ELLINGHAM & Ringwood were edged out 33-28 by Alresford in a Hampshire One thriller.
The away side started well with wing three-quarter Dean Young scoring under the posts after just five minutes.
Centre Josh Butcher slotted the conversion but Alresford were then awarded a penalty try, which they converted.
Butcher kicked a penalty to regain the lead for his team, only for the hosts to score two tries – one converted – to seize a 19-10 lead.
Ellingham came back strongly in the second half and Butcher kicked two penalties, while lock Tim Linford scored a try which Butcher converted.
Alresford replied with two converted scores but Ellingham replacement Matt Moore crossed to reduce to 33-28 the deficit.
Pressing hard for a try in the dying moments, Ellingham found the Alresford defence in determined mood and they had to be content with a losing bonus point.
Meanwhile, Ellingham & Ringwood II fought back from 16-0 down to win 38-21 at home to Blandford’s II in Dorset & Wilts Two South.
Centre Mark Hutchinson scored two tries, the others coming from Jordan Donaldson, Jamie Kynaston, Sam Linford and Kali Tuitecki. Captain Aaron Barker kicked four conversions.
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