Flying start fires Oldham

OLDHAM Netball Club's Premier League side, with Gabby Marshall, Amy Clinton and Iona Darroch back in the fold, returned from Guildford boasting a 49-41 win over The Downs.

The trio had been on England under-21s duty and were a welcome addition for coach Debbie Hallas, who has had to contend with a depleted squad since December.

Leaders Oldham started strongly and raced into an early lead that would prove insurmountable for the hosts. At one stage, they netted seven unanswered goals.

The visitors' defensive unit of Kerry Almond, Emma Dovey, Marshall and Maria McAndrew forced errors from The Downs and took intercepts at will, for Krista Enziano and Kathryn Turner to slot home.

ELUSIVE

Oldham ran the first period - they stormed 14-7 clear - with Amelia Hall proving elusive for The Downs defence to catch.

Hallas was forced into one change for the second period, with Dovey rolling her ankle slightly at the end of the first period.

Susie Armstrong came on and was named player of the match by the home side.

The second period was a lot closer, but strong play and communication saw Oldham edge further ahead to lead by nine at half-way.

Dovey re-entered the court at wing defence for the third period, with Darroch and Clinton at wing attack and goal shooter respectively and Marshall moving to centre, giving Hall, Enziano and McAndrew a break.

The changes took a while to settle down, but when they did Oldham dominated with some superb defensive work and through court attack.

Darroch, Turner and Clinton connected well and helped Oldham build up a healthy 40-27 advantage.

More changes in the final quarter contributed to a disjointed final period and Oldham were grateful they had a big lead in the locker.

The Downs produced their best netball, but Oldham were able to claim five points to retain their eight-point gap over their nearest rivals.

'TINKERED'
Hallas said: "I was really happy with how we executed the first three quarters, which put us in a commanding position.

"I tinkered with the line-up in the final quarter, which changed the dynamics and gave some players valuable experience, but we lost some ground which made the result look closer.

"We look forward to welcoming second-placed New Cambell next week which is probably going to be the game of the season. Both of us are vying for the title. It will be a great test for our girls."

Oldham: GS K Enziano GA K Turner WA A Hall C M McAndrew WD G Marshall GD E Dovey GK K Almond. Bench: A Clinton I Darroch S Armstrong.