Oldham Netball Club's premier league side kicked off the defence of their title with a convincing 75-27 win over Hucclecote.
The home side started strongly and never looked like getting anything less than a win. Strong defence in the opening quarter coupled with a fluent mid court and forging shooting circle opened up a 20-6 lead at the break, which allowed coach Debbie Hallas to make a few changes.
The changes did little to halt the reigning champions and they pushed further ahead. Laura Malcolm was running the show in the mid court and shooters Kathryn Turner and Amy Clinton were clinical with their shooting to open up to a 45-11 lead at half time.
Hallas again rang the changes introducing four new players, with 16 year old Lucy Stevenson making her debut at goal shooter. The changes slowed the scoring down for the home side and it was a much more even affair in this quarter.
The final quarter saw more changes and a huge final push from the home side to get more goals on the board and come away with a routine win.
Coach Hallas said "It was a great start to the season and to blow away some early season rustiness. I would have preferred a more testing game but Hucclecote are going through a rebuilding phase and blooding some youngsters. It was an opportunity to give Lucy Stevenson her Premier League debut, she is certainly a talent for the future. Jodie Gibson and Laura Malcolm put in impressive performances, alongside Kathryn Turner who was my player of the match."
Starting 7: GS A Clinton GA K Turner WA M McAndrew C L Malcolm WD G Marshall GD J Gibson GK K Almond, Bench: L Stevenson A Neild E Dovey S Armstrong
Oldham's next game is away at Turnford on Sunday.
The home side started strongly and never looked like getting anything less than a win. Strong defence in the opening quarter coupled with a fluent mid court and forging shooting circle opened up a 20-6 lead at the break, which allowed coach Debbie Hallas to make a few changes.
The changes did little to halt the reigning champions and they pushed further ahead. Laura Malcolm was running the show in the mid court and shooters Kathryn Turner and Amy Clinton were clinical with their shooting to open up to a 45-11 lead at half time.
Hallas again rang the changes introducing four new players, with 16 year old Lucy Stevenson making her debut at goal shooter. The changes slowed the scoring down for the home side and it was a much more even affair in this quarter.
The final quarter saw more changes and a huge final push from the home side to get more goals on the board and come away with a routine win.
Coach Hallas said "It was a great start to the season and to blow away some early season rustiness. I would have preferred a more testing game but Hucclecote are going through a rebuilding phase and blooding some youngsters. It was an opportunity to give Lucy Stevenson her Premier League debut, she is certainly a talent for the future. Jodie Gibson and Laura Malcolm put in impressive performances, alongside Kathryn Turner who was my player of the match."
Starting 7: GS A Clinton GA K Turner WA M McAndrew C L Malcolm WD G Marshall GD J Gibson GK K Almond, Bench: L Stevenson A Neild E Dovey S Armstrong
Oldham's next game is away at Turnford on Sunday.