HURRICANES seconds secured a crucial win in their promotion chase by defeating Tottonians seconds on the road.

TOTTONIANS II 12, SANDOWN & SHANKLIN II 28

Amidst widespread match cancellations across Hampshire due to winter weather, the teams clashed on the sunlit Water Lane pitch in Totton.

The game saw both high intensity and an early setback for Tottonians, with their scrumhalf injured.

Despite this, the home side scored first, taking a 5-0 lead.

Sandown, however, rallied with a powerful performance, equalising through George Shannon.

With Gary Warvill returning to the field, they went into halftime with an 18-5 lead.

The second half continued in the same vein, with both sides showing determination.

Tottonians, however, struggled against Sandown's disciplined attack.

Jack Davey extended Sandown's lead with another try, making the scoreline 23-5.

With a bonus point in sight, Sandown continued to press, eventually forcing Tottonians into a costly error.

Shannon charged down a rushed kick, retrieving the ball to secure the bonus point.

Tottonians scored a consolation try, which was converted, leaving the final score 12-28 in Sandown's favour.

A spokesperson for Sandown & Shanklin RFC said: "An absolute cracker of a game. Both showed why they are held in such high regard in Hampshire.

"A freezingly fantastic afternoon where rugby truly was the winner."