Hallas: we’re ready

NETBALL:

OLDHAM get their Premier League campaign under way against reigning champions Academy at Hathershaw Sports Centre (1pm).

Debbie Hallas has taken control of the side due to long-serving coach Mike Greenwood’s ill health.

Greenwood’s absence is undoubtedly a huge blow for Oldham — he has guided the team for almost 25 years.

Trainers Pam Hazelton, Suzy Chapman and Jackie Reid — all mentored by Greenwood — will have a big part to play again this term.

Oldham, who earned a fourth-place finish last season, have trained for six weeks in preparation for Sunday’s curtain-raiser but will go into the match without the services of defender Emma Dovey and centre Laure Malcolm.

Dovey has been called up to the England squad for matches against Australia and New Zealand, while Malcolm is in the national team’s reserves side.

Hallas said: “Pre-season has gone well and I have been impressed with the attitude of the girls, but it is now when it matters and we need to hit the ground running.

“We did have a friendly lined-up this week to give us a good run out but the opposition let us down, however our preparation has been good and this should stand us in good stead.

“It is unfortunate that we have lost Emma and Laura for the start of the season, but it is great that we have two players vying for places in the England squad. If you include Jade Clarke as well, Oldham can boast three players in the England squad and not many clubs could compete with that.

“This success has come from the Mike Greenwood era and it won’t be the same without him, but he has taught us all we know and we will hopefully make him proud.”

Georgia Webster (15), who joined from Trafford, is one to watch and will look to force her way into the reckoning, while former Northern Thunder duo Kathryn Turner and Karen Greig — who is recovering from knee surgery — are also tipped to shine.