Depleted Oldham too sharp for Blades

IMPRESSIVE . . . Amy Clinton

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NETBALL: Oldham battled hard to earn a 59-51 victory after travelling south to meet Southampton outfit Viper 10 Blades in the National Premier League.

The first quarter started slowly, with errors from both teams resulting in Blades taking an early advantage. Oldham then settled into their stride with good, attacking netball. Amy Clinton and player of the match Kathryn Turner were combining well and making the most of good through court play from Iona Darroch and Amy Neild.

Oldham’s defence was working hard too, with good play by Taylor Cullen to back up the efforts of Abby Tyrrell and Susie Armstrong. By the end of the first quarter, Oldham led 17-11.

A scrappy second quarter went goal for goal as both teams struggled to find their rhythm. Oldham were only able to increase their lead to 31-24.

Changes for the third quarter saw Krista Enziano and Jess Dale take to court, giving Clinton and Armstrong a rest. For the first five minutes goals were traded equally, but then Oldham decided to put their foot on the gas and offered an 11-goal run without reply.

Blades fought back in the final quarter to win it 16-12, but it was too little, too late as Oldham took another win.