Club embarks on Aussie tour

The Oldham squad now en route to Australia

OLDHAM Netball Club heads to Australia today, hoping to enhance skills with the help of the sport’s best players and cheer on England to World Cup glory.

The party of 24 girls from the under-16s and 17s squads and the coaches and managers will tour for 17 days from a Sydney base.

Each team will play five games against local sides, take part in a training session with ANZ Championship side NSW Swifts, and watch the World Cup final and bronze medal play-off games.

The Oldham club, which has carried all before it at national, regional and junior levels, has visited the country before.

Senior coach Debbie Hallas said: “This is an opportunity of a lifetime, to play and learn from some of the most talented players in the world. It will be a great experience and fun as well. There is a lot to fit in; it is a busy schedule which includes a few fitness sessions on the beach!

“Australia are the world champions and won gold at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, so they set the standard. The girls will see different styles of play, which will only aid their development.”

Back home, Oldham begin the defence of their National Premier League title against Hucclecote on September 27. Home fixtures will be staged at the new sports centre when it opens, but until then they will continue to use Hathershaw College.