Sharp-shooters net national title glory

PROUD . . . Oldham’s unbeaten team show off their trophy after national under-16s championship success at Northumbria University.

NETBALL:

OLDHAM’S netball girls have made history by becoming the first under-15s team to be crowned National Under-16s champions.

After storming to victories in all six of their tournament group games at Northumbria University, Oldham – coached by Pam Hazelton – beat local rivals Tameside 40-34 in a thrilling final.

In a repeat of the regional final, Oldham edged into a two-point lead by the end of the second quarter.

They were pegged back to 29-all by the end of the third quarter, meaning the final period was sure to be a thriller.

Oldham played with determination and grit. Victoria Austin was a calming influence, feeding the shooters with consistency. The team’s persistence finally secured a superb victory.

The player-of-the-match was Amy Clinton.



THE Oldham girls got their qualifying group games off to a terrific start with a 40-14 victory against Huddersfield Giants. Issy McGlashen was the star player.

Amy Nield was then voted the player-of-the-match in a 44-22 win against Hucclecote, before Riverside were then despatched 43-13, with Ebbie Danson-Chappell in great form.

Clinton was the top player in a 44-25 victory against CD Phoenix, before Weston Park were the next victims.

They were beaten 44-28, with Rebecca Hope outstanding. In the last of six group fixtures, Clinton was player-of-the-match in another victory against the Huddersfield Giants, this time courtesy of a 34-18 scoreline.