ELLINGHAM and Ringwood RFC returned from the Isle of Wight with an important bonus point win on Saturday in Hampshire Division One thanks to 29-18, writes STEVE BENSON.

Ellingham played into a stiff breeze in the first half in difficult wet conditions and the Isle of Wight made full use of the conditions kicking five first half penalty goals.

Ellingham’s captain and scrum half Henry Benson scored two first half tries, one of which was converted to centre Josh Butcher to leave them trailing 15-12 at the break.

In the second half, Ellingham were able to dominate with two further tries coming from their centres Josh Butcher and Matt Karelus to secure the important try bonus point.

Butcher also kicked a penalty and two further conversions to make the final score 29-18 to the visitors.

Ellingham are in Hampshire Plate action this weekend against Ventnor. 

Ellingham and Ringwood’s second XV continued their good start to the season in Dorset and Wiltshire Division Two, with a convincing 47-12 bonus point victory away at East Dorset.

Ellingham and Ringwood’s tries were scored by fly half Aaron Barker, full back Louis Harling, scrum half Dave Jones, lock forward Sam Linford and flank forwards Corbin Hills and Tim Iles. Barker also kicked seven conversions.

Ellingham and Ringwood’s third XV put in another strong performance away against a strong Bournemouth fourth XV in Dorset and Wiltshire Division Three and were unlucky not to come away with a win, as they lost 17-15.

Ellingham scored three good tries through flank forward Will Maw, number 8 Steve Carey and centre Sam Harrison and had they kicked a late penalty they would have won. As it was, they returned home with a well earned away losing bonus point.