THE Hurricanes suffered their first defeat of the season on Saturday, losing at home to Basingstoke.

HURRICANES 32, BASINGSTOKE 43

The visitors, who beat Sandown and Shanklin last season, scored twice early on, putting them in control.

Sandown fought back with tries from Ash Smith and Tom Marriott, but ended the first half trailing 24-12.

Basingstoke then scored again after half time, but the Hurricanes responded through a penalty from Ant Burr and try from Jack Wedderkop.

Michael Barrett then scored to close the gap, but Basingstoke added another try to make it 38-27.

Barrett scored again for the Hurricanes, but they were not able to convert the try.

They were then punished as Basingstoke scored again to make it 43-32, inflicting a first defeat of the season on Sandown.

Despite a Hurricanes victory becoming more of a possibility, the dogged visitors managed to extend their lead, by applying territorial pressure and forcing errors.

This led to a quick tap penalty, which after a number of pick-and-goes, saw Basingstoke score their fifth try of the afternoon, to extend their advantage.

PORTSMOUTH III 7, SANDOWN & SHANKLIN II 86

In a commanding performance, Sandown seconds triumphed over Portsmouth, securing a 14-try victory.

Rhys Mundell, on debut, scored the first try, while George Finnan, bringing first-team experience, netted a swift hat-trick.

The squad, seamlessly blending structure and fluidity, amassed 16 points from the boot, with remarkably only conceded seven.

Jack and Karl Davey, Harry Thomas and others ran in the tries.