Capenhurst 22 Ellesmere Port 17

THE derby honours went Capenhurst’s way on Saturday when they met Ellesmere Port in South Lancs/Cheshire Three.

Port started well, with hooker Craig Jones racing in from a lineout to touch down under the posts.

Fly-half Chris Carbutt added the conversion for to give Port an unexpectedly early 7-0 lead, but the deficit was cut when Cape answered back with a penalty.

The hosts went into a 10-7 lead when a series of driving mauls and rucks saw them push over the try-line, with the extras being added.

Carbutt levelled the score with a penalty before the Port reclaimed the lead through sub Phil Gow who went 40m to score unopposed.

Carbutt slotted the conversion to make it 17-10 to the Oilers going into the break.

A spirited second-half display by Cape turned the match back in the hosts’ favour.

On 46 minutes, Cape barged over to make it 17-15. They scored again 10 minutes later, surging into a 22-17 lead which they did not relinquish for the remainder of the afternoon.

Port welcome Congleton to Dunkirk Lane on Saturday, while Cape make the short trip to Helsby.

Port 2nds fell to a late 12-7 home defeat to New Brighton 3rds in the University of Salford League.