In what will go down as one of Ellingham & Ringwood Women’s most hard-fought and emotional victories, the Ellies travelled to Bath for a top-of-the-table clash that lived up to every bit of its billing. What became “The Battle of the Turnovers,” this was a game defined by heart, resilience, and relentless defensive effort.

From the opening play, no2. Elli Berninger set the tone, turning over possession straight from kick-off to signal the visitors’ intent. The Ellies dominated territory in the opening quarter, camping in Bath’s half. Both sides favoured fast, aggressive rugby, trading turnovers and momentum in equal measure. Holly Veneroso led by example with key steals, while the forward pack steam rolled over the Bath scrums, firing up the travelling side. Bath’s turn overs kept putting Ellies on the back foot, but Bath’s exit all handed straight into Ellie Dolbear’s arms and ran straight back at them.

Despite heavy pressure, it took until the 22nd minute for the breakthrough to come, when Sophie Pidgley sliced through to score out wide. Bath hit back immediately with a converted try to make it 7–5, before adding another late in the half to lead 12–5 at the break. It was a bruising opening 40, with multiple Ellies forced off through injury and Nina Hoadley sidelined after a late challenge right before the whistle.

The second half was a test of depth, courage, and sheer will. Holly Veneroso continued to marshal the attack before being taken out on a quick tap near the Bath 22, earning the hosts a yellow card but ending Holly’s game early. That moment seemed to light a fire in the Ellies. Minutes later, Jasmine Fox powered over the line, stretching through defenders to close the gap to 12–10.

Franki continued breaking through with her trademark surging runs, and the Ellies looked set for another score multiple times, but Bath held them up and rip at the line denying any points. To add to Ellie’s pain — Franki was forced off with a dislocated kneecap. But the away team rallied, digging even deeper for their fallen teammates.

The reward came on 65 minutes. In almost identical fashion to her first, Jasmine Fox scored to put Ellingham & Ringwood ahead, and Sophie added the conversion to make it 17–12.

The final 15 was tense for both sides. Bath threw everything at the Ellies in the dying moments, in the final play, a Bath intercept looked destined for a length-of-the-field score — until Ellie Dolbear produced a game saving tackle, then forced the mistake allowing the final whistle to be blown. The Ellies collapsed to the ground in victory — exhausted, elated, and proud. They had beaten the league leaders on their own turf and claimed top spot for themselves.