Glory girls!

SMILES ALL ROUND: Oldham Netball Club under-16s celebrate national honours.

Under-16s scoop national title NETBALL: OLDHAM Netball Club’s under-16s are a cut above the rest.

The talented crop of teenagers lifted the national title for their age group at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield after a 38-26 defeat of local rivals Tameside.

The club’s success in the Steel City was their 39th on the national stage — and they will be looking to reach 40 when the under-14s go for glory in Loughborough this weekend.

Coached by Pam Hazelton and Jackie Reid, the under-16s dispatched Turnford (Hertfordshire) 30-13, Leeds 38-29 and Charnwood Sapphires (29-13) to qualify for the second day of competition.

Day two saw Oldham defeat Telstars (Kent) 37-23 and Saints (Cornwall) 45-27 to clinch a place in the national final — the club’s 47th in their history.

Up against Tameside, who were also unbeaten, Oldham were favourites to claim the coveted title having beaten their opponents in the regional league earlier in the season.

A rapid start saw Oldham record two turnovers to open up a 5-1 advantage, taking the first quarter 11-6.

They stretched their advantage to 21-15 at the break, before pulling further clear at 29-21 with the final quarter remaining.

There was still no let up from Oldham, who were 12 goals to the good at the final whistle.

Team manager Mike Greenwood junior said: “I am absolutely delighted with our performance over the weekend.

“Pam Hazelton and Jackie Reid have put in a lot of hard work into these girls over the last month or so and it showed on court. It was a true all-round team effort.”