Mens East League Division 2N
Norwich Dragons 1s 1-3 Norwich City 2
Dragons’ spurned another chance to secure third spot with a disappointing 3-1 defeat at local rivals Norwich City on Saturday. They were bolstered by the return of Wagstaff – rumours that he had been questioning his future in the game after his season-defining miss at Cambridge only intensified when he was spotted at the netball rather than the Den last weekend. They also welcomed back the versatile Sloman but were without Overstall and Flatman who were given the weekend away to sort out their increasingly fraught relationship. Snelling was again dropped to the bench, Smith waving away any suggestion that had been a hard decision to take: “Rupert’s had some terrific performances this season but he’s also blown hot and cold; Nick [Charlish – ed.], though, has been outstandingly consistent for us with his goals.”
Dragons started brightly. With an extra man in midfield, they controlled the middle of the pitch, with Wilkins and Turnbull especially prominent, and the Smiths and Sloman assured in neutralising the threat of City’s long balls over the top. It was little surprise when they took the lead, Turnbull finding space before driving a superb diagonal ball for Knights to finish instinctively at the far post. They should have had more, Charlish and then Snelling, twice, just unable to add the finishing touch to fine, sweeping team moves. Instead, against the run of play, City found themselves level before the break, converting a flick, the skipper showing just how much he’s learnt from the club’s overseas professional this year with a brutally cynical challenge in the D. Collinge continued his remarkable streak of only having saved penalty flicks conceded by Overstall – all the more remarkable when one remembers just how many of those there have, in fact, been. And worse was to follow – first Turnbull limping off with a slightly sore ankle and then the inspirational Wagstaff forced to retire with a bad back. “I thought I’d put it behind me,” he said after the game, which only leaves one to wonder where it had been before that.
Dragons were sluggish in the second half, though still just the better side. Perhaps it was the over-vigorous warm-up (it looked like more than one had been to Ipswich and back), perhaps the unfamiliar pitch, perhaps the home side had more to play for, but Dragons looked just a yard off the pace. They struggled to contain City’s direct style of play and, equally, to impose their own on the game. In the end only a controversial goal broke the deadlock, City’s short-corner striker volleying home as Smyth, for once, held back from a dangerous challenge. Dragons almost equalised, Browne unlucky to see a deft deflection come back off the keeper and Knights denied by a good save from a short-corner strike. Instead City nicked another – another long ball causing confusion in Dragons’ defence and the resulting short corner fortuitously deflected past Collinge. It was probably more than the home side deserved, but Dragons hadn’t been at their best.
After the game the skipper was down-beat: “really, the most disappointing thing for me was not getting to see Sloman, Flatman, and Cheeseman all together on the same pitch. That would have been the kind of occasion to tell the grandkids about.”
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Mens East League Division 3NE
Norwich Dragons 2s 4-4 Norwich City 3
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Men’s East Hockey League Division 4NE
Norwich Dragons 3s 3-1 Norwich City 4
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Mens East League Division 5NE
Norwich Dragons 4s 4-0 IES 4
Dragons welcomed Ipswich and East Suffolk 3rds to the Den in an end of season ‘dead rubber’ as both were safe from relegation and neither could win promotion. Never-the-less we were determined to enjoy ourselves and try and finish on a high and with this mentality we started with enthusiasm and vigour.
After weathering an early storm from the very young and speedy IES forwards the Dragons set out their intentions when a spectacular individual goal from Robbie Whiting from a very tight angle surprised everybody – even the scorer!
The 4ths were pleased to welcome back Andy Webb in defence , who had a very solid game and debutante Alex ‘pebbles’ Stone whose mesmerising skills left many of their defence in knots!
Further goals from Ollie Browne and two from Garnett meant Dragons were comfortable 4-0 winners and moved even further up the table and away from danger. A win next week will be just rewards to what has been a very testing season.
Talking of next week we are taking the train to Cromer to finish off the season in style!
Man of the Match – Garnett Jones.
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Men’s East League Division 7NE
Norwich Dragons 5s: No Fixture
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Women’s East Hockey League Division 1N
Norwich Dragons 1s 2-1 Bury
With Dragons already promoted it would have been easy to sit back and relax but the team were determined to put their disappointing performance last week behind them and finish the season in style.
