November 22nd, 2008

The Heysham Atoms were left without a fixture for the second consecutive Saturday when Hindpool from Barrow cried off from their Challenge cup round clash claiming an injury crisis.  This has been very frustrating for all at the Atoms as they had begun to build some real momentum gaining 4 victories from their last 5 outings.  The positives are that the Atoms progress to the next round with little discomfort and can report a clean bill of health for the whole squad.  Further good news for the Atoms has been the return to training of experienced prop forward Shane Weed who broke his ankle at the end of last season and he has now made himself available for selection.  With selection becoming increasingly difficult as the weeks progress the importance of performance at training and on match days have put pressure on every position.  Competition for places is good to bring the best out in the players knowing that they must perform with a level of consistency to maintain their places. 

The aims set out at the start of the season was to improve all aspects of defence and although there has been a few blips an improvement has been seen .   This area will constantly be worked so as to give more energy and potency to their exciting back division.  Guy Richardson has again preformed at the highest standard in every game showing fantastic consistency in both attack defence.  Mike Holmes has regained his form building on some good performances for Scott Saddler last season having a burst acceleration that always puts his team on the front foot.  Billy Livingstone matures with every game and he too posses a great turn of pace which is a vital ingredient that just can't be coached.  When last years captain and hooker Gary Lithgow left the area due to work commitments the Atoms felt these vital positions could be a problem to fill but both positions have been filled admirably.  Mike Marrin has fitted into the hooking role like a duck to water having good distribution and organisational skills coupled with a solid defence.  Loose forward Mark Walker has taken the Captains armband and although having only played 47 games in Atoms colours he is a real talisman and one to follow through his actions rather than words.

This Saturday the Atoms ironically have a league game away at Hindpool ( Barrow ).  It is not expected that Hindpool will have any of the problems of last week as it is their home fixture with all their injury problems now miraculously behind them.  The Atoms have picked an initial squad of 21 players that will be whittled down to the final 17 after the weeks competitive training sessions.

Squad:

Richardson, Winder, Livingstone, Holmes, Lacey, Tait, N. Walker, Hartlebury, L.Hall, Marrin, Harvey, C.Hall, Shaw, M. Walker ( capt ), O Donnell, Ginnochio, McVernon, Scanlon, Skelly, S. Weed, Taylor.