NEW Milton face a clash with Old Whitgiftian for the right to earn a spot in London Three South West – after falling agonisingly short in their final league game.

The Hampshire One side set up a play-off with the Surrey One runners-up after losing 53-17 at Petersfield in an effective title shootout – a match in which Milton needed to score four tries to seal top spot.

But having missed out with a three-try haul, Milton must now hope home advantage plays in their favour against Old Whitgiftian a week on Saturday.

Head coach David Dunn told the Daily Echo: "It was always going to be tough against Petersfield and it was appalling to see the players fall at the final hurdle.

"We are very lucky to have a second bite at the cherry and the players deserve it as they have worked hard all season."

Milton started well when a kick ahead created pressure on the try line and Brendan Treacey drove over, Adam Lavis adding the extras.

Petersfield responded strongly and by the interval had racked up five tries, two of which were converted, giving them a 29-7 lead.

After the break, the home side added a couple more scores – the second being a breakaway try – before Sam Bew touched down for Milton.

Two more tries followed for Petersfield, although in between Milton substitute Lewis Waugh powered through to score.

Milton squad: Kaspers, George, Wright, Duckworth, Bew, L Thomas, Treacey, Russell, J O'Regan, Lavis, Oliver, Mallette, S O'Regan, Morrell, D Thomas, Waugh, McQueen, Conacher.

Ellingham & Ringwood finished fifth in the table after registering a 64-27 win over Ventnor at the Raymond Brown Memorial Ground.

Callum Butler helped himself to four tries and although the scoreline indicated a one-sided contest, Ventnor were only six points behind with 20 minutes to play.

There were tries for Chris Frost, Joe Walsgrove, Fletcher Harnish, Charlie Cockram and Josh Butcher, who also kicked a penalty and eight conversions.

Ellingham & Ringwood II were beaten 40-33 by Wheatsheaf Cabin Crew in Dorset & Wilts Two South.

Wheatsheaf took an early 8-0 lead but a try from Will Bush, converted by skipper Aaron Barker, saw the Es fight back.

Lewis Granell then scored a well worked try, only for Wheatsheaf to kick a penalty and bag a converted try.

On the stroke of half-time, Oli Harvey went under the posts and Barker's conversion gave Ellingham a 19-18 lead.

Wheatsheaf grabbed a converted try and a penalty after the restart but Harvey got his second, with Barker kicking the conversion.

A couple more tries followed for Wheatsheaf, one converted, but Barker's converted score gave his team two losing bonus points.

Ellingham & Ringwood III stormed to a 70-22 success against Oakmeadians III.

Will Searle scored a hat-trick and Steve Rowntree, Josh Rowntree, Sean Cox, Steve Carey, Garrett Avis, Josh Berry, Lenny Lawson, Mark Frost and Lee Swyer touched down. Swyer added five conversions.

East Dorset edged to a 10-7 win over visitors Oakmeadians in Dorset & Wilts One South.

Oaks held a 7-0 half-time lead but in the second period, East skipper Chris Poole crossed.

Kieran Wilson then set up Rich Thain to score the match-winning try.