Dominant Oldham too sharp for Blades

NETBALL: OLDHAM produced a dominant display to defeat relegation-threatened Bournemouth Sevens Blades 62-42 in the National Premier League.

Blades were chasing a third win on the trot having previously lost all their games.

But it was the home side who started strongly with shooters Alexa Collier and Kathryn Turner combining well in the early stages.

The duo were ably assisted by England International Jade Clarke at centre, in a brief one quarter stint in the middle.

Oldham finished the first quarter 17-11 in front and in control.

Laura Malcolm moved to centre and Rachael Taylor came on at wing defence for Oldham, who lost their impetus a little but still managed to stretch their lead to 29-22.

In the third quarter, the hosts rested Emma Dovey and Rachel Henry while introducing Kerry Almond (goalkeeper) and allowing Jodie Gibson to have a run out at goal defence. Maria McAndrew replaced Henry at wing attack and Karen Greig took over goal shooter duties.

Greig made had an instant impact, sinking shot after shot from anywhere in the circle as Oldham stormed the third quarter 18-8.

With the defence on top — they turned over the ball on many occasions — Oldham were never going to be caught.

Collier replaced Turner at goal attack in the final quarter, and the goals kept on piling up.

Oldham are away to Leeds Carnegie on Sunday.


OLDHAM under-14s warmed up for this weekend’s National Club Championship match against Leyland with an 18-12 victory against Team Dominoes in the Greater Manchester Junior League Premier Division.
Despite playing against girls at least two years older and with more experience at this level, Oldham were too good for their opponents, winning each of the four quarters.

Player of the match, goal defence Issie McGlasshen, was instrumental in keeping the Dominoes attack at bay, while the passing and movement of the girls was excellent.

All 11 on duty were able to get valuable match time in various positions to keep them sharp for the remaining games in the regional rounds of the National Club Championship.