THE Heysham Atoms have had quite a busy 'off' season after finishing their season relatively early at the beginning of April.
A junior rugby camp held on five Thursdays in the month of May was a huge success introducing upwards of 30 boys between the ages of 11-15 to rugby league.
Although the Atoms finished mid-table, this was seen as a very successful season with impro
vements being made continually throughout the season.
Australian Scott Saddler took over the role of head coach and, although it took a while for his processes to become second nature, once it did, the team were able to compete with anyone in the division.
After two very intense warm-up games, the Atoms were very confident about the season ahead but a 26-0 home defeat to Dalton gave everyone a reminder of how competitive Division Three can be.
It wasn't till the eighth Saturday of the season that they got their first victory away at Waterhead in Oldham.
But from then on, they were a match for anyone with victories against Leigh Miners and Glazebury being the highlights.
Mark Walker was adjudged to be the player of the season for the whole of Division Three, which was an outstanding achievement for a mid-table side.
The end of May brought the end of season presentation with Dave Crow hosting the evening with Scott Saddler presenting the trophies.
A big thank-you was given to outgoing captain Gary Lithgow who is moving back to his native Cumbria. Such a quality player will be hard to replace.
The beginning of June was the start of pre-season training giving the Atoms a 12-week programme to hone their skills before their first competitive game on the first Saturday in September.
Head coach Scott Saddler leaves the club to go back to Australia in August so the Atoms have wasted no time in restructuring their coaching set-up.
Dave Crow will be the head of coaching with Randal Raines, Andy Helme, Chris Needham and the returning Paul Dorrington as his assistants.
The training sessions have been tough and varied and not just held at Trimpell. There have been trips to Morecambe sands, the Barrows at Heysham and Williamson's Park.
Training is 6.45-8.15pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and any players new or old will be made most welcome. More information from Dave Crow (07966 322864) or Andy Helme (07917 011172).
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