Oldham make a long journey worthwhile

NETBALL: SECOND-placed Oldham travelled to rock-bottom Thoroughbreds in National Premier League One and recorded a convincing 69-44 win.

The long journey to Norwich was evident in Oldham’s usual slow start, allowing the home team to take a 2-0 lead – their only time in front in the whole game.

Sixteen-year-old Amy Clinton slotted in well at goal shooter for the reigning champions, providing good holding space for Maria McAndrew and Gabs Marshall.

The defence line of Rachael Taylor, Kate Smith and Kerry Almond were strong and turned the ball over numerous times in the first quarter to take a 19-11 lead at the break.

There were no changes for the second quarter and Oldham carried on where they left off, easing to a 38-20 half-time lead.

Amy Neild was brought on at goal attack for the third period and made her debut at Premier League level. Thoroughbreds took the quarter by two, but Oldham still led 51-35.

In the final quarter Marshall and McAndrew were penetrating to the circle edge as Oldham extended their lead and finished the game off in clinical fashion, scoring in the final seconds to take the win by 25 points.

The win moved Oldham back to the top of the table after The Downs were beaten at home by Leeds Athletic.

Coach Debbie Hallas said: “With 11 players missing due to Monday’s Superleague game, I thought the result would have been closer. But the girls put on an all-round excellent performance.”.



MANCHESTER Thunder didn’t get the start to The Zeo Netball Superlegaue they wanted as they lost 55-48 to Surrey Storm.
Despite missing seven shots in the second quarter, Thunder still led 25-24 at half-time.

But with no Kerry Almond or Eleanor Cardwell in the squad, Thunder had no height to counteract the threat of Rachel Dunn.