North Lancs Shield Semi Final

Blackpool Scorpions 34 points

Vs

Heysham Atoms 20 points

After the late withdrawl of Leyland Warriors the Atoms were propelled into the semi final of the cup at short notice away to the high flying Scorpions from Blackpool.  This was a repeat of the game at this stage of the competition last season when the match was taken to extra time and the Atoms ran out of steam in the closing stages.  Unfortunatly the Atoms couldn't push Blackpool as close this time around due to their season long failing of giving the opposition a head start after a start to the game that lacked any sort of conviction.  Not until the second period did they show any sort of form but at this stage they were 28 points to 6 down.

The Scorpions were promoted out of Division 3 last season and have again shown their pedigree this season by being crowned champions of Division 2 at their first attempt.  The Scorpion posses a massive side right across the park and thier 4 bench players were bigger than anything the Atoms posses.  This seemed to play on the Atoms in the early stages allowing Scorpions to dominate them physically in the opening exchanges.  The Atoms didn't do themselves any favours by giving away three cheap,needless penalties in the opening 15 minutes of the match.  Blackpool punished all 3 penalties in the ultimate manner scoring 3 tries in each of the next set after the misdemenour which had the Atoms coach questioning his sides approach and mindset towards the game.  All 3 tries were scored wide out on the Atoms right were the big Scorpions centre was having a field day.  At 16 nil down the Atoms had to do some serious soul searching and at last they began to look like a side that was going to compete and make a game of it.  A good tackle from Mike Holmes, a defence splitting run from full back Ben Dorrington and two good kicks from Mike Marrin and Neil Walker, the latter forcing a goal line drop out, increased the confidence of the team.  The Atoms opened up for the first time allowing their three-quarters to check out their opposite numbers.  The ball was knocked-on on the 4th tackle but at least they were having a go.  Dave Mcvernon sparked into life reacting to some verbals from the side lines.  A big drive and a high shot dispelled any question mark over his commitment and the Atoms increased in confidence.  The impressive Ben Dorrington limped off causing a reshuffle in the Atoms resources.  They allowed this disruption to affect their concentration and 2 quick fire scores took Blackpool out into 24 point lead.  A completed Atoms set and a good kick and chase forced an error at the right end of the field.  The ball was transferred through 4 pairs of hands before reaching Stuart Lacey in the left centre position.  He weighed up his options before skillfully dumming his way over the line and finally getting the Atoms on the scoreboard.  A Scorpions try before the break gave them a dominant lead at 28.6 going in at half time.

The second period was a massive improvement and although it was scratchy and error ridden it showed the Atoms were going to finish their season on a high note.  The Atoms won this period 14 points to 6 and can take some satisfaction from the fact that when they competed they were able to more than hold their own against the Scorpions.  The inspiration in the next 40 minutes came from the Family Livingstone.  16 year old Antony put himself about at Loose Forward before switching to wing and bringing off a number of important tackles.  Billy ran the show from scrum half for the Atoms and Pete got under the oppositions skin with his no-nonsense up and at them approach - something that had sadly been lacking in the first period.  Billy scored the first of his 2 tries when he picked up a loose ball and sprinted 40 meters to the line outstripping the cover.  The mini-revival continued when captain Mark Walker came onto a well disguised Andy Helme pass, breaking the line strongly before a well timed pass put Billy Livingstone over for his second try of the contest.  Mike Holmes brought off the tackle of the game just forcing Scorpion's man mountain winger onto the corner flag saving a certain try.  If there is a bigger winger playing the game then the Atoms have not come across him and makes the tackle even more remarkable.  This was only a stop gap as Blackpool scored after a period of intense pressure.  Liam Hall's second spell was more productive and he got over the line only to lose possesion in the act of scoring in the presence of some heavy defending.  Fittingly it was Pete Livingstone who rounded off the scoring bursting through a couple of tackles after some good approach play from Walker, Dorrington and Son Billy, who converted for the second time in the game.

Atoms: B.Dorrington,J.Harrison,Sean Weed,S.Lacey,M.Holmes,N. Walker,B.Livingstone,D. McVernon,M.Marrin,C.Helme,R. Shaw,D.Scanlon,M.Walker(capt), Res: L.Hall,P.Livingstone,A. Livingstone,A.Helme