September 27, 2008

The Atoms finally got their League season underway against tough opposition in the form of Leigh Miners.  If last seasons games were anything to go by then this was going to be a close game and that was just what it proved to be.  A delayed start due to the referee breaking down on the motorway meant the preparation time was far longer than usual and perhaps this affected the concentration of the Heysham side.  Two knock-ons on the first two possesions by the Atoms did little for the confidence of the team conceeding field position into the bargin.  Teams like Leigh very rarely miss oppertunities given to them on a plate and the Miners posted a try within three minutes of the start.  Some slack defending close to the line let the acting half back force his way over for a try.  The Atoms responded well regaining possesion straight from the kick off after a Neil Walker restart had found the side lines.  From the scrum the Atoms again gave up the ball cheaply and squandered an early chance to build some pressure.  The following 10 minutes were as scrappy as the first as both sides found it difficult to settle down into their pattern of play.  Daniel Ginnoccio had to make a timely tackle as the Atoms defensive line was stretched seeing off the danger as he chased back hard.  Guy Richardson made some valuble yards bringing the ball away from his own line drawing a penalty close to the half way line.  The Atoms used the possesion well until an attempted interception by the Miners gave a scrum to the Atoms 20 meters out.  Centre Bryan Cambidge peeled away off the back of the scrum arcing across the face of the Leigh defenders and finding Richardson cutting an intelligent line.  His pace got him between two defenders stretching out and placing the ball on the line which was enough for a well placed referee.  Billy Livingstone made the 4 points into 6.

Mike Marrin was playing his first full game in the problematic hooking position and he showed a good appetite for the increased work rate in defence along with a good, accurate service off either hand which is much appreciated by runners and pivots alike.  A bomb from Walker got the Atoms a repeat set but some strong defending from Miners kept them out.  Stand-off Walker attempted a drop goal as the half came to a close but it was the Miners who broke the deadlock right on the bell of half time.  A chip and chase on the last was hacked forward by Leigh's centre before the scrum half compleated the footballing skills outstripping the Atoms cover and giving his side a 10 point to 6 lead at the break. 

Another Atoms youngster came on at the break in the form of second rower Jamie Harper.  He gave a good account of himself putting in a few trademark tackles and fitting in well with the lively Callum Hall.  Mike Holmes came off his wing looking for the ball and making some neat breaks with his impressive acceleration.  Four good solid drives lead by Liam Hall got the atoms within touching distance of the line.  Captain for the day Mark Walker stepped into the dummy half position and swivvelled his way over close to the left hand corner flag bringing the Atoms back level at 10 all.  The Atoms continued the attacks as the completion rate increased.  Billy Livingstone made a clean break before being felled by a clumsy high shot and was unable to take any further part in proceedings.  The Atoms made the Miners pay for the misdemenour from the resulting penalty.  Dave McVernon, who looks to be regaining his form with ball in hand, attacked the line.  He was able to get the ball away with a great off-load to Keith Hartlebury who picked the ball up off his boot laces.  The ever present Guy Richardson was pushing up into the next hole and was rewarded with a try after picking another great line.This was the first time the Atoms were ahead in the game with Neil Walker given the reponsibility of adding the extras which he did.  The euphoria of taking the lead was short lived as the Miners scrum half broke clear at half way and out paced the cover to bring the scores level for the third time at 16 all.

The game was in the balance as they entered the final quarter and a high tackle from the Atoms in a dangerous position put them under unnecessary pressure.  A quick tap against a static defensive line opened up the Atoms defence and the Miners took full advantage scoring their fourth of the contest.  A 20 yard break from Callum Hall and a neat kick from Walker got the Atoms a repeat set.  The chance looked to be over untill Walker put up another towering bomb.  Guy Richardson showed the most determination to rise the highest and claim the ball over the line placing it between the sticks for a fantatic hat trick of tries.  Again Walker stepped up to convert the try.  This is from where the Atoms should have kicked on but it was Miners who showed the most desire to go and win the points.  Some less than convincing defending in the final 10 mins gave Leigh two oppertunities to score which were both taken as the Atoms defenders tired alarmingly.  The Atoms tried to rescue something but the Miners defence held firm.

Heysham Atoms: Richardson, Holmes, Cambidge, B.Livingstone, Winder, N.Walker, Hartlebury, L.Hall, M.Marrin, Shaw, C.Hall, L.Harvey, M.Walker, Res: McIntyre, Harper, McVernon, Ginnoccio.