Ince Rose Bridge 24 - Heysham Atoms 8
North West Counties Division Four

TO face the top of the league on their own patch was always going to be a difficult task and the Atoms knew they would have to up their game, after last week's disappointment, just to compete.
Compete they did and in the end the game was won in a 15 minute period either side of half-time when the Wigan side scored three unanswered tries.
A very young, fast and enthusiastic Rose Bridge side elected to play with the wind and a slight slope in their favour in the first half.
Immediately on the defensive, the Atoms had to show some real steal in defence to keep them out. A couple of repeat sets by Rose Bridge created some real problems but a superb Atoms scrambling defence kept them from crossing the white wash.
Full-back Randall Raines was given plenty of work to do but was safe with a greasy ball and always took the right option as Ince forced the pace. The first 15 minutes had seen the Atoms absorb so much pressure, without conceding a try, that the signs looked very good for keeping the line in tact.
Having done so much tackling there is a pay-back time sometime during the game as the energy stocks are depleted and this came later in the half.
An excellent relieving run by young winger Oliver Austin took play up to the half way line which was a god send after absorbing so much pressure.
Prop forwards Liam Hall and Dave McVernon came into their own finding some room to run onto the ball.
The sharp passing from the Heysham three-quarters put centre Andy Garnett in some space. His jinking, determined run took him past his opposite number, the Rose Bridge full-back and the scrambling Rose Bridge defenders for an outstanding individual score.
Unfortunately, he could not add any extras to the total from a difficult kick wide out on the right.
Although against the run of play this was a huge confidence-booster and certainly settled the nerves of the players and the Atoms' sideline.
Rose Bridge, although shocked by this score, slipped back into their attractive style of play. Their defence also was up to the task giving the Atoms' ball players very little room to get their runners away.
A knock-on by the Atoms on the fourth tackle gifted the ball back to the Wigan side. They worked the blind side well up until the last tackle. The Atoms, for the first time in the game, sat back expecting the kick.
Rose Bridge's lively hooker darted out of the acting half-back position finding a forward on his shoulder, who forced his way over the line for a converted try.
The improving Atoms were not deterred by this score and worked their way steadily upfield on their next possession.A penalty for offside was awarded and Garnett stepped up to try and bring the scores level. Unfortunately, the ball sliced across the face of the posts.
The Atoms were able to maintain the pressure with skipper Helliwell taking play well over the halfway line with a strong drive.
McVernon found a hole to run into taking play to within 15 metres of the Rose Bridge line. Hartlebury ran across the face of the defenders and put a dangerous kick just in front of the full-back.
The ball bobbled awkwardly and full-back Randal Raines picked up the loose ball to dive over the line to bring the lead back to Heysham side at 8-6.
The next 10 minutes before half-time all belonged to Rose Bridge after a handling error and a needless penalty had resulted in two quick tries, taking them in at the break 16-8 to the good.
The more clinical finishing of the Wigan side ultimately proved to be the difference between the two sides.
The Atoms now had the advantage of the elements and an improved kicking game was essential.
But they were dealt a killer blow as Ince scored on their first possession of the half. Again the Atoms contributed to their own downfall coughing the ball up too cheaply in the tackle count.
From there on in it was an end-to-end battle as both sides belied the deteriorating conditions playing open attractive football.
Centre Rory Batson is always keen for the ball in hand and was always able to get the Atoms on the front foot. Lee Harvey came on from the bench picking up where the hard-working Hall had left off.
The Atoms' backs tried to find the openings, playing a wider, passing game but a competent Rose Bridge defence always had the edge.
The Atoms were gaining better territory from their kicks but couldn't contain the opposition as their back three always did enough to get away from the danger zone.
The final score of the game came 10 minutes from the end as a penalty for a high tackle gave Ince an easy two points.
The Atoms continued to play with enthusiasm and tried to break up the game - chipping and chasing and trying to find that elusive break. It was not to be and if the Atoms continue to play at this standard then they won't go too far wrong this season.

Atoms: R Raines, O Austin, A Garnett, R Batson, G Winder, A Helme, K Hartlebury, D McVernon, A Aldren, L Hall, G Helliwell, R Shaw, S Telford. Reserves: L Harvey, E Pyrah, C Connaughton, S Jackson.

Pilkingtons Recs A 6 Waterhead 24

Ince Rose Bridge 24 Heysham Atoms 8

Blackbrook A 22 Leigh Miners Rangers 4

Eccleston Lions 26 Crosfields 8

Wigan Keepers 8 Cadishead Rhinos