Heysham Atoms 46-20 Ashton Bears

Matty Short comes under pressure from the Ashton Bears defence. Picture: Lauren Helme

The home team started strongly and were soon putting pressure on the Bears line.

The first score came when Liam Hall propelled himself through two defenders to give his side an early lead.

The Premier League debutants were punished from the next kick-off when the ball found the floor only for Ashton to recover possession and score their first of the game.

The frantic opening continued with the Atoms going back on the attack after forcing a number of errors in the Bears half.

Hall was able to offload in the tackle to winger Jack Lawton who skilfully finished in the right-hand corner.

The Atoms then had the confidence to back their passing game in their own quarter as Jack Edmondson broke away, his speed taking him all the way for an impressive score.

Micheal Forrest added the extras for the second time before having to leave the field with a thigh injury.

Heysham were now on a roll and Billy Livingstone forced his way over from close range before the Wigan side broke through the defence to give the Atoms a scare before half-time.

The visitors started the second half as they ended the first with their strong running prop putting them in sight of the Atoms line.

The ball was moved quickly to the left as the winger scored in the corner.

Heysham posted a quick reply to halt the Bears’ momentum when full back Jamie Cottle chipped ahead before posting a sixth try in six games this season.

The home team couldn’t quite shake off the Wigan side however, as Ashton’s stand off brought them back within eight, scoring to the right of the posts.

Cottle then broke from inside his own half and quickly transferred to Edmondson who finished for his second of the match.

The Atoms finally put themselves in to a commanding lead after hooker and man of the match Matty Humpage rounded the opposition full back.

Heysham ended any chance of a fightback taking advantage of a penalty as Jake Harrison was put through a gap to score.

The victory was rounded off with a final try from Al Crookall in the next set of six as Livingstone finished the scoring with his third successful conversion.

The Atoms will hope for a repeat performance in their next fixture away to Wigan St Cuthberts in the North West Men’s Cup Second Round.