Almond stars in victory

OLDHAM Netball Club’s National Premier League side made the the short trip to Leeds on Sunday and came away with a 51-43 win.

Oldham dominated from the off and eased into a 15-6 lead at the first break, but the second quarter was a tighter affair with Leeds opting to change their shooters, adding in the extra height and strength to counteract the Oldham defensive circle.

Kerry Almond and Emma Dovey worked hard to keep the pressure on and were rewarded for their efforts, while shooters Krista Enziano and Kathryn Turner were on target to extend the advantage to 30-16 at half-time.

Coach Debbie Hallas made several changes for the third quarter, but they did not affect Oldham’s flow.

Dovey moved across to WD with Abby Tyrrell replacing her at GD, while Amy Neild and Amy Clinton entered the court at WA and GS respectively as Oldham built up a 45-27 lead.

Oldham dropped their game in the final quarter, but did enough to win by eight goals and secure five points.

Hallas said: “We were in control of the game in the first three quarters.

“I tinkered with the team in the last quarter to give experience to players in their second position.

“Player of the match was Kerry Almond, who was solid at the back and produced some great turnovers that helped us dominate the game, particularly in the early stages.”

Oldham: GS K Enziano, GA K Turner, WA M McAndrew, C G Marshall, WD T Cullen, GD E Dovey, GK K Almond. Bench: A Clinton, A Neild, A Tyrrell.