Oldershaw 53 Ellesmere Port 3
AN under-strength Port line-up ran out of steam at Oldershaw on Saturday, crumbling to a defeat which leaves them hovering just above the relegation zone.
The Oilers were without several key men due to illness and work commitments. Regulars Pete Doyle, Eddy Edwards, James Shinton, Adam Prach, Chris Carbutt, and Gareth Wallis were all absent, so players from the second XV made the step up.
Port had beaten Oldershaw at Dunkirk Lane earlier in the season, but Saturday’s return fixture produced a completely different result.
The visitors trailed 17-3 at the break and could not find a way back into the game in the second half. They conceded a further 36 points – without reply – as mid-table Oldershaw ran out clear winners.
Port hope to welcome back some of their first-team regulars for the visit of Marple this Saturday.
Ellesmere Port 2nds put in an excellent performance in their Merseyside Merit clash at home to Prenton.
They ran out 61-0 winners to cement second spot in the league, behind leaders Mossley Hill.
The 3rds defeated Widnes 4ths 29-14 at Dunkirk Lane.
Veteran Dave Morris was outstanding for Port, scoring the pick of their tries. Fellow veteran Phil Gow marshalled the distribution from fly half.
The half-time score was 17-14 in favour of Port, whose strength in depth shone through in the second period as they were able to bring on replacements. .
Jake Dibble, returning from a long-term injury lay-off, stood out, along with Steve Buckley in the front row, Steve Richards in the back row and new boy Aaron Goss.
