Oldham down in the dumps

NETBALL


OLDHAM Netball Club’s Premier League side suffered their first defeat in more than two years when they visited Twickenham-based outfit the Downs.

It was a battle of the top two sides, with the hosts edging to a thrilling 38-35 victory.

The game started slowly for Oldham. The attack struggled to get the ball down the court thanks to the close attentions of the home side’s defence, and the first quarter ended level at 9-9.

The start of the second quarter proved more successful for Oldham as they eased into a five-goal lead, but the Downs slowly clawed back the deficit and led 19-17 at half-time.

The third quarter saw the hosts keep their noses in front and Oldham were 30-25 behind heading into the final period.

Oldham started the final quarter on fire, pulling three goals back without reply with the defence working harder than previously.

Georgie Webster made an impact, forcing errors and creating interceptions and turnovers, eventually helping the visitors level the scores.

But the visitors couldn’t keep up the intensity and a short pass call from the umpire halted the momentum, allowing the Downs to sneak ahead again and open up a lead that Oldham just couldn’t get back.

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