Enziano’s instant impact

NETBALL: OLDHAM made a flying start to the new Premier League season with a superb 48-39 win over reigning champions Academy at Hathershaw Sports Centre.

A nip-and-tuck first quarter, when both defences were on top, ended with the home side trailing 9-8.

However, the second quarter was a different story.

The introduction of Krista Enziano at goal shooter had an immediate impact.

Not only giving Oldham a height advantage — she’s 6ft 2in — Enziano also dictated play in the circle.

The hosts’ defence of Kerry Almond, Sarah Carter and Rachael Taylor were also magnificent and snuffed out the Academy attack.

And with Oldham winning the quarter 14-5, the lead was 22-14 at the half-way point.

Academy, from Middlesex, responded by bringing on former England captain Amanda Newton.

Oldham started the third quarter well and looked like they could run away with the game, but the experience of Newton steadied the Academy ship.

With the lead at 33-24, Oldham gave a debut to 15-year-old Georgie Webster at goal defence.

The teenager replaced Sarah Carter, who impressed in her first game back after knee surgery.

It was a tense quarter with Academy staging a mini-fightback.

But Oldham recovered their composure, with Maria McAndrew and Dani Bloomfield, from centre court, feeding Enziano, who got her side back on terms in the quarter.

Oldham coach Debbie Hallas said: “I am really pleased with the girls, particularly Sarah Carter in defence and Krista Enziano.

“You could also see our superior fitness levels, which is testament to the hard work the girls have put into their pre-season training.

“We now look forward to Sunday’s derby at home to Leeds Athletic. It is sure to be a fiery game.”




OLDHAM get their Northern League campaign under way at Sheffield Stormers on Sunday.



Coach Pam Hazelton is hoping for an improvement on last term’s third-place finish.

She said: “We had a great start to last season but, unfortunately, tailed off toward the end.

“We have a great group of youngsters and if we keep up the consistency this time we should be there or thereabouts.”