Oldham’s away-day first

NETBALL:

OLDHAM’S class of 2011-12 created a piece of club history by winning at reigning Premier League champions Academy for the first time.

The local outfit returned from Middlesex clutching maximum points after a nail-biting 37-35 victory — a result which lifted them to the top of the table.

Such was the importance of the contest, England Netball put two international umpires in charge.

Title rivals Academy boasted two former England captains in Amanda Newton and Sonia Mkoloma in their ranks, while Oldham welcomed back World Netball Series gold-medal winner Emma Dovey and Laura Malcolm.

Goal Keeper Mkoloma intimidated young Oldham shooter Krista Enziano in the first period, turning over the ball with regularity.

Oldham’s Dovey also proved adept at interceptions, but it was Academy who took an early lead at 9-8.

The second quarter began in similar fashion, with the Oldham defence of Kerry Almond, Dovey and Rachael Taylor working hard to hold up the Academy attack.

However, a series of unforced errors allowed the hosts to take the quarter 11-7.

At half-time, Oldham brought on Rachel Henry to replace Dani Bloomfield at wing attack, and the change had an immediate impact.

Oldham slowed down their game and took care with their feeds into the shooting circle.

Working better in rotation, goal attack Kathryn Turner and Enziano helped Oldham clinch the third quarter at 10-8.

Trailing by three goals, Oldham decided to add more height to the back line, with Bloomfield returning to replace Taylor at wing defence. But Academy quickly went five goals to the good.

Oldham needed a lift and they got it through Bloomfield’s amazing interception. Playing with renewed confidence, Oldham put Academy on the back foot.

The home side lost their discipline and were pulled up for time-wasting and talking back to the umpire.

With three minutes to go Oldham took the lead for the first time thanks to Enziano after Dovey had turned over the ball over once again.

Oldham coach Debbie Hallas said: “We’ve left it late in the last few games and it doesn’t do much for my blood pressure. But to come away from Middlesex with a win for the first time makes it all worthwhile.”



OLDHAM next Premier League action is at Leeds Athletic on January 8.