Portico struck first with a try by Paul Ashcroft after a fine move down the wing, converted by Dave Rigby. Clock drew level after a fine break by John Hamilton was polished off by stand off Andy Johnson who raced 40 metres to score under the posts. Craig Greenall added on the extras.

Just before the break Clock took the lead when John Woods slipped the ball to Greenall, who scored near the corner converting it himself.

After the break it was much the same with both teams testing each others defences with Carl Lucas and Danny Whittle working hard for Portico, and Mike Smith, Danny Flynn and Alan Johnson doing the same for Clock.

An interception by Clock winger Phil Travis with Greenall adding on the conversion meant the first points of the new season were safely in the bag for the homesters.

The Kwik Seal man of the match for Clock was John Hamilton, with Craig Jones and Andy Devaynes worthy of mention.