Title still in reach despite defeat

WHO WANTS IT? Oldham’s Maria McAndrew looks to pick a pass.

NETBALL:

OLDHAM Netball Club's National Premier League side lost for the second time this season - 62-47 to Roses rivals Leeds at Hathershaw College.

Oldham started slowly, finding it difficult to counteract the high feeds into Leeds 6ft 6in shooter Timmy Cato. Oldham’s shooters also struggled to find a way through the physical Leeds defence, but despite this matched Leeds goal for goal until the visitors edged ahead 16-12 in the last few minutes of the first quarter.

Changes worked for Oldham, with Armstrong doing a solid job on the giant shooter, allowing Oldham to claw it back to 17 each.

The Oldham shooters were beginning to find more space: solid feeds from Cobden and Maria McAndrew and cool shooting from Alice Travis and Kathryn Turner allowed Oldham to take the lead 29-26.

A change at the break saw Amy Clinton replace Travis. But Leeds stepped up a gear and proved too much as Oldham's play broke down. Leeds took the quarter 45-38.

Travis was brought back for the last quarter, but Oldham could not find their flow. Leeds kept their composure to complete a comprehensive win.