Gritty Oldham riding high

NETBALL
OLDHAM are still the team to catch in Premier League One after a thrilling 54-52 win at Leeds Athletic.

Making her debut for the local outfit was Janelle Lawson, and she made an instant impact at goal attack.

She also combined well with Krista Enziano, but it took a big effort from Oldham to overhaul their Roses rivals.

The defence of Sarah Carter, Emma Dovey and Rachael Taylor kept a tight ship at the back in the first quarter, helping the visitors to a 17-12 lead.

The second quarter saw an early change with Kathryn Turner replacing Lawson at goal attack.

The Leeds defence clicked into gear and intimidated their opponents. They gave the Oldham attack a tough time and they took the quarter by two goals.

Oldham then took the opportunity to rest some of the players which took part in the Fast Net Grand Prix 24 hours earlier. See other story.

They struggled to find their flow in attack, and it was Leeds who grabbed the initiative.

Trailing by seven goals with six minutes left on the clock, Oldham lost Rachael Taylor (wing defence) to a blow on the jaw.

She was replaced by Dani Bloomfield, who moved from centre with Laura Malcolm returning in the middle.

Coach Debbie Hallas took the opportunity to switch Lawson to goal attack after she had taken the goal shooter’s bib, with Enziano taking her place.

The change worked. Oldham, having more options at centre pass and through the attack, clawed their way back to within three goals of Leeds at 44-41.

The final quarter saw Dovey back at goal defence, and she got the better of Rachel Shaw, who was grounded several times in robust challenges.

With two minutes to go Oldham regained the lead and Dovey picked up another crucial interception to send her side two goals up.

Hallas said: “We made heavy weather of the second and third quarters and the changes made a difference somewhat.

“However, I was conscious that many of the girls had endured a long day at the Fast Net Grand Prix and I didn’t want to overplay tired legs.

“Emma Dovey was outstanding and was my player-of-the-match, Laura Malcolm was up there too, while Janelle Lawson had a big influence on the game.”

Squad: S Carter, E Dovey, K Almond, G Webster, R Taylor, D Bloomfield, L Malcolm, R Henry, M McAndrew, K Turner, J Lawson, K Enziano.