ELLINGHAM & Ringwood surrendered a 17-point lead as they were sunk 37-17 by visitors Fareham Heathens in Hampshire One.

With a strong wind behind them in the first half, Es got off to a great start as lock Nick MacQueen crashed over.

Josh Butcher converted and then added a penalty to help his side open up a 10-0 lead.

Later in the half, Tim Linford made a good break and touched down under the posts, with full-back Butcher adding the extras.

However, Fareham were starting to take control at the scrum and just before the interval they scored a converted push-over try, reducing to 17-7 the arrears.

The Es' lack of discipline in the contact area cost them dear after the restart and a penalty and a converted try allowed Fareham to level the scores.

The home side saw a penalty sail wide and Fareham dominated the final quarter to secure a bonus-point win.

Meanwhile, Ellingham & Ringwood's second string thumped Fordingbridge II 57-12 in Dorset & Wilts Two South.

The try-scorers were Dave Jones (2), Alex McGuire (2), Oli Harvey, Darren Kendall, Joe Walsgrove. Andy Weeks kicked six conversions.