It was a day when the Vikings had plenty of scoring opportunities, but ultimately failed to take them. The visitors were worthy winners however, due to their impressive defensive efforts.

The Vikings are adapting to life in Counties One Hampshire, and whilst they are learning quickly, failure to take scoring chances against experienced sides at this level will make their task considerably more difficult.

One positive was the Vikings improving defence, which has been a big focus for Layton Batiste and his coaching team recently. Although Ellingham outscored them two tries to one, the Vikings were fairly comfortable in this area, and they are developing with every game.

The game started as a cagey contest, as both sides were looking for opportunities but were being met with sturdy defence.

Sam Ferry had a great chance to get the Vikings on the board after an excellent attacking move had created an overlap, but cruelly the winger knocked the ball on with the line beckoning:

The visitors made them pay for that mistake, as they got the scoring started after 20 mins.

Having worked themselves into the St Jacques 22, Ellingham were keen to get themselves onto the scoreboard. They went through multiple phases before they eventually found a gap and they burst over for unconverted score.

The Vikings responded quickly though, as Kieran Creber touched down for the home side. This followed an excellent sweeping move from left to right, which Creber was on the end of to slide into the corner. Tom Veillard impressively added the touchline conversion.

The visitors then restored their lead through a straightforward penalty kick at goal.

St Jacques were having plenty of periods of possession and found themselves in the Ellingham & Ringwood 22 on several occasions. Impressive defence from the visitors on their own line however kept them out. Wasted opportunities for the Vikings.

As half-time approached, the visitors extended their lead as once again after a prolonged period of attack, they eventually found a chink in the Vikings armour to score. The try was converted.

At the break coach Batiste gave his side some stern words, as he felt they were not performing to the standard he expects of them.

They took those words into the second period, as they started much brighter. They were playing with more freedom and stretching the Ellingham defence.

Captain Veillard soon added a penalty kick for the Vikings and the deficit was reduced to 5 points.

Playing with renewed vigour to secure a further try, St Jacques were having long periods of possession again. They found themselves deep in the visitors half of many occasions, and turned down several likely kickable penalties to try secure the next try. Crucially, the visitors defence stood firm on several occasions.

Jacob Smith looked destined to score, as the big powerhouse tried to force himself over. A big covering tackle though dislodged the ball and the chance was lost.

Another strong set from the Vikings forwards had them knocking on the door again. This time the ball was spun out and unfortunately knocked on by Matt Lomas-Lloyd when another score looked certain.

Ellingham did have a chance of their own to extend their lead, but terrific last ditch defence from the Vikings on their own line forced a knock on, when attempting to touch down.

As the game drew to its conclusion, the Vikings were hunting for the likely match winning try. Tom Creed made a massive carry and looked like he grounded the ball. The referee couldn’t see it however, and Creed had become injured in his attempt to score, meaning a stoppage in play, and the momentum was lost.

The Vikings came again, but in the end they just couldn’t secure the match winning try, as Ellingham & Ringwood left Footes Lane with a narrow victory.

A difficult result for the Vikings, they should have come away with the victory, but credit must go to Ellingham for defending so resolutely on their line.

St Jacques came away with a losing bonus point, and now head towards an away clash with Portsmouth next weekend.