TABLE toppers Team Jets are back in Regional League 1 netball action this weekend, with an opportunity to secure a play-off berth.
The Islanders travel for a double header against Wimborne Aquarians A and Premier Romans A, knowing that a pair of victories will seal their spot in the battle for promotion in April.
The Jets are in sparkling form, currently eight games unbeaten with six wins on the spin and five points clear at the top of the table with a game spare over nearest challengers Hucclecote Comets.
After a month off, Serena Kersten’s team return to action against two opponents who languish at the foot of the table – Wimborne in eighth and Premier Romans in seventh.
The head coach has allowed her team a week’s rest during the break and believes they have used it to their advantage.
“I think the break came at a good time for us,” said Kersten.
“We got some fantastic results beforehand against two promotion rivals, Hucclecote and Mavericks, which has put us in a good position.
“We are just two wins away from landing a play-off spot, so I think it was a good time for us to have a refresh, physically and mentally.
“The girls are raring to get back on court now.
“The time was used wisely to rest and recover. Leah Griffin has returned to training this week following her ankle injury.
“We’ll make sure we ease her back in so she’s fully fit come the end of the season.”
Kersten’s side have already recorded victory this season over Wimborne, by way of a 55-54 thriller back in December, but they are yet to face Premier Romans A.
“We did record a win over Wimborne earlier in the season, but it was a close game, they pushed us hard,” added the head coach.
“We know they will have improved, and we haven’t faced Premier Romans yet so they will be an unknown to us.
“We are close to securing a play-off spot and we have a great opportunity to do that this weekend.
“Having that spot secured with games to spare would be ideal for a coaching and preparation perspective.
“But the girls are completely focussed on each game as it comes. We know what we’re working on in training and that’s our main focus.”
Jets have put up some impressive numbers in the last few fixtures, something the former England captain is pleased about.
She continued: “Our scorelines have improved in recent matches which is something we’ve worked hard on so that’s pleasing.
“But the scoreline is not just about how many you score, it’s about being consistent and solid defensively as well.
“Consistency is the key word. We don’t want to be a team that takes our foot off the gas when we are in a commanding position and allow opposing teams easy goals.”
Kersten for one, is keen to emphasize that the high standards her squad set will help prepare them for challenges to come, potentially in higher leagues.
“We are looking to build for beyond this league.
“The girls set the target of winning the league this year but our preparations are for a higher standard next year and beyond.
“That’s why I try and focus on keeping the girls grounded and not get carried away with the league position.
“We want to be consistent in nailing our plans, executing them efficiently and staying process driven.
“We are on a journey to achieve big things and this is just the start for us.”
Team Jets to face Wimborne Aquarians A and Premier Romans A: Jacy Brown (cc), Rosie Tonner (cc), Emily Le Gros, Lynsey Pitman, Antonia Chaytor, Taylor Mai Dickson, Jodie Blampied, Kat Le Riche, Lauren Devine, Becca Forrest, Layla Dos Santos.
Regional League 1
P W D L Diff Pts
Team Jets 13 10 2 1 1.324 57
Hucclecote Comets 14 8 2 4 1.148 52
Mavericks Eagles 14 7 1 6 1.026 47
Poole 14 7 2 5 1.040 46
Titans Lightning 15 7 1 7 0.953 46
ENC Equinox 14 6 1 7 1.026 44
Premier Romans A † 13 6 0 7 1.119 42
Wimborne Aquarians A 13 6 1 6 1.048 41
Team Bath A † 14 6 0 8 0.933 40
Galmington 14 1 0 13 0.583 13
