Norwich Dragons entered 4 teams into the Norwich City tournament: an under 12 boys team, under 10 boys team, under 12 girls team and under 10 girls team. Sadly, due to the impact of the weather on one of the Taverham pitches, the tournament was reduced by half, Dragons had 8 teams ready and willing to play.
The girls played early on the Sunday. The girls played well and improved greatly over the duration of the tournament. Notable performances for the under 10 team came from Molly Finnegan in goal, Lucy Buxton showing great control of the ball and Maddie Reynolds showing great tenacity and with a goal to her name. Notable performances from the under 12 team came from Issy Wolfe with her tireless running and great control of the ball, as well as Lotte Korn with her solid tackles and determined runs out of defence. The under 10 girls finished fourth and the under 12 girls finished sixth.
The club is extremely proud of the efforts of all the players and many thanks to the coaches and helpers on the day and at training, that have prepared the teams so well.
Detailed Match Reports:
Girls Mini Hockey Tournament Sunday 2nd December – Under 12’s
Team:
Alessandra Pellegrini (GK)
Ella Mansley
Lucy Morton
Carmel Windsor Waite
Rachel Bruce (captain)
Lotte Korn
Issy Wolfe
Mia Mchgee
Lara Taylor
Match 1 – Dragons (0) v Norwich City (Lions) (1)
A balanced match with Dragons very unlucky to lose a goal as the ball ricocheted of a number of legs and managed to creep over the line despite Issy’s best efforts to clear the ball. Overall Dragons defence performed well with some very strong defending from Carmel and some great saves from Alessandra the keeper but unfortunately Dragons could not keep the ball in Lions half often enough.
Match 2 – Dragons (0) v Dereham (1)
Despite a strong start Dragons couldn’t convert their efforts into a goal. Dereham played themselves into the match and pinned dragons back in their goal area. Despite good defending and clearing by Lotte, Dragons eventually conceded a goal. Unlucky Dragons!
Match 3 – Dragons (0) v Magpies (4)
Dragons were forced to defend from the start and despite valiant efforts in defence by Lotte, Carmel and Lara, Magpies were worthy winners.
Match 4 – Dragons (0) v Norwich City (Tigers) (1)
A very exciting match that had both teams playing some great hockey. Dragons had really upped their game and were matching Tigers efforts. Some great attacking play from Ella and Mia saw the play move from end to end very quickly but unfortunately one move from Tigers resulted in a goal. This was unlucky for Alessandra in goal because she did some amazing saves. Dragons again unlucky as this game looked like a draw all the way.
Match 5 – Dragons (1) v Watton (1)
Dragons were now starting to play like a team and this was a really exciting match with Dragons deserving more than a draw from the game. Dragons went one down, very much against the run of play but this seemed to spur dragons on and it was all dragons for the rest of the match. All players ran tirelessly to get back into the match with Rachel B and Lucy up front driving Watton back into their own half. The team’s efforts eventually paid off with a good cross goal pass being turned into the goal by Issy for a well deserved equaliser. Dragons maintained their efforts for the rest of the match and were unlucky not to score a winner.
Match 6 – Dragons (0) v Pelicans (0)
Dragons started this match where they left off with tireless running from the whole team. It looked as though Dragons were finally going to get their reward for some strong play by everyone but unfortunately they failed to convert their play into goals.
Overall
Dragons finished sixth today but in a number of matches played far better than their results suggest. Better luck next time girls and fingers crossed for a good start.
Match Report by Rachel Bruce
Managers: Jason Wolfe and Ally Windsor Waite
Under 10 girls Managers: David Pentin and Hupty
