Oldham 83 v Deeside 32

GS Lucy Stevenson (91%)
GA Victoria Austin (73%)
WA Iona Darroch
C Rachael Taylor
WD Taylor Cullen
GD Susie Armstrong
GK Jess Dale
Bench:
Katie Bodha
Amber Hazelton
Rebecca Hope
Ebbie Danson-Chappell
Gemma McDermott

Quarter scores
(Oldham scores first)
1st qtr 26-8
2nd qtr 22-5
3rd qtr 18-9
4th qtr 17-10
MOM Victoria Austin

First away game of the season saw Oldham travelling to Deeside. Oldham arrived in full force with 12 players. It is going to be a difficult choice for coach Ashworth each week as there are a lot of players competing for positions this year, so it is important the coaches get the chance to see who is performing. Oldham lost their first centre, which wasn’t the start they wanted. Oldham managed to win the ball back on Deeside’s centre pass and started to take the game away. With Lucy Stevenson and Victoria Austin on point in the shooting circle, it was difficult for the Deeside defence to keep up with them. Oldham took the ball through the court with some speed and took care of every pass. Oldham turned the ball over a fantastic 14 times in the first quarter, mainly by Taylor Cullen who read the ball very well and predicted movement of the Deeside’s attack. A great start for Oldham winning the first quarter 26-8. ​

Changes were made going into the second quarter with Rebecca Hope coming on at WA, Gemma McDermott at GD, Katie Bodha at WD and Cullen to C. Oldham started this quarter well. Although Oldham needed some stronger passing and better timing with their attacking movement, they kept the intensity and did not get complacent. With the goal machines Austin and Stevenson, Oldham continued to score the goals. Oldham won the second quarter and took the overall score to 48-13 at half time.

More changes going into the third quarter, Susie Armstrong to GK, Amber Hazelton GD, Iona Darroch back on at C and Ebbie Danson-Chappell at WA. With all the changes happening in each quarter, Oldham managed these changes really well and settled into the game very quickly. It was a great to see the good mix of experience and youth on the court in each quarter, and it blended well. Hazelton and Bodha both making an impact in defence turning the all over for the red and blue side. Oldham put a lot of pressure on Deeside, but there were some errors creeping in through the court and in the attack. It didn’t faze Stevenson in at GS, who continued to put the ball up and score. Oldham still won the quarter, but not by as many as the first two, at the end of third quarter the score was 66-23.

In the fourth quarter Hazelton went to GK, McDermott to GD, Rachael Taylor WD and Hope at C. Taylor straight away dictated the centre court defence with some great team work and communication. Oldham remained on top all the way through the quarter despite a few passing errors and a breaking the line on centre pass. Final score 83-32.

Suzy Ashworth quote: “It is a really tough decision choosing the squad each week and I want to ensure that all players get the opportunity to get on court and perform. It was a big squad for this game, but we had a good mix of experienced players and our youth coming through. We were also able to play different combinations. Well done to all players, another great result.”