Under 16s Come Out Top Against Cirencester

Under 16 Team Jets travelled away today to face 3rd placed Cirencester. 
 
Jets started strongly taking an early 5 goal to nothing lead catching the opposition on the back foot. However some unforced errors allowed the home side to creep back in with the score quickly shrinking to a 2 goal lead (10 v 8). Captain Sophie Harvey’s incredibly accurate shooting ensured Jets kept ahead only missing 2 goals and these coming in the last 5 minutes and her shooting partner Lily Jones didn’t miss a goal. The through court flow of the first quarter was a joy to watch as C Kirsty Ludlum and WA Madison Fitzgerald-Wilkins linked brilliantly, timing their movements to create space and attacking opportunities. First quarter finished 16 v 10 to Jets.
 
Jets continued to capitalise on missed opportunities early in the second quarter with GA Lily Jones pushing on from her 100% shooting in the first quarter to net 6 from 8. Jones showed her ability to step up in the face of tough defence, using fantastic timing to loose her opponent and help get the ball to goal. Player of the match and GD Molly Carre put in an outstanding defensive performance through the match with countless interceptions and tips against tall shooters. Carre, GK Natacha Searson and WD Kiah Kuppe linked to work effectively as a defensive unit forcing many errors from Cirecencester in the 2nd quarter creating a 8 goal lead at half time. 
 
Changes at half time saw Gabby Scott in at C, Lily Brewster WD and Kiah Kuppe dropping to GK. Kuppe and Carre combined to make things very hard for Cirencester in the shooting circle with multiple tips and interceptions allowing Jets to maintain possession. Brewster and Scott linked well through the court with the former providing great back up for her attacking teammates. Although the Cirencester defence caused missed shots in the 3rd quarter, with the greater defensive pressure coming from Jets the visitors were able to extend their lead to 10. Jets led 39 v 29 with 15 minutes to go.
 
Jets replaced Brody Morris at GS and Ludlum (C) and Searson (GK) returned to the court after a 3rd quarter break. The team started strongly but Cirencester never gave up. With some missed opportunities at goal and turnovers Cirencester brought the game to within 4 goals. However Jets showed how far they have developed this season. They stepped up to take control of the pace of the game ensuring better possession and ultimately more chances at goal. With Morris and Jones linking well in the circle Jets started to settle. With a increase in turnovers GK Natacha Searson had a fantastic last quarter, reading passes from Cirencester well to create turnovers along with GD Molly Carre. Jets took a fantastic win with the final score 50 v 41. 
 
After the game Head Coach Chrissy said “We knew it was going to be a tough physical game with Cirencester lying 3rd and the girls impressed from the start, maintaining consistency throughout. This is going to be key in our final top of the table matches and Interinsulars fixture next month.”

Sophie Harvey
Lily Jones 
Brody Morris
Kirsty Ludlum 
Maddy Fitzgerald Wilkins
Gabby Scott
Kiah Kuppe
Molly Carre
Natacha Searson
Lily Brewster 
 
Coaches: Chrissy Bannerman and Taryn Perkins
Scorer: Ella Vieira
Umpire: Amie Le Beuvant