Sandown’s emerging players took a while to settle and it was the Newcastle tourists who stole the early initiative in dreadful weather conditions.

Despite heavy rain hampering ball-handling opportunities both sides played expansive rugby. The Hurries halfback pairing of M. Booth and D. Marriott controlled affairs for the home team, with G. Drake-Knight, S. Routledge, T. Baker and M. Keyworth making the most of slippery conditions in midfield, whilst token ‘oldie’ Steve Crookes looked on in admiration.

Up front an experimental combination of Marinelli, S. Williams and WIGHTLINK man-of-the-match debut prop Chris Perfect proved a resounding success with steady scrummage ball and a real attacking threat during opposition put-ins. This front row has the makings of a future 1st XV package.

Newcastle had the upper hand in the first half, leading 18-0 towards half time. The Hurries youngsters have been working hard on self-belief and positive mind sets this season and despite initial set backs, began to rebuild their game.

The Flux brothers locked the scrum impressively and proved mobile around the park, with good handling skills matching physical presence. Steve Smith continued his development as a fine back five forward and it was from his solid platform that the Hurries began to step up. SPA SYSTEMS man-of-the-match Simon Mayne, was everywhere in his new role as open side flanker. He destroyed virtually every Newcastle set play single handed with his ferocious tackling and is surely a 1st XV flanker in waiting.

After the break Newcastle and Sandown exchanged tries in an entertaining half of rugby, with S. Perfect, J. Ring, T. Borrer, M. Cooper, N. Proud, H. Stafford and N. Zealand relieving the entire back division.

Replacement lock Michael Barrett played his first senior game and proved to be a fine line out operator with deft handling skills. Further tries from Steve Perfect, Marriott, Williams, Marinelli, Mayne and Cooper allowed the Hurries to stretch the lead, ending as comfortable winners.

The Hurries Young Gents will be on the park again during April as 1st & 2nd XV league fixtures end and Sandown & Shanklin begin building towards another season in London Division 3 in September.

Next week, the Young Gentlemen’s elders, the original Gentlemen’s XV, play in a three way Vets tournament at The Fairway as they host Lymington Mariners RFC and Kingston RFC Veterans XV. The three clubs play round robin against each other as an opener for the Hurries 1st XV vs Kingston 1st XV tie in the final London Division league match of the season. Spectators are welcome.