Bamber Bridge 21 - Heysham Atoms 13

Man of the Match: Andy Garnet
Tries: Andy Garnet, Dave McVernon
Penalties: Steve Bowman
Drop Goal: Keith Hartlebury

THE Atoms are still searching for that elusive victory that would virtually guarantee Division Two rugby for next season.

Previous encounters between Bamber Bridge and the Atoms have always been tense, niggly affairs and this match was to prove no exception to the rule.
It was evident from the first set of six tackles that the referee was in for a hard afternoon after Dave McVernon and Bridge's centre collided in midfield.
Although a fair challenge, it left the centre poleaxed and brought both sets of players together for a spot of verbals.
Thankfully the lid was kept on things for most of the remainder of the game.
As has been the case far too often this season, the Atoms took too long to get into the game.
The first half performance was flat and lacked the necessary fire to breach the Bridge's defensive line.
At times the one-on-one tackles were less than effective, and allowed the Bamber Bridge runners to gain in confidence.
Bamber Bridge were completing their sets well and using a good kick and chase tactic, giving a lot of work to full back Richardson and winger Simpson.
Their sure handling steadied the Atoms allowing reinforcements to get back and help out where it was needed.
Two late cry-offs had disrupted the Atoms preparations and they were further hampered when scrum half Mike Holmes limped off with an ankle injury mid-way through the first period.
Soon after this the Atoms conceded their first try when a tackle was missed in the midfield and good support play rounded off the move.
The conversion was good and the six-point lead was no more than they deserved.
This lead was further increased shortly after when Bridge's second row wriggled his way over from close range.
The conversion failed, giving them a 10-0 lead and the Atoms still to put any sort of pressure on the opposition try line.
A penalty on half-way lifted the spirits and at last the forwards got into gear. Rob Shaw, Steve Bowman and McVernon all put in big drives that put Atoms onto the front foot.
With Bridge's defence all over the place another penalty was conceded and Steve Bowman stepped up to take the resulting shot at goal.
The ball dissected the posts and the Atoms went in at half time behind by eight points.
Two of the younger members of the squad, Russ Birkitt and Martin Pike, came on shortly after the break and they showed an urgency and a commitment that had been lacking.
This lifted the spirits of the team and a more competitive second half ensued.
A completed set from the Atoms took them virtually the length of the field.
On the last, captain Keith Hartlebury slotted over the field goal, making sure that they came away with something from this good attack.
The defensive frailty was soon to show it's ugly head again when Bridge's centre split the defence alignment with a direct run.
He had enough gas to finish off the move despite a frantic effort to halt him from full back Richardson.
The Atoms had found it difficult to make any kind of clean break against a well organised line but it was centre Andy Garnett who looked most likely to succeed.
He was proving difficult to put down in the tackle, showing good strength and asking questions of the defenders with his side stepping runs.
Rob Shaw was now beginning to find his running boots also and he made good inroads from a trap penalty.
McVernon stepped up for the next drive and showed great power to drive his way over the line. Bowman added the extras.
Just as the Atoms looked as if they had gained the ascendancy they were dealt another blow when a kick and chase was not collected.
The ball was recaptured by a Bamber player and with the Atoms' line in disarray Bamber Bridge crossed the line for the fourth time in the match, restoring their lead to nine points.
Although the Atoms had failed to play to their potential they still felt they had a chance. Mark Allan relishes the chance to come into the forwards and take up the extra workload, slotting into the loose forward role.
His extra yard of pace around the back of the scrum took him away on a 30 yard run. Possession was maintained until Hartlebury lofted a clever kick into the danger area.
Andy Garnett followed up and with the bounce favouring the Atoms player, he was able to secure possession and dart over the line.
This was just reward for his fine efforts, being the Atoms outstanding player on the day.
Unfortunately the kick sailed wide but an interesting last 15 minutes was in store.
The tension from the first half was again apparent as centre Brooks' ongoing battle with his opposite number boiled over. He was shown the yellow card and took no further action in the game.
Bamber Bridge controlled the game from here on in and stamped their authority further with a penalty and a drop goal in the final minutes.
This result still leaves the Atoms searching for that one victory, but Bamber Bridge still have to come to the Trimpell before the end of the season - a game that could be won on this showing.

ATOMS: Richardson, Simpson, Garnett, Brooks, Allan, Edwards, Holmes, McVernon, Hartlebury, Aldren, Shaw, Bowman, Helme. Res: Birkitt, Pike, Pyrah, Mills.