The reigning champions faced a tough journey to Gloucester with a depleted squad due to players being rested for Manchester Thunder’s Superleague fixture the following day. The squad consisted of a few familiar faces but also there were call ups for some of our youngsters.
In the first quarter Oldham started brightly with some real patience in attack. In defence Jodie Gibson, who is back from recent injury, was commanding the circle and winning ball from the Hucclecote attack. Towards the end of the quarter the home side started to claw goals back but Oldham were resilient and won the quarter 14-9.
In the first quarter Oldham started brightly with some real patience in attack. In defence Jodie Gibson, who is back from recent injury, was commanding the circle and winning ball from the Hucclecote attack. Towards the end of the quarter the home side started to claw goals back but Oldham were resilient and won the quarter 14-9.
Going into the second quarter it was important that Oldham pushed on with their lead. Alice Travis and Krista Enziano started to link up well in the shooting circle and created space for feeders to put the ball in. However at the other end Hucclecote seemed to be doing the same. Both teams seemed evenly matched but Hucclecote won the quarter and at half time Oldham led just 24-21.
At half time Oldham made some changes with youngsters Taylor Cullen and Amy Neild taking to the court. Both players slotted in well and worked tirelessly in attack and defence. Neild worked well around the circle to feed a reliable Enziano under the post. In defence Cullen forced interceptions from the Hucclecote attack and again the quarter was evenly matched and going into the last quarter Oldham led 35-32.
With limited availability to some of the Superleague players Oldham were forced to make changes going into the last quarter. Enziano was replaced by Travis in the shooting circle and this took the Oldham attack too long to adapt to. Hucclecote took real advantage of this and pressed on to draw the game level. With an edgy last few minutes Oldham could not hold on and Hucclecote snatched the win from Oldham. Final score 40-42.
Coach Debbie Hallas: “A tough day at the office, we should have taken the points today and were in a position to do so. Under pressure we crumbled and we need to work on a strategy to counteract this in future. For three quarters we were the better team with great performances from Jodie Gibson, Gabs Marshall, Rachel Henry and Maria McAndrew.”
“My player of the match was Rachel Henry who was solid in the middle and linked the play throughout the court.”
Starting 7: GK Jodie Gibson GD Abby Tyrell WD Gabs Marshall C Rachel Henry WA Maria McAndrew GA Alice Travis GS Krista Enziano Subs: Amy Neild & Taylor Cullen
At half time Oldham made some changes with youngsters Taylor Cullen and Amy Neild taking to the court. Both players slotted in well and worked tirelessly in attack and defence. Neild worked well around the circle to feed a reliable Enziano under the post. In defence Cullen forced interceptions from the Hucclecote attack and again the quarter was evenly matched and going into the last quarter Oldham led 35-32.
With limited availability to some of the Superleague players Oldham were forced to make changes going into the last quarter. Enziano was replaced by Travis in the shooting circle and this took the Oldham attack too long to adapt to. Hucclecote took real advantage of this and pressed on to draw the game level. With an edgy last few minutes Oldham could not hold on and Hucclecote snatched the win from Oldham. Final score 40-42.
Coach Debbie Hallas: “A tough day at the office, we should have taken the points today and were in a position to do so. Under pressure we crumbled and we need to work on a strategy to counteract this in future. For three quarters we were the better team with great performances from Jodie Gibson, Gabs Marshall, Rachel Henry and Maria McAndrew.”
“My player of the match was Rachel Henry who was solid in the middle and linked the play throughout the court.”
Starting 7: GK Jodie Gibson GD Abby Tyrell WD Gabs Marshall C Rachel Henry WA Maria McAndrew GA Alice Travis GS Krista Enziano Subs: Amy Neild & Taylor Cullen