October 17th, 2009

Kukri North West counties Division 3

Heysham Atoms 24 points

vs

Haresfinch ( St Helens ) 24 points

Away days, epecially in St Helens, have recently proved difficult for the Atoms to come away with any kind of success.  Haresfinch has always been a notoriously tough place to get a result so it made the Atoms effort even more rewarding, after twice going down to 12 men due to sin-binnings.  A defeat stared the Atoms in the face with 20 mins to go trailling by 22 points to 6 after what had been a patchy performance. 

The final 20 mins showed what the Atoms are capable if they apply themselves properly compleatly turning the game on its head as they really came to life with some sparkling attacking rugby.  Although the points were shared at the final whistle it was the Atoms who felt they had gained the moral victory.

As starts go the Atoms could'nt have got off to a worse one as Haresfinch scored two tries off their first two possessions within the first 5 minutes.  Both tries had good fortune written all over them but a more committed approach from the Atoms defenders could have prevented at least one of these scores.  This certainly wasn't the start they wanted but it was time to roll there sleeves up and get back into the contest through hard work.  Slowly they began to get a feel for the game but all too frequently the good work was spoilt by a sloppy pass or a penalty or getting caught in possession on the last tackle and failing to maintain any sort of pressure on Haresfinch's line.

Finally on the 20 minute mark the Atoms were awarded their first penalty which piggy-backed them up-field.  A solid drive from Chris Helme and a planned move on the next play saw scrum half Billy livingstone taking the line on and finding Mark Walker in a gap with a well delivered pass.  The in-form loose forward was too big and too powerful to be stopped with try line in sights and the extras were made easier as he worked his way round close to the sticks. 

The Atoms back three of Callum Hall, Gavin Winder and Steven Jackson were being given plenty of work to do with right winger Winder bringing off a 'body on the line' tackle that saved a certain try.  Mike Marrin was having a good contest with his opposite number as both hookers tried to get their repective packs moving forward.  The Atoms seemed to have the edge in technique winning the wrestle in defence and finding good body positions as they took the ball into the collision.  One too many penalties brought a change in personnel and the fresh legs of O'Donnell,Lacey and Weed sparked up the pack until the break but no further scores were posted.

Half time : 6.12 Haresfinch

The opening exchanges were similar to the first period as Haresfinch capitalsed on the Atoms errors.  Steady pressure on the Atoms line were always going to take its toll and as the Atoms defended gallently in the left hand corner when the ball came back to the right the Atoms just ran out of numbers. The Atoms shook off the shackles and began to play with a little more freedom.  Unfortunatly an intercepted pass gifted Haresfinch's centre a 40 yard run in and took their lead out to 22.6 with 25 mins still to play.  Vetren Andy Helme joined the game and changed the direction of attack as he inspired them to play with more width and bit more belief in the cause. 

Liam Hall came on for his second powerful spell taking the attack right to the heart of a now vunerable looking Harefinch defensive line.  The outstanding Mark Walker was held up over the line but the pressure was maintained for the first time in the game.  Liam Hall charged for the line his progress was halted 5 yards short but as the pressence of mind to turn and offload the ball.  Up popped little talisman Andy Helme to take the passand dive over the line and the chance of a comeback.  The uncomfotable ending to the game contiued for Haresfinch as Callum Hall made a 40 yard break latching onto a deft pass from Shane Weed.  The ball moved to the left and Liam Hall crashed through three defenders and reaching out over the line. 

The fight back was really on now and when Rob Shaw made a fantastic break right down the middle of the park it looked like the runaway train was going to make it all the way.  He was finally put to ground but the momentun was still with the attacking side.  Mike Marrin backed himself and burried his way over the line to bring the scores level with 3 mins to play.  Billy Livingstone cooly slotted over the conversion and the game was now the Atoms to loose.  The Atoms sensibly ran the clock down but the ball was kicked out on the full and a last set of six gave Haresfinch a chance of a reprive.  The Atoms were caught offside and the last action of a very entertaining game saw the penalty taken by Harefinch's centre who secured a point for his side.

Next Sat - league game vs Widnes West Bank at Trimpell 2.30 ko all welcome 

Portrait Pools.com Men of the Match:
Mark Walker
Michael Marrin
Liam Hall

Heysham Atoms: Callum Hall,Gavin Winder,Stuart Lacey,Steven Jackson,Neil Walker,Billy Livingstone,Liam Hall,Mike Marrin,Chris Helme,Dan Scanlon,RobShaw,Mark Walker Res: Shane Weed,Andy Helme,Greame Lacey,Josh O'Donnell