Oldham preserve proud record

HOCKEY: OLDHAM Hockey Club’s first team completed an unbeaten season in Manchester League Division One with a convincing 5-1 victory at bottom club Bolton.

They trailed to an an early goal, but regained their composure with Louise Howard slipping a pass for Karen Rowley to equalise.

The prolific Rowley struck twice more before half-time to complete her hat-trick and, after Oldham dominated most of the second half, they were rewarded with a fourth goal from Laura Rice.

This win brought an end to Oldham’s season which saw them crowned champions, six points clear of their nearest rivals.

They will spend next season in the notoriously-difficult Premier Division.

Meanwhile, Oldham’s second team boosted their Division One survival bid with a 0-0 draw at Didsbury.

Defender Nerys Evans was Oldham’s stand-out player in this stalemate which gave her team their first point since October and means that a win or draw in their last match against fellow strugglers Glossop will see them avoid relegation.

The third team finished sixth in Division Three following their final-game 1-0 win at bottom-of-the-table Tameside.

Despite the efforts of the outstanding Katie Sullivan, Oldham looked to be heading for a 0-0 draw until, with 40 seconds remaining, Christine Holman found the back of the net.