ELLESMERE Port remain in the thick of the Cheshire Alliance Division Two promotion battle, despite a heavy home defeat to Trinity on Saturday.
Port, who are third in the table, 17 points behind second-placed Glazebury, were unable to find the kind of form which has seen them climb the division so impressively in recent weeks.
The visitors were asked to bat first and responded with 240ao from 43.1 overs. Dwayne Bernard starred with the ball in hand, pocketing 5-46.
But any hopes Port had of claiming a win were dashed by a dismal batting performance. They were all out for 75 in 22.1 overs, with Chris Gatrell (23) the only player to make it into the 20s. Port will be hoping for a better result this weekend when they travel to basement side Offerton.
In Division Three, Capenhurst lost at home in their derby with Eastham and Bromborough Pool.
After batting first and making 135ao, Eastham had Cape all out for 92. Cape are at Glazebury 2nds this Saturday.
Neston lost their grip on top spot in the Cheshire County League Premier Division.
At home to Bowdon, Neston skipper Jack Smith top-scored with 85 as the hosts made 175-9 dec. Bowdon were saved by a rearguard action from 16-year-old Joe Cooper, whose sturdy innings of 42 helped them close on 166-9 (Paul Stimson 4-15).
