Net-buster Lucy inspires Oldham

OLDHAM Netball Club maintained their unbeaten record in the North-West Premier League with a 56-47 win over Chester at Hathershaw College.

The hosts were a little depleted because of other netball commitments, while their opponents included some past and present Superleague players.

After a good start — they forged a 4-0 lead — Oldham were forced into several errors. However, they dug deep to hold a 14-10 advantage at the first break.

The second phase of the contest was nip and tuck, with the home side unable to make use of their turnovers.

But player of the match Lucy Stevenson continued her fine recent form under the net, while Rebecca Hope made her mark at wing attack.

Chester had closed the gap to three (25-22) at the midway point and with some tired legs, Oldham rang the changes. Taylor Cullen went to centre, Rachael Taylor wing defence and Victoria Austin wing attack.

Pressure-play from Taylor and a dynamic attacking display saw Oldham pull clear winning the third quarter by eight goals for an impressive 43-32 lead.

Stevenson continued to catch some difficult balls in the final phase and by the end she had converted 49 of her 56 attempts.



OLDHAM’S next game is against Tameside on Sunday, April 12.