HURRICANES 36, BOGNOR 19

SANDOWN and Shanklin bounced back from their first league defeat of the season with a win against a Bognor side which proved to be a tough nut to crack.

The visitors got off to a flying start, scoring after five minutes, but the Islanders struck back almost immediately with a 30m penalty from skipper Sam Flux.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Another penalty followed, kicked to within seven metres of the Bognor try line. The line-out drive that followed was dragged down by Bognor’s defenders, which led to a penalty try.

Momentum grew for the home side, with strong carrying from man-of-the-match Flux and Darren Carew deep into Bognor territory and another penalty try was awarded following an effective line-out.

Centre Sam Tyson stepped through the defence to sprint under the posts, but was held up over the line. But quick-thinking fellow centre, Jack Wedderkop, took over control to dot down and extend the margin to 17-7.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Bognor pulled it back to 17-14 just before half-time, but early in the second, Flux, in great kicking form this season, struck another penalty.

Following strong work through the middle, the Isle of Wight side scored a superb try — Sam Tyson diving over following some great running and flowing offloads.

Another Flux penalty quickly followed, but Bognor hit back to 29-19 — taking advantage of sin-binned Josh Wetherick.

Isle of Wight County Press:

It was just a blip for the home side as strong running from the forwards, with great support play by Harry Hopper, led to Owen Williams feeding winger Ben Sanderson for his first Hurricanes try, in the corner.

Yet another Flux penalty wrapped up the Hurricanes scoring.

The Hurricanes’ director of rugby, Damion Marriott, was in buoyant mood after the game.

He said: “The last two weeks have been very difficult for the club, having been well beaten by two great sides, which could have completely derailed our ambitions, especially for such a young team.

Isle of Wight County Press:

“Yet as we try and push on for promotion, we showed great character in a must-win game, despite it being so early into the season.

“Having Jacob Jordan back this week was huge for us. Again, he showed why he’s up there as perhaps one of the best scrum-halves in the Hampshire Premier.

“His tempo around the park lifts the whole squad and the lads just seem to flow as a unit, making it so enjoyable to watch.

“A big shout out has to go to the pack today, especially our skipper, Sam Flux, who led from the front.

Isle of Wight County Press:

“Against such strong opposition and the threat Bognor have up front, our scrums were very dominant. Adam Tyas was a major part of this. He was everywhere and produced his best performance of the season so far.

“The next match at New Milton is going to be the next tough test. They are a great side, but on the back of this performance, I know the lads will be buzzing to be out there playing again on Saturday.”

Hurricanes: Tyas, Chiverton, Richomme, Flux (capt), Rees, Hunter, Hopper, Carew, Jordan, Mitchell, Sanderson, Tyson, Wedderkop, Wetherick, Williams. Subs: Skelley, Kulik, Little.