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.
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