THE Evelyn Partners Jets produced a display of grit, composure and no little steel to edge a pulsating 55-54 victory away to Sussex Thunder in Premier League 3 on Sunday.
In what coach Emily Green described as “the feistiest game of the season so far”, the Jets stood tall amid a cauldron of noise and controversy to secure what could prove a pivotal win in the promotion race.
With leaders Exeter and second-placed Ryland both winning, the Jets remain third – two points off the pace but very much in the hunt with just two games to play.
Sussex Thunder 54 – 55 Evelyn Partners Jets
Q1: 11-15
Q2: 25-30
Q3: 42-44
Q4: 54-55
Player of the Match: Becca Forrest
Fast start sets the tone
The islanders claimed the win in the reverse fixture 53-51 at home back in October last year, and they made their intentions clear from the first centre pass, racing into a 15-11 lead at the end of the opening quarter. Their slick ball movement and clinical finishing ensured they carried a healthy 30-25 advantage into half-time.
But the contest was simmering.
“Sussex were beginning to show their frustration and they were showing that through their behaviour on court,” Green said afterwards. “It was extremely close and incredibly feisty.”
Despite what Green labelled controversial tactics from the hosts, the Jets refused to be rattled.
“It was like they had a lit a fire in our girls’ bellies when we came in at half time,” Green added. “We showed were not going to let Sussex bully us or any of our teammates. We kept their minds on the job at hand and kept our focus on the netball, which was really impressive to see.”
Holding firm under pressure
Sussex’s zonal defence, set high in the defensive third and pushing into midcourt, disrupted the Jets’ preferred aggressive long-ball style. Big hands over the ball from Thunder’s defenders made life uncomfortable for the Jersey feeders, while at the other end the home side repeatedly looked to lob long into their tall shooter.
Yet the Jets adapted impressively.
“We know we can play that long, quick game and it’s been working really well for us lately,” Green said, “but they made that really hard for us, we weren’t allowed the time to look up and find that long pass. But I was so proud of the versatility we showed to adapt our play. We showed we can also transition into a shorter, sharper passing style when we need to and that’s exactly what we did.”
That adaptability was crucial as the game tightened. The Jets’ lead was cut to just two goals, 44-42, at the end of the third quarter, setting up a grandstand finish.
The final period was played at full throttle, but Jersey held their nerve to close out a 55-54 triumph – a result Green later described as their “biggest of the season so far considering what we had to overcome”.
Forrest phenomenal
At the heart of the resistance was player of the match Becca Forrest. The goalkeeper delivered a towering individual performance, contributing 10 turnovers across the contest.
“Phenomenal,” Green said passionately. “She controlled her post so well and kept fighting. Sussex kept looking to lob the ball long to their tall shooter and Becca dealt with it brilliantly. It’s not her game to be physical so her ability to deliver clean interceptions just shows her level of skill, vision and experience and why she;s one of the very best in the league.”
Teenage shooting star Grace Thomson (right) also earned special praise. Facing relentless pressure and testing behaviour from Sussex’s defenders, she maintained her composure to keep the scoreboard ticking.
“I’m so proud of Grace,” Green added. “To shoot under that pressure and deal with that kind of behaviour in such a professional manner – that speaks volumes, she showed a maturity beyond her years yet again.”
Green was equally quick to highlight the contribution of the wider squad.
“The girls on the bench supported so well it felt like we had 100 supporters in the hall. I’m immensely proud of the attitude of this group. I’m so proud to be part of the Jets programme and so proud of the players for sticking together and being proud of where they’re from and the club they represent.”
Promotion race alive
With Exeter and Ryland maintaining their advantage at the summit, the Jets’ victory ensures the title race remains finely poised heading into the final two fixtures.
“We rose above their controversial tactics,” Green concluded. “The girls demonstrated their ability to remain professional through some of the toughest adversity we’ve seen this season.
“Our values of discipline, professionalism and the highest standards of conduct and performance were on full display in every player that donned the dress.”
In a season-defining scrap on the road, the Jets showed they are made of stern stuff – and that their promotion dream is very much alive.
The Jets are next back in action this Saturday March 7 with a home clash against Northants Storm, set for a 3pm start at Oakfield Sports Centre.
To view the full list of fixtures, results and league table, click here; https://www.englandnetball.co.uk/leagues/premier-league-3/?round=round-7
Evelyn Partners Jets squad: Rosie Tonner (c), Lily Jones, Grace Thomson, Jacy Brown, Toni Chaytor, Nicole Goddard, Jodie Blampied, Layla dos Santos, Samantha Salzone, Molly Carre, Rebecca Forrest
