Oldham carry on red-hot streak

ANOTHER dominant display saw Oldham Netball Club make it eight wins out of eight in Premier League One.

Home side Hucclecote, who boasted the return of two England internationals, were their latest victims in a 54-37 scoreline.

The first quarter was tight and ended finely-balanced at 13-11 in Oldham’s favour.

Changes in defence for the second quarter by the Gloucestershire outfit worked in Oldham’s favour, with Alice Travis and Kathryn Turner taking full advantage.

At the opposite end, defenders Emma Dovey and Sarah Carter kept the hosts’ attack at bay with some great interceptions.

Leading 26-20 at the midway stage, Oldham had taken a firm grip on the game.

It was the reigning champions’ turn to switch things around, with Maria McAndrew replacing Beth Cobden at centre, Georgie Webster coming on for Carter at goal keeper and Helen Housby taking over from the hard-working Turner at goal attack.

McAndrew made a quick impression, linking the defence and attack well and providing a new dimension of feed to the shooters.

Such was Oldham’s dominance, they scored two goals to every one of Hucclecote’s in winning the quarter 14-7.

The final quarter saw Oldham make two more changes, with Cobden returning at centre and McAndrew moving to wing attack. Turner was also back at goal shooter, replacing youngster Travis.

Cobden had renewed vigour and was far more effective in defence.

Backed up by the ever-reliable Rachael Taylor at wing defence and player-of-the-match Dovey, Oldham stormed to victory.

Oldham: S Carter, E Dovey, R Taylor, B Cobden, R Henry, K Turner, A Travis, H Housby, M McAndrew, G Webster.