It was a successful weekend for the North-West region at the 2017 National Clubs U14 Finals as Oldham overcame Chester to take home the trophy in this year’s final.
In doing so, Oldham also completed a remarkable run which saw them secure a perfect record across the two days of action at Birmingham University.
Firstly, they topped Group C on Saturday with big victories over CFX Netball and Leeds Athletic.
They were not the only side to win two from two in the opening group stage as Chester, Eagles, Cliftonettes, Team Matrix and Turnford all started their campaigns very strongly.
Arguably the fixture of the round was the clash between Saints Rockets and Grangetown. A tantalisingly close match ended in favour of the Rockets as they managed to grind out a 19-18 success.
Following a re-jig of the groups, Poole also showed their strength with a big victory over Cliftonettes and a narrow one-goal win against Leeds.
This secured them a place in the top two groups for the final round robin stage and the opportunity to make the final.
Remarkably, along with Chester and Eagles, they were to finish level on six points in an ultra-competitive Group 1 with the positions decided on goal average.
Chester would make the final with 1.07 average with Poole heading to the third place play-off ending on a 0.97 average. Back in third and competing in the fifth place play-off were Eagles with a 0.95 average.
It was clearer in Group 2 as Oldham continued to dominate with Turnford getting the better of Team Matrix to qualify for the third place play-off.
Notable results from the final placing matches included Essex Open edging out Cliftonettes 15-13 for 13th spot.
Leeds Athletic were once again involved in a dramatic encounter as they secured a 22-21 win against Grangetown to head home in 7th position.
In the final a well-drilled Oldham outfit led from the first quarter and rarely looked in trouble. Chester produced a spirited display but the excellent movement through court and accurate shooting from Oldham saw them secure the title with an excellent 34-21 victory.
A full list of results and final standings from the 2017 National Clubs U14 Finals can be viewed here.
England Netball would like to congratulate all teams for reaching the finals and wish to thank all of the players, coaches, officials, supporters and volunteers for a fantastic weekend.
