Heysham Atoms 14 - Pilkington Recs 20

THE Atoms succumbed to their third home defeat of the season in a performance that lacked the control and authority of the previous week.
Pilkingtons possessed an edge in the pace stakes which ultimately was the deciding factor in separating the two teams.
A lacklustre start from the Atoms saw them down by 10 points in as many minutes at the opening of the game.
The first try was a 90-yarder and the second was scored after a kick through that sat up nicely for the Pilkington runners as the Atoms defenders failed to react quickly enough.
Although playing on the wide expanses of the college pitch, it was hard for the forwards to get into their running, such was the short 10 being played by the referee.
Russ Birkett at loose forward was a constant threat throughout the game, gaining valuable yards for his team, showing exceptionally quick feet.
Dave McVernon again lined up in the centres and made a 40 yard break being only halted by a brave full back tackle. Liam Hall charged back at the blind side and Hartlebury fed Ollie Austin who forced his way over the line.
Shortly after the scores were level at 10 all after more good footwork got Birkett away and then showed another asset to his play by powerfully getting over the line between two defenders.
Although not firing on all cylinders the Atoms had dragged themselves back into the game at the turnaround. The injury jinx hit again, losing stand off Simon Brooks and winger Steven Jackson in quick succession. This meant a re-shuffle and while they were still organising themselves Pilkingtons had struck with a lightning break by the full back going under the posts for a 16-10 lead.
Keith Hartlebury, at first receiver, was looking lively alternating his running at the line with his passing game, using both to good effect.
Randal Raines hadn't played since the origin games at the start of the season but was given his chance with regular full back Gavin Winder still suffering with his shoulder.
He took his chance to get 80 minutes under his belt and some of his defensive work was outstanding with a n umber of uncompromising tackles.
Russ Birkett was again the man to unlock the defence, finding his way to the line on a 15 metre mazy run, after good work from Hamilton and Weed.
The final quarter was a scrappy affair in more senses of the word, apart from a couple of quality touches from Austin and a fine support try for Pilkingtons wrapping up the game at 20-14.

Next Saturday: Away, league game, v Langworthy Reds, kick
off 2pm.

Atoms: R Raines, J Pyrah, D McVernon, O Austin, S Jackson, S Brooks, K Hartlebury (c), L Hall, A Helme, S Weed, J Hamilton, P Livingstone, R Birkett.
Res: S Tong, D Marston, E Pyrah, A Aldren.

Heysham Atoms 14 Pilkington Recs A 20

Ince Rose Bridge 00 Langworthy Reds 46

Higginshaw 02 West Bank Swan 32

*Blackbrook A 18 Leigh East 00