U14s top of the table and undefeated

U14 Team Jets faced the other 2 undefeated sides in the league today with top of the table Challengers first. After a very focused preparation and warm up the girls took an early 2 v 1 lead with the attack finding good space. With a 100% shooting record in the first quarter of both games, GS Pia Gurner allowed her team to push ahead to a 7 v 1 lead. With some loose balls Challengers scored the next 3 goals forcing Jets to gain control as they went on to win the quarter 12 v 7. Maddy Cameron put in a fantastic performance in the WD bib with numerous interceptions particularly in the 2nd quarter. Jets didn’t always capitalise however with some forced feeds into the circle but maintained their lead going in at half time 20 v 15 up. Despite changes in the on court team, GA and POM Maddie Reynolds continued to link well with her attack, especially GS Eva-Raine Clark provided options and goals to help Jets continue their lead. With fresh legs in at C, Taylor Mai Dickson used fantastic movement and communication to ensure more of the defences’ fantastic interceptions were converted. With 15 minutes to go Jets were 29 v 21 up and despite this not being a perfect game by any means the young side showed how far they have come since their initial seeding tournament. With excellent use of channels and changes of direction, WA Maddie Gott encouraged her team to keep fighting for possession. Jets came out top at the final whistle winning 36 v 27.
 
Their second match was against Lawn and proved to be a battle. After at times losing possession with silly errors and forced passes in the first match, Coaches Taryn Perkins and Lauren Mills were keen to see greater control and focus in this second game. A positive debrief and 2nd focused warm up saw the girls come out strongly initially however with a large home crowd the shooting opportunities were not always finding the net and many rebounds were scooped up by the Lawn defence. Jets consequently found themselves 4 goals down before they scored their first. Maddie Reynolds worked incredibly hard throughout the match to gain her second POM of the day. With Reynolds and GS Pia Gurner linking brilliantly they managed to bring the game level and then take 5 v 4 lead with 5 goals on the trot. However Lawn then fought back to take the opening quarter 7 v 10.
 
Katie Henman came in at GK for the 2nd quarter to try and close down the space for the opposition’s shooters. She made a great impact with multiple interceptions allowing Jets keep up the pressure and bringing it back to a 1 goal game before again the sides were level (12 v 12). At this point it was a long wait for a goal as both sides created turnover opportunities but failed to capitalise. It was Lawn who broke the deadlock and from then on it was goal for goal with them scoring the last of the quarter ensuring they had a 2 goal lead at half time. The strong defensive pairing of Helen Blackstone at GK and Cerys O’Connell at GD were reunited once again as Henman moved to WD and the game continued to be close with multiple turnovers which at times neither team could convert. With Jets loosing possession both through forced and unforced errors, it was Lawn who took a 20 v 24 lead mid-way through the 3rd quarter. Then Jets also suffered the loss of their WA Maddie Gott who was forced to come off injured. With Chole Lagadu on in her place though, Jets quickly picked up the pace again but were still 3 goals down as they paused before the final quarter.

Again (coaches) Perkins and Mills pressed their team for greater control to prevent the errors which were losing them possession. The first 2 goals went to Lawn, but with the error rate dramatically reduced Jets pressed on but the loud crowd seemed to effect some shooting attempts and with 4 minutes to go Jets were 5 goals down. But Jets were not to be rattled. As Blackstone, O’Connell and Cameron linked to force loose balls from Lawn and took fantastic interceptions they gave the team chances. Lagadu who took the C bib for final quarter linked her defence and attack brilliantly, pressing Lawn to 29 v 30 scoreline. With a shot missed for Jets to draw level, the crowd cheered as Lawn played on, but the ball was deftly intercepted by WA Taylor-Mai Dickson before Gurner converted. Lawn were taken by surprise as Jets then took a 31 v 30 lead but scored on their own centre to bring it to 31 each. It was then Lawn who missed a shot and Blackstone caught the rebound but Jets again lost possession before Blackstone inspired her team to push for the win taking a fantastic interception on the edge of the shooting circle and the team then confidently delivered the ball to GA Reynolds to score. As Lawn began to panic. A held ball error from Lawn gave Jets the opportunity to finish the game which they did winning 33 v 31. An absolutely incredible and inspiring squad performance which left the coaches and subs running on to court to celebrate with the on court team.
 
After the match Coach Taryn Perkins said “For the girls to show such spirit and determination in our second match was incredible. It has been a long and tough day with every player having to find that extra bit of energy to keep going. To keep their heads throughout such a close game in front of the opposition’s home crowd was incredible. The sheer grit they showed in the final minutes has really shown how far they have come since the start of the season. Although we still have lots to focus on, myself and Lauren and I know Ella who could not travel, could not be prouder of each and every one of them.”

Squad:
Helen Blackstone
Cerys O’Connell (co-captain)
Katie Henman
Maddy Cameron
Chloe Lagadu
Taylor Mai Dickson
Maddie Gott
Maddie Reynolds (co-captain)
Pia Gurner
Eva-Raine Clark
 
Coaches: Taryn Perkins and Lauren Mills
Umpire: Emma Wilton
Scorer: Lauren Arthur