- Islanders lose to fellow newcomers in Premier League 2 as injuries strike.
- Losing bonus point secured after entering final quarter outside the 50 per cent margin.
TEAM JETS’ ‘baptism of fire’ in Premier League 2 continued yesterday as they suffered their heaviest defeat since entering the Regional League in 2011.
Up against Kent County – who also rose into the second tier of England Netball’s amateur pyramid in May – the Islanders struggled to overcome the loss of three players to injury and simply could not contend with a side they toppled twice in the 2014/15 campaign.
| P | W | L | D | GAv | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tameside | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1.56 | 10 |
| Kent County | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1.56 | 10 |
| Ryland | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1.24 | 10 |
| Worcester Reds | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0.96 | 6 |
| Thoroughbreds | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0.86 | 6 |
| Clan | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1.05 | 5 |
| Telstars | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0.84 | 3 |
| Team Jets | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0.73 | 3 |
| Grangetown | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0.86 | 2 |
| Premier Romans | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0.60 | 1 |
Although boosted by the return of captain Lauren Devine, who missed the opening day defeat to Thoroughbreds, Jets were without the likes of star shooter Sophie Holmes, Harriet Simon and Becca Forrest and they fell six behind in the opening minutes. There was a mini revival to bring the scores back to 6-5, but that was as good as it got and they returned home with a 54-28 defeat to their name.
Glimpses of the form that has guided Jets to three promotions in four seasons were indeed on show, but passing errors gave the hosts the edge and even a losing bonus point looked in doubt as Linda Andrews’ side entered the final quarter 45-20 behind. They fought on, though, and claimed no fewer than 12 turnovers to squeeze inside the 50 per cent mark.
‘The loss of key personnel is having a dramatic effect on the squad,’ said Andrews. ‘The circle play was good throughout by all of the shooters but the goals would not drop. We managed to turnover the ball at regular intervals and force Kent into errors, but generally we were second best.
‘We have to dust ourselves down and up the number of hours spent on technical training, otherwise we will be in this position week after week.’
Worcester Reds, who were playing Premier League 1 netball last term, are up next on Sunday.
Lauren Devine, Josie Le Masurier, Nicole Goddard, Lisa Luce, Jacy Brown, Abbie Hazley, Lynsey Pitman, Rosie Tonner, Jenna Meredith. Coaches: Linda Andrews and Chrissy Bannerman. Scorer: Wendy Luce. Sports therapist: Kieran Norman.
