THE stage is set for a defining moment in the history of the Evelyn Partners Jets, as they head into their final Premier League 3 fixture tomorrow knowing that victory away at Norfolk United will secure promotion to Premier League 2.
Standing in their way are an impressive Norfolk outfit, who currently sit fourth in the division, with the Islanders making the trip to the Sportspark at the University of East Anglia for what promises to be a high-stakes encounter.
Jets captain Rosie Tonner admitted that even she could hardly have imagined this scenario at the start of the campaign.
“If you’d told me we’d be in this position at the end of the season, I wouldn’t have believed you,” she said. Yet, for those watching from the outside, the Jets’ rise has perhaps been less surprising.
After a slow start—picking up just a draw and a defeat from their opening two matches back in Premier League Netball—talk of promotion may have seemed distant. But what followed has been nothing short of exceptional.
The Jets have suffered just two losses in their last 15 outings, matching the relentless pace set by division frontrunners Exeter and Ryland to take the title race down to the final foray.
Two of their three defeats this season came against Exeter, but crucially, the Jets completed an impressive double over Ryland, who still sit top of the table heading into the final weekend.
Their consistency has kept them firmly in contention, and last time out they seized their opportunity. Exeter’s home defeat to, guess who, Norfolk United, opened the door and the Jets stormed through it in emphatic fashion with their commanding 63–41 victory over Northants Storm in their final home game.
Head coach Serena Kersten was full of praise for her squad. She spoke of her immense pride in the group, highlighting their application, accountability and professionalism throughout a demanding season.
Tonner echoed those sentiments, insisting the squad is relishing the challenge ahead.
“There’s real excitement, but we feel as prepared as we can be,” she said. “We want to treat it like any other game—play our netball, put in a strong performance and hopefully walk off as a Premier League 2 team.”
The equation is simple: win, and the Jets secure promotion to Premier League 2 for the first time in the club’s history. There is even an outside chance of a title triumph should Ryland slip up at home to bottom-placed Leeds Athletic.
But there is no margin for error. Defeat would reopen the door for Exeter to leapfrog the Jets and snatch promotion at the final hurdle.
Standing between the Jets and history is a Norfolk United side brimming with confidence after their victory over Exeter. The reverse fixture in Jersey was a tight affair, with the Islanders edging a 51–47 contest—evidence of the challenge that awaits on the mainland.
Now, it all comes down to one final performance. Victory would not only deliver promotion, but etch this Jets squad into the fabric of Jersey sporting history—cementing their status as one of the island’s elite programmes.
Action from Sportspark UEA is scheduled for a 12:30pm start.
Evelyn Partners Jets squad to face Norfolk United: Rosie Tonner (c), Florence Allo, Jodie Blampied, Jacy Brown, Molly Carre, Antonia Chaytor, Rebecca Forrest, Nicole Goddard, Lily Jones, Emily Le Gros, Grace Thomson
Coaches: Emily Green and Lauren Devine
Premier League 3
