ELLESMERE Port fell to a 180-run home defeat on Saturday as their Cheshire Alliance season began on a losing note at home to Langley.
The visitors batted first and made 251-7, declaring after 45 overs.
Paul Isaacs (2-64), Paul Betteridge (2-39) and Chris Gattrell (2-59) were in the wickets but Port failed with the bat and were bowled out for 71.
Port skipper Gareth Boys said: 'We fielded really well because it was like batting on glass. Everything off the bat seemed to go for four.
'But with the bat however we never got into it. I shook the order up and it didn't really work. No-one made a significant stand, but we will stick with the order and stick with the plan and as the changes bed in we will get results.
'We have our largest ever squad - 34 players - and they are all vying for a first team place so no-one is comfortable this season.'
On Saturday, Port - relegated from Division One last season - visit Trinity in Manchester.
Boys added: 'Ellesmere Port is a positive side, it always has been, and we always have fun.
'But last year was a bad year and I am determined to make this season more successful. I aim to win this league and get us back into Division One.'
* Port are sponsored by Bell Development this season. The company has paid for new kit, balls and other expenses to help Port with their promotion push.
