ELLESMERE Port registered their first win of the South Lancs/Cheshire Three campaign on Saturday at the fourth time of asking.
Following their 73-0 loss at Moore the previous week, head coach Dave Layder got the squad together for an open, honest discussion.
And the players seemed to get the message as they put in a composed, mature display against fellow strugglers Mossley Hill to win 13-10 at home.
“We had some harsh words in the week,” said Layder. “But on Saturday they had taken it all on board and now we have something we can build on and move forward.”
There were stand-out performances all over the park. Port, in fact, went down to a try early on but fought back to a winning position.
Backs Nathan Quinn, James Callaghan and Dan Perryman kept things going with wingers Tony Jones and Rob Finlay chasing every kick and pressuring Hill into conceding penalties.
All over the pitch, from the backs to the pack, Port were lively, playing high-pressure rugby.
Most of the points came from penalties, but a strong scrum from the 5m line allowed Callaghan to touch down for a crucial try.
Port’s next challenge is on Saturday when they entertain Hutton in round three of the EDF Energy Junior Vase.
