Heysham Atoms 19 pts
vs
Moss Bank Bulldogs 18 pts
Kukri North West Counties Division 3

The Heysham Atoms were looking to avenge their home defeat earlier in the season against top opposition from St Helens in the form of Moss Bank Bulldogs. In that fixture at the Trimpell the Atoms conceeded a 29.4 winning advantage to finally lose the game 29.42 after a disasterous second half display. Through this weeks training the Atoms had prepared well and looked to build on last Saturdays second half against West Bank Bears.

The Atoms side was looking close to full strength with the return of highly rated centre Brett Ashley allowing the outstanding Sean Weed to revert to his favoured position of Full Back. The light weight pack of last week was bolstered by Liam Hall and Dave McVernon which added a much needed 'go forward' to the Atoms team.

The Atoms first 40 minutes of this contest was some of the most controlled rugby they had produced this season totally dominating proceedings with the whole team collectivly committed to the cause. It was a full blooded opening with plenty of compleated sets for both sides. The Atoms defence looked far more organised and aggressive winning the vital area of 'the floor' which was important as to the tempo at which the Bulldogs were allowed to play. The Atoms had to take advantage of the conditions playing down the slope on a firm pitch and it didnt take a confident Atoms to find an opening.

From a scrum in their own half the Heysham side shifted the ball quickly to winger Jake Harrison who found himself in a one on one with his opposite number. After last weeks long range effort his confidence was high and he backed himself on the outside. He oustripped his winger and the cover coming across for a classic wingers try. Shane Weed's fitness improves week on week and he put in an important 20 minute shift with his fellow forwards as they dominated the ruck area. The Atoms second score came on the back of an early kick from centre Stuart Lacey. The chase was good and an error was forced and it was fitting that the centre forced his way over in the favoured left hand corner. The conversion from Walker was good and it gave the Atoms a 10 - nil lead after 25 minutes played.

A period of sustained Bulldog pressure followed forcing the Atoms to defend their line on 4 full sets of six all of which were all repelled by an enthusiastic set of Heysham defenders. As the Half time whistle approached captain Neil Walker capped off a fine personal kicking display slotting over a 1 point drop goal which proved vital in the final reckoning.

Half time 11 . nil to the Atoms.

Two of the Atoms less experienced players - Al Crookall and Steven Jackson - deserve a special mention such was their contribution to the team. Both tackled and ran themselves to a standstill forming an impressive second row partnership. The Atoms speed of the play the ball increased significantly on last week due to better contact and technique. The tempo increased allowing more gaps to be found out wide. Billy Livingstone now operating in the left centre showed his sharpness expoiting a little gap to the full sprinting 20 yards to the line and posting the Atoms third try of the match. The Atoms knew at some stage that the classy St Helens would have a good spell and get on a roll as they did at the Trimpell. Get on a roll they did and for a 20 minute spell put the Atoms line under siege. In this period the bulldogs scored 3 converted tries wrestling the lead away from the Atoms at 18 . 15. The Atoms had a further scare as the Bulldogs attacked down the left and only for some desperate defending from winger Winder and Ashley prevented another score.

With 8 minutes remaining the Atoms knew they had to stay calm as they would get a couple of chances it was all about staying composed and taking 1 of those chances. Dave Mcvernon neally powered over before Mark Walker was held up over the line. With time running out Billy Livingstone came up with the play of the game. He kicked and chased from 10 meters out showing enough determination to put pressure on the bulldog defenders. The ball bobbled about aggonisingly in the try zone but Livingstone pounced to give his side the deserved lead with 3 minutes remaining. The Atoms saw out the rest of the contest sensibly controlling the ball close to the ruck and finding touch at the end of their sets nicely running down the clock. This was a thoroughly entertaining game and a massive two league points for the Atoms.

Portrait Pools.com Men of the Match:
1. Mark Walker
2. Sean Weed
3. Dave McVernon

Heysham Atoms: Sean Weed, Jake Harrison, Stuart Lacey, Brett Ashley, Gavin Winder, Neil Walker, Billy Livingstone, Shane Weed, Mike Marrin, Chris Helme, Al Crookall, Keith Hartlebury, Mark Walker Res: Dave McVernon Liam Hall Andy Helme Steven Jackson