THE EVELYN PARTNERS JETS are heading into their final Premier League 3 game of the season on Sunday brimming with excitement knowing a win will secure promotion to Premier League 2, and captain Rosie Tonner isn’t holding back.
“We are super excited for this weekend,” said Tonner in a jovial tone. “If you were to ask me this time last year, when we were preparing for playoffs to get to Prem 3, that at this stage this season we’d be pushing for promotion again to Prem 2 in our first year back in Premier League netball, I would not have believed you.”
The Islanders travel to Norwich on Sunday to face Norfolk United at the Sportspark UEA, with a win guaranteeing promotion to Premier League 2 for the first time in club history.
“Our goal this year was just to compete, and we’ve far exceeded those expectations,” captain Tonner continued. “So I’m just so proud of all the girls for where we’ve managed to get to and to put ourselves in this position last game of the season. Although, we have done it in typical Jets style, leaving it this late to get it done!”
Tonner and co. have remained in the hunt all season long, mainly controlling third spot behind powerhouses Exeter and Ryland. However, after winning their final home game of the season 63-41 over Northants Storm last time out and a shock defeat by Exeter to Norfolk United, the door to second place was thrown ajar and the Jets gleefully marched through.
“All season long, every game has been a must-win for us to get ourselves into this position, so we’re trying to treat it like any other game,” added Tonner. “If we continue to focus on the good things we’ve been doing all season, I have no doubt that we’re going to perform and, hopefully, waking up on Monday morning, we’ll be a Premier League 2 side.”
There’s more at stake than just promotion. If league leaders Ryland drop points against bottom side Leeds Athletic, the Jets could even leapfrog them and finish as champions. But Tonner insists the team is keeping it simple.
“We’ve had a good training week so far with our last session tonight and we’re just trying to replicate that vibe we had going into playoffs last year, but also trying to treat it just like any other game,” she said.
The captain reflects on the journey the club has made in just two seasons: promotion from Regional League 1 last year via the playoffs, followed by a serious push for back-to-back promotion in Premier League 3.
Tonner, now in her second season as solo captain after sharing the co-captaincy with Jacy Brown, has been at the heart of the team’s success.
“It’s going to be a long day, it’s a good distance to travel on Sunday, but hopefully we can get the game done and dusted, seal the win we need, and kick-start the celebrations,” she concluded with an excited note in her voice.
The Jets 2s team has also finished strongly in Regional League 3, adding to the optimism surrounding the club.
“The future is looking extremely bright for the whole club,” Tonner said. “To get to this point in our first year back in Premier League netball, it’s a testament to all the girls, the coaching staff, and everyone who’s been behind us this season.”
For Tonner, it’s the culmination of a season defined by determination and resilience.
“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved, but we know there’s still one more step to take. Sunday is going to be a test, but I have complete faith in the girls. We’ve done everything we can to put ourselves in this position, and now it’s time to finish it off.”
With promotion to Premier League 2 on the line, the Jets will be aiming to end their season on a high. Tonner’s message is clear: focus, execution, and finishing in style.
“We’ve put ourselves in a great position, and now it’s about going out there, playing our game, and hopefully walking off that court knowing we’ve made history.”
