Jodie hailed in show of spirit

NET-BUSTER . . . Oldham captain Karen Greig looks to increase her side’s lead against Hucclecote. PICTURE by CHRIS SUNDERLAND

NETBALL: OLDHAM recovered from a slow start to defeat high-flying Hucclecote 57-44 in the National League Premier Division.

Trailing 15-10 at the end of the first quarter, the hosts had it all to do at the Hathershaw Sports Centre.

But, showing a bucket-load of belief, they were level by half-time.

Goalkeeper Jodie Gibson came into her own, with her deceptive elevation regularly tipping the ball and turning it over into an Oldham attack.

Gibson worked well with her defensive partner Emma Dovey to stifle the Hucclecote forward thrust, while goal shooter Karen Greig scored with ease.

Dovey was given a well-earned rest at the break, with Kerry Almond taking her place.

England International Jade Clarke came on at centre with Laura Malcolm moving back to wing defence.

The experienced Greig had a run out at goal attack and Krista Enziano was introduced at goal shooter, which gave Oldham a different dimension. The changes had an immediate impact.

Greig revelled in her role, and if she was not sinking the goals she was feeding shooter Enziano with craft and guile.

She was ably backed up by Clarke, whose momentum down the court is phenomenal at times.

Gibson was still plugging away in defence and helped Oldham take a 13-goal lead into the last quarter (45-32).

Even though the game had gone, Hucclecote never gave up, and they matched Oldham goal-for-goal.

Coach Debbie Hallas said: “It was great to beat the top-of-the-table team, plus we got all our girls on the court for valuable match-time and experience.

“Jodie Gibson had a great game and is certainly one for the future.

“We played some great netball at times, particularly in the third quarter, which was enough for us to win the game.”




THERE is a break for a Superleague double-header this weekend, with Oldham’s next fixture away at London side Leyton on February 13.






Late rally shocks Oldham



TITLE-CHASING Oldham had to settle for a 45-45 draw in the Northern League after a late rally by Imagine 8.



The home side appeared poised for victory at the end of the third quarter, only for their opponents from Warrington to grab a share of the spoils.

Oldham’s youngsters missed their first three attempts at the net but, led by captain Debbie Hallas, they stepped up a gear to finish the quarter 10-9 ahead.

Teenagers Charlotte Preston, at goal attack, and wing attack Kirsty Bloomfield were introduced, and helped the hosts to maintain their one-goal cushion at half-time (20-19).

More changes at the break — Harriet Gill came on at centre, Sarah Brennan at goal attack and Preston to goal shooter — worked superbly.

And with the defence of Gemma McDermott, Amber Hazelton and Hallas continuing to turn the ball over, Oldham opened up a five-point lead (37-32).

However, hopes of victory were dashed as Oldham, who made more changes, were unable to hold on to the ball and Imagine 8 sneaked up to force a draw.