ELLESMERE Port were soundly beaten by Trafford on Saturday in conditions in which both teams found difficult.
The heat played a big part in proceedings and after Port captain Phil Ashton won the toss, he put his team into bat rather than field in the stifling conditions.
However, the gamble failed to pay off after the home side lost their opening four wickets for just 32 runs - Ashton (7), Green (13), Isaacs (4) and Sayers (2) all failing to produce the goods. It was particularly disappointing after being 25 without loss.
Port continued along similar lines when Cheeseborough was out for six, although Roberts managed a respectable 28.
This left the home side precariously balanced on 80-6. However, a 95-run part-nership between Boys and Waterhouse moved the score on to respectability.
Boys managed a quality 57 while Waterhouse hung on to score 40no.
Betteridge (11) and Park (12) added much-needed runs and the home side declared on a respectable 204-9.
And the Port side certainly had something to cheer about when, in reply, Trafford's opening batsman, Gallagher, was bowled out first ball. He later told Port skipper Ashton that this was the first time it had happened in 22 years.
However, the glee for the Port was not to last after Adamson (49) and Park (37) soldiered on to a 99-run partnership. This was followed by a match-winning innings from Asad, who finished the day on 102no to take the visitors on to a comfortable victory.
However, Port's Phil Ashton wasn't too downbeat after the result.
He said: 'Despite the loss, we managed to pick up 12 bonus points. Trafford are a difficult side to beat and, unfortunately, we missed a runout when Asad was yet to score.
'It was a difficult day because of the weather. It was the hottest I've ever experienced it and damn near impossible to play the game.'
