Heysham Atoms vs Open Age

Heysham Atoms

18

Open Age

10

Match report

The Panthers travelled north to Heysham this afternoon for their first pre-season friendly of the 2025 campaign, putting in a strong performance against higher-level opposition.

The first half was a tightly contested arm wrestle, with Chorley starting the game in dominant fashion. Their defensive efforts were outstanding, limiting Heysham to very few opportunities and forcing errors from the opposition. Alongside their resolute defence, the Panthers applied attacking pressure, keeping the Atoms pinned in their own half.

Their persistence eventually paid off when Nathan Groom crossed the line for a well-earned try, putting Chorley 4-0 ahead. The Panthers continued to control the game, spending much of the first period camped in Heysham’s half, but some determined goal-line defence from the hosts kept the score at 4-0 going into halftime.

Second Half Battle

Looking to build on their impressive first-half display, Chorley aimed to maintain a high completion rate and stay on top of the game. However, Heysham came out firing after the break, scoring an early try in the corner, which was successfully converted to take a 6-4 lead. The momentum remained with the hosts, as they crossed again soon after, extending their advantage to 10-4.

Despite the setback, the Panthers showed real character, regaining their attacking rhythm and pushing deep into Heysham’s territory. But once again, the Atoms’ defensive resilience held firm, and they managed to stretch their lead to 14-4.

Chorley refused to back down, displaying grit and determination to stay in the contest. Their perseverance was rewarded when Nathan Groom grabbed his second try of the game, with captain Sam Singleton adding the conversion to close the gap to 14-10.

With time running out and just a four-point margin, the Panthers threw everything at Heysham in search of a late winner. However, in the dying moments, the hosts broke through to score again, sealing an 18-10 victory.

Positives to Take Forward

Despite the result, it was a fantastic effort from the Panthers in their first pre-season fixture. Coaches Kaven Ellison and Alex Trumper will no doubt be pleased with the performance and the commitment shown by the squad.

A special mention goes to captain Sam Singleton, who made his 100th appearance for the club today. In that time, he has scored 75 tries and has been a crucial part of the Panthers' success. He now holds the honour of being the first-ever player to reach this milestone in black and white—a truly remarkable achievement!

The Panthers now turn their attention to their second and final pre-season match next Saturday, as they head north of the border to take on Glasgow Rugby League, before kicking off their league campaign on March 8th.

Images from the match can be found here

Pre-match words from head coach Kav:

It always comes around so quickly the start of the friendlies and season. We prepare well back in November & hit the ground running come December, but the end of February always hits us like that first carry off the back fence. Out of nowhere we’re into Captains runs, first aid kits to sort & kits to check. But we wouldn’t have it any other way.

We start 2025 off with another hit out against Heysham Atoms, which has now become an annual fixture & will be our 3rd one. We head up the M6 to King Georges Playing Fields, where Heysham now call home, full of enthusiasm & bursting to get started. What may be a friendly, is always an enjoyable encounter with Atoms taking the win in 2023 & the boys coming out on top this time last year.

Once again we welcome new faces to the ranks, some young & some old but every one of them has trained hard this preseason, especially this past few weeks when everything has seemed to click. But there’s only one way to find out if it truly has…