PUDDLETOWN 58 ELLINGHAM & RINGWOOD II 7

AFTER last week’s Dorset & Wilts Two South defeat at second-placed New Milton, Puddletown bounced back in style with a convincing 10-try victory over their Hampshire visitors, achieving their third double of the season into the bargain.

The home side could not have wished for a better start when the forwards immediately secured ground close to the Ellingham line, before the ball was spun out through the backs for number eight John Moise to cross the whitewash. Skipper Tom Yeatman added the first of what would be three successful conversions for a 7-0 lead.

Ten minutes later and this was increased with, once again, the home pack making the hard yards before releasing the ball. This time it was flanker Jon Perrett who cleverly cut back inside to power over. While Ellingham were countering to good effect, it took some disciplined defensive work from Puddletown to keep them at bay.

Going forward the home side’s impressive handling was proving decisive and, on 25 minutes, centre Marcus House was on the end of a fine move to break clear down the wing, beat the last man, and score in the corner.

Then, right on half-time, the Villagers secured the bonus point, winger James House finishing off another well-executed play which saw the ball travel through the hands all the way along the line.

Puddletown upped the intensity even further in the second period and, while the visitors continued their spirited resistance, they had no answer to the pace and power of the home attacks.

Full-back Dan Udell was next to prosper, running into the line at speed to breach the defence, before a flowing move which started deep in their own territory ended with Marcus House bursting clear for his second try.

Not to be outdone, Udell, then James House, both joined him on a brace before the three combined to put winger Matt Isaac clear down his line, to take the Villagers past the 50-point mark.

Ellingham did at last get some reward for their endeavours when an interception on halfway gifted them a converted try.

However, it was the home side who had the final say with fly-half Barry Dovell touching down under the posts and scrum-half Toby Musgrove adding the extras.

Dorset Piddle Brewery Man of the Match: Matt Watts