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Atoms Edge Thriller Heysham Atoms 12 - Shevington Sharks 11 Try: Andy Garnet Men of the Match: Cup matches always throw up tense, thrilling games and what was seen at the Trimpell Ground on Saturday by a large Atoms following, certainly falls into that category. Two evenly matches teams were only separated by a field goal with 90 seconds remaining on the clock. The coolest man on the field was Atoms hooker - Neil Walker - who sweetly struck his attempt straight between the uprights, after a great set of drives by his colleagues had got him into range. Shevington and the Atoms have a history of close games going back to the mid 90's when the two clubs were promoted in successive seasons. The match was played in a fine spirit, with both sides playing expansive rugby but with so much at stake the clean breaks were limited as some sterling defence added to the spectacle. The Atoms entered the game full of confidence after the previous two weeks but were well aware that you don't play a bad side from Wigan. The Heysham side started the stronger and were able to force good field position with a high completion rate when in possession. Walker's kicking has been very consistent this season and he stepped up to kick the first points with a 40 metre penalty on 10 minutes. Shevington had shown a resilience in defence in the early stages that suggested that the Atoms would have to fight hard for every point. Heysham felt that over the past couple of weeks the right attack has been the best place on which to launch their raids into opposition territory and it was here that they found the most room. Andy Garnett, on the right wing was proving to be as elusive as ever chasing problems every time he got the ball. He was being well fed by some telling passes from Hartlebury and Batson. Shevington were by no means yielding under the pressure and were proving a tough nut to crack. Their lively hooker came more and more into the game taking valuable yards around the ruck. An attack down the Atoms left wing looked to have been coped with by the Heysham defenders but on the last tackle they hesitated instead of moving the line up. This gave the Shevington players just enough room to work an opening to score close to the corner flag. The conversion was good taking them into a 6:2 lead which was the biggest points gap throughout the game. The Atoms hit back with 10 minutes remaining before the break, again favouring the right hand side. An attack from deep had put Shevington on the back foot and the ball was moved quickly to Garnett on the wing. He weaved and side stepped his way to the line showing great foot work to wrong foot the defenders. The extras were missed bringing the scores level. It was now the Atoms turn to defend their line as Shevington forced the issue close to the break. On the last play of the half they fired over a drop goal just nudging them in front by a point. This end to end, pulsating game was bringing the best out of the Atoms players with everyone playing to a high standard. The forwards were making big inroads, the distribution from the acting half back was excellent and the backs were able to play with some real depth and pace. Richardson at full back was having an outstanding afternoon fielding the high balls well and making huge yards out of defence, relieving the pressure that was being exerted. But even his performance was overshadowed by that of centre Bryan Cambidge. His work rate and power in the contact situation was exceptional and everyone agreed that there was only one winner of the man of the match award. His driving play was inspiring his team mates to do likewise and a McVernon break drew a penalty for holding down. Walker obliged putting the Atoms up 8:7. This lead was increased shortly afterwards when Hartlebury set up for a drop goal in front of the posts. He was chased down by the Shevington defenders but had the awareness to pass to veteran stand off Helme who duly obliged with the one pointer. The middle period of the half was a stalemate in terms of points scored but both sides continued to play open, attractive rugby. The Atoms were conscious that they had neglected their right hand side in the first 20 minutes of the second half and decided Garnett and Co should see more ball. During this period they tried too hard and at times forced the pass that wasn't really on. This gave the impetus back to the Wigan outfit and they took full advantage when turning the ball over from one such error. The Atoms defensive line was stretched and Shevington's centre strode through the gap to re-capture the lead for his team 11:9. The Atoms regained their composure and entered the final 5 minutes knowing that a chance would come their way if they were patient. This came in the form of a penalty for a high shot on Dave McVernon. Walker confidently struck over the penalty bringing the scores level for the second time in the match. The Atoms knew that on the next possession they must get in field goal range to avoid a strength sapping extra time. The forwards rose to the challenge led superbly by Gavin Helliwell, taking play to within 15 metres of the posts. Walker dropped back and coolly stroked over the vital point with only a minute and a half remaining. The Atoms were able to hold on till the final whistle and take their winning sequence to 3 games. ATOMS: G Richardson, R Birkett, B Cambidge, R Batson, Helme, K Hartlebury, D McVernon, N Walker, L Hall, G Helliwell, R Shaw, A Aldren Res: C Connaughton, L Harvey, M Blessington, J Pyrah
Goose had an unfortunate
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