HEYSHAM ATOMS - 39 POINTS

V'S

ROCHDALE MAYFIELD - 26 POINTS

NORTH WEST COUNTIES DIVISION THREE

The Atoms faced Rochdale Mayfield for the second time in two weeks, picking up 2 more vital league points and cementing them firmly into the mid table positions.  The performance was a bit patchy scoring some excellent tries but lacking concentration especially in defence.

The Atoms started where they had left off last week looking full of confidence and getting straight into their style of play.  The Atoms had 15 minutes of constant pressure but just couldn't get on the score sheet.  Jake Harrison, Liam Hall and Keith Hartlebury all went close as a dominant Atoms took the game to Rochdale.  Mark Walker was looking at his powerful best making some big inroads into Mayfields defence.  It was he who gave an inside pass to Liam Hall who wasn't to be denied a second time so close to the line.  He took 2 defenders over the line with him to open up the scoring on the 18 minute mark.

Billy Livingstone was looking sharp with ball in hand and his incursion into the line brought him a clean break through the left centre area.  He showed a good turn of speed to sprint 40 yards to the line.  He also added the extra two points.  At 10 - nil the Atoms were in full control of all aspects of play.  MIke Marrin and Neil Walker were pegging Rochdale further back with some well directed kicking.

Liam Hall limped off injured and the pendulum began to swing back to the Rochdale side.  A neat break by Mayfields No 6 got his sides first try then an intercepted pass and 60 yards sprint gave Mayfield their second score and a 10 all draw.  Hooker Mike Marrin was held up over the line which proved to be the last action of the half.

The Atoms had totally dominated the first half but found themselves having to do it all again in the second period.  The Atoms began the half trying too hard and five consecutive uncompleted sets disrupted any cohesion of attack.  Sean Weed came more into the game and his free flowing running style caused no end of problems for the Rochdale defenders.  Weed made a break and Mark Walker finished off the move in style.

Ali Lipock's introduction into the second row gave the Atoms more attacking options down the left hand side and his strong running set up play deep into Rochdale's territory.  Mark Walker came onto the next drive and proved unstoppable blasting over the line.  The Atoms were now in their best period of the game and looked capable of scoring with every set.

A good pass from Marrin got Lipock away into space again.  He offloaded in the tackle to Jake Harrison, who has the knack of being in the right place at the right time scoring his 8th try of the season.

The Atoms had to defend their line and a great tackle from Marrin brought about a turn over.  Sean Weed made a 60 yard break and beat all the cover to score in the left hand corner.  The Atoms lead was further increased as Neil Walker snapped over a drop goal.  Mike Holmes came onto the right wing and was immediately into the action making a fine break.  Hartlebury made further inroads before finding Mark Walker on his shoulder.  He completed his hat trick, scoring close to the posts, with another unstoppable drive.  Livingstone converted for the fifth time out of seven attempts and taking the Atoms into an unassailable 39-10 lead.

With fifteen minutes remaining the Atoms well and truly let their foot off the pedal.  There were 3 more tries in this open contest and all 3 were scored by a resurgent Mayfield side who just wouldn't lie down.  Some untidy defending and a lack of ball control contributed this blip in the performance as the Atoms looked towards the referee to end the game.

A special mention must go to Dan Scanlon in the second row who again did the hard graft for the team topping the 30 plus tackle count for the second week in succession.

Rob Shaw made his 150th appearance in this game.  The former Lancaster Uni student has been a stalwart in the second row for a number of seasons.

Next Saturday league away at Saddleworth (Oldham), kick off 2.30pm.

Heysham Atoms:B Livingstone, J Harrison, S Lacey, Sean Weed, M Pike, N Walker, K Hartlebury, L Hall, M Marrin, C Helme, R Shaw, D Scanlon, M Walker (capt).  Res :  A Lipock, Shane Weed, M Holmes, P Livingstone