Oldham remain a work in progress

KATHRYN TURNER . . . star show

OLDHAM Netball Club returned from Oaksway in Hartlepool with five, hard-earned National Premier League points after securing a 55-41 success.

The defensive pairing of Kerry Almond and Emma Dovey started strongly, and a number of intercepts, taken speedily through to goal, saw the visitors move into an early four-goal lead.

This didn't last long, though, as Oaksway found their way back with some great goals from their tall shooter Georgia Rowe.

With a 16-11 lead at the first break, Oldham looked to kick on.

Solid in defence, with Taylor Cullen and Gabs Marshall also pitching in with some great intercepts, Oldham dominated with their through-the-court breathtaking play.

LINKING

Maria McAndrew ran the centre court, linking well with player-of-the-match Kathryn Turner and Krista Enziano. Both shooters had found their range and scored 20 goals between them. Oaksway could find no answer, as Oldham won the quarter 20-9 and took a healthy 16-goal lead into the half time interval.

Oldham coach Debbie Hallas made changes, with Lucy Stevenson, Abby Tyrrell and Iona Darroch replacing Enziano, Dovey and McAndrew, respectively.

This disrupted the flow, with Oldham losing momentum and claiming the quarter by just one goal for a 47-30 advantage.

Enziano, Dovey and McAndrew returned for the final quarter and Oldham took the first two goals.

After five minutes a time-out was called for a minor injury to Turner, who was replaced at goal attack by Stevenson.

Oldham couldn't get into their stride and continuously failed to take the ball though to goal. Oaksway won the quarter 11-8.

Hallas said: "We are still struggling with a lack of consistency through games.

"We played some of our best netball all season in the second quarter, but we need to start better and continue to hold form all through the game.

"Sometimes it is hard when you get a good lead as it can lead to complacency, with a few tweaks here and there we can improve."

'PERSONNEL'

She added: "We are still a young squad and need to learn to adapt better to changes in personnel. However, these young players are gaining more experience and it will stand them in good stead as we grow through the season."

Starting seven: GS Enziano, GA Turner, WA McAndrew, C Marshall, WD Cullen, GD-Dovey, GK Almond. Subs: Darroch, Tyrrell, Stevenson.

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