A FIERCELY-contested match ended in a share of the spoils for Sandown and Shanklin.

BOGNOR 12, HURRICANES 12

The game, played on Saturday, was described as "a classic tale of two halves" with both teams struggling to build momentum due to strong defences and a high penalty count.

The Hurricanes, missing several players due to illness and injuries, gave debuts to Mundell and Shannon.

Despite the last-minute changes, the visitors took the lead 25 minutes into the first half.

A chip and chase from fly-half Fletcher led to a try, which he then converted, putting Sandown and Shanklin 7-0 ahead.

They crossed the white line again just before half-time, with Smith scoring in the corner, although the conversion was missed.

The second half saw Bognor come out fighting, scoring early to reduce the deficit to 12-5.

The Hurricanes' defence held strong, but the lack of possession began to show.

Frustrations led to poor discipline, with skipper Eston and Wedderkop both being shown yellow cards.

The pressure finally told, with Bognor scoring and converting to level the game.

The final ten minutes were tense, but Sandown's "heart on sleeve defending" saw them hold out for a draw.