It’s Mothers Day, the sun was shining, it was the last game for the Jades before the Easter break and the mum’s (and Dad’…. And carer’s, parents … other relations …. Friends etc. etc.) were out in force.
Jades found themselves going into their last game before the half term break with just one win in 5 and that win came at the hands of Westoning Mecury, who they faced this afternoon. The last outing saw Jades as 2-0 victors and they were all hoping and needing a result here today.

The ever committed Jades had some turn out to support their team mates over at Sapphires on Court 2 prior to their scheduled game, cheering the Sapphires onto a 3-1 triumph but as Jades took over on Court 2 and stepped out there was a different feel in the air, supporters grew, the atmosphere escalated and the Sapphire girls added to the growing support gathered around Court 2 for the girls in green.

Not without absence again this week, with last minute illness striking Georgia R, one of ‘hardest worker in the room’ at training on Friday was always going to be a loss. Our other star of training, Isla G, awarded the ‘captains armband’ stepped up to lead out the team having demonstrated great improvement and determination over the last couple of weeks through training and this did transition out on the court today with a real focused performance from out captain.

Having the confident from the victory against Westoning last time out must have filled them with early confidence as Jades were straight out of the blocks in positive fashion with some of the best netball seen from Jades this season. Stringing some early passes together found Aaliah S in space early on who was able to get a confidence building shot away.
A couple of minutes later, in the third Aaliah S was in the action again as Jades pushed early, a quick, little pass from inside the D to her captain and without hesitation Isla G netted without touching the rim… something that had been focused on in training! …with that came the loudest roar from the Tigers faithful that has been heard across the Bedford Academy courts. The elation was clear for all to see…and hear!

Bedford Tiger Jades 1 Westoning Mercury 0

As the quarter came to a close Jades were getting the better of it against the right pink bibs of Westoning but as they came out for the 2nd the tiny stature of Mercury were clearly not with tiny fight as they quickly found themselves back in a game with a quarter much more even and there was nothing to call between them other then the one goal whilst the ball pinged in and around the centre third. Westoning finding a little more success at times and this quarter finding their way off of their baseline. Jades were led with some real pressure from the front at times with Isla G demonstrating that energy and with flashes of next level defence even as a GS, using high pressure and hands beautifully in the attacking D.
The second quarter was without goals.

Into the 3rd and despite Jades getting onto the ball, passes were difficult to come by and handling errors enabled Westoning to get further into the game with unexpected periods of pressure on the Jades defence, often pinning them in their own third. It was tense and it was felt around the court with willingness for the Tigers outside the court growing… so much so umpires having to ask for the noise to be reduced so the coaches and players could hear! We get the sentiment but this is competitive sport and everyone including the Westoning supporters were enjoying the game together and the excellent atmosphere, I for one was not going to ask to turn the volume down!

It was the 16th minute that the relentless effort from Westoning paid off securing that, in all honesty, well deserved equaliser.

Bedford Tigers Jades 1 Westoning Mercury 1

Hoping to gather that lead once more, a long drawn out pass from Beya M in the dying seconds of the 3rd quarter landed with Georgie P in the D who made excellent ground to get into a shooting opportunity but just couldn’t find the net.

The fourth quarter had everything to play for and the tension showed as it panned into a scrappy fought battle with balls spilling into every area of the court and opportunities for both sides. Both teams really fought to the very end and should be commended for their sheer effort. As one of the final plays deflected through onto a running ball into the D, only to be sprung on by the shortest (and in my opinion cutest) player on the court, it would of been a dream for Westoning if the tiny blond ‘dot’ wearing dark rimmed glasses could of finished the game for them…. And if it wasn’t for my allegiances to Tigers, I would of been willing it in as well. Fortunately for Jades, Westoning dreams did not come true and the game finished a fair draw with both teams rightfully sharing the points.

Final Score - Bedford Tigers 1 Westoning Mercury 1

A result which could of and may should of been a win for the Jades but still a draw everyone was happy with and something Jades could quite rightly celebrate. It’s a shame in a way… to have a two week break ahead of Jades now, with some consistency on and off the court and a little momentum it would be good to keep it running but a chance to go and watch London Mavericks over Easter, I’m sure the Jades girls will bringing some tricks back they can try on the courts in a few weeks time.

A hard fought performance this week. Well done girls!
Star Player - Isla G
Who has come on leaps and bounds over the last few weeks and her focus throughout with those defensive arms really stood out!