Oldham count cost of late miss
Date published: 01 December 2010
Photo: Chris Sunderland
IN THE THICK OF THE ACTION . . . Oldham’s Maria McAndrew attempts to win a centre court battle.
NETBALL: OLDHAM slipped to a 49-47 defeat against Essex-based Academy, who snatched the spoils in this Netball Premier League clash at Hathershaw Sports Centre.
The match was all-square with two minutes to go, but a crucial miss from the home side handed the advantage to the reigning champions.
It was always going to be a physical encounter against Academy, who boasted a court-full of Superleague players, including ex-England captain Amanda Newton.
Defender Newton started in the unfamiliar role of goal attack, but her experience and calmness on the ball was apparent from the start.
Oldham struggled to cope with the Academy’s physical approach, until Karen Greig slipped into top gear.
The former international took the game by the scruff of the neck and kept the home side in contention by scoring 10 goals from 11 attempts as the first quarter ended level at 15-15.
Oldham came out with all guns blazing, with goalkeeper Kerry Almond claiming three interceptions in a row and commanding the Academy shooting circle.
Wing defence Rachael Taylor’s tight marking forced the away side into mistakes and Oldham were 27-22 in front at half-time.
After a making a couple of changes, Academy crept their way back into the game in the third quarter and forced Oldham into several errors.
Oldham’s shooters also had a wobble as they missed six shots.
Academy were given far too much room in their attacking phases and took the quarter 12-11.
It was still anybody’s game with only four goals between the sides (38-34).
Emma Dovey did her best to stem the attacks of the Essex outfit, turning the ball over three times and centre Laura Malcolm never stopped running and competing in a fiery centre court.
However, Academy stepped up another gear with some fast moves down the court and putting away chances.
Crucially, Oldham failed to hit the target with moments to go, and Academy fired the ball back down the court to nose ahead.
Academy were not done with, and for the first time in the match they went two goals up to clinch victory.
OLDHAM visit Bath this weekend, hoping to avenge the defeat they suffered at the start of the season.
