Oldham prove so strong

OLDHAM Netball Club returned from Bath a happy bunch after sweeping to a 56-32 win in National Premier League One.

Fielding a strong starting seven, the visitors took a firm grip on the game in the first quarter.

Oldham’s attack were too strong against an experienced Bath defence, with shooters Kathryn Turner and Alice Travis clinically despatching any turnovers.

Leading 16-7 at the first break, coach Debbie Hallas opted to make minor adjustments with Georgie Webster on at goal defence and Helen Housby at goal shooter.

The changes did little to halt Oldham’s flow, with Beth Cobden (wing defence) fashioning opportunities and winning back possession.

By half-time Oldham had extended their lead 27-13 and at the next interval they had forged even further clear at 47-19 as they drove the ball through the mid-court at pace.

The final quarter saw more changes, which saw the girls in blue and red lose a bit of their concentration. This allowed Bath to get a run of goals and reduce the deficit.

A time-out by Turner gave Oldham time to refocus and they closed out the game comfortably.

Despite losing the final quarter by four, it was a strong display and Oldham remain second in the table.

Hallas said: “It was a great performance for the first three quarters.

“I took the chance to play around a bit in the fourth, but the game was already in the bag.

“Beth Cobden was on fire again, following on from last week’s performance and was my player of the match, while Emma Dovey is rediscovering her form after some time out with injury.”

Squad: GS A Travis, GA K Turner, WA M McAndrew, C R Henry, WD B Cobden, GD E Dovey, GK K Almond. Subs: G Webster H Housby.

o OLDHAM entertain Oaksway, from Hartlepool, at Hathershaw on Sunday (1pm).