Coach salutes terrific Turner

NETBALL: OLDHAM Netball Club kept up the chase for a fifth straight National Premier League One title with a convincing 71-58 win at New Cambell.

Debbie Hallas’s visitors started strongly, surging into an early 7-2 lead before New Cambell reduced the deficit to 8-6 with precision passing and fast breaks.

But Oldham’s defence of Taylor Cullen, Emma Dovey and Kerry Almond worked hard to create turnovers, which were despatched by the shooters for a 16-9 advantage at the first break.

Coach Hallas opted to rotate the squad with Abby Tyrrell moving to goal defence and Dovey replacing Cullen on the wing.

The changes worked immediately as Oldham extended its lead. Kathryn Turner produced some great drives into the circle and clinical shooting. Krista Enziano looked at home in the role of goal shooter, and was sinking long shots under pressure.

The lead was up to 10, with youngster Iona Darroch working well in the middle and linking with Maria McAndrew.

New Cambell would not lie down, though, and were only five adrift (35-30) at the half-way mark.

More changes for the third quarter saw McAndrew move to the centre and Amy Neild replaced Darroch.

Again, they had an instant impact and Oldham held a nine-goal lead with the final phase remaining.

Cullen returned for the final quarter and Dovey moved back to goal defence to partner Almond again and shore up the defensive circle.

This proved to be an astute decision as the home side’s shooters were often starved of possession, leaving Oldham to secure a comfortable success.