In their final game of the 2025/26 season, Ellingham & Ringwood Women welcomed already crowned league champions Bath Ladies United to PBL for what proved to be a fiercely competitive and hard-fought contest.

With Bath already confirmed as league winners and the Ellies set to finish 4th, there was still everything to play for in terms of pride as Ellies remained the only side to get a win over Bath. Both sides delivered a match full of intensity, physicality, and resilience until the final whistle.

Bath struck first inside five minutes, capitalising early to take a 5–0 lead. However, Ellingham responded with growing confidence, matching the champions physically and showing strength at set piece, stealing multiple Bath lineouts and gaining the upper hand in the scrum.

The game took an early toll, with Captain Anja Dixon forced off with injury. Despite briefly returning strapped, she was unable to continue, prompting a reshuffle that saw Paige White move into the forwards and Jasmine Fox introduced into the backline.

Ellingham’s response on the scoreboard came through excellent team play. A well-worked attacking phase saw Lani Baldwin cross the line, with Ellie Dolbear converting to put the hosts ahead.

Bath responded before half time to narrow the gap to 14–12, setting up a tense second half.

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The second period saw both sides trade territory in a physical battle. Ellingham’s defence stood firm for long stretches, with repeated Bath attacks repelled through determined tackling and strong organisation.

Injury disruptions continued, with multiple players forced off throughout the half, testing the squad’s depth and resilience. Despite this, the Ellies remained composed, managing the game well through Molly Hadfield’s tactical kicking and controlled play.

A yellow card for Ellingham added further pressure late on, and with just minutes remaining, Bath managed to find a way through to edge ahead 14–17.

Ellingham had opportunities to respond, including a penalty in front of the posts, but were unable to add to their tally. The final minutes saw both sides battling fiercely, with further injuries adding to the intensity before the final whistle confirmed a narrow defeat.

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While the result didn’t go their way, this was a performance full of character against the league’s top side a reflection of who Ellingham & Ringwood Women are.

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Forward of the Match – Swanny
Outstanding in both attack and defence, dominant at the lineout and relentless across the park.

Back of the Match – Molly Hadfield
Controlled the game superbly with intelligent kicking and calm decision-making under pressure.