Ellingham & Ringwood’s women secured the National Challenge Division 2 South title with victory over Seaford in East Sussex.

In a very competitive game there was still no score after 25 minutes, but from an attacking scrum Ellingham’s Number 8 Georgia Smith picked up and made a well timed pass to her scrum half Charlotte Smith, who scored in the corner. Shortly before half time the Ellingham centre Anna Stephenson made a good break to score in the opposite corner, which gave the visitors a 10-0 lead at at the break.

Seaford came back strongly in the second half, but Ellingham soaked up the pressure and eventually regained control. Ellingham’s flank forward Paige Darvill-White eventually went over for a good try after a series of attacking rucks. Their captain Ellis Collins then scored a good individual try, before Paige Darvill-White scored her second try that she converted to make the final score 27-0.

Ellingham coach Henry Benson said: “I’m delighted that our women’s team’s hard work has been rewarded.

“It’s even more satisfying to achieve this in our 50th anniversary season and we’re all looking forward to celebrating it at our golden jubilee ball next Saturday.”

Pictured, back row left to right: Rosie Swan, Lydia Barber, Anna Stephenson, Hannah Walraven, Amy Shipley, Charlotte West, Shanice Mortimer, Erin Leigh, Karen Castle and Paige Darvill-White. Front row left to right: Keira Robinson, Georgia Smith, Ruth Miles, Emma Lipsett, Sam Nicholls, Kourtney Driscoll, Charlotte Benson, Charlotte Smith and captain Ellis Collins.

Fawley RFC secured their long-term future after signing a lease with Fawley Parish Council.

It means the Snows Group Hampshire 2 club can play rugby at Newlands Park for the next 30 years after a move from the nearby Waterside Sports & Social Club.