Youngsters hit ground running in Nationals bid

NETBALL:

OLDHAM Netball Club’s junior sides began their quest to reach the National Championship finals with a pair of resounding victories.

The under-14s took on Wilmslow and won comfortably, 73-26. An impressive first-quarter effort set the tone and left Oldham 21-6 up. Further dominance followed, with girl-of-the-match Rebecca Hope, Hannah Robinson and Danielle Parrott providing the ammunition for shooters Amy Clinton and Rhianna Egan.

The under-15s enjoyed an even more emphatic triumph, demolishing Stockport 85-16. Under the guidance of Pam Hazleton and Jackie Reid, the girls flew out of the blocks at a pace their opponents could not deal with.

Goal shooter Amy Clinton clinically dispatched her attempts to build the lead and wing defence Ellie Wright was particularly effective at stifling Stockport's progress.

Only five goals were conceded by Oldham in the first half, allowing plenty of squad rotation thereafter in what was the team’s highest score in a national match.

Oldham’s victories were dedicated to former coach Mike Greenwood, whose funeral was held on Friday