SANDOWN and Shanklin RFC — looking to bounce back after their first loss of the season — instead suffered a narrow defeat on the road.

EASTLEIGH 41, HURRICANES 34

The home side, having drawn their previous match, was keen to secure a win.

The Counties 1 Hampshire fixture kicked off with Eastleigh taking an early lead of 7-0.

They capitalised on Sandown’s slow start, with their flanker scoring from a scrum break.

However, it didn’t take long for the Hurricanes to respond.

From a penalty, they kicked for touch, and a well-executed line-out led to Ben Shannon scoring.

The conversion attempt by stand-in fly-half Sam Tyson was missed, bringing the score to 7-5.

This sparked Sandown into life, and they soon secured their second try.

After strong carries from Shannon and returning player Zak Chiverton, Ash Smith sprinted from the halfway line to score.

Beau Bridgeman converted to give Sandown a 7-12 lead.

Eastleigh rallied and managed to score again, making it 14-12.

Sandown continued to play expansive rugby but often found themselves pushed back into their own half.

However, Luke Wedderkop broke through, and after feeding Rob Newton, he scored under the posts, with Bridgeman converting to make it 14-19. 

The first half concluded with Eastleigh scoring again, taking advantage of a sin bin for Sandown’s lock, Damian Seder.

Their winger scored, leaving the teams level at 19-19 at the break.

The second half began with Eastleigh scoring again, bringing the score to 24-19.

The Hurricanes then applied pressure in Eastleigh’s 22, with big carries testing the home defence.

Eventually, quick hands from Tyson and Wedderkop led to Newton scoring again, and Bridgeman's conversion made the score 24-24.

A penalty allowed Eastleigh to regain the lead, but quick action from Chiverton and a try from Wedderkop put Sandown back in front at 27-31.

With about ten minutes remaining, Eastleigh fought back fiercely.

They scored from a maul to take the lead 34-31.

In the closing minutes, Eastleigh extended their lead to 41-31.

Sandown managed to secure a losing bonus point when replacement Sam Flux kicked a long-range penalty.

In a tense final play, the referee awarded Eastleigh a penalty, which fortunately for Sandown, was missed.

The final score was 41-34, leaving the Hurricanes with mixed feelings after a hard-fought match.