They started brightly playing some attractive hockey with some excellent passages of play creating some excellent chances and certainly were the better of the two teams in the first half pinning the home team back in their own half for large periods. The visitors took the lead through a short corner routine which broke down and fell to Hannah Palmer at the top of the D who struck it sweetly to give the Dragons the lead. The second goal was an excellent team goal the ball being played to Laura Shreeve who laid it off to Marie James who found Palmer in space and she drove into the Bury D; as she tried for goal the ball spilled to the on coming Rachel King who made no mistake by firing it into the goal giving the keeper no chance.
The Dragons lost their rhythm in the second half and allowed Bury into the game. Freddie Briscoe in goal for the Dragons was called upon several times making some fantastic saves but was unable to keep Bury at bay and mid way through the half they pulled a goal back. Their tails were up and the Dragons had to battle and dig deep working hard together to secure the three points.
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Women’s East Hockey League Division 2NE
Norwich Dragons 2s 4-0 Sprowston 1
With Dragons looking to bounce back from a disappointing team performance the week before, they went out knowing that they needed to be sharper to the ball and work harder for each other.
From the outset, the team looked brighter and stronger in the tackle and were meeting the ball. Emma Tabrett was, as always, tireless in her work upfront, whilst Aoife Lowe-Davies and sister Niamh, were linking up well on the right for Dragons. An early goal was just rewards for this early domination, with good build up play on the left, the ball was fired across the D, where ‘birthday girl’ Niamh Lowe-Davies was in the perfect position to glance the ball home – her first league goal for Dragons 2s this season.
This goal served to inspire the team, with the midfield of Gail Thomas, Karen O’Neill-Simpson and Debs Smith, linking up well, helping to create opportunities. Dragons earned a number of short corners one of which, was clinically dispatched by Gail Thomas, a fine strike into the left corner. Further chances came and went, Nat Beal was influential, helping to link up play and create opportunities, one of which fell to her, which was unfortunate to miss the far post.
Dragons asked for concentration at half time, looking to continue to move the ball sharply and spread the play. The team didn’t disappoint, with strong attacks down the right, through Ally Windsor-Waite, who helped win a number of short corners. The third goal came from open play however, a ball drilled to the far post by Gail Thomas was glanced in, skillfully by Debs Smith.
The Dragons defence had few Sprowston attacks to deal with, however when required Ruth Willmott, Angela Murgatroyd, Ally Windsor-Waite and goalkeeper Amy Forse dealt with any goal threats efficiently. Ally Windsor-Waite in particular, was keen to ensure Amy Forse wasn’t going to touch the ball during the game!
The fourth and final goal came from Dragons breaking the ball down from the Sprowston hit outs, following good work by Sarah Radley, the ball fell to Natalie Beal at the top of the D, who showed her goalscoring class, by planting the ball into the corner beyond the keeper. Niamh Lowe-Davies secured player of the match, for her strong attacking play down both flanks and her first league goal this season, on her 16th Birthday.
This win ensured the squad will achieve their highest ever position in East League Div 2NE, which is a fine achievement for the team’s hard work and commitment, however a win next week will secure a much deserved third place. Let’s keep up the good work next week Ladies!
Some photos from this game here.
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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Premier League
Norwich Dragons 3s 1-2 UEA 2
Dragons 3s faced a strong UEA 2s this week. Armed once again with a slightly smaller squad of only 12, Dragons won the toss and went out hard. Dragons dominated the play early on pressing into the UEA half and creating problems for them in the D. UEA countered well and the game became very end to end. UEA kicked off the scoring with a well worked ball around the D and a slip past the keeper.
The second half saw Dragons given a stern team talk and it certainly had the desired affect. Dragons worked their socks off making great attacking runs. Unfortunately UEA countered quickly and scored their second goal.
Not ready to give up yet, Dragons pulled everything out the tank and a strong attack up the left resulted in a short corner. Caroline Wolfe converted for Dragons. Final score 2-1 to UEA.
