Weybridge Vandals 8pts - Ellingham & Ringwood 24 pts

Early thrusts by centre BILL PAINTER and winger HARRY BROOKS could not be consolidated and a searing break by Ellingham scrum half gave them the confidence to run the ball at Vandals whose defence at this stage was rock solid, epitomised by a tackle by LUKE CARTER. Ellingham continued to dominate possession, however and after further phase play they moved the ball out wide and scored in the corner. The conversion gave them a 7pt lead, but a great steal by back DARYL BRYANT at the restart and a kick to the five metre line saw Vandals immediately back in contention. A good run by winger MIKE EDMONSON kept the pressure on the visitors, who were fortunate not to lose a player to the bin after a blatant trip. Fly half JAMES WELLDEN converted the penalty but a touch on and a turn over in the period leading up to half time were ruthlessly exploited by Ellingham and their strong running backs punished Vandals with two further tries, one of which was converted to give them a 19pt to 3 interval advantage.

After stern words from coach NICK RIDLEY Vandals raised their game, albeit after nearly conceding a fifth try following an interception. DARYL BRYANT was having a good game in the line out, taking not only his own sides ball, but also stealing some of the oppositions and Ellingham had to dig deep to withstand Vandals driving play at the set piece. CHRIS BROOKS, who had replaced the unfortunate CRAIG DeCOTEAU, was also having a storming game in the loose, and together with hooker DYLAN JOHNSON was responsible for forcing Ellingham to concede the penalty leading to Vandals try. The visitors under so much pressure at this time lost a player to the sin bin and from the penalty Vandals chose the line out from which they drove over with JOHNSON getting the touch down. Great play by prop DAVE MOORE

from the restart immediately had his team back on the offensive and had a pass

out wide been taken Vandals could well have scored a second try. A fine kick by WELLDEN taking play to the twenty-two kept the pressure on the visitors, but a line out offence allowed Ellingham, now back to a full compliment to resume their running game. A superb turnover by MOORE stopped them in their tracks but eventually they put together another move scoring in the corner. They might well have scored again with their confidence high, but Vandals defended well and cleared their lines. showing great tenacity and spirit Vandals strove hard in the last four minutes, but were unable to break the line again. They will hope to and will be determined to get back on the winning trail next Saturday when they visit BOGNOR.