NEW Milton’s difficult campaign in London Three South West continued as they suffered a 31-22 home defeat to Petersfield.

The hosts started strongly when a rolling maul took the ball from their 22 to half way. Scrum-half Adam Lavis broke clear on the blind side and evaded tackle attempts to open the scoring.

But Petersfield hit back and built a commanding advantage with a four-try salvo.

Looking for a response, Milton’s Ben Russell powered over to reduce to 14 points the deficit at the interval.

A Milton rally at the start of the second half saw tries for Tom Duckworth and Chris Conacher, the latter of which was converted by Ryan Morrell to leave the hosts just two points behind.

But a further converted try from Petersfield extinguished any hopes the home side had, as they fell to their 13th league loss of the campaign.

Milton, who host Warlingham on Saturday, remain second-bottom in the division above winless Basingstoke.

Swanage & Wareham suffered a chastening 47-0 defeat at Trowbridge in Southern Counties South.

In rain-soaked conditions, the hosts ran in seven tries to secure an easy win.

Swans are bottom of the pile with just one win in 13 league fixtures. They will look to bounce back on Saturday when they host fellow strugglers Walcot at Bestwall.

Ellingham & Ringwood II managed an impressive home victory by beating Dorset & Wilts Two South title hopefuls Puddletown 22-5.

The Es dominated during the opening 20 minutes. Scrum-half and captain Aaron Barker kicked an early penalty before lock Sam Linford crashed over.

After a further period of sustained pressure, flanker Will Trim touched down to open up a 17-point lead for the hosts.

Puddletown, who had only lost once in the league ahead of kick-off, responded with an unconverted try to make the half-time score 17-5.

The visitors had the better of the second half but the Es dug in to keep their advantage intact.

Late in the contest, Ellingham number-eight Ben Franklin crossed in the corner to make the game safe.

Ellingham are sixth in the league standings, their next test coming at East Dorset on Saturday.