Oldham warm to the task

NETBALL: OLDHAM Netball Club consolidated its position at the top of the Premier League table with a convincing 50-35 win at Team Bath.

Team Bath had a strong seven, filled with NSL players; Oldham welcomed back Jodie Gibson for the first time since an Achilles injury last June.

While the opening quarter ended all-square at 10-10, the second period was all Oldham.

Emma Dovey and Gabby Marshall entered the fray, with Gibson and Maria McAndrew taking a rest and Rachel Henry moving to WA.

As a consequence, Oldham were free-flowing in attack and the defence was quick to close down the Bath shooters.

Kathryn Turner took control in the shooting circle, while Georgie Webster tied up the Bath wing attack, restricting her play and allowing the Oldham defence to turn over a lot more ball, which the shooters duly converted.

Leading 23-17 at half-time, Krista Enziano replaced Alice Travis at goal shooter, and she made an immediate impact.

Oldham had increased their lead by two (35-27) going into the final quarter, for which player-of-the-match Webster replaced Gibson, who had made a good impression on her return.

Class told in the end, with Oldham’s skill and team play showing through.