Loss cannot stop Ellingham and Ringwood gaining promotion

Hampshire Division One: Ellingham & Ringwood 27-34 Alton

ELLINGHAM and Ringwood have guaranteed a promotion spot to the Hampshire Premiership despite losing to top of the table Alton.

Despite losing 34-27 in their last game of the season, Ellingham and Ringwood have achieved their objective of securing promotion.

They took two bonus points out of the game to guarantee themselves the runners up place in Hampshire Division 1.

Taking the lead

Ellingham and Ringwood took an early lead when winger Dean Young kicked a penalty. Alton hit back with a converted try, but the hosts regained the lead when Young collected his own kick to score a good try.

Louis Harling then scored a further try for Ellingham before Alton scored a second converted try just before half time to give them a 14-13 lead at the break.

Narrow loss

Alton started the second half well with two tries and a conversion, before Ellingham’s full back Dominic Pitt scored an excellent try that was converted by Young.

Alton extended their lead with a penalty goal, but Ellingham’s scrum-half Will Jenkins scored a good try to reduce the gap to 29-27. Ellingham were chasing the win.

Full back Pitt nearly scored what probably would have been the winning try, but Alton then scored to make the final score 34-27.

The forest side will now play in the Hampshire Premier League next season. They will face strong local opposition in New Milton, Fordingbridge and Fareham.