Oldham crumble in final quarter

NETBALL: DEPLETED Oldham, several of whose players were being rested for Manchester Thunder’s Superleague opener, were beaten 42-40 at Hucclecote in the National Premier League.

For the reigning champions it was the first defeat of the season - despite leading for the first three quarters of the game.

The Oldham squad featured some familiar names, with youngsters from the club’s talent pool, and started brightly, showing patience in attack. Jodie Gibson commanded the circle and Oldham won the quarter 14-9.

Alice Travis and Krista Enziano linked up well in the shooting circle in the second quarter as they created space. But Hucclecote here equally successful at the other end to trail 24-21 at half-time.

Youngsters Tony Cullen and Amy Neild were introduced for the second half and worked tirelessly.

Oldham ended the quarter with a narrow 35-32 lead.

With some of the Superleague players only allowed for a limited time, Oldham made changes and the Oldham attack took too long to adapt to the switch. Hucclecote pressed to a draw and in the dying stages snatched victory.