Coach hails cup winners

CUP JOY... Oldham Netball Club under-14s and under-15s celebrate success at the Brean Sands tournament in Somerset.

NETBALL: OLDHAM Netball Club under-15s clinched victory at the Brean Sands tournament in Somerset and the under-14s claimed a runners-up spot after a tight final defeat.

The two sides’ impressive performances came hot on the heels of the under-12s and 13s, who won their respective categories a week earlier.

England under-17s stars Alice Travis and Gabriella Marshall featured in the under-15s squad, who went into the competition as favourites.

Despite being drawn in the hardest group, comprising the likes of Tameside, Turnford and Parkside, they hit the ground running on the first day and remained undefeated.

After cruising to the knock-out stages, Pam Hazelton’s team came up against Saracens in the quarter-finals and enjoyed a 14-6 victory.

Physical outfit Poole Jewels stood in the way of a place in the final, but Oldham earned a 7-4 triumph

And they got the better of Turnford 7-6 to lift the trophy.

Delighted coach Pam said: “This was an example of another impressive tournament win from the team.

“I am looking forward to them competing next year in the under-16s National Championships.”

The under-14s won all eight of their games on the first day, and qualified for the quarter-finals 24 hours later despite a 9-7 group stage loss to Parkside.

Jackie Reid’s girls beat Cheshunt 8-4 in the last-eight tie, and saw off a tough Tameside team

courtesy of Amy Clinton’s golden goal after drawing 11-11 at the end of extra-time.

A couple of errors at crucial times cost Oldham in the final against Turnford, who won 6-4.

Jackie said: ‘The event was thrilling, exciting and nail-biting, with some fantastic performances throughout the team.

“It is a pity that the Tameside game was not the final. Well done to all the under-14s.”