Oldham Netball Club's premier league side lost their second game of the season on Sunday, falling to roses rivals Leeds Athletic 62-47.

Oldham started slowly, struggling to counteract the high feeds into Leeds 6'6” shooter Timmy Cato. Oldham’s shooters were also struggling to find a way through the physical Leeds defence. Despite this it was going goal for goal until the last few minutes of the quarter when Leeds edged ahead to 12-16.

Coach Hallas moved Susie Armstrong into GK for the second with Jodie Gibson, Georgie Webster and Beth Cobden moving forward a position with Rachel Henry dropping to the bench. The changes worked for Oldham, with Armstrong doing a solid job on the giant shooter, allowing Oldham to claw it back to 17-17. The Oldham shooters were beginning to find more space and some solid feeds from Cobden and Maria McAndrew with cool shooting from Alice Travis and Kathryn Turner allowed Oldham to take the lead at the half 29-26.

One change at the break saw Amy Clinton replace Travis. Unfortunately for Oldham the Leeds team stepped up a gear and their Superleague experience plus the unstoppable long bombs to their shooter proved too much, with Oldham's play breaking down through the mid court and attack. Leeds took the quarter by 10 to lead 38-45 at the break.

Travis was brought back on for the last quarter, but Oldham just couldn't find the flow in this game. A few questionable calls from the umpire had the bench on their feet but Leeds kept their composure taking the game away from the home side. The final quarter was 9-17 to Leeds for a comprehensive win.

Oldham played some good netball in patches but it wasn't enough to take the win.

Coach Hallas said, "We played some great netball in the first half and counteracted their height advantage in the circle by breaking down the play before it got there. However, we let Leeds go on a seven goal run without reply in the third and lost our consistency. Once Leeds forged a lead they grew in confidence and the ball was going into the circle from everywhere. It was great experience for 16 years old Susie Armstrong to play against Cato and she did really well. Jodie Gibson and Georgie Webster also stood out with Georgie Webster taking the player of the match award. We now need to consolidate with three games left and we need to take 11 points from a possible 15 to retain our Premier League title.”

Starting seven: GS A Travis GA K Turner WA M McAndrew C R Henry WD B Cobden GD G Webster GK J Gibson. Bench A Clinton T Cullen S Armstrong.

Oldham Under 16,s produced a 5 star display Vs Leyland in the Northwest National qualifying league. Oldham began the game with real intent and quickly set the pace of the game, Leyland new they were in for a tough time after the first few minutes. Oldham’s starting 7 of; Susie Armstrong, Elinor Hull, Ellie Fitzhugh, Morgan Evans, Jasmine Newell, Amelia Hall and Lucy Stevenson ensured Leyland spent most of the first quarter chasing shadows. As Oldham continually thwarted any Leyland attacks they made no such mistakes themselves with both Amelia Hall (GA) and Lucy Stevenson (GS) ending the first quarter with 100% shooting accuracy; the 1st qt ended 22 – 4.

Oldham made three changes at the break and introduced Rachel Fitzsimmons, Olivia Brown and 14yr old shooter Isobel Hallam. Leyland capitalised on Oldham’s changes early on in the 2nd qt but once Oldham found there rhythm it was back to business. At half time Oldham held a commanding lead of 39 – 11

Quarter 3 and 4 proved just how much Oldham wanted this win with some statistics that had head coach Pam Hazleton praising her player’s attitudes and commitment throughout the game. The game finished Oldham 82 Leyland 17. Oldham’s shooters had world class statistics that goes to show hard work and training pays off.

Amelia Hall   11 / 11  100%
Lucy Stevenson 51 / 54  94%
Isobel Hallam   16 / 17  94%

The whole team contributed to the most impressive statistic of them all and shows the team is gearing up nicely as they look towards the Northwest finals in March. Oldham turned the ball over 15 times and on every occasion they scored. Head coach Pam Hazelton stated she had never seen that level of conversion before.

Oldham now look forward to their next game Vs Didsbury at the end of February.

Player of the match was: Susie Armstrong

Coach Debbie Hallas had to turn to her youngsters to fulfil the away fixture at Turnford due to players being tied up playing a double header in The Netball Superleague.

The game started with a fast pace and the game was going goal for goal. However with some increased pressure from the Oldham defence the away team managed to capitalise and gain a lead. Shooters Alice Travis and Amy Clinton worked well together and worked the ball close to the post. At the end of the first quarter Oldham had a marginal lead 12-10.