RUGBY: VERWOOD enjoyed the better of the early exchanges and had the sniff of the Ellingham line on two occasions after a succession of rucks and mauls.

However, it was Ellingham who scored first on 16 minutes after an impressive counter attack starting from within their 22.

An infringement at the tackle, 30 metres out, resulted in a well struck penalty kick by scrum half Daffyd Williams.

On 20 minutes, Verwood took the lead following a wayward clearance kick out of their 22 by Ellingham's Williams.

This was gathered by prop forward Ian Mackrell who charged up the left to pass outside to Winger Tim Wynn.

From the ensuing ruck Mike Wheatley charged and passed out of the tackle to flanker Nigel Brunning who had some work to do before driving over to score. Lambini converted.

The selection of Brunning on the open side flank gave Verwood a harder edge than they had demonstrated in recent weeks. Brunning's surging charges in this game will be a lasting memory.

Ellingham squandered two golden opportunities to score before the break.

Inside centre and former Verwood player David Brigstocke broke free and looked as if he had the pace to round Verwood's full back Richard Hunt.

With Hunt closing in, his run faltered and as he panicked, the initiative was lost as was the scoring chance.

Soon after, winger Paul Chambers showed great pace in chasing a kick ahead.

He gathered 15 metres out and looked certain to score only to find Verwood's Andy Davies twist him in the tackle in the in-goal area preventing him from grounding the ball to score.

Ellingham scored right on half time. Following a penalty in Ver-wood's 22, Williams launched a clever crossfield kick which was gathered by Chambers to score. Williams added the conversion to make it 7-10 at the break.

It was the home team who showed the greater passion and commitment throughout the second half.

Good close inter-play among the rampaging Hill, Wheatley and Banks saw Verwood denied on at least three occasions by fumbling the ball at the final pass.

Despite all this intensity and pressure Ellingham sealed the victory five minutes from time. They secured good lineout ball outside Verwood's 22 and a series of forward charges saw flanker Chris Roberts score in the left hand corner.

Afterwards, Verwood's team manager Robin Peirce, said he was pleased with his side's performance.

"We showed in this display that we are playing some good rugby football.

"Ellingham have gone away knowing they've played a game today."