Alton 12 - Ellingham and Ringwood 29

Ellingham & Ringwood 1st XV, having been promoted to Counties 1 Hampshire, started the 2023/24 campaign with a win at Alton. The 29-12 win was almost an exact reverse of our last visit in 2019. Although several players were making their 1st XV league debut the side played positive and cohesive rugby from the start. Alton kept Ellingham pegged back for long passages using their local ground knowledge well. The Ellingham, defence, however was strong and eventually our team's fitness took its toll on the home side: a testament to the hard work the entire squad has put in pre-season. The final quarter saw Ellingham score two tries to add to the two scored in the first half, ensuring the bonus point win and a great start to the season.

Pictured: David Budd, our 1st XV prop and managing director of our 1st XV shirt sponsor alpharoofingsolutionsltd