Charlotte makes instant impact

NETBALL: OLDHAM’s Northern League side were right on their ‘A’ game in an empathic 61-41 defeat of Deeside at Hathershaw Sports Centre.

The visitors boasted two ex-Northern Thunder regulars in Bev Lovatt and Amanda Evans, but it was Oldham who started the stronger and 15-year-old debutant Charlotte Preston showed early promise by combining with fellow shooter Sarah Brennan.

Oldham’s feeders quickly found their range and utilised Preston’s height and positioning to nose ahead 16-12 at the first break.

Deeside came out fired up for the second quarter, but the defence of Gemma McDermott, Debbie Hallas and Becky Smith held firm.

The North Wales outfit lost their goal attack to injury, and Oldham took advantage to open up a 31-23 lead at half-time.

The hosts made several changes in the third quarter, with youngsters Kirsty Bloomfield and Khadeja Pemberton gaining valuable experience, but the points continued to flow.

Player of the match Preston scored 10 out of 10 in the final quarter, for a 41 out of 55 total.