Heysham Atoms 8 points
vs
Widnes West Bank 42 points
North West Counties Division 3

The Atoms have only played twice in the last eight weeks and it showed against a West Bank side that are riding high in second place in the league having turned over leaders Woolston since Christmas. The Atoms side looked a little lightweight with no fewer than 5 front rowers not availiable to travel and with only one forward replacement on the bench. This meant that Shane Weed, Chris Helme and Lee Harvey were asked to do more than their usual workload against the strongest pack in the league.

The Atoms began the game in confident fashion and although not making too much headway they were able to complete their sets and get some kicks away down field. They were awarded their first penalty on half way after 6 minutes and an unforced error on the second play turned over easy possesion to West Bank. The Widnes side were quick out of the blocks to take advantage spotting an overlap down the Atoms left wing. The numbers didnt add up for the Atoms and West Bank posted their first try of the contest.

The Atoms found themselves 12 nil down on the fifteen minute mark after good fortune favoured West Bank as Jake Harrison had the ball reefed from his grasp under his own posts when there appeared to be two defenders in attendance. The try stood which seriously affected the Atoms confidence and the body language was a give away as to the mentality of the side. The Atoms attacks were all too predictable which was read easily by an enthusiastic Widnes defence. The Atoms runners were losing out in the wrestle as West Bank got numbers into the tackle which was playing into their hands. The Atoms conceeded a goal line drop out far too easily for comfort and a smart set of hands gave West Bank thier third try of the contest. Two more tries were scored before the break in a one sided first half which was one to definatly forget for the Atoms.

Half Time 0 : 28 to West Bank

If the Atoms were to get anything out of this game then the enthusiasm and tactical awareness had to improve ten fold. Thankfully there was a shift and the second half was a lot more even affair with the Atoms only losing this period by 14 points to 8. Coach for the day Andy Helme made four key positional changes which gave the side a better balance. The classy Sean Weed was now seeing more of the ball in the full back position and with good footwork always made good progress forward. Keith Hartlebury in his 250th game slotted neatly into the loose forward role leaving Mark Walker to help out in the front row were his work rate in both disciplines caught the eye.

The second row pairing now was Callum Hall and Al Crookall who never stopped running for their team. The Atoms conceeded 2 tries one on either wing showing how expansive the Widnes outfit were now approaching the game. Billy Livingstones move to the centres seemed to free up his attacking ability and his offload in the tackle put his winger - Jake Harrison - away into space with a 50 yard run to the line. Wingers thrieve on these oppertunities and he finished in style showing a clean pair of heels on his way to the line.

The final quarter was closest part of the game as the Atoms tried everything in their armoury to try and get over the line again. Playing with width and some invention the Atoms looked a different side and an inside pass from Neil Walker put brother Mark Walker into a gap. He set off on the direct route to the line taking on the fullback and running over the top of him but this just checked his momentum enough for the winger to catch him with the line in his sight. He showed great awareness and good skill to offload to the supporting Billy Livingstone who finished off the move for his seventh try of the season. The Atoms finshed the game on a high something they will have to maintain as they face another tough away trip next week to Mossbank Bulldogs of St. Helens.

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

Heysham Atoms:Sean Weed, Gavin Winder, Stuart Lacey, Callum Hall, Jake Harrison, Neil Walker, Billy Livingstone, Shane Weed, Mike Marrin, Chris Helme, Al Crookall, Keith Hartlebury, Mark Walker RES: Andy Helme, Lee Harvey, Steven Jackson