Flying start fires Oldham to victory

Oldham Netball Club’s senior line-up: Debbie Hallas (left, coach), Kathryn Turner, Kerry Almond, Georgie Webster, Alice Travis, Krista Enziano, Emma Dovey, Beth Cobden, Laura Malcolm, Rachel Henry, Maria McAndrew and Lynn Turner (team manager).

NETBALL:

AFTER a convincing victory against Thoroughbreds in their previous Premier League clash, Oldham Netball Club were determined to follow-up at home to Academy.

The reigning champions left nothing to chance as they powered to a 51-35 win at Hathershaw College thanks to a strong first-half performance.

OIdham raced into an early 7-1 lead against opponents who had caused them problems in the past.

The defence was tough: Kerry Almond, Emma Dovey and Beth Cobden formed a brick wall in front of the net.

At the opposite end, goals were flying in from all over the circle and the first quarter finished with Oldham 17-5 in front.

Coach Debbie Hallas stuck with the same seven for the second quarter, and the goals continued to pile up. By half-time Oldham had extended the lead to an impressive 31-14.

Oldham rang the changes in the second half, but the hosts lost their flow and Academy won the quarter in convincing style 16-7.

Dovey, Henry and Turner were returned for the last quarter, and with centre Malcolm putting in a tireless display, Oldham added 13 goals to Academy’s five.

Oldham are now second in the table, two points behind leaders The Downs.