Oldham hold onto top spot with win

AT THE READY . . . Oldham Netball Club's Premier League team line up before their match against Turnford. Kerry Almond (left), Abigail Tyrrell, Krista Enziano, Emma Dovey, Kathryn Turner, Amelia Hall, Lucy Stevenson. Maria McAndrew (front).

OLDHAM Netball Club's depleted Premier League squad recorded a convincing 65-43 victory over Turnford to stay top on goal difference.

The home side were missing a clutch of players for the clash at Oldham Sports Centre, but still proved too good for their opponents.

SMOOTH

After a slow start, Oldham found the smooth rhythm of the past few games and some excellent full-court defence and shooting from Kathryn Turner and Krista Enziano allowed the local side to take hold of the game with a 17-12 lead at the first break.

The second quarter saw Oldham produce some of their best netball so far this season.

The defensive unit of Abby Tyrrell, Emma Dovey and Kerry Almond claimed turnovers and forced the Turnford attack into errors. This allowed Oldham to push ahead, with sharp shooting and excellent through court work from Maria McAndrew and Amelia Hall.

An incredible run of seven unanswered goals in the middle of the quarter saw the Red and Blues forge a clear 36-18 advantage at half-time.

Susie Armstrong and Lucy Stevenson replaced Almond and Enziano respectively for the third quarter and it took a while for the players on court to settle down into the new shooting circle.

A few loose balls here and there across the court allowed Turnford to pull back a few goals, but Oldham regained their composure and extended their lead with some slick play to 48-29.

Almond and Enziano returned for the final quarter with Turner and Hall taking a well-earned rest.

It was all about building on the lead and Oldham didn't disappoint, pulling further away to end the game with a comfortable win and some good individual performances.

Enziano was named player of the match for her excellent statistics and composure under the post.

HAPPY

Oldham coach Debbie Hallas was understandably happy, and said. "With some enforced changes I was pleased with our form once we got going.

"However, we still need to find consistency over the whole quarter.

"Krista was outstanding scoring 40 from 42 attempts, and gave the Turnford defence a lot to think about."

Oldham starting seven: GS K Enziano, GA K Turner, WA A Hall, C M McAndrew, WD A Tyrrell, GD E Dovey, GK K Almond. Substitutes: L Stevenson, S Armstrong.

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