Year ends with resounding victory

OLDHAM Netball Club’s North-West Premier League side brought down the curtain on 2014 with an emphatic 82-29 victory over Tameside.

Mistakes were made in the opening quarter, but a strong defensive show from Victoria Austin and great feeds into the circle by Amy Neild saw Oldham lead 17-19 at the first break.

Rachael Taylor replaced centre Rebecca Hope, who had just come back from injury, in the second quarter, during which Amy Clinton found the net for fun.

Oldham managed 20 goals in the lead up to half-time for a 37-13 advantage.

Neild started the third quarter on fire. She created space, made excellent drives and released some superb balls into the circle.

With short, sharp passing, Oldham pulled away convincingly and were 58-22 to the good by the end of the quarter.

Despite holding a big lead, Oldham were determined to keep their foot on the gas and at one stage in the final period scored nine unanswered goals.

Coach Suzy Chapman said: “The focus going into this game was to work as a team and and they did that.

“I couldn’t have been more pleased with the performance.

“There was some impressive displays, particularly from Amy Neild, Victoria Austin and Amy Clinton, who scored 75 out of her 80 attempts.”

Starting seven: GS Amy Clinton, GA Sarah Brennan, WA Amy Neild, C Rebecca Hope, WD Victoria Austin, GD Taylor Cullen, GK Jess Dale. Subs: Rachael Taylor, Abigail Tyrell, Susie Armstrong.