Hallas' team show depth

Debbie Hallas

OLDHAM Netball Club's Premier League side ended 2016 on a big high after defeating reigning champions, Academy, 59-44.

The top-of-the-table meeting at Oldham Sports Centre saw the hosts without influential captain Kerry Almond after she suffered an injury playing for Manchester Thunder 24 hours earlier.

Oldham were quick out of the blocks, with fast and creative mid-court play from Maria McAndrew and Iona Darroch.

Krista Enziano and Kathryn Turner continued their fine form to build up a three-goal lead in the blink of an eye.

However, it was in defence that Oldham were at their very best. Abby Tyrrell, Emma Dovey and player of the match Susie Armstrong stood firm to frustrate Academy and the quarter ended with Oldham leading with an impressive 19-10.

Patient play and great through court pressure saw Oldham extend their lead to 34-23 at half time.

Amy Clinton and Amelia Hall replaced Krista Enziano and Maria McAndrew respectively, but the changes did not disrupt Oldham's rhythm and the home team continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over and ended the third quarter with a 46-32 advantage.

The scoreline allowed coach Debbie Hallas to make wholesale changes.

Dovey and Turner were given a well-earned rest, while Tyrrell moved back to goal defence and Clinton into goal attack. Enziano returned to goal shooter and McAndrew took the wing defence bib. Lucy Stevenson replaced Clinton at goal attack for the final five minutes.

It was a closer final quarter, with Oldham edging it by one goal.

Oldham were cohesive and proved just too much for Academy, who became frustrated and undisciplined.

'COMMANDING'
Hallas (pictured) said: "Our strength in depth paid off, particularly Susie (Armstrong), who came in for the injured Kerry Almond.

"She put in a commanding performance, taking 10 interceptions and seven rebounds during the match.

"We put in a great team performance and put ourselves in a great position going into the Christmas break."

Oldham starting seven: GS Enziano, GA Turner, WA McAndrew, C Darroch, WD Tyrrell, GD Dovey, GK Armstrong.