THIS was a job partially complete for Team Jets after a pair of victories on the road secured their spot in April’s Premier League 3 play-offs with three games of the regular season to spare.
A comprehensive 61-40 victory over Wimbourne Aquarians A was backed up the next day with a tighter 53-48 win over Premier Romans A.
Head coach Serena Kersten lauded her experienced players “who really stepped up” and her side’s attitude throughout the weekend.
She said: “The girls knew what was at stake this weekend and they delivered, I was really impressed.
“We knew Wimborne would give us a good challenge in the first game, as we only beat them by one point in the reverse fixture.
“They were an unorthodox team and I was pleased we didn’t get sucked into their style of play.
“To shake off the court rust and beat them by over 20 points was extremely satisfying.”
The 61-40 scoreline was the fifth match in a row that Kersten’s side have scored 60 or more points in a match, something that has been a primary focus in training and especially impressive considering one of their key shooters, Leah Griffin, remains sidelined with an ankle injury.
“Being dominant and consistent throughout a full match is something we talk about a lot,” Kersten added.
“Not only scoring more goals, but conceding fewer. Moving forwards, if we do get promoted, that’s going to become increasingly important.
“Rosie Tonner was fantastic in attack and Lauren Devine and Kat Le Riche were equally brilliant in defence.
“It’s great to have experienced players stepping up for us in big matches.”
Premier Romans A brought a different and more challenging test.
Romans, as a club, have sides competing in higher leagues and therefore reserve their right to bring players down for this contest.
Kersten was pleased her team got to compete against a side comprised of several players currently competing at a higher level. A level which they aspire to reach themselves.
She added: “I think it’s great we got to play a team like that.
“Our girls got to test themselves against better players at a higher level than this league.
“We aim to reach those heights and beyond and tests like this let us know where we are as a team.
“For us, admittedly without playing our best game, to get over the line against a strong opponent was extremely pleasing for me.
“The girls came off the court knowing we could have played better and there were areas we should have executed more clinically.
“But it was important to remind them that they just beat a good side having not played their best. That’s what the best teams do.
“I thought Lauren Devine in particular was superb in the second match as well, that’s the best weekend she’s had in Jets colours in my opinion.”
The Caesareans have plenty of time to prepare for April’s play-offs having three league games left in the season.
The former England captain admits it is an excellent position for her team to be in. However, she doesn’t want her side to let off the gas.
“I think it’s really important we keep the winning momentum going,” Kersten continued.
“There was a possibility we wouldn’t win the Premier Romans game, but the girls dug deep and got it done.
“That experience of knowing how to win tough games is invaluable and something we need to keep honing in on so we can use it when we need it, which we undoubtedly will in the future.
“We want to go and win our remaining three games.
“It will send a good statement to the other play-off contenders and also keep our confidence high.
“We have a four-week gap now until we face Premier Romans again.
“We will continue to keep ourselves sharp and in the right frame of mind.
“Hopefully we might be able to welcome Leah [Griffin] back as well, which would be a big boost at the right time for us.
“I cannot wait to see how the girls manage the end of this season, it’s a really exciting time and there’s much more to come.”
Team Jets: 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
