow. A tactical change saw the wise head of Dan Robinson enter the fray with an immediate impact scoring under the posts, the conversion successful 25 - 12. Followed by another barnstorming carry by Shannon led to his second try of the afternoon, and the all important bonus point. 32 - 12. A truly incredible show of heart in a ten minute spell without their captain showing why this team is littered with leaders. With Warvill now back on the field they felt it was time to put this game to bed, and Luke Chandler would be the man to deliver. Bursting through their defence to dot down, final score 44 - 12.

1. Tom Sewell, 2. George Shannon, 3. Bill Katirewa, 4. Jack Winter, 5. Jordan Langdon, 6. Jamie Dilk, 7. Rich Pitman, 8. Luke Chandler; 9. Beau Bridgeman, 10. Gary Warvill (C), 11. George Finan, 12. Harry Thomas, 13. Nathan Proud, 14. Liam Little, 15. Charles Little
Replacements: 16. James Bexon, 17. Josh Braham, 18. Dan Robinson, 19. Jack Davey

Sandown & Shanklin RFC, 2nd XV captain Gary Warvill said after the game:
"The team showed great leadership and strength today. It's very easy to get drawn into the pressure of these key moments in a season. But nothing seems to phase these boys, and with a crowd like that behind us as our 18th man. That is the reason the fairway is our fortress. We aim to stay at the top now, and we'll keep building one game at a time. There's still so much more to come from us. Next stop Chichester away. We're very much looking forward to this one"