Experience crucial

WITHOUT influential defender Jess Dale - a late withdrawal due to illness - Oldham slipped to a 61-48 loss against unbeaten Chester in the North-West Premier League.

Chester featured Alex Lodge and Amanda Evans, both formerly of Manchester Thunder, and ex-Surrey Storm centre Sophie Morgan in their squad.

And they meant business from the start, scoring seven unanswered goals.

Oldham shooter Amy Clinton boasted a 100-per-cent record in the first quarter and her side converted 75-per-cent of turnovers into goals, but they trailed 18-8 at the first break.

Oldham introduced Amy Neild at goal attack, Amber Hazelton at goal defence and Kate Smith moved to goal keeper for the second quarter.

They were unable to cut out errors, although Amber Hazelton made an impact by constantly pressurising Chester’s goal attack.

Oldham, with Ebby Danson-Chappell introduced for her speed at wing attack, played with more consistency in the third quarter. Oldham reduced the deficit to 42-36.

In the final quarter, Charlotte Spence came on at wing defence for her first game of the season and she started spectacularly with a flying interception. But Oldham - whose average age on court was 17 - tired late on and Chester were able to forge clear.