Oldham Netball Club get international experience in warm-up for season

The fixtures provided an excellent opportunity for Oldham's players to test themselves against international opposition as part of their preparations for the upcoming season. For the Warriors, the matches formed an important part of their build-up to the Netball World Cup Qualifiers, which begin on September 25. The tournament will see Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland competing for two qualification places at the Netball World Cup. The Warriors claimed victory in both matches, although Oldham significantly reduced the margin in the second game, demonstrating clear progress and development across the weekend. Oldham Netball Club Senior Head Coach Debbie Hallas said: "It was an amazing opportunity for our players to travel and play against international opposition. For some, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. "For our younger players, it helped expose them to a higher level of competition and will stand them in good stead ahead of what promises to be a busy season." "It was also a fantastic team-building opportunity. On Sunday, the team took part in a treasure hunt around Belfast, photographing themselves at some of the city's most famous landmarks." "We would like to thank the Warriors for the experience and wish them every success in the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers." Northern Ireland Warriors Head Coach Sheonah Forbes added: "I'd like to thank Oldham for travelling to play us. It can be difficult to secure quality opposition in preparation for events like these, so the opportunity was extremely beneficial for our squad. "We're focused, firing and ready for the qualifiers. We hope to see plenty of support there." Oldham Squad Jasmina Jones, Lois Cowin, Hannah Diamond (Co-Captain), Amelia Hall, Grace James, Sarah Rexstraw, Kodey Davies, Charlotte Spence, Alice McGeachy and Sophia Warn (Co-Captain). Management Team Head Coach: Debbie Hallas; Technical Coach: Jade Clarke; Team Managers: Sarah Barlow and Tanya Burbidge Northern Ireland Warriors Squad Lisa Bowman, Orlaith Rogers, Emma Magee, Georgie McGrath, Evelyn McCagherty, Orla McGeough, Frances Keenan, Lisa Carlin, Caroline O'Hanlon, Niamh Cooper, Fionnuala Toner, Michelle Magee, Lauren Walshe and Maria McCann. Management Team Head Coach: Sheonah Forbes; Assistant Coach: Jodie Gibson; Team Manager: Charlotte Elliott; Performance Analyst: Lauren Webb