THE much-awaited forest derby was claimed by leaders Fordingbridge as they gained maximum points after throwing out a 52-15 drubbing over Ellingham and Ringwood in Snows Hampshire One.

The first league meeting for the two sides in five years was made routine by 'Bridge to go five points clear at the top and heap misery on their rock-bottom visitors at Parsonage Barn Lane.

Having won just once since beginning a new era, they were looking to change their fortunes and claim their second win of the season.

But they had no answer to 'Bridge's turbocharged start.

Prolific kicker Mat Norton fired three penalties and a conversion to build-up a 21-0 lead within the first 20 minutes.

The second quarter saw more dominance from 'Bridge, with the bonus point secured before the interval with further tries from wing Dan Brown and Rob Hay, Norton converting both. Ellingham did reply with a Josh Butcher penalty after a spell of good pressure midway through the half to turn around at 3-35.

Fordingbridge continued their dominance as the match entered the second half with tries from Chris Gogin, returning from injury, and Hay with his second of the afternoon. Norton converted the latter.

Ellingham's young side, which is going through a period of transition, never gave up and came back strong, scoring two tries and converting one.

But it was 'Bridge who had the final say of the day when Dan Brown went under the posts with a try out wide.

Coach John Stockley commented post game that the “hard work the players had been putting in at training was now paying dividends on match day”.

It was a tough day at the office for the seconds, who were on the end of a 61-0 mauling from Bournemouth thirds.

But tight head prop Mike Parry commented that “the spirit shown by the side was strong and if a more settled team, barring injuries, could be achieved then the future was bright”.

ELLINGHAM seconds lost by a single point in Dorset and Wilts 2 South.

After turning round at 17-3 down, Es produced a spirited second half performance against Bridport.

Jonny Owen kicked two penalties and scored a good try, which he converted to reduce the deficit to 17-16.

Late on Es' pressure was rewarded with a penalty and Owen stepped up to take a difficult kick, which agonisingly past the post.

And the thirds lost 29-5 to Blandford seconds on Friday night in Dorset and Wilts 4.