Ellesmere Port 24 Capenhurst 18
THE Oilers welcomed local rivals Capenhurst to Chester Road on Saturday, keen to avenge a 22-17 defeat earlier this season.
They managed to notch up a victory which maintained their unbeaten home record for the season – and kept them firmly in the promotion frame in South Lancs/Cheshire Division Three.
The third-placed Port took advantage of Capenhurst getting on the wrong side of the referee to go ahead through two excellently worked tries.
First, on 10 minutes, prop James Callaghan touched down after some good work by the forwards from a lineout.
Then on 20 minutes, fly-half Chris Carbutt floated a cross-field kick for Pete Doyle to catch and stroll over the line.
Capenhurst gradually worked their way back into the game, however, scoring two tries themselves to leave the Oilers leading 12-10 at half time.
Port came out fighting after the break and more good work by the forwards secured great possession and territory, the ball going through three pairs of hands before reaching Doyle who crossed in the corner for his second of the day, although there was a little controversy as Capenhurst mistook the five-metre channel for the touch line and thought he was out.
But the referee quickly awarded the try once the position of the grounding was clarified with the touch judge. The wide conversion was missed and Port led 17-10, with the game still finely balanced.
The bonus point win for the Oilers was secured on 70 minutes, after more excellent forward work at the lineout saw Port take the ball and set up a driving maul, Steve Jefferies controlling the ball at the back to score Port’s fourth try.
Paul Millington added the extras to make it 24-18.
The Oilers host Oxton Parkonians on Saturday in what will be another key game if they are to continue a push for promotion.
Port’s second string, also at home, came out 15-0 winners against St Edward’s Old Boys on Saturday.
