Oldham played host to London based, New Cambell, in a top of the table clash between two experienced teams. With Oldham holding pole position in the league table and New Cambell hot on their tails, it was all to play for.
The start was littered with unforced errors from the home team, who struggled to find any kind of momentum. Fortunately for Oldham, New Cambell also made mistakes and the low scoring quarter ended with Oldham holding a slender 10-9 lead, thanks in the main to a solid performance from Kerry Almond in defence, with an impressive 4 turnovers in the quarter.
Coach, Debbie Hallas, reorganised the team, introducing Amelia Hall to WA, moving Maria McAndrew to Centre and Gabs Marshall to Wing Defence. This had an immediate impact and Oldham scored three quick goals. However, New Cambell replied with three goals of their own and the quarter was going goal for goal. With the scoreline standing at 20-19 Oldham began to slip through the gears. Some excellent through court play, stemming from Emma Dovey and Gabs Marshall in defence, through to Maria McAndrew and Amelia Hall, was providing Shooters, Kathryn Turner and Krista Enziano with more opportunities. The latter found her range with her trademark long bombs, to give Oldham a 28-20 lead heading into half time and earned her the player of the match award.
The start was littered with unforced errors from the home team, who struggled to find any kind of momentum. Fortunately for Oldham, New Cambell also made mistakes and the low scoring quarter ended with Oldham holding a slender 10-9 lead, thanks in the main to a solid performance from Kerry Almond in defence, with an impressive 4 turnovers in the quarter.
Coach, Debbie Hallas, reorganised the team, introducing Amelia Hall to WA, moving Maria McAndrew to Centre and Gabs Marshall to Wing Defence. This had an immediate impact and Oldham scored three quick goals. However, New Cambell replied with three goals of their own and the quarter was going goal for goal. With the scoreline standing at 20-19 Oldham began to slip through the gears. Some excellent through court play, stemming from Emma Dovey and Gabs Marshall in defence, through to Maria McAndrew and Amelia Hall, was providing Shooters, Kathryn Turner and Krista Enziano with more opportunities. The latter found her range with her trademark long bombs, to give Oldham a 28-20 lead heading into half time and earned her the player of the match award.
Amy Clinton replaced Enziano going into the third quarter and Oldham continued to build on their lead. After a nervy start, the youngster soon adjusted to the physicality of the New Cambell defence and the score continued to tick over with Oldham leading 41-31 going into the last quarter.
Sensing that the game was out of reach, New Cambell replaced their influential shooter, Lynsey Armitage, and Oldham continued to increase their lead with several runs of unanswered goals. A time out called by Kathryn Turner, gave Hallas the opportunity to shuffle the pack. Enziano returned to Goal Shooter with Clinton moving to Goal Attack. Amy Neild took the Wing Attack bib, Amelia Hall moved to centre and Maria McAndrew took a well-earned break. The changes slowed Oldham’s progress but the game was already won and the home team were well pleased with a 58-40 victory and another 5 points.
Coach Debbie Hallas commented: “I was disappointed with our start today, however, Amelia Hall came on in the second quarter and changed the game for us. Once we eradicated the unforced errors and started to move through the gears we played some great netball. Kerry Almond deserves a mention to for a strong performance against Cambell’s most influential player. This win puts us in a very strong position and we need two wins from our last five games to regain the title.”
Player of Match: Krista Enziano
Starting 7: GS Enziano, GA Turner, WA McAndrew, C Marshall, WD Tyrell, GD Dovey, GK Almond
Subs: Clinton, Hall, Neild
Sensing that the game was out of reach, New Cambell replaced their influential shooter, Lynsey Armitage, and Oldham continued to increase their lead with several runs of unanswered goals. A time out called by Kathryn Turner, gave Hallas the opportunity to shuffle the pack. Enziano returned to Goal Shooter with Clinton moving to Goal Attack. Amy Neild took the Wing Attack bib, Amelia Hall moved to centre and Maria McAndrew took a well-earned break. The changes slowed Oldham’s progress but the game was already won and the home team were well pleased with a 58-40 victory and another 5 points.
Coach Debbie Hallas commented: “I was disappointed with our start today, however, Amelia Hall came on in the second quarter and changed the game for us. Once we eradicated the unforced errors and started to move through the gears we played some great netball. Kerry Almond deserves a mention to for a strong performance against Cambell’s most influential player. This win puts us in a very strong position and we need two wins from our last five games to regain the title.”
Player of Match: Krista Enziano
Starting 7: GS Enziano, GA Turner, WA McAndrew, C Marshall, WD Tyrell, GD Dovey, GK Almond
Subs: Clinton, Hall, Neild