Rare loss as Oldham go down to Academy

Amber Hazelton

A YOUNG and relatively inexperienced Oldham team were defeated for the first time when they travelled south to face Academy, losing 65-45 in the penultimate National Premier League game of the season.

As well as being without their experienced Superleague players, Oldham were also without Krista Enziano and coach Debbie Hallas, who handed the reins to Kerry Almond for this fixture.

Oldham started slowly. The quarter was littered with unforced errors and Academy were able to build up a 12-goal lead.

Stand-in coach Almond made an early change for the second quarter, bringing on Amy Neild at wing attack and moving Amelia Hall to goal attack.

Oldham took some time to adjust and it was Academy who scored five unanswered goals. Errors continued and coach Almond was urging the girls to show more discipline and calmness.

They responded well and the defence, led by Susie Armstrong and Abby Tyrell, started to turn over ball and Amber Hazleton, Maria McAndrew and Neild were bringing the ball through court, finding shooters Amy Clinton and Hall more easily. At half-time Oldham trailed 37-22.

The third quarter was a similar story, with Oldham continuing to make mistakes and allowing Academy to add to their lead, leaving Oldham were 20 goals behind at the end of the quarter.

Wholesale positional changes were made and Chloe Shepherd returned to goal attack. Hazelton took a well-deserved rest after an energetic debut.

Academy also made a number of changes and Oldham were able to gather some momentum and drew the quarter.

It was a hard lesson for Oldham's young squad, but one from which they gained huge experience.

Almond said:"After a tough first quarter, the girls really stepped up and pushed a vastly experienced and older side really well for the remainder of the game.

"I was proud of the spirit they showed out on court and they never gave up despite the score line. Maria McAndrew led from the front, always working and helping the younger players with the experience she has.

"Amelia Hall had some great passages of play and took on their defence excellently. She was my player of the game."


Oldham: GK Armstrong, GD Tyrell, WD Hazleton, C McAndrew, WA Hall, GA Shepherd, GS Clinton.

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