Ellesmere Port 10 Moore 14: DESPITE two sin-binnings and the loss of both first-choice props, Moore held on for a deserved victory in South Lancs Cheshire Three.

A converted try in each half helped Moore steer four points away from the bottom two and draw level on points with the fourth-from-bottom side.

Moore had sought to dominate from the outset and strong support-play by the forwards kept the backs supplied with quick and quality ball.

However, when a deep kick from the home stand-off saw Moore forced back in their own 22, the visitors gave away a cheap penalty, which was kicked for a home lead.

By winning their own lineouts - while also stealing many on Ellesmere Port's throw - through superb work by second rows, Owen and Lester, Moore were able to counter.

Scrum-half Long delivered clean ball to stand-off, Griffiths, who opened up the defence with a beautifullyweighted pass for winger Bradbury to scored and convert.

Moore attacked again but were held by a resilient Ellesmere Port defence.

There was a scare at the other end as a home centre was tackled as he crossed the line, spilling the ball to be denied the try.

The second half began with Moore looking to extend their 7-3 lead and quickly did so.

Another darting run from Griffiths again split the defence - this time picking out the other winger, Fleming to score.

The conversion attempt by Bradbury was successful and stretched Moore's advantage to 3-14.

The frustrated Ellesmere Port forwards started to become ill-disciplined off the ball, initiating several exchanges of blows.

Moore captain Young claimed to have been repeatedly punched on the floor in one such incident.

The other prop Pollock retaliated, earning him a spell in the bin.

Young was substituted leaving neither first-choice props on the pitch.

But the introduction of Worrall from the bench and a move into the front row for lock Owen kept the scrums solid, despite Moore being a man down.

Ellesmere Port capitalised by crossing the try line after mauling consistently.

The conversion also counted to cut Moore's lead to 10-14. The visitors were forced to defend while Ellesmere Port strived to seize on another yellow card for Moore.

The recipient was substitute flanker, Howson who pulled down a maul five yards from his own line.

With a penalty goal not enough, Port went for the match-winning try but were held out by resolute defence.

Ellesmere Port 3rd 22 Moore 3rd 7 THIS game was closer than the result suggests.

The home side scored a pushover try in the first five minutes before Moore's pack had settled.

But this was the only score at the break with play having been end to end.

The host pack had enjoyed slightly the better of things while Moore's backs held an advantage.

Immediately after the restart, Moore lost concentration and conceded a converted try for a 12-point deficit.

After a spell of Moore pressure, the ball was moved from wing to wing.

This culminated in Dignam forcing his way over by the posts and MacGugen adding the conversion.

The deficit stayed at five points until the 75th minute when the home side added a penalty awarded for Moore killing the ball.

Then a charged-down kick led to a fortunate bounce 15 yards out which enabled Port to add the final points.

Moore's MoM Boland was always dangerous on the right wing, although seldom getting good ball.