The loss means the Channel Islanders, who were promoted to the second tier of England Netball’s amateur league system earlier this year, are yet to win a match this season.
However it is not all doom and gloom for the Island club, as head coach Linda Andrews believes she saw enough positive signs in yesterday’s defeat to give her belief that her squad can compete – and perhaps even flourish – at this esteemed level.
| P | W | L | D | GAv | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tameside | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1.5 | 15 |
| Ryland | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1.26 | 15 |
| Kent County | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1.15 | 11 |
| Worcester Reds | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1.1 | 11 |
| Clan | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1.06 | 10 |
| Thoroughbreds | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0.88 | 8 |
| Grangetown | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1.04 | 7 |
| Telstars | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0.79 | 4 |
| Team Jets | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0.71 | 4 |
| Premier Romans | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0.67 | 2 |
Worcester, who were playing in Premier League 1 last season, are a tall, athletic and powerful side, rebuilding their squad as they aim to secure an immediate return to the top flight.
The hosts started in a confident mood and with only six minutes played, disaster struck for Jets as shooter Sophie Holmes – returning from injury – was forced to withdraw. From that moment on, the visitors struggled to get the ball into their attacking circle and, as a consequence, found themselves 10-3 down at quarter time.
Jets did improve as the match went on, and were particularly competitive in the second and fourth quarters, but ultimately they were unable to catch the impressive Worcester, as they suffered a 14 point defeat.
Clearly frustrated with the result, Andrews said: ‘Injury and illness are not helping our cause but we are still ready to fight to stay up in this league.
‘Training was so positive last week but we are struggling to take what we do in training in to our matches. We are confident it will come though – it’s just taking longer than we want.
‘Our second and fourth quarters proved we can compete at this level and the girls’ fitness levels were superb, even in the final quarter.
‘But no matter how hard we tried it was a struggle to make an impact to change the course of the game.
‘Worcester were just more clinical with their movement and passing and converted 77 per cent of their shots.
‘It was a good contest and we didn’t give up but there is lots to work on. Perseverance is the key and we will keep working hard to improve.’
‘We had plenty of turnover ball throughout the court but we struggled to out-manoeuver the long-limbed, rangey players.
Jets now have a fortnight to regroup before welcoming Grangetown to Fort Regent on 25 October, in what will be only their second home clash of the campaign.
Lauren Devine (capt), Josie Le Masurier, Georgia Hickey, Nicole Goddard, Jenna Meredith, Jacy Brown, Abbie Hazley, Lynsey Pitman, Rosie Tonner, Sophie Holmes. Coaches: Linda Andrews, Chrissy Bannerman. Scorer: Wendy Luce. Sports therapist: Kieran Norman.
