Heysham Atoms 40 pts

Vs

Ulverston 30 pts

Kukri North West Counties Division 3

The Heysham Atoms continued their good form from last week beating Ulverston in a 70 point thriller at the Trimpell ground.  Although losing 3 of their backs before kick off the Atoms still had enough in their attacking style of play to register eight tries which pushes them further away from the foot of the table.  Two milestones were reached during the game with front rowers Chris Helme 100 games and Mike Marrin 50 games leading out the side.

As with last week it was vitally important to start well and the Atoms hit the ground running scoring 3 tries in the opening 15 minutes opening up a 14 nil lead.  The impressive Billy Livingstone scored from interception pass, Mike Marrin scored from a kick and chase and winger Gavin Winder was on the end of a flowing handling move finishing off in the right hand corner one of which was converted.

After such a fantastic start to the contest it was a little bit dissapointing for the Atoms as they went off the boil just as quickly conceding 3 tries in this see-saw contest surrendering the lead for the only time in the gameat 16-14.  The main reason for this was a lack of discipline, especially around the rucks, being heavily penilised and therefor losing out in the territory stakes. 

Jim Hamilton made a welcome return to the side after an elbow dislocation has kept him out since the pre season friendly back in August.  He slotted in nicely to a dominant looking pack that also saw Rob Shaw playing his first game in 2010.  Mark Walker was always a threat with ball in hand and it was no surprise that he wrestled the inititive back to the Atoms as he powered over the line for the Atoms fourth try of the afternoon.  You could not take you eyes off the action for a minute and Ulverston took advantage of another penalty awarded to them by crashing over and bringing the scores level at 20 all at the break.

It was felt that if the Atoms could get on the right side of the penalty count and control the ball better then they would have every chance of picking up 2 points for the second succesive week.  As in the first half the Atoms got into their pattern of play the quicker with Mark Walker showing what a vital cog he is in the Atoms wheel scoring his second on the back of a Livingstone kick and chase. 

One of the finds of the season so far has been the versatile Al Crookall who has starred in a number of positions.  He got on the end of sharp handling move finishing off the move in style for his second try of the season.  As in the first period of play Ulverston were not going to be shaken off easily and a period of sustained pressure on the Atoms line brought the scores level with 2 well taken tries. 

At 30 all entering the final 10 minutes it was the Atoms who found a reason to win the game showing how determined they were to get the 2 vital league points.  It was fitting the Atoms two most influential players took the Heysham side over the winning line.  After good work from the Weed brothers Livingstone found a gap to bring the lead back to the Atoms and then Walker compleated his hat-trick as this epic game was brought to its conclussion.

Portrait Pools.com Men of the Match:
1. Mark Walker
2. Stuart Lacey
3. Liam Hall

Heysham Atoms:Sean Weed Gavin Winder Stuart Lacey Al Crookall Steven Jackson Billy Livingstone Keith Hartlebury Chris Helme Mike Marrin Shane Weed Callum Hall Rob Shaw Mark Walker Liam Hall Dave McVernon Jim Hamilton Graham Lacey