Flying start for Oldham

NETBALL: OLDHAM remain second in the Northern League after a 53-40 defeat of Gateshead.

The young team stormed into a 16-7 lead in the first quarter thanks to some excellent shooting from Charlotte Preston and Sarah Brennan (goal attack) and strong defence from centre Leanne Murphy, who claimed four interceptions.

Oldham, who introduced Kirsty Bloomfield in the second quarter, continued to dominate.

Spearheaded by captain Suzy Chapman, Oldham had carved out an emphatic 30-16 lead by half-time.

Gateshead improved in the third quarter, but they were still 44-28 adrift thanks to key interceptions from 17-year-old wing defence Khadeja Pemberton.

The North East outfit gave their all in the last quarter, but it was too little too late to peg back Oldham.


Under-14s double up
OLDHAM under-14s had to dig deep to get the better of Tameside 19-15 in the Premier Division of the Greater Manchester Junior League.

The game was played at a frantic pace as these National Club Championship rivals attempted to keep hold of their unbeaten records.

Leading 8-3 after the first quarter, Oldham rotated the team, which allowed Tameside to reduce the deficit.

The teams were matched goal-for-goal in the final quarter as Oldham maintained their four-point lead.

Victory completed a good weekend for the Oldham side, who made it five wins out of five in the Club Championship with a 52-32 defeat of Leyland.

The opening quarter ended all square at 6-6, but the switch of Hannah Scholes to centre from wing attack had an immediate impact.

Oldham won the quarter 15-9 and didn’t look back, with their superior fitness levels proving decisive.

One win from the remaining two games will see Oldham qualify for the finals weekend held in May.


THE Oldham Sport For All Centre, based at Oasis Academy, Hollinwood, is hosting netball sessions for primary school children up to seniors.
A senior league is being staged every Thursday and Sunday evening.

Anyone who wants take up the sport again can join a ‘back to netball’ session every Sunday (7pm).

For more information contact Justine@sportforallcentres.co.uk or call Oldham Sport for All Centre on (0161) 682 7278.