Heysham Atoms 29 - Burtonwood Bridge 10

Trys: Andy Garnet, Rob Shaw, Keith Hartlebury, Alex Batson, Guy Richardson
Goals: Neil Walker 4 (3 Con, 1 Pen)
Drop Goals: Lewis Mills

Men of the Match:
1st Andrew Raines
2nd Lewis Mills
3rd Alex Batson

With such a great deal at stake, there was a real buzz of anticipation around the Trimpell by both players and supporters alike. The Atoms had prepared to the best of their ability, and knew only a top notch performance would gain them their two valuable league points and leapfrog their opponents in the process. The first 40 minutes won the game for the Heysham side, with a controlled and assured attack that was able to capitalise on excellent field position.

The Atoms were out of the blocks quicker, with the omens looking good having completes their first three sets of six. Full back Andrew Raines has been the find of the season so far with his all-round game coming on week-by-week. He fielded a 'bomb' under the shadow of his own posts and set off on a 50 yard charge out of defence, having run round Burtonwood's winger and through their centre. When he was finally stopped he had the presence of mind to offload to Guy Richardson who had trailed his run. Richardson outpaced the cover going over in the corner, Walker cracked over the conversion from the touchline.

Within minutes the Atoms had returned to the danger area to exert more pressure. Russ Birkett came in off his wing making good yards down the middle channel. Hartlebury kicked on the last to Garnet's right wing. He took the ball on the full only to be bundled into touch close to the corner flag.

This solid, dominant opening was just what the Atoms had wanted, allowing the confidence to increase with every completed set. The pack had the upper hand and as a whole ran with great determination to get the Atoms into the right areas of the field.

A penalty for offside was gratefully accepted by the consistent Neil Walker giving the Atoms a 8-0 lead.

Another penalty shortly after from almost an identical position was declined, with the team backing themselves for more points. Andy Aldren and Gavin Helliwell were winning at the contact situations gaining those extra couple of yards to put the Atoms on the front foot.

On the last, the ball was 'Skyed' by stand off Mills which put the Burtonwood full back under pressure. The scrum that followed brought about the next score from Captain Keith Hartlebury who linked with Andy Aldren at the scrum base to take advantage of some slow Burtonwood cover.

A rampant Atoms were all over Burtonwood at this stage, looking dangerous with every attack. In-form Mills broke down the middle with a little show of the ball and through the gap. Helliwell continued the move before Batson put Garnet away with a well-timed pass. Garnet still had some work to do, but his finishing has been devastating this season and he again crossed the whitewash for a converted try.

This was followed up by an easy penalty making it 20-nil to the Atoms with only 25 minutes played.

Chris Helme got a deserved break being replaced by Chris Connaughton. His first drive set the tone for his little cameo role bulldozing his way through a couple of tackles leaving bodies strewn everywhere in his wake.

Dave McVernon wasn't to be outdone, and his drive and offload created the space for the Atoms' next score. Mills fired out a pass to centre Alex Batson who hit the gap nicely to go over the line unopposed, taking the score to 24-nil in favour of the Atoms.

The Atoms had taken a strangle hold on the game, but with three minutes remaining to the break, they dropped their guard. Two missed tackles allowed the Burtonwood centre to run 20 yards to score. Although Burtonwood had hardly been in the game, this was a good time to score, and gave them something to play for.

Whereas it was all Atoms attacks in the first half, they now had to defend their line for a sustained period. The first 20 minutes of the second half were spent in or around the Atoms' 20m area. Pressure was put on the Atoms line, but it held firm with firstly Birkett clearing the loose ball away behind the Atoms posts, and then a timely interception by Garnet saving the day.

It looked as though the Atoms had weathered the storm when an unforced error gave possession back to Burtonwood. Their hardworking second row charged through a gap for a converted try that just gave the Atoms a bit of a wake up call at 24-10.

Experienced Andy Helme was brought on from the bench to steady the ship and to put behind them that 20-minute shaky period.

They got back to running the ball with aggression and attacking the narrow side before going wide. Batson and Garnet took play into Burtonwood's 20m area and was able to play the ball quickly at the tackle situation.

Second row Rob Shaw hit the ball at pace before linking with the Man of the Match Andrew Raines. He in turn passed back to Rob Shaw who steamed over the line like a well-oiled train.

The Atoms had gained the upper hand with Helme nearly increasing the lead with a dart from dummy half, only to be held up inches short. A sensible field goal was taken by stand-off Lewis Mills after sub Lee Harvey had drove in front of the sticks. The Atoms kept possession and ran the clock down for a very satisfying victory.

ATOMS: A Raines, R Birkett, A Batson, G Richardson, A Garnett, L Mills, K Hartlebury (C), D McVernon, N Walker, C Helme, M Allen, G Helliwell, A Aldren Res: R Shaw, C Connaughton, L Harvey, A Helme

Last Saturdays game against Burtonwood Bridge was a must win game. We knew it was going to be tough as every team from Warrington are,but the way we played in the first 40 minutes I think we would have pushed any team in our division.

Our forwards were constantly making big yards with props Chris Helme and Dave McVernon always taking the ball past the gain line and these were well supported by the second row partnership of Gav Helliwell and Mark Allen.We thought before the game we would miss Bryan Cambidge but Guy Richardson filled his boots quite comfortably and didn't look out of position once.

Once again Andy Garnett was on the score board with his 19th try in 19 games which really is a feat playing the quality of the opposition we face week in week out.

I was very pleased with the attitude before the game and also on the field were we looked composed and stuck to the game plan, the half back partnership of captain and scrum half Keith Hartlebury and stand off Lewis Mills is really maturing and these two are the key to opening up the opposition deffences, but the most outstanding player on Saturday was full back Randall Raines who was outstanding in every aspect of his game, he created tries, his deffence was superb and was always willing to do the hard yardage work as well. It was also good to see a very old war horse Andy Helme return after a lengthy lay off with injury.

All in all it was a very good performance and also great viewing for the large crowd we entertained at Trimpell.

Next week we face probably one of the toughest teams the Atoms have ever faced, we have drawn Eastmoor Dragons from Wakefield in the National Cup who play their rugby in the National Conference Division 2. This will be a tough task but with no pressure on us, so hopefully we can go out there and really enjoy it.

At the moment ( Monday) we are not sure where this will be played, hopefully it will be at Lancaster & Morecambe College but if any one wants any details please ring me on 07966 322864.

Dave Crow