Shooting stars inspire Oldham

OLDHAM Netball clinched a much-needed 50-38 win, only their second of the season, over Leyton to go fifth in the National League Premier League.

The pace was frenetic in the early stages of the match at Hathershaw Sports Centre, with the East London outfit forcing the home side into a series of errors.

But with goal attack Alexa Collier scoring eight from nine attempts and goal defence Emma Dovey making six interceptions, Oldham led 10-7 at the end of the first quarter.

Leyton introduced former England captain Fiona Murtagh and she made an instant impact by tightening up the centre court.

Oldham goal shooter Karen Greig came into her own after a quiet start, scoring nine from 10 attempts to help Oldham build up a six-goal lead at the half-way point.

Leyton refused to throw in the towel and, influenced by Murtagh, pushed Oldham all the way.

The hosts’ shooting stats were impressive, though, with Kathryn Turner and Greig scoring 14 from 15 attempts between them.

With Oldham shading the quarter 14-13, coach Mike Greenwood opted against make changes at this crucial stage.

And Oldham’s fitness told in the final quarter as they started to ease away with bursts of brilliance.

Oldham hit the road this weekend with a long trip to Southampton to play Bournemouth 7’s Blades.

Squad: K Almond, E Dovey, D Hallas, L Malcolm, R Taylor, A Collier, K Greig, K Turner, K Enziano, M McAndrew, S Chapman.