Ellesmere Port 18 Buxton 23

OILERS head coach Steve Dorrington blamed a poor 20-minute spell for his team’s loss to Buxton on Saturday.

The hosts held an 18-13 lead early in the second half, but Buxton moved up a gear and went on to pocket the win.

The Oilers are still third in the South Lancs/Cheshire Three table – seven points behind leaders Trentham.

Dorrington said: “We are all gutted we lost, but the reason for losing was pretty simple. We lost our way for 20 minutes in the second half and allowed a visiting team to dominate in areas where play should be broken down.”

Buxton took an early 3-0 lead from a penalty but fly-half Joe White made it 3-3 with a simple penalty of his own.

The hosts then hit their stride, Martin Titherington crashing over from close range to make it 8-3.

White narrowly missed the conversion and Buxton surged back into the game, scoring a converted try and penalty to lead 13-8.

The seesaw scoring continued as the Oilers hit back with a try from James Callaghan, who bulldozed his way to the line leaving bodies in his wake. White added the extras and kicked a penalty early in the second half, putting the Port 18-13 ahead.

But rather than putting the game to bed, the hosts had a slack spell and Buxton fought back.

A penalty cut the gap and was followed by a converted try, putting them 23-18 up.

Despite a valiant effort from Port to reduce the deficit, Buxton held on for the win.

The Oilers are away to Old Parkonians this Saturday.

Ellesmere Port RUFC train at Whitby Sports and Social Club every Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm. New players and club members are welcome.