Atoms split apart by superb Higgy

RUGBY LEAGUE: HIGGINSHAW put on a stunning nine-try show to see off visiting Heysham Atoms 50-18 in front of a large crowd at Oldham Edge.

Man-of-the-match David Sweeney registered two tries, John Mitchell kicked seven goals and crossed for a pair of his own and Callum Deakin also touched down.

Dominating from the off, Higgy didn't let their opponents settle and after Deakin had made a half-break, Mitchel went over and converted before sending in Gareth Brindley on an angled run for a try he again improved midway through the opening half.

Home winger Jack Hughes was close after a superb five-man move, only to be pulled back for an earlier forward pass.

Gary Walsh, Steve Perry and Gareth Franklin were in top form as Higgy's defence shut out the Heysham threat and when Perry went over out wide, the home team held a 16-0 lead at the interval.

Higgy were warming to their task and playing some of their best rugby in years.

Sweeney scored another try which Mitchell goaled from the touchline, and prop Michael Smith burst the line and made 30 yards before releasing Paul Turner for a show-and-go under the posts.

Mitchell's boot made the score 28-0 and there were further scores from Deakin and Mitchell, the latter converting both for a 40-0 lead, before Heysham bagged their first try of the game.

Sweeney was next over and Smith followed after that, Mitchell bringing up the half-century mark before a pair of late Heysham tries.