Heysham Atoms 32 - Blackbrook 24

North West Counties Division Four
BEFORE this match it was third-placed Blackbrook against the fourth-placed Heysham Atoms.

Blackbrook still had an outside chance of promotion but it would have meant beating the Atoms by a considerable scoreline.
An entertaining game that featured 11 tries finally came down on the Atom's side, but not without a few frights along the way.
Blackbrook could off-load the ball well in forwards and play an expansive game, when given the chance, out wide in the three-quarters. This meant that the Atoms defence had to compete in all areas of the field for the full 80 minutes.
Blackbrook couldn't have got off to a better start being 4-0 in front after their first possession of the ball.
A mistake from the kick-off gave the Atoms a goalline drop out. Blackbrook's prop barged through some poor Atoms tackling taking three or four defenders to finally bring him down.
This meant the Atoms' defensive line was outnumbered and swift hands brought the first score.
It took the Atoms 15 minutes to find their feet and finally exert some pressure with good field position.
Scrum-half Keith Hartlebury sniffed a chance and ducked under a couple of challenges to place the ball over the line to make it 4-4.
The Atoms injury crisis was mainly centred around the lack of wingers. Five in all were on the sidelines with Mike Holmes filling one spot and Jo Pyrah the other.
Jo has been knocking on the door all season and finally got chance to put in a full 80 minutes. After a nervous start he settled down well and did his chances of further game time no harm at all.
Blackbrook dominated the middle period of the half and after 30 minutes they had a 14-4 lead through two tries, one converted.
The Atoms put in a big effort as the half drew to a close again turning territory into points. Russ Birkett nipped in with his customary try showing good awareness to score his 20th try in 23 games.
Dave McVernon has chased him all season in the try scoring charts and he was next on the score sheet.
A move in front of the sticks seemed to have lost its momentum until Liam Hall found a way of getting his arms free to offload to McVernon.
From a standing start, he built up a head of steam and powered his way over from 12 yards. Garnett's trusty boot added the extras that gave the Atoms a two-point lead and the psychological advantage going into the break 16-14 up.
An edgy beginning to the second half saw both sides spilling the ball.
It took some steady play from two of the Atoms most consistent performers, Rory Batson and Andy Aldren, before the Atoms regained the initiative.
They attacked to the left of the posts before Birkett brought the ball back to the right where he found Helme with a good, long pass.
He was held up a yard short but had Cambidge backing him up in the dummy half position. As he had done so many times in the past, Cambidge threw the dummy and plundered his way over the line.
Loose forward Batson got just rewards for his efforts cutting to the blind side on the Atoms next attack. He showed enough strength to force his way over for a 26-14 lead.
The Atoms had upped their game and scored 22 unanswered points showing great determination against quality opposition.
Blackbrook's jack-in-a-box scrum half was having a fine game and doing his best to drag his team back into the game. A chip and chase and a hack ahead brought them a well-constructed try.
Further points could have been conceded were it not for a great scrambling effort from Cambidge and McVernon on Blackbrook's pacy centre.
The Atoms 12-point cushion was soon restored when a free flowing attack down the right wing took play deep into Blackbrook territory.
Full-back Austin got the ball away in the tackle and Hall floated out a great ball to centre Garnett.
He had men outside but backed himself skipping inside two defenders for an excellent score. He added his fourth kick of the afternoon, taking his tally for the season over the 150-point mark.
Blackbrook continued to ask questions of the outside backs moving the ball at every opportunity. As the final whistle approached they forced their way over the line for their fifth try of the contest.
The final sets were kept close to the ruck making sure no silly errors would give Blackbrook a chance.
Thankfully the referee concluded proceedings, in which he played his part, in an open, entertaining game.

Atoms: O Austin, M Holmes, A Garnett, B Cambidge, J Pyrah, A Helme, K Hartlebury, D McVernon, A Aldren, S Weed, R Birkett, L Hall, R Batson. Reserves: S Telford, E Pyrah, C Helme, N Griffin.

Match sponsored by: The award winning Portrait Pools and Enclosures Limited.

9 April 2005

Heysham Atoms 32 Blackbrook 24

16th April 2005

Leigh Miners Rangers 30 Eccleston Lions 32

Widnes Tigers 14 Cadishead Rhinos 16