TEAM Jets U14s kicked off their season last weekend against a strong TTNC Spartans side.
TTNC enjoyed a strong first-half, but changes in the seven resulted in the Jets cutting down their lead and meant the Jets won the third quarter.
Impact players hit the court and really changed the game. Unfortunately, TTNC continued to pull away and the Jets would fall 50-28.
The opponents’ player of the match was Jets’ Lexi Edward, while the coaches’ player of the match was awarded to Isabella Strong.
The following day, the U14s regrouped and came out fighting for their match against TTNC Centaurs.
Expecting to come up against a similar style of play as their clubmates from the day prior, Jets knew they had to work in their units and have patience on the ball.
This seemed to come easy for the youngsters, as they seamlessly moved the ball up court time and time again, capitalising on their opponents’ mistakes.
A big team effort, once again utilising the skills of the impact players, led to a superb 46-21 victory for the Jets.
After successfully gaining a place in Division 1 of the Netball South West regional league,the U16 Team Jets side also enjoyed their first games of the season.
First came the challenge of Saints. The nerves were on show in the first quarter, as Jets narrowly led by two goals.
A regroup at quarter time saw the U16s come out firing. The defensive unit of Sophie Thornton, Florence Allo & Molly McKeon consistently shut down the Saints attack and won ball.
They increased the lead by nine goals and continued to extend this throughout the second half, finishing with a 39-25 win.
The opposition’s player of the match was awarded to GD Florence Allo, and coaches’ player of the match was awarded to GK Sophie Thornton.
The squad took confidence from the opening game into their next fixture against Plymouth Firebirds.
The attacking unit of Isla Rafferty and Poppy Hughes were brilliant at off-footing their defence and delivering accurate balls into shooters Emily Dove and Sofia Hussey – who had no problem finding the net.
Half-time saw the Islanders lead 29-17.
The team had an injection of energy with the introduction of Lily Chilvers and Megan Jerrard in the mid-court at the start of the third quarter.
Their work rate and availability through court was a key factor in maintaining and gaining possession.
The final score was 51-36 to Jets, to mark an incredible start to the season.
The opposition’s player of the match was again awarded to Jets’ phenomenal defender, Florence Allo, while the coaches’ player of the match was awarded to WA Isla Rafferty.
The squad square off with TTNC and Dart next on 13/14 October.
Team Jets U14: Libby Parris, Zoe Morales, Paloma Farina-Richings, Isabella Strong, Autumn Carro, Florence Kelly, Esme Hargreaves, Scarlett Le Fustec, Bethannie Wood, Lexi Edward
Team Jets U16: Poppy Hughes (c), Molly McKeon (c), Emily Dove, Sofia Hussey, Isla Rafferty, Lily Chilvers, Megan Jerrard, Florence Allo, Sophie Thornton
Coach: Lauren Mills
