Oldham on track for title repeat

UNSTOPPABLE . . . Kathryn Turner (left)

NETBALL:

REIGNING Premier League One champions Oldham took a massive step to retaining their crown by defeating nearest rivals The Downs 54-41 at Hathershaw Sports Centre.
Oldham was beaten in the reverse fixture earlier in the season — but now requires only a point in the remaining two games to win the title for the third successive year.

Oldham was without a five England players while defenders Jodie Gibson and Sara Hale were both suffering from slight concussion following a clash of heads in the Manchester Thunder match the previous day.

But Oldham’s strength in depth came to the fore. Shooters Kathryn Turner and Alice Travis were unstoppable, missing just one goal in 18 attempts and restricting The Downs to 11 in the first quarter.

The second quarter went goal-for-goal with Oldham retaining their cushion at half-time (28-21).

Both sides were on top of their game in the third quarter, and there were plenty of strong challenges

Oldham edged in front by one point.

Oldham’s aim was to stop The Downs getting within five points of them - this would hand them an extra league point. But Oldham didn’t just hold their nerve, they took the quarter by the scruff of the neck and dominated play.

Crucial interceptions throughout the court from a hard-working attack and defence saw Oldham clinch the last quarter 14-9.