ELLINGHAM and Ringwood's dream of a second promotion in as many seasons evaporated on the last day of the season as they were turned over by a powerful US Portsmouth outfit.

Lying second going in to the game the Es knew a victory would take them into a play-off game to go up to London Four South-West. If Sandown & Shanklin lost to Southampton it would guarantee Ellingham automatic promotion.

But it wasn't to be and this emerging New Forest club had to be content with third in Hampshire One as victors US Pompey - who celebrated with a David Brent-style team jig - now go into the playoff with Surrey One's Old Caterhamians on April 29.

Although disappointed, Ellingham coach Steve Anderson was proud of his charges and accepted the better team had won on the day.

"I thought we were probably the better rugby side but they were stronger and the better team on the day," conceded Anderson.

"Perhaps we haven't got the strength in depth they have but we will work hard over the summer for another push at London rugby next season."

Hopes were high at Picket Post as a large crowd, boosted by a sponsors' lunch turned out to witness what would be a tough encounter.

And it went some way to living up to expectation.

In an edgy match it took 14 minutes for the first point to be registered as the Services' George Dunn barrelled over after some concerted pressure on the Es' try line. Winger Steve Clooney landed the conversion against a typically brisk Picket Post wind.

It remained 0-7 at the break but matters could have been level had Es flying winger Ralph Aspin managed to hold a pass with the try line begging.

Soon after the break US Pompey stretched their lead as their other prop Stu Moss rumbled over in the right corner. Clooney missed the conversion but added a penalty kick shortly afterwards.

For all their well-drilled efforts Es, well-led by the ever robust Robbie Mitchell, could not find a way through as a more physical US Pompey repelled any attacks. The home side's lineout was malfunctioning and US reaped the benefits.

Ellingham made two changes up front and it seemed to give them added impetus as prop Allen Gilbert squeezed over to score after several phases of pressure on the Services' goal line.

Andy Weeks landed the conversion but four minutes later US made their dominance tell when Clooney dived in at the corner from a flowing move before converting his own try to make it 7-22.

For Ellingham disappointment tinged with pride in a season that saw them win 15 of their 18 games after promotion from Hampshire Two last year. For US Pompey ... a dance routine.