A TRY from home debutant Lex Dakuwaqa could not prevent Ellingham & Ringwood suffering a 27-21 defeat to Fareham Heathens in Hampshire One.

Centre Dakuwaqa touched down five minutes in but the visitors responded with a score of their own.

Josh Butcher kicked a penalty to restore the Es' lead but Fareham hit back with a couple of tries – one converted – to go 17-8 in front.

Home full-back Chris Frost then went over for a fine individual try which was converted by Butcher.

After the restart, a couple of Butcher penalties put the Es four points up but a converted try and a penalty gave Fareham victory.