Oldham hold on to national title

DELIGHTED: Players and staff of Oldham under-14s pose with the trophy. It’s been a memorable season for Mike Greenwood (back row, left), Alice Marshall, Lynda Onuoha, Alice Travis, Ellie Owen, Natalie Hulme, Chloe Gregory, Jessica Illingworth, Siobhan McLaughlin, Jackie Reid, Pam Hazelton. Charlotte Spence (front row, left), Gabriella Marshall, Jessica Whitworth, Laura Kelly.

OLDHAM held their nerve - and their title - at the under-14 netball National Club Championships.

The top 18 teams from nine regions battled it out at the Sugden Centre in Manchester.

Oldham arrived at the tournament not only as holders, but also Greater Manchester and North West regional champions, undefeated throughout the season.

After overcoming Northants JM 22-1, CD Phoenix 18-6 and Turnford 15-9, the group stage was completed by a 24-9 dismissal of Fenton Manor and a 21-7 victory at the expense of Telstars.

The next stage brought a tighter affair against Leeds Carnegie but a strong second half display saw Oldham prevail 19-7.

A 19-10 triumph against Parkside set up a final showdown with Turnford, one of their group opponents.

In an attacking performance, Oldham held on to their title courtesy of an 18-10 win.