Ellingham & Ringwood Women battled to their fifth straight league victory in a physical, hard-fought clash away at Melksham — a performance built on resilience, defensive grit, and moments of individual brilliance that kept the Ellies top of the table.

The game began at high intensity, with both sides trading strong carries and territory. A superb kick-chase from Holly Veneroso saw Niki Hufano collect early on, but her match was sadly cut short after a collision forced her off with injury. Melksham used their momentum well, spending much of the opening 20 minutes deep in Ellingham’s half, and were eventually rewarded with a converted try to take a 7–0 lead.

Moments later, Anja Dixon produced a vital turnover inside the 22 to spark a counterattack, and the Ellies’ backs began to find rhythm. On the half-hour mark, a sweeping move through hands saw Jasmine Fox burst through and finish under the posts — Veneroso adding the extras to level things at 7–7.

Despite sustained pressure before the break, missed chances near the line meant the sides went into halftime all square.

The second half was a test of patience and precision. A superb penalty kick infield from Holly Veneroso almost set up Rosalind “Swanny” Reed for a score, but the referee deemed a double movement on the line. Minutes later, Ellingham turned defence into attack — Paige White seizing the moment with a blistering solo run to touch down beneath the posts. Veneroso’s conversion gave the visitors their first lead of the day, 7–14.

Ellingham grew stronger as the half went on. Veneroso and White combined again on 58 minutes, with a disallowed touch down try which will never stop being talked about. Then Holly slicing through the defence before offloading for Paige to claim her second of the afternoon. Despite a yellow card apiece for both sides and late pressure from Melksham, the Ellies’ defence held firm through a scrappy final spell to secure the 19–7 win.

Five from five and still top of the table — another display of heart, structure, and togetherness from this relentless Ellies side.

? FOTM — Rosalind ‘Swanny’ Reed: first start of the season, immense defensive work and lineout control throughout.
? BOTM — Zoe Hansen: outstanding in defence, fearless in contact, and full of energy from start to finish.

?? Ellingham & Ringwood Women — united, determined, and still unbeaten ??