A WEEKEND of contrasting emotions for Team Jets ended in a split NSW Regional League 1 double-header, after rebounding from a loss to Premier Romans A with a comfortable win over Team Bath A the following day.
Co-captain Jacy Brown cited that perhaps “complacency” played a part in their defeat, after the Caesareans had already secured their spot in April’s Premier League 3 play-offs with a brace of wins last month.
In an uncharacteristic Jets display, Premier Romans were able to score more than ten unanswered goals against the league leaders in the second quarter, an advantage that Serena Kersten’s charges were unable to bridge, falling 62-51.
Brown said: “It seemed to be one of those days against Premier Romans.
“Nothing we seemed to do clicked and we changed around the defence and attack, but we weren’t able to get back into the game.
“Anything we threw at them, they had an answer for and it was just a bad day at the office for us.
“Perhaps there was a bit of complacency there with the knowledge we have already secured a spot in the play-offs, but it felt like a few things on the day didn’t seem to go our way.”
Fortunately for the Islanders, the wrongs against Romans had an immediate chance to be righted against Team Bath A the following day.
And righted they were, with a 60-40 victory over the side second from bottom, to ensure daylight remains between Team Jets and Hucclecote Comets in second spot.
It was not a typically assured performance from Jersey, as the game ebbed and flowed through the first half.
Defensively, Jersey were solid, but turning possession into points was difficult to come by.
Changes at the break saw Brown slot in at wing attack, Emily Le Gros at goal shooter and Lynsey Pitman at goal attack.
It proved a master-stroke for Kersten’s side, who continued to add unanswered goals to extend their lead to double digits and beyond in the third quarter.
It proved a lead they would not relinquish in the fourth.
“It was a real mix of emotions over the weekend,” added co-captain Brown.
“Everyone was really disappointed with the result against Premier Romans, so to bounce back that way was really nice.
“Especially leading into the play-offs, we have to be able to fight if we are to stand a chance against some of the better teams.”
Last campaign, Jets had a long wait between the end of the regular season and the play-offs, something that they will not have to endure this time around, which Brown believes will benefit her team.
“We had around a six-week break before the play-offs last year and I think it’s only a couple of weeks this time round.
“I think naturally we will be fresher and still be in that game mentality, which will help us.
“We have got such a rounded team this year and so many options to change the way we play from the bench, so we are confident heading into the back end of the season.”
The Islanders have one more league game remaining, against ENC Equinox on 7 April, before they prepare for the play-offs, which begin on 20 April at the EIS Sheffield.
Team Jets: Leah Griffin, Rosie Tonner (cc), Lynsey Pitman, Jacy Brown (cc), Antonia Chaytor, Taylor-Mai Dickson, Jodie Blampied, Layla Dos Santos, Kat Le Riche, Lauren Devine, Becca Forrest
