ELLESMERE Port RUFC has topped off a year to remember by landing a nomination for Sporting Champions of the year.
The club’s first team celebrated promotion for the first time in 10 years at the end of April, after an impressive 16-match winning run.
Crowds of supporters, former players, family and friends turned out to see the Oilers secure a spot in South Lancs/Cheshire Division Two with a home win over Buxton.
First team manager Mark Davies, who is also club secretary and chairman of the club’s junior section, said the support of fans was important to the team.
“It’s great. It’s a real sort of community thing. We have gone through years of just the odd one or two players coming.
“But we had about 200 people at the end of the season and it was just a really great atmosphere.”
He said the older players’ triumph had proved inspirational for their younger counterparts.
“They are really looking up to them. The junior players aspire to get to the level to play for the first team.”
The first team has now started the new season under former Chester director of rugby Steve Dorrington, who was appointed head coach in June.
They recorded their first win of the season against Oldershaw at the end of last month.
“It’s not started as well as we finished last season, but we have turned the corner, so to speak,” said Mark.
“We are hoping for the top half of the table. It’s still early days.”
Young players who would like to join the club’s junior section can find more information at www.pitchero.com/clubs/ ellesmereport.