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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League Division 1
Norwich Dragons 4s 5-0 Sprowston 2
On a lovely day, Dragons took to the pitch for their last game of this season – determined to finish in style.
Play was initially a little slow to get going and the Dragons seemed to find themselves clumping together, which had its benefits in that stopping Sprowston’s players was more likely but it also had its drawbacks as there was no one to pass the ball to once you had one it! After a few minutes Dragons seemed to feel more at ease and comfortable with positioning, making better use of the space – with some lovely runs down the wings by Mel Widdows on the left and Lorna Travers on the right. A strong spine of Gemma Rump and Hazel Sumner worked the ball back out to the wings, moving it ever forwards and towards the D. There were several shots on goal during the first 20 minutes and Sprowston’s defence and keeper were kept busy, it wasn’t until the last 5 minutes that the first goal eventually came – a lovely ball from Sue Cross into the left corner of the goal.
Sprowston tried hard to even the score before the half time whistle with a couple of breaks in play but solid defending, while still in the midfield by Freya Clogan and Abi Cowe (PoM) stopped Sprowston dead and turned the play back in Dragons favour.
The second half saw Dragons completely dominating play – the ball hardly made it into Dragons’ half and Alice Smith (GK) spent most of her time yelling encouragements rather than making saves. The goals soon came thick and fast with a lovely shot from Flora Gregorie into the right, which was soon followed by a goal from Lorna Travers going across the keeper into the left. Rosie Korn was having a great game on the right moving the ball again and again into the D, but was unlucky not to find the goal. Sue Cross scored the fourth goal from a short corner – just tucking the ball in, kissing the right post as it went.
In the last ten minutes Dragons mounted one attack after another with Holly Francis making some lovely runs along the left – again she was unlucky not to score from some of her excellent shots. Gemma Rump and Hazel Sumner piled on the pressure, with strong runs and well timed passes, tiring the Sprowston defence so that Flora Gregorie could score the final goal of the game.
A great end to the season – everyone who has played for the 4s is thanked heartily and should be proud of their achievement after promotion into this league – we all certainly stepped up our game this year.
Some photos from this game here.
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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League Division 2
Norwich Dragons 5s 6-0 Sprowston 3
Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s were on fire this weekend as they hammered home a 6-0 win against Sprowston 3s. Having watched the Ladies 4s deliver a 5-0 win the 5s wanted to go one better. The first goal by Anja Finnegan opened proceedings nicely with Dragons having all the possession. Some quick connections up the pitch by Emma Buxton and Chiara Bond showed how well these two work as a pair. These Dragons were on fire as they ran rings around Sprowston 3s. Next Hat trick Harwood (man of the match) took to the floor scoring a cracking goal. Sprowston made a few breaks but could not take their chance past Jess Tye Leach, Sarah Nortcliff and Emma Buxton who closed them down.
The rain of attack from Dragons continued with many shorts and shots on goal. Hats off to Sprowston keepes who stopped many of the shots Dragons had for her and did a good job under pressure. One ball got stuck under her pads leading Dragons 5s to a fick. Sarah Nortcliff bravely stood up and took a shot which was unfortunately saved.
After half time, Dragons came back on fire at half time and controlled the game. Hammering another goal in from a deflection Hatrick Harwood (Lisa Harwood) continued to show her ability and how much she’s improved this season. The next goal for Lisa was arguably joint with both Lois McGregor and her stick on the ball but we decided as she had to buy the beers (& lemonade for the youngsters) she could have it.
Play continued in much the same way with continual short corners and all of the team pushing up it was getting a little but congested in the D but some excellent advice from Lizzy McDonnell rang in our ears as Lois McGregor received the ball with her back to the D, tapped it back and then jumped as Lizzy hammered it home with a cracking shot around the keeper. Pushing back quickly Charlotte Stace and Rachael Matthews showed excellently tenacity driving through (over over ) many Sprowston defenders who couldn’t catch them. Quick pass to Katie Buxton and the final goal of the match who took her chance quickly taking it to Dragons 5s best scoreline of the season. Last game next week girls. Lets give it our all.
Some photos from this game here.
