Stevenson displays star quality

Lucy Stevenson

NETBALL: LUCY Stevenson celebrated her inclusion in the England under-17s squad with an impressive 90 per cent success rate in Oldham Netball Club’s 55-40 defeat of Bury in the North-West Premier League.

The Crompton House pupil - a member of the club since she was 10 - was fed the ball early on at goal shooter, until the hosts doubled up on her. Oldham were still good value with a 17-11 lead at the first-quarter break.

Amber Hazelton was introduced at goal defence and Rebecca Hope at wing attack, The visitors found it hard to settle at first as Bury looked to get back into the game.

But while Oldham was unable to turn over a lot of ball, the side managed to increase its advantage to 31-23.

For the third quarter, Gemma McDermott returned at goal defence, Hazelton went to wing defence, Taylor Cullen to centre, Ebbie Danson-Chappell to wing attack, 16-year-old Stevenson to goal attack and Kimberley Meadows to goal shooter. Oldham dominated Bury to lead 44-31.

Oldham switched things around again for the final phase of the game, and were quickly out of the blocks to put the game to bed.