PORT were unable to give departing skipper Steve Foster a winning send-off on Saturday as missed chances at crucial times in the game ensured they remain without a victory this season.

Foster, who led the club to survival in dramatic fashion on the final day of the previous campaign, is leaving due to business commitments.

Port stalwart Neil Percival, who is taking over the captaincy, said: 'Although we were well-beaten in the end, we had opportunities to take control of the game when it was still close. We made mistakes like dropping the ball and generally didn't get the rub of the green, but that's how it goes when you're struggling.

'We've been hit hard with a long injury list since the start of the season but, hopefully, some of those players will be getting back to fitness in the next few weeks. We've got to get ourselves out of the losing habit as soon as possible but, fortunately, it's not like we're marooned at the bottom and Birchfield, Dukinfield, Ormskirk and Ashton are all within touching distance.'

A Dave Layder penalty put Port back into the match after Orrell had gone 8-0 up. But with Port then missing a penalty, Orrell extended their lead to 13-3 at the break.

Port's woe continued in the second half as a penalty hit the post, a winger dropped the ball by the try line and when they did touch the ball down, the score was disallowed for a double movement. Anvils went on to seal their win with a converted try.

Andrew Slawson & Partners MoM was Gareth James.

Ellesmere Port return to action on Saturday with a Cheshire Cup tie at Wirral, while the seconds visit Merseyside Police.