REIGNING champions Bears under-18 girls retained their league laurels with an impressive 44-0 win over Oakmeadians.

The Bournemouth, Ellingham and Ringwood team clinched the South Coast League title at Chapel Gate on Sunday.

The hosts had the perfect start when Chloe Barrett finished off an excellent move to score in the corner in the first few minutes of the game.

But it was the Oakmeadians forwards who then dominated the next period of play and it was only strong defence that kept them at bay.

Despite Oakmeadians’ power up front, the Bears back line was in top form and midway through the second half, centre Jess Carey and fly-half Vicky Childs both scored well-worked tries within a few minutes of each other.

These were both converted by scrum-half Benedicte Williams to give the home side a 19-0 lead and the game was over as a contest.

Shortly before half-time, wing three-quarter Anna Stephenson powered over for a fourth try to gain a bonus point and make the score 24-0 at the break.

After the interval, the Bears back line continued to make the difference and they scored further tries through Chriszenia Morrison (2), Carey and Childs to make up the winning total.

Delighted Bears captain Paige Darvill-White said: “It was great to achieve the objective that we set ourselves at the beginning of the season.

“I was particularly proud that we didn’t concede a single point against what was a solid Oakmeadians side.”