EVELYN PARTNERS JETS 2s rounded off an impressive debut season in Regional League 3 with a mixed but ultimately encouraging weekend of results, underlining the growing strength and depth of Jersey’s netball pathway.
The young Jets side fell just short in a closely contested encounter against Team Bath B on Saturday, going down 46-51 against well established opposition. However, they responded in style less than 24 hours later, securing a convincing 53-42 victory over Devizes to finish their campaign on a high.
Head coach Serena Kersten was quick to highlight the positives from the double-header, particularly the squad’s consistency across both performances.
“It was really pleasing to see two good performances over the weekend,” she said. “It’s so promising that this side have been able to be competitive in this league and maintain their place in the division comfortably for next season — there’s lots to be proud of there.”
The results capped a strong first season at this level for Jets 2, who finished comfortably fifth — a notable achievement for a squad largely made up of emerging talent. With a blend of promising U16 players and fringe first-team athletes, the side has served as a crucial development platform within the Jets programme.
Former Vitality Roses captain Kersten emphasised the importance of that pathway, particularly given the opportunities afforded to younger players this season.
“The fact we’ve been able to use some of our U16 stars and promote them into the Regional League 3 squad has been really pleasing and promising for their development,” she said.
“When you try to put things in place, you never quite know what it’s going to look like in action, but the Jets programme overall has been shifting and changing year on year to try and improve in key areas.”
She added that circumstances had, in some ways, accelerated that development.
“Last year we had no choice but to pull our U16 and U14 squads from their regional leagues due to finances, but being able to offer opportunities to some of our U16s — who had really excelled — to step up into senior netball probably came earlier than expected. It just goes to show there’s a lot of scope to keep exploring those areas in the future.”
The significance of Jets 2 holding their own in Regional League 3 is further underlined by the upward trajectory at the top end of the club, with the senior side on the brink of another outstanding milestone.
Heading into the final game of the season on Sunday away at Norfolk United, a win for the Jets 1s would secure promotion from Premier League 3 in what has been a thrilling title race all season long.
“Obviously we have a huge weekend ahead with the Premier side,” Kersten said. “Personally, I couldn’t be any prouder of the girls and the position they’ve put themselves in. To be right in it until the very end and have a chance of promotion on the final game is just incredible — they’ve done the island immensely proud.”
With preparations now intensifying ahead of that decisive fixture, Kersten believes the entire programme is moving in the right direction.
“This week is a big training week and we’re all looking forward to what I’m sure will be a fantastic game this weekend — and hopefully a historic day for netball in Jersey.”
Evelyn Partners Jets 2 squad: Florence Allo, Autumn Carro, Amelia Coutanche, Layla Dos Santos, Katie Doyle, Madison Fitzgerald-Wilkins, Poppy Hughes, Sofia Hussey, Mollie Luce, Imogen Taylor
Coach: Lauren Devine
Regional League 3 North
