Ellesmere Port RUFC captain Jim Shinton inspired his team to a 40-3 win at Knutsford, scoring a hat-trick in a man of the match performance.
Shinton opened the scoring with a textbook pick and go from the base of the scrum, following an extended assault on the Knutsford line and Chris Carbutt added the extras.
Eric McMorine increased the lead with a fine try following a trademark marauding run, breaking three tackles and having two defenders hanging on to him as he went over the line. Chris Carbutt again converted for a 14-0 lead.
On 30 minutes Shinton picked a clever line and fed by the impressive Carbutt went over for his second of the game with the provider landing his third conversion.
Just before the break, Knutsford gained a bit of momentum and got into Port territory and were awarded a penalty, which was knocked over to make the score 21-3 at the break.
Port extended the lead on 50 minutes with a clever insertion from Carbutt and then a magnificent pass to flying winger Lee Hearn, who raced home from 20 metres out to score.
Three golden scoring opportunities were passed up in quick succession but the Oilers could not be denied for long and Carbutt dummied twice and raced under the posts to score an excellent individual try.
Shinton completed his hat trick of tries for the second week running following a powerful surge from the pack, gathering the ball and powering over from close range for a convincing win.
Head coach Steve Dorrington singled out Carbutt and Shinton for praise following the game.
Dorrignton said: "Chris is playing at the top of his game right now, he was in the middle of all things good out there. Jim is having a great season and to score three tries on successive Saturdays is some feat.
"It wasn’t our best display, but we scored 40 away from home and did not concede a try so that will do for me."
Ellesmere Port are not back in action until Saturday, March 29, when Linley visit Dunkirk Lane.
