April 3rd 2010

Kukri North West Counties Division 3
Heysham Atoms 40 points
vs
Hindpool ( Barrow ) 18 points

The Atoms alaid any relegation fears with a comprehensive victory against arch rivals Hindpool from Barrow. The win was based on a great opening 20 minutes to the game which saw the Heysham side race into a 24 point lead as they excecuted their game instructions to the letter. This was a very pleasing aspect for the coaches as the opening to games as been a major concern for some time.

The area of attack for the Atoms, right from the off, was the middle channel using their big forwards to good effect. A chance on the first set could have brought a score as a rampant Atoms set about totally dismantleing any resistance from the Barrow outfit. Within 5 minutes the scoreboard was ticking as the Atoms created a score starting off deep in their own quarter. A mini crisis at full back saw second row Callum Hall fill the vacancy and he made the first clean break of the game releasing left centre Stuart Lacey who in turn put winger Jake Harrison in a one on one against his opposite number. The Atoms winger took him on the outside and had enough pace to finish off the move for an excellent score.

When scoring so early on sometimes the focus of the game plan can be lost but veteren hooker Andy Helme made sure that the tactics were adhered to. Forwards Chris Helme and Shane Weed were creating a good platform and a repeat set of six was forced after another good set was compleated close to Hindpools line. Callum Hall showed some determination to force his way over close to the posts as the Atoms made double figures in as many minutes. The Momentum was all with the Atoms now and Dave McVernon made use of the space with some excellent go forward. Scrum Half Billy Livingstone benefited most scoring a brace of tries as the confidence of the team rose as the scoreline reached 24 nil.

Hindpool had hardly touched the ball at this stage but with a little bit of possesion they showed what they can do. An Atoms knock on straight off the back of the scrum gave Hindpool good field position and an attack to their right brought an overlap and a score in the corner. The Atoms regrouped quickly and a good drive from Lee Harvey put the Atoms in striking distance. Mark Walker moved into the dummy half position and powererd his way over the line for the Atoms fifth try of the contest. Hindpool felt their best option was to move the Atoms big pack of forwards around using their outside backs and only a great cover tackle by Martin Pike finished off by Billy Livingstone prevented another score. Hindpool finished the half on a high scoring again wide out on the right.

Half Time 28 . 8 to Atoms

The Atoms started the second period of play as they had the first with the unstoppable Liam Hall blasting his way through 3 defenders on a charge to the line. He was ankle tapped and lost his footing but made the line only for the now whistle happy referee to pull him back for a double movement which was harsh to say the least. Chris Helme was held up over the line and Andrew Taylor went close as Hindpools line held firm. The Hindpool Stand off was a constant threat and he was the main creator for the Barrow sides next score bringing them back into the game at 28 . 14.

A loose boot in the ruck area by Hindpools second row sparked a free for all and when order was restored both sides had to finish the game with 12 men. The Atoms restored their superiority when Loose Forward Mark Walker dummied his way over for his second of the game and his 14 th try of the season. Again Hinpool wouldnt be shaken off and they scored in the right hand corner.
The final score of the game was left to the star of the moment Billy Livingstone who compleated his third hat trick of the season with a 50 yard individual effort which has brought him so much success this season. His rich vein of form has brought him 13 tries in the last 8 matches in a great run of form. Not satisfied with just tries he took his match haul to 24 points with his 6th successful conversion.

This win allieviated any fear of the drop and the Atoms can now look forward to 3 really tough away games at Dalton, Ulverston and Spring View on the bounce with no added pressure.


Portrait Pools.com Men of the Match:
Billy Livingstone
Mark Walker
Al Crookall

Heysham Atoms: CALLUM HALL, JAKE HARRISON, STUART LACEY, AL CROOKALL, GAVIN HELLIWELL, NEIL WALKER, BILLY LIVINGSTONE, CHRIS HELME, ANDY HELME, SHANE WEED, ROB SHAW, DAVE McVERNON, MARK WALKER Res LEE HARVEY, MARTIN PIKE, ANDREW TAYLOR, LIAM HALL