Oldham’s top-flight delight

DEBBIE HALLAS

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NETBALL:

SUPER LEAGUE netball is coming to town.

The Oldham Sports Centre will host Northern Thunder’s top-flight game against reigning champions Team Bath on Monday, May 9 (8pm).

Officials are hoping to attract a bumper crowd for the showdown — the capacity is just 600 — which is being recorded for Sky Sports to be shown at a later date.

Thunder switched the match to Oldham because of work at Castle Leisure Centre, Bury. A fixture had to be called off earlier in the season after water leaked from the roof.

Thunder franchise director Debbie Hallas said: “This match-up gives people the chance to watch netball at the highest level.

“Oldham is a hot-bed for the sport, with two senior teams and a clutch of excellent junior sides.

“Some of the Thunder players are also from the area and many are England internationals. The local leagues at the Ball Hall, are also very popular.”

A temporary wooden-sprung floor with netball court markings will be used for the match.

Thunder will return to Bury for the home game against Glasgow Wildcats on May 22.

Hallas added: “The management at Oldham Sports Centre have worked hard to get this event off the ground. We can’t thank them enough for their help.

“Hopefully, this match will be a great spectacle and attract a more followers.”

Thunder are second in the table, two points adrift of Hertfordshire Mavericks with a game in hand.

Ticket prices are adults £8 and concessions, which includes under-16s, £5.

They are available from the Thunder website — www.thundernetball. com — or by calling (0161) 626 3936.