Title is in sight for table-toppers

ON GOAL . . . Oldham's player of the match Krista Enziano

DESPITE a slow start, Oldham Netball Club were comfortable 58-40 winners in the top-of-the-table clash at home to London team New Cambell, edging closer to regaining the Premier League title.

It was all to play for with Oldham holding pole position and the visitors hot on their tails.

However, the start was littered with unforced errors from Oldham, but New Cambell also made mistakes and the low-scoring quarter ended with a slender 10-9 lead for the hosts, thanks mainly to a solid performance from Kerry Almond in defence, with an impressive four turnovers.

Coach Debbie Hallas introduced Amelia Hall to wing attack, moved Maria McAndrew to centre and Gabs Marshall to wing defence and as a result Oldham scored three quick goals.

However, New Cambell replied with three and the quarter was going goal for goal. At 20-19 Oldham began to slip through the gears with some excellent through-court play, stemming from Emma Dovey and Gabs Marshall in defence, through to Maria McAndrew and Amelia Hall, which provided shooters, Kathryn Turner and Krista Enziano with more opportunities. The latter found her range with her trademark long bombs to give Oldham a 28-20 lead at half-time and earned her the player of the match award.

Amy Clinton replaced Enziano going into the third quarter and Oldham continued to build on their lead. After a nervy start, the youngster soon to the New Cambell defence physicality and the quarter ended with Oldham 41-31 ahead.

Sensing the game was out of reach, New Cambell replaced their influential shooter, Lynsey Armitage, and Oldham increased their lead with several runs of unanswered goals.

A time-out called by Kathryn Turner, gave Hallas the opportunity to shuffle the pack. Enziano returned to goal shooter with Clinton moving to goal attack. Amy Neild became wing attack and Amelia Hall moved to centre. The changes slowed Oldham's progress, but they were well pleased with the victory and another five points.

Coach Hallas said: "I was disappointed with our start, however, Amelia Hall came on in the second quarter and changed the game for us.

"Once we eradicated the unforced errors and started to move through the gears we played some great netball. Kerry Almond deserves a mention to for a strong performance against Cambell's most influential player.

"Now we need two wins from our last five games to regain the title."

Team: GS Enziano, GA Turner, WA McAndrew, C Marshall, WD Tyrell, GD Dovey, GK Almond. Subs: Clinton, Hall, Neild

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