Poor start costly for Oldham

STRONG . . . Kathryn Turner (right).

NETBALL: OLDHAM fell to their second National Premier League defeat of the season, 44-41 at Surrey-based The Downs.

The home side started strongly and punished any early errors, taking the lead immediately despite strong shooting from Kathryn Turner.

The centre court combination of Maria McAndrew, Gabby Marshall and Taylor Cullen was finding life tough as the Downs pushed ahead, despite flashes of their usual flair. Oldham were 15-9 down at the first break.

Coach Debbie Hallas switched things for the second quarter and the changes worked immediately.

Marshall had much more influence and Iona Darroch worked tirelessly, injecting much-needed drive into the attack.

Emma Dovey was having her strongest game of the season so far, taking intercept after intercept to provide Turner and Krista Enziano the opportunities to bring Oldham back into the game. At half-time The Downs led 27-23.

Hallas brought on Susie Armstrong and Amy Clinton for the third quarter and Armstrong started well, denying the quick interplay between the home side’s shooters and ably backing Dovey. Turner had to work hard at the front as the Downs’ defence doubled up on Clinton.

Oldham took the quarter by three to head into the final period trailing by only one goal, 33-32.

Enziano returned for the final quarter, but unfortunately she wasn’t the catalyst for a win, despite the reigning champions drawing level for a brief time.