Old Wimbledonians 14 Ellingham & Ringwood 0

Old Wimbledonians secured their first victory in four matches against their New Forest opponents and, in the process, attained their first clean sheet in three seasons.

Their defensive tackling was magnificient, and well marshalled by skipper David Robertson, despite him being given a 10-minute break by by a referee who objected to him preventing release of the ball.

Also prominent in frequent defensive action were Alex Prew and Matt Jones, although all played a full part.

But the reason that so much defence occurred was not so impressive.

The OW pack was so ill-disciplined that, not only was the good ground gained usually given away by niggling offences, but also frustrated the patience of a long-suffering referee.

This weakness must be attended to, and quickly - better kickers will punish OWs.

The home team were also helped by a poor half-back performance by the visitors, plus their extremely poor handling.

The first half was evenly fought; both sided threatened in turn, but only OWs were able to cross their opponents' line with the ball.

However, they were denied the try. The only points in this half were from the boot of Matt Jones, who this week brought his kicking boots rather than those of the gardening variety last week.

With three successful penalties, Jones has taken his season's total to 91.

At half-time, OWs led 9-0.

The home side had the best possible start to the second period - following some excellent teamwork, going through several phases of recycled possession, Robertson forced his way over in the right corner, being given the final push by a quick thinking Matt Bell.

The conversion kick failed. Instead of getting further on top as a result of this early pschycological score, Wimbledonians allowed themselves to be drawn into a forward maul instead of spreading the ball to the dangerous wingers George Attipoe and Paddy Donaghy.

The Ellingham forwards were encouraged to raise their game and, despite a 14-point lead, the home team had to soak up much pressure and and many five-yard scrums.

That they survived owed much to a strong team spirt and sheer bravery.

No more scores accrued and the matched with a good win to Old Wimbledonians.

In the final 10 to 15 minutes, the fresh legs of John Crompton and Richard Delfino gave gave the Old Boys extra energy and forward impetus.

The home team ended the match with an excellent driving maul down the middle of the pitch.

On Saturday (2pm), OWs play the postponed game against Andover at Coombe Lane.