Isle Of Wight's Hurricanes Clinch League Title And Promotion

Sandown & Shanklin travelled to Winchester RFC for their final league fixture of the 2023/24 season, with their destiny in their own hands.

A victory would see them crowned Counties 2 Hampshire league Champions, and seal promotion into Counties 1. 

The brave warriors saw it through, defeating Winchester RFC 2nd XV by a scoreline of 29-18.

The game kicked off with the hosts setting the early pace, but the nerves were somewhat settled for the visitors, when Winchester looked to attack wide, fullback Max Fletcher intercepted a pass from the fly-half and sprinted near on the length of the pitch to score.

Sandown managed to withstand another attacking onslaught and with Shannon, Chiverton and Booth dominating the front row come scrum time, the away side had a foothold to work their way up field.

As the Hurricanes forwards began working through their patterns, they managed to score their second try of the afternoon.

After an initial break by Captain Jacob Jordan, the ball was recycled and made its way to the on rushing Number 8, Michael Barrett, who powered over the try line.

The Hurricanes aimed to finish the first half in control and did so by scoring their fourth try and securing the try bonus point.

Following another powerful scrum the ball worked its way into the blindside channel, where sharp handling from the forwards, found Luke Hunter in space to power over the try line in the corner, bringing an end to proceedings for the first half with a nine-point lead. 

The second half kicked off with the Hurricanes reclaiming possession in the hosts 22, and working their way up to their 5 metre line.

From another strong scrum, the ball was spun wide, and with various options running off Burr, the fly half had the time and space to step and jink through the defence to score.

A spirited fightback from the hosts was to no avail, with the Hurricanes seeing it through for a comfortable 29-18 win.

The Island side erupted into jubilant celebration as they earned promotion and also the league title, to the delight of the travelling support, with two coaches of supporters making their way to Winchester for the final fixture of the league season, and easily outnumbering the home support.

SSRFC: 1. Ben Shannon, 2. Zak Chiverton, 3. Ben Booth, 4. Luke Hunter, 5. Sam Flux, 6. Jacob Jordan (C), 7. Sam Rees, 8. Michael Barrett; 9. Tom Marriott, 10. Anthony Burr, 11. Sam Tyson, 12. Rob Eston, 13. Luke Wedderkop, 14. Ashley Smith, 15. Max Fletcher. 
Subs: 16. Hugo Joliffe, 17. Damian Seder, 18. George Finan

SSRFC Director of Rugby, Damien Marriott, said: 

"Clinching the league title is a remarkable achievement, and I could not be prouder of the players' dedication and perseverance, as well as the coaching staff and supporters who have stood by us throughout the season.

"It is a moment to savour and celebrate as we reflect on the hard work and sacrifices that have brought us to this triumphant moment."