AFTER a superb start for the Team Jets 2 last weekend, tomorrow and Sunday sees the return of the Team Jets first team in Netball South West Regional League 1.
The Islanders face an exciting opening double-header first against Bristol Romans B and then Team Bath A.
Team Jets 2 recorded an excellent 46-42 win over Team Bath B last weekend in the opening game of their campaign.
With head coach Serena Kersten on maternity leave, Jersey Netball and Team Jets stalwart Emily Green has assumed the coaching role short term.
“I’m a bit nervous for this first weekend actually,” said Green.
“Good nervous though, definitely. We have had an amazing pre-season and I’m just looking forward to the girls getting the chance to be back in competitive action again.
“They have worked so hard for the last couple of months, it’s almost like a reward for them to actually get back into league action now.”
Last campaign, the Islanders recorded a clean sweep over Team Bath A, beating them 67-40 in January and 60-40 in March.
However, Green is aware that they cannot take any team for granted at this level, especially with Team Bath’s current Super League predicaments.
Last season, the Netball Super League reduced the number of teams in the league, with Team Bath falling victim to the change.
Green believes this might mean some of their top players end up filtering down the leagues, leaving an unpredictable line-up for the Jets to prepare for.
“We have no idea what sort of side we may face with either Bath or Romans,” she added.
“Both are extremely good clubs. They will be well drilled, physically fit and disciplined.
“We know Romans in particular move the ball incredibly quickly through the court, so we have been preparing hard for that.
“We never take any team for granted and we’re looking forward to testing ourselves.
“Sometimes not knowing much about the opposition can be a bit of a positive though.
“We can just solely focus on ourselves and ensure we are in the best condition possible, both tactically and physically.”
The Jets face an early season injury problem, with several young players being called up from the second team to fill the holes in defence.
“It’s unfortunate to have to start the season with injuries in the squad,” continued Green.
“But we have excellent strength in depth. The whole advantage of creating the second team was for opportunities like this.
“We can now offer some of those girls who played so brilliantly last weekend a chance to step up in the first team.
“All of our girls were so excited for the 2s last weekend after their wins and we would very much like to continue that positive momentum.
“As long as we all do our jobs the way we have trained and we remain calm in the moment, I think we’ll have an excellent chance of two wins and a perfect start to the season.
Team Jets Squad: Rosie Tonner (c), Leah Griffin, Lily Jones, Emily Le Gros, Lara Spary, Nicole Goddard, Madison Fitzgerald-Wilkins, Jodie Blampied, Samantha Salzone, Summer Watkins, Becca Forrest
