THE Hurricanes delivered one of their finest displays of the season on Saturday — overturning second‑placed Bognor in a thrilling, high‑tempo contest at the Fairway.
HURRICANES 47, BOGNOR 42
In what has been a largely disappointing season for Sandown the Shanklin, the Hurries lived up to their talent and potential — showcasing power, precision and outstanding resolve throughout.
The visitors had beaten the Hurricanes back in October, and arrived on the Island in formidable form — sitting second in Counties 1 Hampshire and backed by a strong travelling support.
But Sandown, unbeaten in three matches this year, rose to the occasion magnificently to make it four from four in 2026.
After a week of grim training‑ground weather, conditions were perfect for running rugby — and both sides tore into the opening exchanges.
Sandown struck first, capitalising on a Bognor spill from a set piece as Sothcott pounced and released Michael Barrett, who flew down the wing to score in the corner for 5-0.
Bognor hit back through a clever interchange close to the line, before the Hurricanes reclaimed the lead via a textbook maul, finished smartly by Jolliffe.
The match developed into a frenetic try‑trading spectacle.
Bognor’s scrum-half darted over to reassert their advantage, only for a superb counter-attack from Sandown to restore the home lead.
Sam Flux collected a clearance, Max Fletcher moved the ball at pace, and Jack Sothcott powered through midfield before sending Anthony Burr racing through to chip, chase and score under the posts, making it 17‑14.
Bognor nudged in front once more through a well‑worked set‑piece move, and despite heavy defensive hits from Tom Sewell and the Miselbach brothers, Matt and Harry, they carried a 21‑17 cushion into the break.
The visitors looked in control early in the second half — extending the lead to 28‑17.
But the Hurricanes, playing with huge conviction, surged back.
The game’s decisive turning point came midway through the second half.
Barrett sliced through for his second try, Jolliffe powered over again from close range, and replacement Ben Shannon finished another dominant attack to push Sandown ahead 36‑28.
A long‑range Zak Chiverton penalty stretched the advantage further.
Bognor refused to fold, capitalising on a loose ball to close the gap to 39‑35, but Sandown kept their composure.
Matt Miselbach bulldozed over from a short‑range ruck and Chiverton added another penalty to make it 47‑35.
Even a late Bognor try, cutting the deficit to 47‑42, couldn’t deny the Hurricanes a memorable victory.
A final turnover penalty sealed it, sparking raucous celebrations at the Fairway.
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