Ellingham & Ringwood II's turned up to Poole expecting the usual tough encounter. Despite some late changes to the line up the II's took to the field with a strong team ready to go after a strong pre-season. The game plan was simple, get the basics right, put pressure on the opposition and get the first score on the board. This is, indeed, what happened, the pack tore into the Poole forwards from the start and the backs looked slick out wide, and so the pressure told, with Ellingham registering the first try through Paddy. Expecting a response from Poole, the plan was still the same, play territory and keep the pressure on. Quite quickly another score time, again with the ball going out wide, and this time it was Josh Rowntree who got the touch down. Two more tries we scored in the first half, without Poole really troubling the Ellingham line. Paddy scored and duly converted his own try, and this was followed by Jasper dotting down in the corner.
Half Time: ERRFC II 22 - 0 Poole
The second half continued in much the same fashion with ERRFC exerting pressure on Poole. Poole competed hard at the breakdown and there were many turnovers in the second half as the conditions worsened. Ellingham maintained momentum and kept the scoreboard ticking over, Paddy crossed the line again to complete his hat-trick. As the players tired Josh Rowntree decided he was going to take advantage of the extra space. He crossed for his second try of the game, which was converted by Paddy. Then from the kick-off Ellingham spun the ball out to the left, finding Rowntree in lots of space, he broke through a couple of cover tackles and then cantered to the line to complete his hat-trick, the 2nd of the game. To wrap things up Ellingham had an attack up the right hand side, some good hands in tight quarters found the ball the in hands on No.8 Tunni who crashed over for the final try of the game.
A great first run out of the season and fantastic to get the win on the board after a tough season last year!
Final Score: ERRFC II 46 - 0 Poole