Double tonic for Oldham

NETBALL
OLDHAM Netball Club had plenty to cheer in their Northern League clash at home to Leeds Athletic.

Not only did the game finish in a one-sided 63-35 victory for the hosts, it also saw the return from injury of Kerry Almond.

The Premier League One player was on court from the off and, with fellow defenders Danni Bloomfield and Gemma McDermott, forced Leeds into numerous errors.

At the opposite end, shooters Helen Housby and Amy Clinton were prolific in front of the net as Oldham forged 16–7 ahead.

Amber Hazelton (wing defence) and Becca Hope (wing attack) were introduced for the second quarter, and Oldham’s domination went on.

With fast passes from Hope and centre Gabby Marshall, and accurate shooting from goal attack Housby (six out of six) and goal shooter Amy Clinton (10 from 10 attempts), Oldham stretched their lead to 32-17.

More changes at half-time saw captain Suzy Chapman returning at wing attack and 15-year-old Abby Tyrrell at goal defence, who gained experience by playing alongside Almond.

Tyrrell claimed three intercepts in the third quarter to crush Leeds’ resistance, while the team converted spectacular balls into goals.

Almond finally made way in the final quarter, but Oldham continued to pile up the points.

Oldham: K Almond, D Bloomfield, G McDermott, G Marshall, A Hazelton, S Chapman, H Housby, A Neild, A Clinton, A Tyrrell.

Shooting stats: H Housby 41 from 43 attempts (95-per-cent); A Clinton 18 from 21 (86-per-cent); A Neild 4 from 5 (80-per-cent).