NPL side end season with a loss

PERFECT RECORD . . . Amy Clinton against Leeds

CHAMPIONS Oldham Netball Club wrapped up their National Premier League season with a 70-59 loss at Leeds.

With absentees, the visitors had to call upon players from the club's North-West Premier League side, who had clinched the title in the morning in Preston. See other story.

Young Oldham fought hard in the first quarter, attempting to combat the tall and strong shooter for Leeds. Krista Enziano, starting in the unfamiliar role of goal keeper, was backed up by Susie Armstrong, but they found it tough going.

At the other end, Amy Clinton was on fire, sinking every shot presented to her for a perfect 27 goals out of 27 attempts.

Amy Neild did well in the centre position, transitioning well from defence to attack and feeding Clinton superbly.

Trailing 20-17, Oldham coach Debbie Hallas rang the changes, with Armstrong moving back to goal keeper, Abby Tyrrell to goal defence, Amber Hazleton took the wing defence bib, Clinton moved out to goal attack and Enziano reverted to her more usual spot of goal shooter.

The changes took a little time to settle and Oldham fell further behind.

Oldham grew into the quarter as Armstrong had more luck against the Leeds shooter and Ebbie Danson-Chappell linked up well with Enziano.

Still, Leeds led 39-30 at the midway break.

With Lucy Stevenson returning and Gemma McDermott at goal defence, Oldham played their best netball with some brilliant passages of play. Neild was tireless in both attack and defence, but playing earlier in the day was starting to show. Enziano was faultless in the third quarter and Oldham took it by one (52-44).

However, once Leeds had extended their advantage to 10 in the last quarter, Oldham were always up against it.

Oldham: GS A Clinton, GA L Stevenson, WA E Danson-Chappell, C A Neild, WD A Tyrrell, GD S Armstrong, GK K Enziano. Subs: G McDermott, A Hazleton, K Almond.