Ellesmere Port 29 Oldershaw 18

ELLESMERE Port withstood a second-half fightback to record their first win of the South Lancs/Cheshire Division Two season on Saturday.

Before the break the Oilers showed the sort of form that brought them promotion last season, but after it they were pressed back into their own half by an Oldershaw side who were unable to make the most of their territorial dominance.

The deadlock was broken in the 20th minute when a textbook catch and drive from the lineout led to veteran second-row Martin Titherington putting the hosts in front with his first try of the campaign.

Fly-half Chris Carbutt missed the conversion but made amends with a drop goal after the visitors kicked a penalty.

Port extended the advantage straight from the kick-off. Rob Finlay pressurised the Oldershaw fullback into dropping the ball before popping it off for fellow winger Andy Tranter to score under the posts.

Carbutt added the extras and did the same after returning No8 James Callaghan barged over.

Trailing 22-8, the Wallasey outfit battled back after the interval but it was not until Carbutt was sinbinned on the hour that their pressure told.

With just nine points separating the sides, the resolute Oilers broke out of their half and sealed a bonus point victory when Tranter pounced on a loose ball to stroll over the line.

Carbutt slotted the conversion, but it was Oldershaw who had the final say as they went over with the last play of the game.

Back-row Steven Jefferies was the man of the match for Port, who travel to Marple on Saturday (3pm).

Ellesmere Port 2nds won 48-7 at Widnes 4ths while the under 16s beat Chester 14 tries to seven.