In Premier League division one, all teams have now played each other and Oldham find themselves sitting nicely at the top of the league unbeaten. A travelling Worcester Reds had a great chance to turn over the current champions, who were depleted due to five players being on duty with England A.
In the first quarter Oldham did what they do best, start poorly. The home side found themselves behind for the majority of the first quarter as Worcester came out of the blocks hard and fast. This seemed to be a shock to the home side all over the court and their seemed to be no connection through the court. However Oldham did not wait until quarter time to fix things and started to find their recognised quick flow. After a shaky start the Oldham attack were patient in their attack and found the ever reliable shooting force of Kathryn Turner and Krista Enziano under the post. Oldham scraped an early lead after quarter one 11-10.
In the first quarter Oldham did what they do best, start poorly. The home side found themselves behind for the majority of the first quarter as Worcester came out of the blocks hard and fast. This seemed to be a shock to the home side all over the court and their seemed to be no connection through the court. However Oldham did not wait until quarter time to fix things and started to find their recognised quick flow. After a shaky start the Oldham attack were patient in their attack and found the ever reliable shooting force of Kathryn Turner and Krista Enziano under the post. Oldham scraped an early lead after quarter one 11-10.
With not much experience on the bench coach Debbie Hallas used her words to put things right and that’s exactly what they did. A tighter defensive unit from Kerry Almond and Abigail Tyrrell meant Worcester were limited in their attempts on goal. In attack the connection between Maria McAndrew and Turner on the centre pass meant the ball was reaching the circle with pace and ease. A more convincing quarter from the home team meant a half time lead 27-18.
At half time Oldham stuck to their starting seven. A scrappy start to the second half saw possession switch between the teams frequently. Rachel Henry and Gabs Marshall seem to stitch up their wing attack and centre on the centre pass as Oldham had plenty of turnover. A time out towards the end of the third quarter by Worcester made an opening for Hallas to shuffle the pack. Taylor Cullen made her premier league debut at wing defence and slotted in well. A low scoring quarter saw Oldham extend their lead 37-23.
Going into the last quarter Susie Armstrong also made her debut coming on at goal keeper and she made an impact from the start of the quarter. Worcester seemed to tire going into the last quarter and Oldham pushed on even further. Turnovers from Armstrong and Marshall were converted in the shooting circle with ease. Another confident win from the home side extends their lead at the top to seven points.
Oldham will enjoy a Christmas break for nearly a month before facing a lengthy trip to Bath on 11th January.
Coach Debbie Hallas: “Apart from the first quarter I was happy with the performance, we gritted our teeth when it mattered and pulled out a performance. It was great to see two 16 year olds making their debuts and they certainly didn’t’ look out of place.”
“My player of the match today goes to Gabs Marshall, who did a great job of nullifying the Worcester attack and turning over ball.”
Starting 7: GK Kerry Almond GD Abigail Tyrrell WD Gabs Marshall C Rachel Henry WA Maria McAndrew GA Kathryn Turner GS Krista Enziano Subs: Susie Armstrong, Amy Neild, Taylor Cullen
At half time Oldham stuck to their starting seven. A scrappy start to the second half saw possession switch between the teams frequently. Rachel Henry and Gabs Marshall seem to stitch up their wing attack and centre on the centre pass as Oldham had plenty of turnover. A time out towards the end of the third quarter by Worcester made an opening for Hallas to shuffle the pack. Taylor Cullen made her premier league debut at wing defence and slotted in well. A low scoring quarter saw Oldham extend their lead 37-23.
Going into the last quarter Susie Armstrong also made her debut coming on at goal keeper and she made an impact from the start of the quarter. Worcester seemed to tire going into the last quarter and Oldham pushed on even further. Turnovers from Armstrong and Marshall were converted in the shooting circle with ease. Another confident win from the home side extends their lead at the top to seven points.
Oldham will enjoy a Christmas break for nearly a month before facing a lengthy trip to Bath on 11th January.
Coach Debbie Hallas: “Apart from the first quarter I was happy with the performance, we gritted our teeth when it mattered and pulled out a performance. It was great to see two 16 year olds making their debuts and they certainly didn’t’ look out of place.”
“My player of the match today goes to Gabs Marshall, who did a great job of nullifying the Worcester attack and turning over ball.”
Starting 7: GK Kerry Almond GD Abigail Tyrrell WD Gabs Marshall C Rachel Henry WA Maria McAndrew GA Kathryn Turner GS Krista Enziano Subs: Susie Armstrong, Amy Neild, Taylor Cullen
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