Teenage kicks

Photo: Susan Donovan

OLDHAM coach Debbie Hallas issues instructions during a break in the game.

Netball:

YOUNGSTERS from Oldham Netball Club’ stepped up to the plate in the 52-39 defeat of hosts Turnford in the National Premier League.

Coach Debbie Hallas relied on young players when many of her regulars were tied up with a Superleague double-header. And the youngster didn’t disappoint.

The game started at a fast pace, and shooters Alice Travis and Amy Clinton helped to put the visitors 12-10 up by the first break.

Rachael Taylor and Taylor Cullen swapped roles for the second period as Hallas looked for control in the middle. It was in this phase that Oldham hit the accelerator button, netting seven goals to grab a firm hold. By half-time Oldham had increased their lead to 25-17.

Amy Neild, Susie Armstrong and Rachel Henry were introduced for the third quarter.

Some great pressure throughout the court forced errors from Turnford, and with Neild feeding under-17s team-mate Clinton under the post, the points piled up.

The lead was 44-28 at the start of the final quarter. Credit must go to the Hertfordshire outfit, who stuck to the task and narrowed the gap to 13 points by the final whistle.