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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League Division 3
Norwich Dragons 6s 1-0 Lowestoft Railway 2
The Dragons were overjoyed to at last achieve their first win of 2014 against a sporting Rails team in an end-to-end battle that both teams thoroughly enjoyed. Reliving the game afterwards, the Dragons concluded there were significant differences about their performance this time that enabled them to come away with the all important one goal difference. The drills that lead coach Pete Thomas had devised for the training session enabled the 6s to believe that they could deliver and receive passes at pace that had been hit with some power. Their increased confidence and a determination to ‘deliver the plan’ meant a return to the flowing hockey that had been missing for several weeks.
The arrival of Lizzie McDonnell in the second half gave them another experienced player in midfield, and her noticeable difference was to make 6s far stronger in defending the Rails’ hit outs, and reduced their opportunity to build attacks through the middle.
Most of the best things the 6s do are initiated from the defence, and with Beth Elgood available they added a lot of speed to the mix. With Harriet Williams back in goal, the Dragons defence looked very solid, Rebecca Elkins and Amy Forse shared the right back position and Jasmin Daniels commanded the centre, so Rails had an uphill task in penetrating the D.
The goal came in the first half and was a beauty. Helen Marsh had been recalled and was looking very lively down the left. The ball was stuck in a mass of players on the right, with Helen left unmarked. She called and was spotted by Bridget Le Good, whose clean pass across the circle was picked up majestically by Helen and swept past the keeper. The goal and a high-energy performance by Helen earned her the player of the match vote.
Rails rallied, and the Dragons defence came under sustained pressure, but Jasmin ensured they were not pinned back with some strong clearances. Another fine display of block tackling by Jo Eke meant the Dragons had something to build on. Enter Lizzie, and the Dragons began to press hard. An excellent mazy run by Beth down the left ended with a tidy cross that Laura Hansell only just failed to work past the keeper. Then Lizzie sent a through ball to a fitter and faster Amy Hunter, and she took time to place her shot which the keeper manager to beat away.
The Dragons still slightly lacked determination in the attacking circle, which might have won them more penalty corners. One excellent stop and slip by Claire Fairhurst almost got a reward, but with a Rails player down Dragons hesitated and the chance went begging. Tara Johnson had moved to right mid to make way for Lizzie, and she formed an excellent partnership with Laura Hansell so that there was a better balance to the side in the second half.
On their day, and with good availability of players, Dragons can give any team in the division a good game. And this was definitely their day. Though not a prolific scoring team as yet, they have an impressive defence and an increasingly creative midfield.
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Empresa Norfolk Girls Development League
Norwich Dragons 3-1 Lowestoft Railway (f)
Even though it was only a friendly, we played really well. Especially Catherine Matthews who scored two of our goals and Lucy Morton who scored the other. In the first half we started off a bit rusty but when it got to the second half we came back with Pace, Power and Accuracy as Bridget would say. The player of the match was Catherine Matthews who I think really deserved it because she up in the D ready to score.
Overall as a team I think we played really well, our defense was powerful meaning we could push up the pitch further putting pressure on our opponents, and our midfielders had the pace to pass it to our forwards and the forwards had the accuracy to score goals. We may have let one goal in, even though no one had touched it in the D but it was empires decision to make it a goal. Other people who played extremely well were Brooke Simmons who hit the ball up the pitch and did some good tackles; also our goal keeper Alessandra Pellegrini who saved many goals in the first half.
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Empresa Norfolk Boys Development League
Norwich Dragons 0-1 Magpies
Captain: McCartney Aldous
Player of the match: It was a close call between Rob and Charlie as they tied in the paper vote but in a show of hands Charlie Nunn was voted for playing an incredible game.
Coaches: Ray Hansell and John Butts
We dominated most the game, the first half was a little shaky but we kept it together and we would have had a couple of goals if it hadn’t have been for their adult playing at the back. After a half time team talk we had three or four more attempts all of those where stopped by the adult. Nearer the end of the game they had one attempt narrowly missing and hitting the post. Around five minutes to go they unfortunately scored, it was unlucky as we didn’t close them down.
Some photos from this game here.