Heysham Atoms' five match winning run was brought to an end by Eccleston Lions in the North West Counties Bowl.

Without free-scoring loose forward Russell Birkett, the Atoms never found their rhythm.

Despite that, they were in the lead for much of the game after an early opportunistic try from Winder.

Needless penalties and a little luck kept the Lions within striking distance of their visitors, though, and even after Garnett extended the lead more needless penalties once again gave the Lions encouragement.

A try to Eccleston hooker Jimmy Dyson was no less than the hosts deserved, and when the Atoms were penalised twice in succession due to inappropriate calls from the travelling support, the Atoms knew it wasn't to be their day.

And in the end Eccleston - whose team contained three graduates of Lancaster University - deserved their victory for their greater discipline.

Next up for the Atoms are two tough away fixtures starting with top of the table Ince Rose Bridge this weekend.