Erratic shooting proves costly

NETBALL: MISSING a clutch of Superleague players on Northern Thunder duty, Oldham succumbed to a 40-37 defeat in the Premier League.

The visitors took time to settle and it was the White Rose outfit who made the early running.

But Oldham goalkeeper Jodie Gibson was in no mood to watch Leeds dictate play and she came up with several crucial interceptions to help her side back into the game.

Such was the turnaround in fortunes, Oldham ended the first quarter 10-8 in front.

Gemma McDermott made her Premier League debut for Oldham at goal defence and did not disappoint.

Throughout the first half she had the Leeds goal attack, Rachel Shaw, in her pocket, taking the ball off her on several occasions.

It was the other end of the court where Oldham were struggling. The Leeds defence were on top and, after wasting a series of vital shots, they lost the second quarter 11-6.

Oldham came out firing for the second half.

Centre Laura Malcolm was all over the court and looked on a mission to win the game on her own.

But Leeds took a technical time-out and moved their goal shooter to goal attack.

Oldham’s challenge fell apart. Struggling in attack, they gave the ball away far too easily as Leeds took the quarter 15-11.

It was still all to play for and, when Oldham narrowed the gap to a couple of goals, they were in with a chance of victory. But erratic shooting let them down and, despite winning the quarter 11-6, they were unable to nose ahead of Leeds.

Oldham travel to Bath next week in their penultimate game of the Premier League season.