Match report: Ellingham & Ringwood RFC Women win 17-12 to claim Women’s NC 1 South West (East) top spot after bruising battle with Bath Ladies United RFC

Ellingham & Ringwood Ladies produced one of their most courageous and emotionally charged performances to date, edging out Bath Ladies United in a top-of-the-table clash that saw them seize first place.

Dubbed the ‘Battle of the Turnovers’, this was a match defined by grit, bravery, and a relentless defensive shift from the visitors, who withstood everything the league leaders threw at them on their home turf.

From the very first whistle, Elli Berninger set the tone by turning over possession straight from the kick-off. The Ellies dominated early territory, camping in Bath’s half, with both sides exchanging momentum through a flurry of turnovers.

Holly Veneroso proved pivotal at the breakdown, securing key steals, while the Ellingham pack overpowered Bath in the scrums, setting a fiery platform for attack. Ellie Dolbear was electric on the counter, fielding Bath’s exits and running the ball straight back at them.

The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute when Sophie Pidgley sliced through to finish wide on the left. Bath responded almost immediately with a converted score to make it 7-5, then added another before the break to lead 12-5 at half-time.

It was a bruising opening 40 minutes, with the Ellies suffering multiple injuries — Nina Hoadley was forced off following a late challenge just before the interval.

The second half was a test of depth and determination. Veneroso continued to orchestrate the attack but was taken out during a quick tap near the Bath 22, drawing a yellow card for the hosts but ending her afternoon prematurely.

That moment sparked the Ellingham resurgence. Minutes later, Jasmine Fox powered over for her first try of the game, bulldozing through defenders to narrow the gap to 12-10.

As the Ellies surged again, Franki Ridsdale broke the line with trademark runs but was heartbreakingly forced off with a suspected dislocated kneecap after another powerful carry.

The visitors dug even deeper, and their reward came on 65 minutes — Fox again finding the line, with Pidgley slotting the extras to give the Ellies a 17-12 lead.

The final 15 minutes were tense, with Bath throwing everything forward. In the dying seconds, an interception looked destined to end in a length-of-the-field score — but Dolbear made a match-saving tackle, then forced the knock-on that sealed a famous Ellingham & Ringwood victory.

As the final whistle blew, the now league leaders collapsed to the turf.