At the double
Date published: 29 June 2011
MILES OF SMILES... Oldham Netball Club were a happy bunch after victory for the under-12s (left) at the Brean Sands competition in Somerset
NETBALL: OLDHAM Netball Club had two reasons to celebrate at the Brean Sands tournament in Somerset.
The under-12s were unbeaten throughout the competition to walk away with the title, conceding just 13 points in as many games.
And the under-13s kept their composure in a tense final to retain the trophy.
After a 12-game unbeaten run through the group matches and qualifiers, Oldham’s younger age side faced Poole in the quest for silverware.
The final saw centre Morgan Evans and Jasmine Newell (wing attack) link up well with Amelia Hall (goal attack) and Lucy Stevenson (goal shooter).
At the other end, defensive trio of Bayley Whittaker (wing defence) Neve Pollit (goal defence) and Ellie Fitzhugh (goal keeper) limited Poole possession.
Oldham were in control at half-time — they were 4-1 in front — before eventually sealing a 7-2 win.
The under-13s were equally as impressive, winning all eight games with ease on day one and another six on day two.
Fast passing from Rebecca Hope, Bryony Rhodes and Rhianna Egan to 6ft shooter Amy Clinton and constant turnovers from defenders Jess Dale, Abby Tyrrell, Hannah Robinson, Helen Schofield and Danielle Parrotts booked Oldham’s place in the last eight.
They cruised through the to the final, where they met local rivals Tameside.
And after a shaky start — the scores were level at 3-3 at the midway point — Oldham regrouped to run out 8-5 winners.
Coach Pam Hazelton said: “The girls have worked very hard in training this season and it showed on the day.”
