Late drama as Martin seals league success

OLDHAM NETBALL CLUB UNDER-15S . . . Alex Martin (left), Alisha Willey, Laura Mallinder, Millie Marsden, Kasmin Narnor, Rachel Diamond, Jess McDermott, Nell McKee, Kate Leddy, Ellie Williams, Jaya Krishna, Hannah Cusack, Keegan Rattigan, Eve Parker, Berrie Neil

A LAST-GASP goal from Alex Martin clinched Greater Manchester County League success on the last day of the season for Oldham Netball Club under-15s.

The top-of-the-table clash against Bury was all-square when Martin kept her cool with a penalty shot to seal a thrilling 47-46 victory.

The winner-takes-all encounter saw both sides defending 100-per-cent records after six games.

Oldham edged the first quarter 14-13, with scoring predominately going to the team holding the centre pass.

Defences were on top in the second quarter as the scoring tempo slowed a little.

At 22-21, there was everything to play for in the second half.

Oldham found themselves on the back foot for the first time in the third quarter as Bury took a two-point lead at 36-34.

Calming words from the head coach Pam Hazelton ensured the Oldham players went into the final quarter knowing exactly what needed to be done.

The game continued goal-for-goal with each centre, until Bury profited from a couple of loose passes to open-up a four-goal lead with five minutes to go.

Oldham were not done for, though, as the partnership of Berri Neal and Martin began to dominate in the shooting circle.

Steeling the ball from Bury, the red and blues managed to retake the lead at 44-43. With each passing second the intensity of the game increased.

Bury draw level at 46-46 with 20 seconds left and the opposition thought they had done their job to secure a draw, but Oldham had other ideas as Martin found the net in dramatic fashion.

Shooting stats: Alex Martin 30-33 - 91-per-cent; Berri Neal 17-20 - 85-per-cent

Squad: Millie Marsden, Keegan Rattigan, Jess McDermott, Nell McKee, Laura Mallinder, Rachel Diamond, Kate Leddy, Kasmin Narnor, Berri Neal, Alex Martin.

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