AFTER spending most of the season scrapping at the bottom of the table, and the last few weeks consolidating their league status, Ellesmere Port's season has ended on a real high.
The South Lancs/Cheshire Three table was so tight on the final Saturday of the campaign that a win for Port against Newton-le-Willows could have sent them into the higher echelons of the division.
After their 33-12 home triumph, Port climbed up to fifth.
Port player-coach Dave Layder said: 'It was our best performance of the season. It was the first time we have scored five tries in a game and we never looked under pressure, even when they took the lead.'
Newton took a 7-0 lead early on, but Port got on terms when Paul Doyle dived over the line on 15 minutes and Layder kicked the extra points.
Layder's kicking was spot on all day and he missed just one conversion.
Kevin Richards grounded a five-metre push-over try to give Port a 12-7 lead at half time.
Soon after the restart, the hosts extended their lead to 19-7 when Gareth James darted over.
Newton almost got back into the game after a poor refereeing decision.
The visitors forced the ball over the line but Doyle grounded it to make the ball dead. The referee disagreed, and the ensuing confusion allowed Newton to ground for a try.
Gerry Phillips restored the margin, however, when he broke after Port won a Newton scrum and touched down.
Good work by Dan Norcross five minutes from time added extra gloss to the final score as he put Martin Bell in to score the final try.
'I always felt we could beat Newton,' said Layder. 'Considering our season fifth is a really good position.
'The lads were all really pleased with the final table and it is a testament to them all, from the experienced guys to youngsters like Paul Doyle and Dan Perryman who have excelled.'
Port will formally end the season with a tour to Whitley Bay at the end of this month, where they will play in a 10-a-side tournament and possibly a full-side friendly.
* The club will hold its AGM after the tour on Friday, May 4, at Whitby Sports and Social Club. The meeting will start at 7.30pm and all are welcome.
