Leigh Harriers 24 Heysham Atoms 37

Over the last few seasons away victories in the North West Counties Division Two league have been very hard to come by.

This confidence boosting win was testament to the teamwork instilled by coaches Dave Crow and Chris Needham. Everyone played their part, turning round a 40 point defeat last season to a comfortable victory this time round.
Two of the unsung heroes of the team -Mark Allan and Rob Shaw, had outstanding games. Allan's direct running in the centre gave the forwards a great base to work from and Rob Shaw put himself about gallantly in attack and defence, always looking for work.
On a fine day, a wide open pitch and both sides intent on attack, there was always going to be a lot of points scored in the match.
Leigh Harriers just missed out on the promotion spots last season and it was they who got on the scoreboard first.
Their hooker broke from a quick play the ball and ran 20 metres unopposed for a wake up call to the Atoms.
The Atoms 'go forward' has been in good form this season but at times they have let themselves down with lapses in concentration in the defensive stakes.
A tried and tested attacking scrum move found the unstoppable Brian Cambidge on the wing who forced his way in at the corner.
The Harriers' next attack took them straight back into the lead when a glaring gap was left under the Atoms posts.
A period of dominance from the Atoms, instigated by some improved defence, brought them three tries and the lead in the game for the first time.
Andy Aldren, playing out of position in the hooking role, made light of his new position, burrowing his way over for his first try of the season.
Captain Keith Hartlebury got in on the act after the speed of the play the balls had caused problems for the Harriers' defence.
A sublime one handed pick up and charge for the line took the Atoms to 16-10 in their favour.
Dave McVernon is starting to find his running form and an intelligent line of running brought him his first touchdown of the season, bursting through a mass of bodies.
From this point on the Atoms felt they could really push on and force the game.
Unfortunately the half time whistle came and allowed the Harriers to re-group and refocus on their game plan.
Steve Bowman and Craig Goodfellow, who have been missing since last season, got their opportunity to show the coaches that they deserve a place in the starting line up.
Both took their opportunities well, showing that the Atoms squad is starting to build some strength in depth.
A drop goal immediately after the restart by Mike Hope took the Atoms into a comfortable three score lead.
Unfortunately the Atoms made it difficult for themselves in the next 15 minutes.
They dropped the intensity they had built up in defence with Leigh's scrum half taking full advantage.
The Atoms' right hand defence has had a few problems this season and again they came under pressure as time and again the Harriers broke back to the short side.
It proved to be a fruitful tactic, scoring two tries in quick succession bringing them within three points.
Hartlebury restored some calm with a drop goal before a mix up in defence gifted the Harriers a try right under the post.
This brought the scores level at 24 all with a quarter of the game to play.
The Atoms were not to be denied their victory and worked hard to recapture the initiative.
Firstly Mike Hope broke down the blind side and squeezed in at the corner making his transition from rugby union look very easy.
A teeth shattering tackle from man of the match Dave McVernon turned over ball in the midfield.
Two quick drives put the Atoms in striking position and Brian Cambidge did the rest.
He is one of the Atoms' most potent attacking weapons as he has the ability to run at brick walls and come out the other side.
He had three defenders in front of him but just blew them away in his quest for the line.
Another drop ball out of the Atoms left, let Craig Goodfellow pick up close to the halfway line. He rounded his opposite numbers and outpaced the cover to score in the corner.
Hartlebury completed the scoring with a drop goal close to the final whistle.
All players played their part none more so than the three under 18 players Liam Hall, Martin Pike and Russell Birkett.

ATOMS: R Birkett, M Pike, B Cambidge, M Allan, C Goodfellow, M Hope, A Helme, D McVernon, A Aldren, I Woods, R Shaw, L Hall, K Hartlebury (capt). Res: D Crow, S Bowman, G Helliwell, S Harrison.