‘Amazing’

GIVE US A CHEER: Oldham Netball Club have plenty to smile about after clinching the Premier League title for the first time in their history.

Oldham dedicate first Premier title to former coach Greenwood
OLDHAM clinched the Premier League crown for the the first time in their 25-year history following a convincing 55-37 win over New Cambell.

And Debbie Hallas hailed her side's efforts in scooping top honours with one game to go, while her thoughts also turned to former club coach and founder Mike Greenwood snr, who died earlier in the season.

She said: “I am so proud. The girls have been amazing. Our attack took a little time to get into the game, but when they did, they played some impressive netball.”

Hallas added: “The players dedicated the title to Mike Greenwood.

“It is his hard work over the years and the legacy that he built that got us to where we are today.”

A draw in Essex would have been enough for Oldham — but they came away with an emphatic win.

Spearheaded by captain Kerry Almond, the defence started the game on fire and turned the ball over 11 times in the first quarter.

Alice Travis (15) made her first start at goal attack for the Premier League side, and she did not disappoint as Oldham finished the opening quarter 13-10 in front.

At the start of the second quarter, Kathryn Turner replaced Travis, who is being eased in gently to top-tier netball.

Oldham upped the tempo and started to show their class.

Goal shooter Krista Enziano put the ball away with ease, while centre Laura Malcolm displayed boundless energy in covering the court. Oldham stormed the quarter 15-8 for a lead of 10 at half-time.

Travis, who is in the England squad for this weekend’s Under-17s European Championships in Glasgow, returned after the restart at goal shooter, with Enziano taking a rest. Emma Dovey replaced Malcolm at centre.

Oldham were a little careless through the court, but still managed to take the quarter 13-9. The title was in the bag.

The attack of Dovey, Henry and Turner fed the returning Enziano with ease in the final quarter, which finished 14-10 in Oldham’s favour.

Oldham’s final home match is on Sunday, March 25, when Blades of Southampton are the visitors.





INJURY-HIT Oldham had only seven players from which to choose for their trip to Bury Grammar and went down to a 75-40 defeat.

The visitors did well to stay within touching distance in the early stages and only trailed 16-10 at the end of the first quarter.

However, the home outfit pulled away and secured the win. Khadija Pemberton caught the eye for Oldham with a fantastic work rate.