Hook & Odiham nick the game from the Hurricanes

A week on from their resounding victory against Fawley 2nd XV, the Hurricanes welcomed a much sterner test in Hook & Odiham who were looking to kick start their 2018 campaign. Continuing his excellent work with the squad, 2nd XV manager Simon Swallow lead out 17 lads for the game, with a blend of youth and experience in the ranks, it was an exciting and handy XV that took on the visitors.

Two tries from Jack Sayers helped the Hurricanes gain a foothold in the game. Hook a stronger and much bigger side up front caused issues all day for Sandown. However the returning Mark Tindall with his son Jake in the side, battled against their bigger opponents. Luke Gales had a magnificent performance in the 2 shirt, and shone, again a much more experienced unit. Henry Bagnall and Pete Swallow grafted all day and helped provide a platform for their side. A third try from Mitch Steele put the Hurricanes into a good position, with the clock counting down, making it what would seem to be 15 - 20 to Hook. Late on the game, with seconds remaining, Jack Winter dashed in from 10m out to score and what would seem level the scores at 20 - 20. Matt Jones, also had a cracking game clamping down at 8. Regardless of most scrums going backwards, he managed to dig the ball out well, despite his short arms and distribute to his back line nicely.

As the final whistle went, it appeared that the referee had unfortunately added the scores up incorrectly and the final score was 20 - 22 to Hook & Odiham. Nevertheless, despite the score, a losing and try bonus point helped toward the cause, and at least went some way to rewarding the effort and determination of this team, against their much more experienced and organised counterparts.

Next week the Hurricanes will travel to Farnborough RFC 2nd XV, as we look to continue with the momentum created from the past two games!

SSRFC 2nd XV: 1. Henry Bagnall, 2. Luke Gales, 3. , 4. Pete Swallow, 5. , 6. 7. , 8. Matt Jones