ELLINGHAM and Ringwood RFC’s under 14s are the new champions of the Hampshire Vase after defeating Portsmouth 15-5 in a compelling final on Sunday morning.

Staged at the Raymond Brown Memorial Ground, Ellingham made the first breakthrough after 20 minutes with a try scored by number 8 Naiche Kempson. He broke from the back of a maul after a period of sustained pressure.

Portsmouth immediately equalised after an attempted Ellingham clearance kick was charged down, enabling the visitors backs to move the ball down the line and score in the corner.

It was all square at five points each, as the referee blew for half time.

The second half started as the first half had finished with neither team giving quarter to the other, but as the second half continued it was the strong, powerful Ellingham forwards who began to gain ascendency against their tiring opponents; Naiche Kempson went over to score his second try following powerful rucking by the Ellingham forwards.

From the restart, Ellingham, again, camped close to the Portsmouth try line and from another period of sustained driving rugby, flanker Toby Philpott scored Ellingham’s third try to win the Hampshire Vase final.

The teenagers have three games left of the season, all of which take place next month against Tottonians (h), Fareham Heathens (a) and New Milton (a).

n THE club is hosting its golden jubilee ball on Saturday, April 29 at AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium.

It’s a black tie event, with a three-course meal followed by music and dancing.

There are 17 tables of 10, 11 of which have already been sold.

Tickets cost £50.

The event, which starts at 7.30pm, is running coaches from Parsonage Barn Lane.

For more details, visit pitchero.com/clubs/ellinghamringwood