Es crushed by the leaders

Ellingham & Ringwood 13pts, Old Alleynians 34

ELLINGHAM & Ringwood lost at home to top-of-the-table Old Alleynians on Saturday.

Es found themselves behind within five minutes when the visitors' winger scored in a corner but the home side responded with some of their own strong running and soon earned themselves a penalty which Andy Weeks struck perfectly.

Es then dealt poorly with the kick-off which the OA pack used to their advantage, driving into the 22 and being awarded a penalty themselves. Es then put together some good rugby, but solid defence from OA and a number of Ellingham errors meant the home side had to settle for just another three points for their efforts. Old Alleynians effectively closed the game late in the first-half last, scoring two tries in close succession, taking their lead to 21-6 at the interval.

The second-half started with a try from OA and as the game went on a lack of fitness began to show as the Ellingham forward game lacked energy and with it the ability to keep the ball at the breakdown. OA kept plugging away with more penalties until Es managed to get their only try with full-back John Firkin passing to Stewart to score. Firkin converted.