THE Heysham Atoms put last week's disappointment behind them and produced a performance that brought them their best victory of the season.

Their previous best showing was away at Leigh Miners with a team full of young, enthusiastic players and that again proved the basis for victory in this game as the youthful looking Atoms gained a valuable two points in their quest to maintain their status in Division Three.

Glazebury came with a big reputation having beaten the top two sides in the league already this season, and looking to maintain their promotion push from third position. They possess a big, solid side with very little to choose in stature between forwards and backs.

The Atoms' forwards took up the challenge and collectively produced their most damaging performance of the season. The physicality of the pack had gone up since last week and this laid an excellent foundation for victory.

The opening exchanges were all about Glazebury and the wealth of possession that they were enjoying. Knock-ons by the Atoms and a repeat set put severe pressure on the Atoms' try-line.

It was almost inevitable that this pressure would tell and, although Guy Richardson at full-back came up with a great try-saver, the Atoms couldn't keep out a 'scoop' down the blind side.

The conversion from the touchline gave Glazebury a 6-0 lead with 10 minutes gone but this was the last time that the Warrington outfit would cross the Atoms' line.

The next 70 minutes was all about the Atoms' determination not to yield anything and this attitude was prevalent right through all 17 players.

As the Atoms came more into the game, the more Neil Walker had an influence on his side's tactics. His kicking game was exceptional punishing Glazebury with deep, accurate kicks that meant the Atoms won the territorial battle which was so important.

Keith Hartlebury brought off a couple of important tackles and Shane Weed came to life showing how hard he is to put on the ground when he has a head of steam up.

A tricky high ball was claimed by Guy Richardson under the shadows of his own sticks setting off on a mazy run that got him past the first set of chasers.

This run continued over the halfway line and then it was a foot race with his opposite number.

Richardson completed the 90m race for the line with an outstanding try converted by Livingstone Junior. One final attack by Glazebury was thwarted until, on the last play of the half, Glazebury slotted over a field goal to give them a slender half-time lead of 7-6.

Josh O'Donnell and James Hesketh must have formed the youngest ever second row partnership in the Atoms' history totalling only 32 years between them.

This lack of experience did not detract their performance in any way as both stood up admirably to the task in front of them.

O'Donnell went close with a barn-storming run before the ball was transferred across to the right where another Atoms' 16-year-old was about to leave his mark.

Ben Dorrington cut between two defenders and had enough strength to force his way over the line. Billy Livingstone continued with his fine kicking with the boot giving the Atoms a five point cushion at 12-7.

The defensive effort of the team, but the forwards in particular, had to be at its best as Glazebury threw everything they knew into attack.

The Atoms' line held firm and complemented this with a good completion rate with ball in hand.

Mark Walker was at his dynamic best always getting his side on the front foot. Billy Livingstone got away on a 40-yard break and if the final pass to Helliwell on the wing had been more accurate, then a further Atoms' score would have been a formality.

However, it wasn't long before the Atoms increased their lead when Walker found Lithgow on the right wing. Normally a half-back, Lithgow showed great acceleration to beat the cover and give the Atoms their third try of the game.

Glazebury finished the game as they had started it with a monopoly of possession but they just couldn't find their way through an outstanding Atoms' defensive line.

Heysham Atoms: Richardson, Helliwell, B Livingstone, Dorrington, N Walker, Hartlebury, Weed, Helme (capt), Hall, O'Donnell, Hesketh, M Walker. Res: Harvey, Shaw, Lithgow, P Livingstone.

* THIS Saturday, the Heysham Atoms travel to play at Leigh East, kick-off 2.30pm.