October 25th, 2008

North West Counties Division Three It was a sad day for the Atoms as they had to mourn the loss of former secretary Peter Flanagan. The minutes silence at the start galvanised the side and they produced a performance that Peter would have been proud of.

The conditions were atrocious being soft underfoot and very wet but this did not deter the Atoms' approach playing to the game plan to the letter. Good ball control and completion rate was vital coupled with a good kick-and-chase game and an improvement in all aspects of their defence.

Last week's game against Parkside had seen the side concede over 50 points and this was an area talked about at training in the week. The coaching staff could not ask for anything better nilling a side, which is a rare occurence for the Atoms.

The Atoms fielded one of their youngest-ever front rows with Josh O'Donnell, Dan Ginnocchio and Mike Marrin all having outstanding games.

Haresfinch looked low on confidence in the early exchanges as the ball was spilled on a few occasions, giving the Atoms possession and more importantly the chance to exert some pressure through good field position.

In the conditions, a good kicking game is vital and Neil Walker kicked his side intelligently into the right areas of the field. This pressure was bound to tell and Mark Walker opened the scoring, breaking the line and showing good pace and power to get over for his third try of the season.

The ever-reliable Billy Livingstone added the extra two points to round off just the start the Atoms had hoped for.

Mike Holmes has been in fine form all season revelling in the increased work-rate of the centre position. His committed and powerful running always has the Atoms moving in the right direction and time after time he wins the collision against much bigger opponents. Keith Hartlebury and Neil Walker were able to dictate play off the back of these runs, sensibly keeping the ball close to the rucks.

Mark Walker made his second clean break running clear from his own half. Winger Gavin Winder was up in support to take the pass and draw the full-back before releasing Mike Marrin who trailed up the middle as all good hookers do and won the race to score close to the posts.

Full-back Guy Richardson and winger Ben Dorrington were being asked to do a lot of work fielding kicks and bringing the ball away. This was done consistently well giving breathing space to the pack as the Atoms ended the half 10-0 up.

More of the same was required in the second half and Daniel Scanlon came on to make his debut. The big front-rower impressed, putting himself about in both attack and defence.

With the wind at their backs, the Atoms decided to kick their way to victory which was absolutely the right option such was the conditions.

Ginnocchio inspired his team with a couple of massive hits while Rob Shaw continued his good start to the season forcing his way over from close in after some great approach work from Callum Hall and Hartlebury.

The Atoms showed more pride in their defensive duties and this was in evidence as Guy Richardson pulled off a superb try-saving tackle on Haresfinch's stand-off, their best player.

The final Atoms score belied the conditions as the ball was transferred from one side of the field to the other. The hardworking Callum Hall was on the end of the final pass scoring close to the left hand corner.

The experienced Peter Livingstone and Andy Helme came on for 10-minute cameo roles as the stranglehold was maintained until the end.

These vital two league points were dedicated to the memory of Peter Flanagan but it is important that the Atoms continue to improve week on week. If this can be achieved, then they could be a match for anyone.

The Atoms travel to Blackpool Stanley this Saturday.

Heysham Atoms: G Richardson, B Dorrington, M Holmes, B Livingstone, G Winder, N Walker, K Hartlebury, D Ginnocchio, M Marrin, J O'Donnell, R Shaw, C Hall, M Walker (capt).Res: A Helme, P Livingstone, D Scanlon, L Hall.

On a cold Saturday in lovely Morecambe
A win for the boys something to keep them talking
2 from 4 at this stage of years OK
Plenty of points to gather before it gets to May

It was good to see Iron rod Neil
His pin point kicking was the real deal
He gained a point in the league table race
But the point wasn't for his unbelievable pace.

Benny the kid came up with two
His grassing tackles around the shoe
Some points along the way he'll Clinch
But two will do against the hapless Haresfinch

I hear Mr Shaw is playing a very good game
He can string them together but there not always the same
Consistency lad is what the side needs
I know you have it in you these words you must heed.

The incredible Hulk has been a little quite
For the points this year his up for a fight
He can play the boy he can be a ripper
Start scoring points come on duhhhhh Gripper

The big boy Hall is out he's got a bruise
To the coaching staff that was bad news
The boys needed to aim up and the game they won
Tonight some schooy's and a bit of fun
It's great to see the new names I hope they stay
Tell them boys honestly about how they play.
Telling lies hurt look what happened to Pinocchio
A new name on the team sheet it looks like Ginnocchio

The Holmes was swinging his fist was flying
The way the bloke hit the ground I thought he was dying
The blood ran freely and fell to the ground
He'll be watching for your Michael in the 2nd round

Another game next week ice them injuries well
If you don't look out they will start to swell
Come on you forwards aim up and be manly
You blokes are only playing Blackpool Stanley

Middle of the table and doing just fine
Giving too many points away you're up to 99
4 games into the season you're staying alive
You have to reduce your average of 25.

The poems will keep coming but you must win a game
The poems will get better they won't be the same
Crowy please try with the poems and do your very best.
But your not up with the Aussie kid his better than the rest

GO THE ATOMS!!!!
SCOTT SADDLER

It was a very rainy day
when Harsefinch came our way
We hoped to get back on track
after being slapped by Goldbournes pack

The game was hard in all the mud
Holmesy swung a right hand trying to draw blood
but his own knuckle it did split
oh that boy can be a tit

We knew we had to play it tight
as the conditions were really shite
Ginocchio tackled like a tank
and for once Goose wasn't wank

All the lads played really well
they toughed it out and no one fell
Callum, Walker, Maz and Shaw
were the men who all did score

But the colour from their faces did drain
when I said there is another Aussie on a plane
but we believe Taity likes to booze
and wont be telling us to wear sand shoes !!!!!
DAVE CROW