Greig’s return spurs Oldham

OLDHAM NETBALL NORTHERN LEAGUE SIDE. . . Pam Hazelton (back, left), Suzy Chapman, Channon Westwood, Alexa Collier, Kirsty Bloomfield. Becky Smith (front, left), Gemma McDermott, Debbie Hallas, Amber Hazelton. Not pictured, Karen Greig.

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OLDHAM Netball claimed Roses bragging rights with a thrilling 57-49 victory over Leeds Carnegie in Division One of the Northern League.

The fixture at Hathershaw looked a cracker on paper and it didn’t disappoint with the home side, who had an amazing 46 turnovers, just prevailing.

Oldham welcomed back former England International Karen Greig after a summer in Australia and subsequent illness, while Leeds featured two Superleague regulars.

The hosts were slow out of the blocks and were 3-1 down after two minutes, but with some consistent shooting from Greig and goal attack Alexa Collier, the first quarter finished level at 14-14.

Oldham brought on Leanne Murphy to centre and moved the experienced Suzy Chapman to wing attack at the start of the second quarter.

The switch paid off, with the ball moving a lot quicker down the other end of the court, while effective feeds into the circle enabled Oldham to increase their shooting opportunities.

Leading by a two-point margin (27-25) at the mid-way point, Oldham were put under pressure by a Leeds outfit determined to keep the hosts in their sights.

Oldham’s 18-year-old circle defenders Gemma McDermott and Amber Hazelton, ably assisted by club captain Debbie Hallas at wing defence, kept the visitors’ attack at bay and forced several errors.

These included a ‘held ball’ as the defenders cut down the space around the Leeds forwards.

With Oldham leading 41-38, the game was still in the balance at the end of the third quarter.

However, the home team pushed on, with Suzy Chapman showing some quick, decisive feeding to shooter Karen Greig, who produced a fantastic display from the edge of the circle.

Deservedly Greig was named player-of-the-match — her success rate was 84-per-cent — and will surely progress to the National League squad in the next couple of weeks