National tonic for youngsters

OLDHAM Netball Club’s junior section are on course for a national double.

The under-14s and under-16s sides are through to the national finals, which take place in Bath in May.

The younger age group qualified after a nail- biting 49-42 victory over arch rivals Tameside in the North-West semi-finals.

Trailing by a point after the opening quarter (10-9), Oldham also were also behind at half-time (20-19).

Chimna Ebizie was introduced at wing defence at half-time, but the local side continued to struggle to break down a resolute Tameside defence.

With the tie all-square at 32-32, there was everything to play for.

Oldham rediscovered their best form just at the right time, with Ebizie making two spectacular interceptions which were converted.

Goal shooter also got in on the act as Oldham won the last quarter 17-10.




OLDHAM under-16s were too good for Trafford in their North-West semi-final.



An emphatic 72-28 scoreline summed up Oldham’s superiority in the match, which they led 25-6 at the end of the first quarter.

They had used all 10 players by half-time, but there was no let-up (39-13).

Trafford were unable to counter Oldham’s fast and accurate passing. They were also powerless against England under-17s player Alice Travis.

More Oldham changes followed in the last two quarters as Oldham, featuring several great interceptions from Olivia Jarvis, swept to victory.

They will meet Tameside in the North-West final at Wright Robinson College on Saturday (1.30pm).




OLDHAM’S young Northern League side repelled a Tameside fightback to win 54-50.



Despite holding a 41-35 advantage at the end of the third quarter, Oldham had to dig deep against an experienced outfit.

Captain Suzy Chapman led by example, while Amber Hazelton and Olivia Jarvis made a number of vital interceptions.

Harriett Gill (goal attack) finished with shooting stats of 86-per-cent (32 from 37).