A great confident start for Team Jets, who played away to Norfolk United today, saw accurate passing and shooting creating a 6-3 lead, but Norfolk soon came into the game and pulled back the deficit. It was a very even opening 15 minutes with Norfolk having 15 attempts (12 scored) and Jets 14 attempts (11 scored). Tallula Norman worked relentlessly to cover the court and put up her shots at GA. It was an end to end game with slick and fast patterns of play.

However the 2nd quarter was Team Jets downfall. With repeated unforced breaking and passing errors and tips being picked up by Norfolk, it meant that Hets were chasing the play. Norfolk were able to gain in confidence as their play went unchallenged. With Tallula's energy levels dropping after a week of illness it was Nicole Goddard who was asked to put on the GA bibs and so for the 3rd quarter Jets were firing on all cylinders with everyone supporting each other and they were able to raise their intensity going 3 goals without reply. In a great quarter Jets gained two more runs of 4 goals from high quality interceptions brought the Jets to within 1 goal 31-32. Libby Rothwell at WA was getting the measure of GS Emily Green’s space feeding in accurate balls. Nicole was mixing up the play and was rewarded POM for her efforts. Emily was providing a solid target for Jets to feed and converting her shots with confidence scoring 11 out of 12 goals. The defensive trio Josie Le Masurire (GK), Lauren Devine (GD) and Jenna Meredith (WD) were able to successfully confuse space and were applying constant pressure. This brought Jets turn over balls and as a unit their were able to bring it through court to the shooting circle.

In the 4th quarter Jets continued in the same vein doubling Norfolk’s goals 6 to their 3. We are now 1 goal up 40-39. Norfolk made a tactical change bringing on their experienced GA but within seconds Jenna hit the deck in pain - with a knee injury. Abbie Le Marquand came into the game and coped well especially in the unusual WD position adding to the turnover tally. We extended our lead to 42-39. Jacy remained a constant threat in both attack and defense working tirelessly to support in all areas of the court. Unfortunately a lack of composure in pressured situations resulted in passing errors which let Jets down giving ball to Norfolk who capitalized on the mistakes. Sadly Team Jets lost momentum, the game ebb and flowed for the final minutes until the final whistle. The final score was 46 - 45 to the home side.

There are however lots of positives to take with slick moves and lots of turnovers which resulted in goals. With great shooting stats (Emily 82%, Tallula 69%, Nicole 78%) Jets were able to gain a very valuable bonus point for coming within 5 goals.

Norfolk United 12,27,36,46
Team Jets 11,18,34,45 - POM Nicole Goddard (GA)

Come and support Team Jets in their next match which is at home! Sunday 3rd December from 1.30pm

U16 Team Jets played their first games in the regional leagues in the South West of England on Sunday. First up was North Dorset. Jets took a few minutes to settle but soon found their flow and the back of the net with Lily Jones and Captain Sophie Harvey’s movement dominating the circle giving Jets the first quarter lead 15-5. The defence and the attack linked well to capitalise on numerous interceptions from player of the match GD Molly Carre extending the lead to 29-10.  Continued pressure in the shooting circle from GK Natacha Searson denied North Dorset shooting opportunities throughout the match and Nicole Hamilton provided a nice link into the circle at WA Attack resulting in a final score 53-28 to Jets.
 
U16s next played Lawn. Jets impressed from the start with a dynamic and determined performance especially from WA Evie James and C Kirsty Ludlam who ensured safe delivery of the ball to the Jets shooters leaving Lawn chasing 3 goals to 19. Kiah Kuppe produced fantastic interceptions throughout the matches at WD and GD. Excellent shooting from Brody Morris allowed Jets to capitalise the defensive efforts ensuring a strong lead was maintained. A final push from Gabby Scott at WD linked the through court play. Jets were run away winners with a final score of 60-19 with Molly Carre again being awarded player of the match honours.

Coach Chrissy Bannerman said after the games “I’m really proud of the attitude and hard work the players have put into training. This has been translated onto the court today and means the squad should have a great season ahead. The team dynamics gelled well on and off the court and this was reflected in the strong through court transitions.”