ELLINGHAM & Ringwood Rugby Club have been crowned Hampshire Division One champions.

The team, who still have three league games to play in what has been an extraordinary season, enjoyed an incredible winning streak, which has seen it pick up maximum points during one of the most successful campaigns in the popular New Forest club's 40-year history.

The early conclusion to the title race will certainly add extra spice to Ellingham's ruby anniversary celebrations, which take place at a special dinner at Oakdene Forest Park in St Leonards on Saturday.

It will be attended by current players along with founding members and many people who have played an integral role in developing the club over the years.

Saturday's 25-6 victory over Alton at Picket Post was the Es' 15th on the bounce in the league.

Afterwards, an emotional coach Steve Anderson paid tribute to the contribution of generations of club members to the first team's current success.

He said: "There are a lot of people in this club that this title belongs to - some from the past and some from the present.

"We've all worked long and hard for this and now we're going to enjoy it."

However, the campaign is far from over as the foresters still have their sights firmly set on a league and cup double. After this weekend's league game at New Milton & District, they will prepare for their Hampshire Cup final on Sunday, March 16 at Picket Post.

Their opponents in the final are Petersfield, ironically, the side which denied them a cup triumph last season.

8:53am Thursday 6th March 2008

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