PHIL Ashton praised Ellesmere Port's resilience after they held on to clinch a battling draw at home to Chester County Officers on Saturday.

The Port captain was pleased by his team's reaction to last week's heavy defeat against Kingsley and felt they performed well in difficult weather conditions.

He said: 'I think the weather was the winner, to be honest. It was extremely hot and we were forced to field from the start which was not ideal.

'I was pleased because we reacted well to last week and restricted them to a score we felt we could beat, but they are a strong side and it was a good game so it was probably a fair result.'

Despite searing temperatures, Port bowled well and Paul Batteridge (4-54) and Andy Sayers (4-57) made light work of the top order before superb batting performances from Anthony Hattersley (88) and Adam Gewargis (33) gave the visitors a score of 222-9 from their allotted overs.

In reply, Port scored some quick-fire runs but after a bright opening they lost Ashton (17) who was trapped lbw off a fine delivery from Steve Johnson (1-31).

Colin Roberts (25) and Dom Green (34) edged Port past the 100 mark before visiting bowlers Mike Pownall and Mike Rowlands ended their charge for runs.

Chris Gattrell (7) was then caught off Rowlands (2-35) before Gareth Boys (35) and Andy Sayers (26) gave Port hope of snatching victory.

However, Pownall (5-37) accounted for both men soon after and went on to remove Cheesborough (12) and Stu Daniels (4) to leave Port relying on their tail-enders to secure a draw.

Nick Brimble (22no) rose to the occasion and remained at the crease until the end as Port finished on 193-9 from their allotted overs.

Port scored nine points, Chester 15.

Port's next match is away to Wistaston on Saturday.