Heysham Atoms 24, West Bank Swans (Widnes) 40
October 20, 2007

The fourth away game out of six for the Atoms again ended in defeat but a second half of some quality gave the Atoms hope that a performance, that will bring about their first win in the League, is not too far away. The Atoms rolled up their sleeves and gave it a real go in the second period of play unfortunately the first thirty minutes was were the game was won and lost. Here the Atoms' brittle defence was exposed far too frequently for anyone's liking conceding 26 points through a combination of basic errors and some less than committed tackling close to their own line. The Atoms have shown in patches in every match this season that they can compete with all teams in this league and score points against them but this intensity of play cannot be extended for the full period of play. Once they learn to play at a higher tempo for longer passages then they will certainly be a force to be reckoned with. It is just hoped that all these defeats don't dent the confidence too much.

The Atoms entered this contest with a stronger looking line up with Mark Walker, Sean Weed, Greg Sykes and Mark MacIntyre all returning the side that had pushed the Scorpions all the way two weeks ago. The positive attitude with which the Atoms set out was put to the test almost immediately as the Swan posted a score from their first possession of the game. This early lead was doubled before the Heysham side could draw breath, which was a big shock to the system. Finally the front rowers - Shane Weed and Liam Hall - were able to get their hands on the ball and start making some headway around the rucks. Swan's pacey Stand Off was targeted as a danger man but the Atom's battle plan, to keep him quiet, just wasn't effective enough, as his running with ball in hand caused no end of problems, for the Atoms defenders, for most of the afternoon.

When in Swans territory the Atoms were able to make big inroads with Liam Hall going very close and Mark Walker proving difficult to put down but an unforced error usually followed to concede unnecessary ground. The Widnes side didn't need any second invitations scoring two further ties that raised some serious questions about the Atoms defending.

The second row pairing of Hartlebury and Sykes can always be relied upon for their effectiveness in both attack and defence and these two combined to get the Atoms in good field position. Stand off Sean Weed took on the line finding a gap and rounding the full back scoring a fine individual try that Billy Livingstone converted.

Half Time: 6.26 to the Swan.

The second half was a much improved performance one that the Atoms won by 18 points to 14 and something that can be taken as a real positive out of this game. Guy Richardson has been one of the most consistent performers this season and although tested severely by Swan's hooker, with his kicking game, he was well up for the challenge. Young Josh O'Donnell too looks a fine prospect with the coaching staff showing faith in his ability as his tough apprenticeship moves on at an unrelenting pace.

The two pivots were getting more success taking the ball right to the line and inviting the Swan defenders onto them in the hope that this would leave gaps elsewhere. This tactic proved fruitful as Weed found Steve Graham with a neat pass, who had picked a perfect line of running. He was hauled down 2 yards short but Liam Hall rounded off the move blasting over close to the posts. The Atoms found themselves only 12 points behind at 30 .18 as the momentum swung back in their favour.

The final quarter was an open affair as the sides shared 4 tries. Guy Richardson made a try for himself out of nothing bravely finishing off close to the posts after cutting back inside the sliding defenders. The final Atoms score said a lot about the spirit in the camp as a good kick and chase got a repeat set from a goal line drop out. The ball was moved through numerous pairs of hands before winger Mike Holmes forced his way in at the corner for a well deserved try. Billy Livingstone kept his 100% record up with the boot converting for the forth time. The Swan had the last laugh scoring from what appeared to be a forward pass on the last action of the game.

Atoms: G.Richardson, C.Hall, S.Graham, M.MacIntyre, B.Livingstone, M.Holmes, G.Winder, Sean Weed, A.Helme, L.Hall, G.Lithgow, Shane Weed, K.Hartlebury, G.Sykes, M.Walker, P.Livingstone, J.O'Donnell.

Next Saturday:

VS Waterhead ( Oldham ) Away K.O.2.30

West Bank Swans

West Bank Swans over the past 6 games had only aloud the opposition to amass 7 points per game against them and their defence has been rock solid.

The Atoms on the weekend scored 24 points against the Swans and at times played a really stylish brand of rugby league.

However 24 points should win you most games of Rugby League, it is also the silly fundamental errors that are creeping into our game on a regular basis that is choking our ability to keep momentum throughout the game.

West Bank Swans lead 26-6 at half time and through 5 mistakes from the Atoms the Swans crossed the line 5 times for an easy 26 points.

In the second half the Atoms kept momentum and the mistakes seemed to disappear for about 25 minutes, and whilst in this wonderful state of free flowing Rugby League we compiled 18 points and we were back in the contest at 32-24.

A couple of late tries to the Swans at the end when the Atoms players had spent all their gas compiling second half points didn't really indicate the amount of effort that all players had produced to get us in a winning position.

Liam Hall was fantastic, and the big fellow lead the way with his stinging defence and his barnstorming runs, Sean Weed dictated his own terms at standoff and scored a brilliant individual try and showed glimpses of why he is still contracted to the Saints, a couple of our usually better players had quieter games which meant we lacked commitment at times through the middle with our defence and attack.

Again I say this every week but we are getting closer and the boys are playing a much better and expansive brand of Rugby League which at times is very pleasing to watch.

We really need to concentrate on our defence in the next few weeks and months; we have currently given away 188 points to opposition teams in the last 6 games.

This is over 30 points a game and is way too many to be able to win football matches

The only thing that disappears when you don't win for a while is points on the division ladder and confidence, in the latter I have the up most confidence in all the players at the Atoms and believe that the journey up to know has been a steep learning curve.

As my Pop would always said to me, "you will always become a better person for trying than to never try at all"

Till next week

GO THE ATOMS

This column was dedicated to my Pop

Patrick MacRae 18/12/1912-12/10/2007

Scott Saddler

Pilkingtons Recs A 22 Leigh East 44

Bamber Bridge 18 Blackpool Scorpions 22

Leigh Miners 24 Dalton 25

Ince Rose Bridge 42 Hindpool 18

Glazebury 39 Waterhead 28

West Bank Swans 40 Heysham Atoms 24