SANDOWN and Shanklin RFC veterans enjoyed a day to remember at Twickenham — coming away with three wins from three and lifting the trophy in support of the Injured Players Foundation.
The squad made an early start from the clubhouse — arriving at the home of English rugby ready for the special occasion.
The day was made even more meaningful with Luke Orton — left disabled after suffering a serious neck injury and who has previously been supported by the foundation — joining the group.
Luke led the side out for the opening match, alongside captain, Jamie Dilk.
The Hurricanes’s first game was a tight contest against Guys Hospital Penguins.
Defence proved key, with the Island side holding firm throughout.
Their pressure was eventually rewarded, when Joe Bussell powered over for the only try of the game, sealing a 5-0 win.
They followed that with a strong performance against Cobham.
Sandown controlled much of the game, with Ben Allman leading the defensive effort and creating the platform for attack.
Zak Chiverton opened the scoring for the Hurries, before a well-worked move late on saw the ball pass through Cooper and Sam Flux to Proud, who finished under the posts in a 14-0 victory.
The two wins secured a place in the final against a strong Chosen Hill side.
Sandown were tested early — falling behind to a try, but responded well.
Michael Barrett broke the line, before setting up Ash Smith to score and bring the Islanders back into the game.
Chosen Hill regained the advantage, but Sandown stayed composed.
Good work from Joe Dove allowed Barrett to go over late on to level the scores.
With only minutes remaining, Sandown were awarded a penalty from around 30 metres.
Flux stepped up and calmly sent the ball sailing through the posts to seal the win.
Dilk described it as the best day of rugby he had experienced, with the squad performing well and supporting a cause close to their hearts.
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