Oldham's sharp play cuts through rivals

AMY CLINTON . . . star performer

OLDHAM Netball Club brushed aside newly-promoted Worcester Reds 62-40 in their first away National Premier League One clash of the season.

The early stages were tight as both teams went goal for goal in the opening seven minutes of the quarter.

However, once the partnership of Kerry Almond and Emma Dovey pressured Worcester Reds into errors, Oldham's attack were quick to take advantage, recording five unanswered goals for a 16-7 lead.

The visitors picked up where they left off in the second quarter.

Short and sharp play from Gabby Marshall, Iona Darroch and Kathryn Turner proved too much for the Worcester defence, with player of the match Amy Clinton finishing off the moves with calm and accurate shooting.

With a half-time lead of 36-16, it was certainly Oldham's game to lose.

Coach Debbie Hallas made changes for the second half with Krista Enziano coming on at goal shooter and Abby Tyrell on at goal defence.

Marshall switched to wing defence and Dovey moved to centre.

The quarter was much like the first, with both sides going goal for goal, until Oldham settled into a rhythm and worked their way through the gears.

The final quarter saw more changes, with Suzy Armstrong replacing Almond at goal keeper and youngster Amelia Hall making her debut in Premier League One for Oldham at wing attack.

Hall settled into the game quickly, feeding some excellent balls into Enziano and Turner in the shooting circle.

At the opposite end, Taylor Cullen worked tirelessly at wing defence to stop the Worcester attack and dampen the spirit of the loud home crowd.

Coach Debbie Hallas said: "Worcester asked us a lot of questions both physically and mentally, but I was pleased with our discipline and even more so the type of netball we were playing."

"Amy Clinton was a class-act in the first half and was deservedly named the player of the match.

"Gabs Marshall and Taylor Cullen were impressive in the mid-court, while the Worcester defence couldn't cope with the speed of Iona Darroch."

Oldham's focus now switches to The Downs, who visit Oldham Leisure Centre on Sunday, for what is expected to be a physical and challenging game.

Squad: Kerry Almond, Emma Dovey, Abby Tyrrell, Susie Armstrong, Taylor Cullen, Gabs Marshall, Iona Darroch, Amelia Hall, Kathryn Turner, Amy Clinton, Krista Enziano.