Vagabonds 45 Ellesmere Port 18
A DEPLETED Ellesmere Port team returned from the Isle of Man contemplating a defeat which was not as emphatic as the scoreline suggests.
Port’s travelling party was not at full strength due to a multitude of reasons, ranging from work commitments to illness.
Several players from the Oilers’ second team stepped up –including Mike Jones, Elliot Minshull and Sammy Hubbert – and did themselves proud.
Port coach Steve Dorrington said: “The commitment and discipline was excellent through the full 80 minutes.”
Port’s flight was delayed so they arrived at the ground just half an hour before kick-off, giving them little time to warm up. To their credit, the visitors took the lead after dominating the early forward exchanges, Elliot Edwards converting a penalty.
Captain Jim Shinton and Edwards bagged tries for Port, with Edwards also kicking a penalty and a conversion, but Vagabonds were too strong, bagging 45 points.
Ellesmere Port’s next fixture in South Lancs/Cheshire Two takes them back to the Isle of Man this Saturday for a meeting with Ramsey.
Ellesmere Port 2nds ran out comfortable winners in their Merit Table match against Port Sunlight, while the club’s under 16s defeated New Brighton 22-5 in the Cheshire Cup.
The U13s lost 19-5 to Wirral but the U9s beat Chester 25-0.
Port’s U9s team has a new sponsored kit, courtesy of coach Gareth Wallis.
Gareth, who coaches the team along with Gareth James, works for financial advisors Positive Solutions (Financial Services) Ltd on Whitby Road. The firm has sponsored the team, providing funds for a new kit.
