RUGBY
Sandown and Shanklin 24, Old Wellingtonians 31
SANDOWN and Shanklin’s best opportunity for their first win of the season ended in disappointment as fellow strugglers Old Wellingtonians took the points.
The Hurricanes did gain another bonus point for scoring four tries, but victory was really needed, especially given they travel to unbeaten league leaders Weybridge Vandals tomorrow (Saturday).
Against Old Wellingtonians, Hurricanes did not get off to a good start, as the visitors walked in a try off a rolling maul, and then scored another with a conversion. All Sandown had to show for the first 15 minutes was a penalty to make it 12-3.
After another Wellingtonians’ try, some harsh words from captain Joe Rees were needed and this sprung Sandown into life.
They responded with a well-worked try through Will Baxandall, converted by Neil Buckingham, to make it 19-10 by the break.
In the second half, Sandown started well with the front row of Ricky Harris, Sean Williams and Todd Eldridge getting the better of their opposition. Again Baxandall finished a try from second phase ball this time from full back and the conversion brought them to within two points.
But the Old Wellingtonians came back and two tries put them back into a 14-point lead. With time running out, Wayne Williams scored a converted try after a line-out but it was too late to take the victory.
Sandown and Shanklin: Harris, S. Williams, Eldridge, S. Rees, Woolfenden, Tolley, W. Williams, J. Rees, M. Booth, Bodrell, Muir, D. Robinson, Baxandall, Gough, Buckingham, Jones, J. Robinson, R. Booth.