Oldham trio on target for glory

INTERNATIONAL CLASS: (left to right): Gabriella Marshall, Amy Clinton and Iona Darroch.

THREE members of Oldham Netball Club are hoping to propel England to World Youth Cup glory this summer.

Amy Clinton (19), Gabriella Marshall (21) and Iona Darroch (19) are among the 12 chosen to represent their country in the multi-nation tournament in Botswana.

It's a real feather in the cap for the Oldham club.

All three have been key members of red and blues' title-winning Premier League squad recently, and playing alongside experienced Superleague players such as Kerry Almond, Emma Dovey and Kathryn Turner they have flourished.

Oldham Coach Debbie Hallas said: "It is a proud moment for our club.

"Amy and Gabby started here from a young age and have worked hard over years for this opportunity.

"The club wish them all the best of luck in going for the gold medal."

Clinton and Marshall - the latter who hails from Stockport and is the England vice-captain - are also key members of Superleague side Manchester Thunder. At the same level, Darroch, from Handsforth, is making a name for herself at Severn Stars.

Clinton, from Royton was a member of England's 'Road to Botswana' squad, which recently played matches against Superleague sides Bath, Severn Stars and international team Northern Ireland.

"Amy visited Botswana three years ago to start the preparation for the World Youth Cup, in the hope that it would lead to this," said mum, Jess.

"It's why she took a year out of her education. This was her goal and it has paid off."

Clinton can play goal shooter or goal attack, Marshall's position is at centre or wing defence, while Darroch is a centre, or wing attack.

The squad will get together on the conclusion of the Superleague season for three, three-day camps, before flying out to South Africa on July 1 to acclimatise. The tournament starts on July 8.

Twenty nations are taking part. They have been split into four groups of five, with England facing Trinidad and Tobago, Wales, Grenada and Fiji in Pool 'D'.