Oldham repulse Pool fightback

REACH OUT: Oldham’s Krista Enziano attempts to gain possession.

NETBALL;

OLDHAM held their nerve to defeat Oaksway 52-49 in a Premier League clash at Hathershaw Sports Centre.

The home side dominated the first two quarters, but tactical changes at half-time allowed the visitors from Hartlepool to stage a comeback.

Oldham, with Laura Malcolm excellent at centre, started brightly and won the first quarter 19-12.

Not only did Malcolm defend hard, she also turned over the ball at regular intervals.

She continued to shine in the second quarter and, along with wing attack Rachel Henry, found shooters Krista Enziano and Kathryn Turner with ease.

Oaksway did not take advantage of their 6ft 4in shooter Emma Lower as the Oldham defence of Kerry Almond, Sarah Carter and Rachael Taylor restricted possession and made frequent interceptions.

With many of the Oldham players starting pre-season training with Northern Thunder the day before, the hosts rotated the squad at half-time by making five changes.

This disrupted Oldham’s flow and, compounded by a tactical change by their opponents, they lost the third quarter 14-9 and saw their lead reduced to nine points.

Oaksway kept up the momentum in the fourth quarter as Oldham found their way to the shooting circle blocked off. But they had done enough to claim victory.

Oldham coach Debbie Hallas said: “I was over the moon with the first-half display, but we struggled in the second and failed to adapt to both our changes and the ones made by Oaksway.

“I was pleased with shooter Krista Enziano. She had a great first half and, although she did lose her way a bit in the third quarter, her shooting

average of 95-per-cent was excellent.

“As for the player-of-the-match, I have to give it to Laura Malcolm. Her fitness and effort were immense. She was a cut above.”

Oldham look forward to their first trip to newly-promoted Thoroughbreds (Norwich) on Sunday.