January 10th, 2009

The Heysham Atoms' return to action after the holiday break was further delayed a week after their game against Rochdale Mayfield was called off at the last minute on Saturday, due to a frozen pitch. This was a big dissapointment as the lads have been training hard and were ready for a big hit out.

This Saturday the Atoms entertain Widnes St. Maries at the Trimpell ground in a league fixture. The Widnes outfit are the form side in the league having been unbeaten in the last 5 games after losing their opening 4 fixtures. The change in fortunes could be down to appearence of Bobbie Goulding, the ex Great Britain and Saints Legend who is now player coach of the side. St. Maries boast one of the best defensive records in the league only conceding 102 points in their 9 league so far this season.

The last time the 2 sides met was in the 2005/2006 season in the North West Counties Bowl competition at the Trimpell. In a volatile game the Widnes side won 20 points to 8 with Bryan Cambidge and Ollie Austin scoring the tries for the Atoms and Mark Walker, Liam Hall and Bryan Cambidge being the stand out players for the Heysham side. The Atoms squad looks fairly healthy but with fitness tests are required on Keith Hartlebury and Mike Holmes before the final selection of the side will be made.