ELLESMERE Port were undermined by another of the Jekyll and Hyde performances that have stilted their season as they lost at Heaton Mersey Village on Saturday.
Port won the toss and opted to let Heaton bat on a tough wicket, a move which seemed wise as in the field Gareth Boys’ men were fantastic.
Nishan Bandhary took 4-32 and Keith Welsh’s second spell yielded 3-22 in the Cheshire Alliance Division Two encounter.
Some fine slip fielding from Nick Brimble and James Gattrell helped as Port sent their hosts back for 141.
It was a small total for them to chase but their reply crumbled.
Port’s demise began early when a dodgy lbw call against Gattrell was given by the umpire – despite Heaton captain Ajit Phadke ordering his players to stop appealing as it was not out.
He apologised to the retiring Gattrell on his way back to the pavilion but the rot quickly set in elsewhere as only Andy Sayers at number seven made a decent score, hitting 22.
Port slumped to 77 all out, a very disappointing result.
“We can’t seem to get the batting and bowling to come together on the same day,” said Boys.
“We either bowl and field fantastically or we bat brilliantly, but never both in one match. That is the key to turning our season around.”
Port welcome Saughall to Whitby Sports and Social Club on Saturday.
