Net gain as Oldham excel on home turf

EYES ON THE NET . . . Under pressure from defenders, Oldham's Kathryn Turner lines up an attempt against The Downs.

OLDHAM Netball Club's first home game of the season ended in an impressive 55-35 victory over The Downs.

Fast out of the blocks and with good defensive work from Kerry Almond, Emma Dovey, Taylor Cullen and Gabs Marshall, the hosts bossed the early exchanges of this National Premier League One clash.

However, a sloppy end to the quarter saw The Downs string several passages of play together to trail 14-7.

The second quarter opened with both sides trading goals, until unbeaten Oldham started to move through the gears, instigated by some great combination play between Maria McAndrew, Kathryn Turner and Amy Clinton.

It allowed them to notch five unanswered goals for a commanding 29-15 lead at half-time.

Introduced for the third quarter, Krista Enziano and Abby Tyrrell made telling contributions as Oldham started brightly.

The Downs, from Surrey, were not overawed, though, and forced errors to end the quarter with a sparkling run of eight consecutive goals.

REVERTED

Leading by 12, Oldham coach Debbie Hallas reverted to the starting line-up for the final 15 minutes, bringing back Dovey at goal defence, who rekindled her dominant defensive partnership with Almond, while Clinton returned at goal shooter.

Oldham regained their form and pushed on with player-of-the-match Clinton calmly slotting away the goals. Her accuracy resulted in a convincing win.

Hallas said: "We showed some brilliance through the court and when we play like that teams struggle to live with us.

"However, we need to be more consistent through the game.

"Amy Clinton was reliable as ever under the post, while Maria McAndrew and Gabs Marshall played well in the middle.

"In defence I love the understanding between Kerry Almond and Emma Dovey. Their switch play was fantastic and they turned over a lot of ball."

Oldham: K Almond, E Dovey, A Tyrrell, S Armstrong, T Cullen, G Marshall, I Darroch, M McAndrew, K Turner, L Stevenson, A Clinton, K Enziano

Next up is a long haul to Essex this weekend to face New Cambell, but Oldham will be without key players Marshall, Darroch and Clinton, who are on England under-21s duty.