Christmas is approaching, but the temperature in Premier League 3 is red hot.
The Evelyn Partners Jets have enjoyed a successful return to Premier League netball, currently sitting in third place at the halfway stage of the season. Tomorrow, they welcome Leeds-based side YMCA Magic to Oakfield Sports Centre, looking to right the wrong of their first game of the campaign.
The Jets’ opening fixture saw a match-up with fellow regional promoted side YMCA Magic, resulting in a 47–47 draw that left both sides frustrated. Jets coach Serena Kersten admitted: “We were disappointed we didn’t win that one.”
However, since then the Caesareans have settled beautifully into life at this level and, despite a defeat to Northants Storm three weeks ago, their 51–47 home win over Norfolk United signalled the squad was straight back into their work.
“It’s all getting a bit exciting, isn’t it?” said Kersten, emphasising how close the gap between the top three is.
Ryland lead the way with 38 points, with Exeter and the Jets back on 36 points. However, Exeter have an all-important game in hand and they welcome the Jets on 7th December for a mammoth final fixture before the Christmas break.
Before that mouth-watering clash, though, Kersten’s side must continue their momentum and their excellent home form against the Magic tomorrow.
“Although we were disappointed not to beat them the first time around, we’re excited for the chance to play them at home tomorrow,” Kersten continued. “But we’re not going in with too many expectations, we know they will have improved equally as we have. We’re going to make sure we don’t go in with too many expectations, we’ll just try and stay really present and win each 15 minutes as they come.”
Kersten was keen to highlight the work done by the squad with psychologist Dr James Kelly during their short break over the past two weeks, adding: “We’ve used our last bit of time off to work with our magical psychologist Jimmy Kelly. It’s helped us regroup a bit mentally and as a group, we’re really looking forward to the last couple of fixtures before the Christmas break, I can’t believe how quickly it’s going really!”
Evelyn Partners Jets squad to face YMCA Magic: Rosie Tonner (c), Lily Jones, Grace Thomson, Maddie Fitzgerald-Wilkins, Antonia Chaytor, Jacy Brown, Serena Kersten, Nicole Goddard, Samantha Salzone, Molly Carre, Rebecca Forrest
