ELLESMERE Port suffered another defeat away to Moore - 31-5 - on Saturday, despite appearing to be in control for long periods of the game.

Port's Steve Foster put the away side in a healthy position to win the game with four penalties. But the hosts grabbed the initiative in the second half as mistakes crept into Port's game.

However, the good news after a disappointing result was that Ellesmere Port moved up the league on points difference as the teams around them also lost. Ellesmere Port seconds demolished Birkenhead Park thirds 57-12.

The contest was effectively over in the first five minutes as a rampant Ellesmere Port scored three converted tries in the opening five minutes courtesy of Steve Beverley, Ritchie Armstrong and Paul Millington.

Park replied with a try of their own and targeted the Port touchline for long periods.

But the second half continued along similar lines when Steve Beverley added a second try, and despite Port's forward line tiring, two tries later in the game from Paul Millington and Lee Rennox completed the over-whelming win. Two weeks without a game meant Ellesmere Port thirds were a bit rusty against a strong Whitchurch fourth side, who took full advantage and raced into an early lead.

Only occasionally were Port able to impose themselves on the game, resulting in a 21-5 deficit at half-time.

Port increased the pressure in the second half but poor handling at proved costly and Whitchurch ran out 31-5 winners.

MoM was Dominic Murphy.