Ellingham & Ringwood Women delivered an outstanding attacking performance on the road, overcoming a physical Reading side and dramatic weather conditions to secure a 43–26 victory and continue their strong run of form.

The hosts struck early, breaking through the defensive line to take a 5–0 lead within the opening minutes. However, the Ellies responded immediately. Paige White powered through with a trademark carry to level the score, with Ellie Dolbear adding the conversion.

Reading edged back ahead soon after, but this proved to be a tightly contested first half, with momentum swinging between the two sides. Holly O’Callaghan finished well out wide to bring the scores level again before a pivotal moment saw Molly Hadfield execute a superb 50:22, setting up a driving maul that the forwards powered over for the go-ahead score.

Ellingham continued to build pressure, Anja Dixon from a maul and Keria Payne crossed from close range following sharp attacking phases, with Dolbear again converting. A flucky Reading score just before half time narrowed the gap, leaving the visitors with a 24–19 lead at the break.

The second half brought even more intensity. Reading came out strong and briefly took the lead, capitalising on errors to move ahead at 26–24. But the Ellies showed resilience and composure.

Sophie Pidgley produced a moment of brilliance, slicing through the entire Reading defence to score under the posts, with Dolbear converting to swing momentum firmly back in Ellingham’s favour.

From there, the Ellies took control. O’Callaghan added her second, dancing through defenders in a near-identical fashion, before debutant Izzy Hodge capped a memorable first appearance by powering over for a try, again converted by Dolbear.

As the heavens opened with hailstones and thunder crashing over the pitch, Ellingham remained composed, managing the game superbly in the closing stages to seal a seven-try victory away from home.

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? Match Awards

Forward of the Match – Rosalind “Swanny” Reed Relentless defensive work rate and physical dominance at the breakdown, setting the tone throughout.

Back of the Match – Holly O’Callaghan, best career performance to date!
Electric in attack, clinical finishing with two tries, and a constant threat out wide.

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Final Score
Reading Women 26 – 43 Ellingham & Ringwood Women