ELLINGHAM & Ringwood had to be content with a losing bonus point following a 26-25 loss at home to United Services Portsmouth in Hampshire One.

A couple of Josh Butcher penalties and a Chris Frost try put the Es on top.

Lock Tim Linford then crashed over under the posts and Butcher added the conversion.

A converted try by US Portsmouth reduced the advantage.

After the break, the visitors scored three tries and added two conversions to take a 26-18 lead.

In the closing moments, fly-half Charlie Cockram crossed under the posts, with Butcher converting.

Ellingham & Ringwood II claimed a 22-12 win over hosts Oakmeadians II in Dorset & Wilts II South.

Aaron Barker scored two tries and Josh Rowntree got the other. Barker also kicked two conversions and a penalty goal.

Ellingham & Ringwood women earned a bittersweet 20-5 win at Chipping Sodbury in National Challenge South West One. Lizzie Dodd was forced off with a broken collarbone.

Dodd had earlier scored a couple of tries and Anna Stephenson and Charlotte Benson also crossed.

Meanwhile, director of rugby David Dunn labelled as “stunning” New Milton’s nine-try demolition of Basingstoke in London Three South West.

Promoted last season, Dunn’s troops hammered their hosts 55-17.

The visitors led 17-10 at the break with Ryan Morrell (2) and Ben Russell crossing the whitewash, the former adding a conversion to the cause.

Following the restart, New Milton put pedal to metal. Adam Lavis touched down and Nathan Smith bagged a couple of tries.

Tom Gould and Chris Conacher also went over, with Morrell completing his hat-trick and kicking four conversions.

Elsewhere, Dorset Dockers opened their league season with a 33-20 win over Salisbury II at their new headquarters – Christchurch Recreation Ground.

Skipper Alex Priest, Dan Mallard and Neil Ketchley were in fine form in the Dorset & Wilts One South fixture.