Helsby 10 Ellesmere Port 27

THE Oilers achieved a bonus-point victory over Helsby on Saturday after turning in a display that was good, but far from perfect.

Opportunities to build a bigger winning margin and complete the job earlier in the match were missed.

Port also gave away too many penalties, but they were still far too good for a Helsby side still searching for their first victory of the South Lancs/Cheshire Three season.

From the kick off Port were in control. They opened the scoring after five minutes through No8 James Callaghan and increased their lead on 20 minutes when fly-half Chris Carbutt’s kick was dotted down by centre Pete Doyle. The conversion was missed, giving Port a 12-0 lead.

Helsby hit back with an unconverted try of their own, but the Oilers ended the first half with another try by Callaghan, who scored after a concerted period of pressure.

Carbutt added the extras and a penalty kick to make it 22-5 going into the half-time break.

For the visitors, the second half was all about scoring the all important fourth try to secure to secure the bonus point.

The pattern of play was similar to the first half, with Port in charge but occasionally giving away possession and territory.

Helsby scored their second unconverted try of the afternoon before the Oilers came up with their fourth try.

Scrum-half Dan Burns had the simple task of touching the ball down following a powerful surge from his pack.

The Rees Developments man-of-the-match award went to first-team debutant Sam Olyott.

Ellesmere Port host Holmes Chapel on Saturday (3pm).