Bank storm to best win of the season

The Bank made the long journey to the sea side with a good team in hope of a positive outcome.

The many travelling supporters couldn't have wished for a better start when strong runs from Ryan Bates, debutant Jason Lee and Joe Hickey created enough momentum to allow Ste Curphey to throw a wide ball to Josh Simm. Simm took it at pace to draw the fullback and release the flying Welshman, Tom Roberts from 40 metres. The defence chased in vain. Matty Murphy converted.

The same three players were involved again when, straight from a scrum, Curphey fed Simm who drew his opposite centre and winger to release Roberts who crossed in the corner.

A lack of possession prevented any further scores until a huge hit from Simm dislodged the ball for Roberts to pounce on and run his hat-trick try in from 60 metres. Murphy added the extras.

With West Bank dominating possession now and strong driving from Shaun Blythin and Gregg Forbes, Daz Wilson's short pass put Kevin Gamble over from close to the line. The conversion from Murphy established a 22-0 lead midway through the half.

West Bank were looking set for a big win but the introduction of two enormous players by Heysham had an immediate effect and the space they started to created saw the home side run in two excellent scores of their own to close the half time score to 22-10.

Within seconds of the restart West Bank were down to 12 men and another score to the Atoms narrowed the gap even further and the destination of the two league points looked in severe jeopardy.

However the Bears took advantage of a slew of possession gifted to them by Heysham indiscipline for superb passing from Curphey and Matty Murphy to release Lee Holland to score in the corner. Heysham hit back again to be within a converted try from taking the lead but a lung busting run from Wilson, who hammered his way through the line from 30 metres, secured the win.

Ryan Bates was Man of the Match with Daz Wilson and Gregg Forbes also in fine form.