Malcolm shows off racing stripes in Oldham canter

NETBALL:

OLDHAM coach Debbie Hallas hailed the performance of Laura Malcolm as the team made Norfolk-based Thoroughbreds look like absolute beginners.

After winning the National Premier League contest 76-32, Hallas was delighted at the way Oldham took off: “I couldn’t have asked for more,” she said.

“Laura Malcolm was the player of the match for me. Hopefully we can take this momentum into our next game against Academy from Middlesex — probably our toughest of the season so far.”

After a disappointing draw at New Campbell the previous week, Oldham rushed to a first-quarter lead of 23-11, extended to 39-19 by half time.

As Thoroughbreds tired towards the end, Oldham continued to pull away: the third quarter ended 63-23 and Oldham continued to dominate to the end.



REBECCA Hope was an inspiration for Oldham in the 68-43 North-West Premier League victory over Bury.

Despite operating in a new position at centre, she provided superb feeds over her three quarters of action.

Oldham’s concentration and sharp-shooting pushed them to a 19-13 lead after the first quarter and 35-22 by half time.

Strong defence as the game wound down — plus a shooting average of 86-per-cent — brought home the points.



MANCHESTER Thunder are to host the 2013 Mike Greenwood Trophy on Saturday, November 30, at the Thunderdome.

The event features a full day of action, with Netball Superleague teams joined by the Yorkshire Jets, Team Northumbria and the Wales national team.