In their final game of the regular-season before they challenge for a spot in Premier League 2, Jets started poorly and at one stage in the opening quarter found themselves ten behind. They recovered slightly, but a 15-8 deficit would not have been on coach Linda Andrews’ game-plan.
| P | W | D | L | GA | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryland | 18 | 14 | 1 | 3 | 1.16 | 76 |
| Kent County | 18 | 13 | 1 | 4 | 1.27 | 72 |
| Team Jets | 18 | 13 | 0 | 5 | 1.10 | 72 |
| Cumberland | 18 | 10 | 1 | 7 | 1.02 | 61 |
| Dudley Leisure | 18 | 10 | 1 | 7 | 1.05 | 60 |
| Norfolk United | 18 | 10 | 0 | 8 | 1.05 | 60 |
| Linden | 18 | 8 | 2 | 8 | 1.10 | 58 |
| Sussex Thunder* | 18 | 3 | 1 | 14 | 0.89 | 36 |
| Falcons Black | 18 | 4 | 1 | 13 | 0.78 | 34 |
| Loughborough | 18 | 0 | 2 | 16 | 0.72 | 22 |
*2 pts deducted
The Islanders came out with greater ambition in the second period, with Liz Haenga replacing Nicole Goddard at wing defence, but after reducing the gap to just one goal by half-time they could not find a way to move ahead, with Linden remaining firm around the edge of their defensive circle.
The third quarter provided further frustration for Jets as the visitors’ height in attack continued to pay dividends, but the voice of the bustling crowd grew louder in the final 15 minutes and the home side finished with a flurry.
Interceptions – few and far between in the first three periods –came along like buses in the closing stages, and after 53 minutes of play Jets took the lead for the first time; at 40-39.
Josie Le Masurier, player of the match Lauren Devine, Sophie Holmes and Lynsey Pitman all made vital turnovers and Andrews’ side completed a league double over England coach Collette Thomson’s outfit (after their 42-41 win in November) to move top of the PL 3 table for Saturday night.
‘When we went ten down my heart did flutter a bit, I thought to myself “we can’t lose it in this first quarter”,’ said Andrews. ‘We just weren’t getting into circle enough. I thought we’d done enough in training to counteract their play but we were a bit too hesitant with ball.
(sponsored by Dominion in association with One Foundation, Polar Capital, Voisins and CPA Global)
Josie Le Masurier, Lauren Devine (capt), Nicole Goddard (Liz Haenga), Jacy Brown, Abbie Hazley, Lynsey Pitman, Sophie Holmes. Not used: Ebony Troy, Lisa Luce, Rosie Tonner.
‘We won the second quarter 16-10 and after we were within seven I knew we’d be OK and grow. And to come out with those interceptions in the fourth quarter was brilliant.
Jets were overtaken on the league ladder yesterday as Ryland were promoted as champions with victory against Norfolk United, but two places in PL2 are still up for grabs at Loughborough University on 9 and 10 May. Kent County will join Jets to fight for those spots, along with PL2 strugglers Dominoes and Leyton.
