ORIGINALLY, the Jets took their time to bed back into Premier League netball after a reasonable period out of the top level.
Opening round results of a draw and a defeat to YMCA Magic and Exeter proved tough early tests, however, they have rallied since to rattle off three consecutive wins.
Ryland, Worcester Reds, and Hatfield Hawks have each fallen victim to the Jets’ run of form, and this week they set their sights on a struggling Leeds Athletic. With just one win and four defeats to their name, Leeds Athletic are currently languishing down the wrong end of the division.
The northern-based side currently holds the second-worst defensive record in the division, conceding 271 goals so far, only behind Northants Storm with 285.
Team Jets, however, have held firm at the back, mirroring their league position in defensive rankings in fourth with 224 conceded. One area that might be of notice is in the attacking D, however, where they have scored 227 goals, higher only than the bottom two sides.
The standard of defensive quality of the teams at this level is clear to see, with Jets players and coaches alike expressing the increased physicality over recent weeks.
However, the likes of Team Bath’s Lily Jones have combined expertly with young stars Grace Thomson and Emily Le Gros, working in tandem with captain Rosie Tonner in the attacking third to still be in the positive for goal difference.
“The group is feeling confident going into this next game,” said captain Tonner. “I feel like we are starting to find our feet in the league after a shaky start.
“Although Leeds Athletic are nearer the bottom part of the table, this league is unpredictable and anyone is capable of winning on the day. So we know we will need to put out a strong performance to get the win but I think we are up to the challenge.”
Action from the University of Huddersfield is scheduled for a 3:45pm start tomorrow.
Evelyn Partners Jets squad to face Leeds Athletic: Rosie Tonner (c), Grace Thomson, Emily Le Gros, Maddie Fitzgerald-Wilkins, Jacy Brown, Toni Chaytor, Nicole Goddard, Sam Salzone, Becca Forrest, Molly Carre, Lily Jones
