Depleted Under 16s Undone by League Winners & Runners Up

Under 16 Team Jets travelled away this weekend to play Raychem and Bath Cougars who along with last trips opposition Cirencester make up the top 4 with any of the teams able to take the League Title. Undefeated Jets faced undefeated Raychem first and it was the latter who settled first with Jets trailing in the first quarter despite Captain Sophie Harvey leading her team with impressive shooting stats (8 from 10). Kiah Kuppe at WD pushed in defence for turnovers and linked brilliantly with her attacking counterparts. With Raychem missing chances due to great defensive pressure in the circle from GK Natasha Searson and GD & POM Isabella Valeur-Adu, Jets showed they had more to give and turned over a first quarter deficiet if 6 goals to lead 28 v 23 at half time. GA Lily Jones didn’t miss a shot in this second quarter. However despite showing fantastic through court play with Maddie Somay and Gabby Scott sharing Centre during the game and linking well with WA Maddie Fitzgerald, Jets struggled to keep a strong Raychem from creeping back. The game was incredibly close until the final few minutes with Jets forcing it to a 4 goal game after Raychem took the lead at the end of the 3rd quarter. Unfortunately tiredness from Jets and a strong push from Raychem meant they ran away with it to finish 48 v 60 ahead. 
 
Jets regrouped and reflected on the positives of the game before facing 3rd placed Bath Cougars, but failed to settle allowing Bath to mount up a strong lead. With changes to the team for the second quarter, Lauren Bisson came in at GS and Sophie Harvey moved to WA. This created more balance and Jets started to be more consistent and they started to close the deficit. GK Natasha Searson showed fantastic man on defending against a towering shooter and earns the POM honors for her efforts. However her team had too much to do and with Bath Cougars displaying brilliant through court defence forced Jets to make errors and they were unable to come back despite rallying in the final quarter. Overall score 34 v 58. 
 
Until this weekend Jets had been undefeated and knew this last weekend would be tough with over half the squad unavailable to travel. The 3 Under 14 players who travelled were fantastic and fitted into the team well. The development and team spirit that the squad has shown as the season has gone on shows how much they have progressed. With most of the team staying in the squad for the 2018/2019 season this development has been crucial for the long term goals of the club. 
 
Reflecting on the season Coach Taryn Perkins said “we are so pleased with how the players have progressed this season. They have shown great determination and have supported each other on the journey. It has been a shame to end with 2 loses but we have far more positives to take from this season. With most of the squad continuing their Under 16 campaign next season and some fantastic players coming up from Under 14s, 3 of which have played today, they will be force to be reckoned with.”

Squad travelling:

Sophie Harvey
Lily Jones
Maddie Fitzgerald- Wilkins
Gabby Scott
Kiah Kuppe
Natacha Searson
Maddie Somy
Bella Valeur-Adu
Lauren Bisson

Coaches: Chrissy Bannerman and Taryn Perkins
Scorer: Ella Vieira
Umpire: Michelle Bougeard