First quarter costly for Oldham

NETBALL: WITH a depleted squad of eight players, Oldham completed their Northern League season with a 61-44 defeat at Northwich Sapphires.

The damage was done in the opening quarter, with stray passes and a lack of communication resulting in a 19-8 deficit.

A change in the defence — Amber Hazelton and Megan Tann swapped to goalkeeper and goal defence

respectively and Becky Gregory coming on at wing defence — stemmed the flow of Northwich goals.

Oldham’s centre court players had more confidence and feeds into the shooting circle were more frequent.

Sarah Brennan netted seven from eight attempts, helping Oldham to draw the quarter 13-13 for a 32-21 half-way scoreline.

After another switch involving the centre court players, Oldham initially seemed to lose momentum in the third quarter.

However, Gregory’s strong presence in the centre position saw her take three key interceptions.

Oldham were untouchable during some excellent patches with fast, sharp play from the attack.

Trailing 47-32 with one 15-minute spell to go, Oldham emerged with all guns blazing and matched the home side goal-for-goal, but Northwich’s lead was too great.

Megan Tann had an outstanding game at goal defence, making a number of interceptions, while the team can take credit for the way they stuck to their task.


Draw blow for College
OLDHAM College’s netball side saw their title bid fall short after a 19-19 draw with Ashton-on-Mersey.

The North-West Colleges Central Conference outfit finished in second spot with a haul of 29 points — three fewer than champions Winstanley (Wigan).

Baines (Blackpool), currently third, have one fixture remaining, and victory would see them leapfrog Sheila Ryan’s team into the runners-up position.

John Wildbore, further education sports co-ordinator at Oldham College, said: “The draw away at Ashton-on-Mersey was a bit of a blow. Some of the players felt a few umpire decisions unfairly went against them.

“But it should not take anything away from the fact that they have had a great season.

“In the seven matches played, we won five, drew one and lost just one, which was against Baines.”