Consistency is key for Hallas

NETBALL:

Oldham 66, Hucclecote 33
OLDHAM’S latest National Premier League Division One fixture saw the local girls produce a terrific performance against Gloucester outfit Hucclecote.

Early on, Oldham moved quickly through the gears, led by wing defence Laura Malcolm, who showed class in turning the ball over with ease as her side led 18-9 at quarter-time.

Feeding duo Rachel Henry and Maria McAndrew worked well together in getting the ball to shooters Helen Housby and Kathryn Turner, who were both confidently slotting the ball home and it was 34-20 at the halfway stage.

Coach Debbie Hallas made several changes to freshen the line-up, and the defence of Kerry Almond and Sarah Carter stepped it up.

They were not giving the Hucclecote attack an inch, limiting them to scoring just six goals in the third quarter (14-6).

In the final quarter, 15-year-old Abby Tyrrell was introduced for her second appearance of the season in the Premier League. Gaining in experience with every game, she produced several tips with her long reach while putting the shooters under pressure while trying to score.

She helped Oldham put the final nails into the coffin as they drove home their superiority to comfortably win 66-33.

Hallas said: “While we are still showing signs of early rustiness, our consistency is improving, particularly when we were so far in the lead.”