Hosts see half-time lead wiped out

Maria McAndrew . . . hard-running display.

OLDHAM Netball Club’s National Premier League team let slip a nine-goal half-time lead as they were held to 43-43 draw at home to The Downs.

The hosts made a strong start, with Kerry Almond and Emma Dovey causing problems for the away side’s attack. Quick interchanges from the centre court and strong shooting from Kathryn Turner and Amy Clinton saw Oldham take a commanding 16-10 lead at the first break.

The second quarter followed in much the same vein. Clinton and Turner didn’t let their performance level drop, despite coming under intense pressure from the experienced Downs defensive pairing, and the advantage continued to build.

A 28-19 lead at half-time should have seen Oldham go on to clinch the spoils. But changes allowed errors to creep in. A scrappy quarter allowed The Downs to cut Oldham’s lead to 36-33.

The Downs nosed ahead with minutes to go, only for Oldham to make an interception and drew level.

Hallas was disappointed with her side’s inability to keep the lead under pressure.



OLDHAM’s next match is away to Team Bath on Sunday, October 25.