Oldham Netball's Premier League side featuring their growing young fan club, hosted Oaksway from Hartlepool who left a little disheartened after a 56-31 defeat.
The victory was not always comfortable for Oldham as they had a very shaky start finding themselves trailing by four goals at the start of the first quarter. Oldham's defence were caught sleeping and Oaksway were finding their shooters with ease. At the other the end the home side attack were struggling to give accurate passes.Half way through the first quarter the tide quickly changed and Oldham found form and quickly moved through the gears and scored an eight goal flurry without an answer from the away team. The quarter finished 16-9.
Coach Debbie Hallas opted to switch things a little in the second quarter resting in form goal attack Kathryn Turner and giving exposure to young shooters Alice Travis and Helen Housby. Captain Kerry Almond also took to the court at goal keeper. Some turnovers and tips from the Oldham defence were converted as the ball moved quickly down the court and Oldham continued to dominate. At half time they had extended their lead 28-17.
The third quarter saw Oldham really mix it up through the court and the strength in depth of the Oldham squad was on display. Emma Dovey switched into the centre position and Kathryn Turner and Krista Enziano paired up in their familiar shooting roles. The game was competitive all the way through and the battling Oaksway refused to give up but again Oldham continued to pile on the pressure and the lead continued to grow 42-24.
Hallas demanded consolidation going into the last quarter after a sloppy final quarter the previous week against Team Bath Toucans. Oldham did finish strong with a good speed in attack and a dominant defence. It was a good strong team performance from the home side who were able to try out different combinations all over the court.
Coach Debbie Hallas said: "It was great to give some valuable court time to all our squad, we have great strength in depth and with it they are also versatile in playing several different positions."
"The performances that stood out today for me were Maria McAndrew at wing attack who has great hands and quick decision making. She was supported well by Rachel Henry in centre court, while Kathryn Turner put in her usual consistent shift at goal attack."
Oldham travel to The Downs of Surrey on Sunday for a top of the table clash and hope to be travelling home sitting on top of the league.
Squad: GS H Housby GA K Turner WA M McAndrew C R Henry WD B Cobden GD E Dovey GK G Webster Subs: K Enziano, K Almond, A Travis
The third quarter saw Oldham really mix it up through the court and the strength in depth of the Oldham squad was on display. Emma Dovey switched into the centre position and Kathryn Turner and Krista Enziano paired up in their familiar shooting roles. The game was competitive all the way through and the battling Oaksway refused to give up but again Oldham continued to pile on the pressure and the lead continued to grow 42-24.
Hallas demanded consolidation going into the last quarter after a sloppy final quarter the previous week against Team Bath Toucans. Oldham did finish strong with a good speed in attack and a dominant defence. It was a good strong team performance from the home side who were able to try out different combinations all over the court.
Coach Debbie Hallas said: "It was great to give some valuable court time to all our squad, we have great strength in depth and with it they are also versatile in playing several different positions."
"The performances that stood out today for me were Maria McAndrew at wing attack who has great hands and quick decision making. She was supported well by Rachel Henry in centre court, while Kathryn Turner put in her usual consistent shift at goal attack."
Oldham travel to The Downs of Surrey on Sunday for a top of the table clash and hope to be travelling home sitting on top of the league.
Squad: GS H Housby GA K Turner WA M McAndrew C R Henry WD B Cobden GD E Dovey GK G Webster Subs: K Enziano, K Almond, A Travis