AFTER an agonising defeat in last season’s play-offs, Team Jets were faultless in their opening double-header.
The Caesareans handed league leaders ENC Equinox their first loss of the Regional League I campaign, with a 45-35 win, before a 46-31 victory over Galmington the following day.
It was just the start head coach Serena Kersten was looking for, as her side gear up for their first home fixtures since 2019, when the Jets face winless Titans Lightning on the weekend of 7/8 October at Les Ormes.
Kersten said: ‘It was a really pleasing start to get two wins from the opening weekend, as that wasn’t the case last season.‘We were in control of both games throughout and really managed the contests well.‘It can be quite easy to begin the season slowly, especially for us as we don’t have that regular week in, week out competition.
‘Playing double-headers are a big challenge for us and it isn’t always straightforward to hit the ground running.‘I’m really proud of the effort the girls put in and it was the perfect way to start our campaign.’The Islanders had high hopes of promotion last season, after a strong year, however they fell at the final hurdle to Blackpool NC.Despite the obvious disappointment from the missed opportunity, Kersten and Co have their sights set on another promotion push this season.‘I believe our team is good enough to go up,’ she said.‘With that being said, I will look to make certain adjustments during this season in order to give us the best possible chance.‘Netball is very much a team sport and we need to ensure that we have a big group of people who are able and capable to compete in the play-offs.‘In order to be eligible, players need to play a certain number of quarters during the regular season, so I am making sure that we expose the right people to the right positions.‘We want this season to be a whole-squad effort and not just the same seven we are used to seeing during games.‘I think that could prove a real differential when heading into the back end of the season and the play-offs.’For a side that are used to travelling to the mainland for every fixture, the impending home double-header will be a welcome treat for the squad and local supporters of netball alike.The Islanders have not hosted a league fixture since they relinquished their national league status in 2019, thus it is an occasion the side will ‘relish’, according to the head coach.Kersten said: ‘It’s wonderful that the girls get to play in front of their friends and families.‘They give up so much time and commitments during the season and that takes its toll.‘We haven’t played a home league game in a number of years, so the whole netball community on the Island are really looking forward to the occasion.’For those interested in attending the fixtures, tickets are available on the Team Jets website, or on the door for £5.
