A TOUGH game against high-flying Dinton saw Ellingham and Ringwood suffer a 32-24 defeat to Dinton in Dorset and Wilts Division 3 at the Raymond Brown Memorial Ground.

The visitors were able to dominate the first half and built up a 27-5 lead at the break, with Ellingham’s only try coming from their scrum half Lee Swyer.

Ellingham came back strongly in the second half.

Lock forward Tim Linford wriggled over for a score under the posts, which Lee Swyer converted. Their centre, Charlie Cockram (pictured), playing his first game since his injury last autumn then scored a good try, before the colts loose forward Charlie Karelus crashed over late in the game to secure a losing bonus point.

Elsewhere, Alderholt-born Poppy Cleall was part of England Women's 29-15 victory over Italy at Twickenham on Saturday.

A hat-trick of tries from Vicky Fleetwood ensured the Red Roses made it three from three despite going down to 13 players in the second half as Cleall was sin binned for a dangerous tackle.

Head coach Simon Middleton said: “It was frustrating at times, but credit to Italy they were outstanding. Full marks to our players at the end, they showed fantastic character when they were down to 13 with eight minutes left on the clock. Italy were in the ascendency but we defended for our lives and with a great deal of discipline and shape.

Cleall is part of her country's next game at Twickenham when they face Scotland on Saturday, March 11 (1pm).