Friday Night Light Delights

Sandown & Shanklin 2nd XV began their league campaign with a home fixture, welcoming Southsea Nomads to the Fairway, a week behind the rest of the league. The hosts managed to assemble a squad of twenty two players for the fixture, however, the visitors, due to injuries and work commitments could only muster nine. In the spirit of the game the Hurricanes lent Nomads three players, to enable both sides to play twelve a side, rather than a mismatch throughout.

The game was played at a fast and ferocious pace, and to be expected was a little scrappy, with so many new faces running out and everyone getting used to being back on the field and playing rugby. Nomads got on the scoreboard first with a penalty, although, it could have been more if it wasn't for the brilliant defence by the returning Daniel Robinson. Robinson wasn't done there and he was soon be back in action scoring the first try for the Hurricanes, before shortly then having to go off with cramp.
For the fans watching there was plenty of big tackles, especially from the reunited centre partnership of Cooper and Buckingham. However, as play continued the Nomads Number 8 and halfback combination began causing problems for the hosts defence. With the pace and physicality of the match taking its toll on players, substitutions were being made and this broke the game up even more.
Two tries from flanker Connor King either side of half-time kept Sandown & Shanklin in a healthy lead. This was followed up by a well taken try by Harry Fyffe, however this wasn't as celebrated, as he was playing for the opposition.
With a quarter remaining Veteran Number Gregor Dean entered the fray, bringing vast experience and impact to help guide a young team to the final whistle. Two further tries, one from Darren Carew and one from Sam Buckingham sealed the hard-fought win 29 - 24.

With so many players stepping up for the team it's hard to mention them all but big performances from debutants Charlie Dilk, Charlie Collins and the whole front row who worked tirelessly all night.

The next fixture for the 2nd XV is Bognor RFC 2nd XV away, which no doubt will be another close fought and high quality game.