Southport 19 Ellesmere Port 9
ELLESMERE Port were without several first-team regulars for the trip to Southport but those who stepped up from the second XV acquitted themselves well in a close match.
With work and other commitments ruling out some of the visitors’ main men, others were given the chance to show what they can do.
The first period was tightly contested, with Southport dominant up front while Port’s backs caused problems when they had the ball in hand.
The sides went into the break level at 6-6 after exchanging penalties.
After the restart, the game’s decisive moment arrived when Southport’s pack muscled their way over the line for a converted try, putting the hosts into a 13-6 lead.
Port responded by exerting some pressure of their own but they were unable to cross the Southport line.
The Wirral side did manage to add one more penalty courtesy of Chris Carbutt, but other kicks were missed. Southport put over a couple of penalties to make it 19-9.
Port now have the benefit of two home games in South Lancs/Cheshire Division Two – against Sefton this Saturday and Ramsey (Isle of Man) the following week.
Ellesmere Port 2nds had a convincing win at home against a Mold side, while the 3rds were beaten by a stronger than expected Shotton XV.
