ELLINGHAM & Ringwood were knocked out of the Hampshire Plate following a 37-27 defeat at Farnborough.

The hosts started well, scoring two tries and adding a conversion and two penalties.

Ellingham fly-half Josh Butcher replied with three penalties to leave his side trailing 18-9 at the break.

After the restart, visiting back-row Andrew Lorton crossed the whitewash and his team were also awarded a penalty try.

Butcher kicked a further two penalties but Farnborough replied with three tries and two conversions, which was enough to see them through to the next round.

Meanwhile, Ellingham's women put in a strong performance to hammer Devizes 65-0 in the RFU National Cup first round.

Centre Kiera Paul-Jones scored six tries with the others coming from Chloe Barrett (2), Francesca McAlinney, Chantelle McClure and Anna Stephenson. Barrett also kicked five conversions.

Ellingham captain Hannah Walraven said: “This was an impressive performance against a team who we are due to play again in a league game in a few weeks.

"While Kiera will make the headlines after scoring six tries, this was a real team performance and we’re now looking forward to see who we draw in the next round."