A PLUCKY Ellingham and Ringwood put up a strong fight in their Hampshire Division 1 49-18 defeat at home to New Milton at the Raymond Brown Memorial Ground.

Ellingham’s tries were scored by their inside centre Callum Butler and full back Chris Frost. Their outside centre Josh Butcher also kicked two penalties and a conversion.

Elsewhere, the seconds put in a strong performance in their Dorset Division 2 clash with Lytchett Minster, romping to a 38-14 victory.

Ellingham’s centre Joe Walsgrove scored two tries, with the others coming from their captain and scrum half Aaron Barker, number eight Steve Carey, lock forward Will Bush and centre Toby Wolfenden. Barker also kicked four conversions.