Ellesmere Port 8Dukinfield 16
PORT’S players could hold their heads high despite falling to another defeat on Saturday.
Already relegated from South Lancs/Cheshire Two, Port went into the game knowing they only had pride to play for.
Head coach Steve Dorrington said: “Had they played with this intensity and belief all season, the lads would not be in the relegation slots.”
Saturday’s fixture was a rearranged one, having been postponed due to bad weather earlier in the season.
The hosts were missing several regulars so their squad was bolstered by players from the second string.
The first score came on the half-hour with a penalty awarded to the visitors, which was easily converted.
Soon after, Port’s veteran stand-off Dave Layder kicked a penalty to tie the scores but Dukinfield hit back with an unconverted try to lead 8-5 going into the half-time break.
The away side extended their lead with a carbon copy score just three minutes into the second half and they went further ahead with a penalty, making it 16-3.
Port refused to go down without a fight and a try from centre Pete Doyle closed the gap before the final whistle.
Port host Vagabonds (IoM) this Saturday.
Port 2nds lost 40-27 at Oldershaw.
