Mens East League Division 2N
Norwich Dragons 1s 1:4 Pelicans 1
Dragons Men’s 1s travelled to King’s Lynn to take on Pelicans for their first away league match of the season. Last season saw Dragons lose the equivalent game, before gaining revenge at home in the return fixture, so a close encounter was anticipated.
The game started with Dragons looking the more dangerous side, pushing forward more than their hosts and threatening to break through a couple of times, only to be thwarted by last ditch tackles, or missing the killer ball.
Pelicans meanwhile seemed happy to try and keep possession and build their way in to the match, using the speed and skill of their forwards to hold the ball up and bring their midfield into the game.
It was Pelicans who took the lead, mid-way through the half, when a long aerial pass bounced in the Dragons circle and was dispatched over Robbie Whiting and into the goal by a deft touch from the Pelicans forward.
This bouyed Pelicans who began to look more lively in the final third and started to cause more problems for the Dragons defence. This soon led to a second goal when some quick interplay at the top of the Dragons circle allowed a Pelicans midfielder to fire off a shot at goal. Dragons’ keeper Robbie Whiting produced a good save, but could do nothing about the rebound that was calmly slotted past him by a spare Pelicans player.
Dragons tried to push back into the game, and did have a couple of good breakaway chances, as well as a period of sustained pressure, but ultimately were unable to gain anything from this.
With half-time looming, Pelicans added a third, their centre-forward manging to create a yard of space for himself to produce an empathic finish high into the net.
Half-time – Pelicans 3-0 Dragons
Dragons team talk focused on getting our basics right and building our play more, and the second half saw an improved performance as a result.
Pelicans did increase their lead when a crash ball into the circle was deflected home, however, aside from a few penalty corners that were well defended by Dragons, there were no more clear chances for Pelicans.
At the other end Dragons did create more during the second half, with Matt Knights flashing a shot inches wide of one post, before adding a simple tap-in following some good inter-play with Cley Hamilton.
Despite some more pressure and further chances, Dragons were unable to create any further clear chances and had to settle for a 3 goal margin of defeat.
A disappointing day for Dragons, who know that they can play better and will need to raise their game for the visit of Cambridge City’s 3rd XI next week.
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Mens East League Division 3NE
Norwich Dragons 2s 8:0 Sudbury 2
After a disjointed performance against Harleston Magpies last weekend Dragons bounced back with a flurry of goals against the 10 man Sudbury side. The second match of the season saw Gary Burgess taking on the captaincy.
Dragons dominated from the first whistle and it wasn’t long before the first penalty corner. Veteran striker Ricky Powley showed he is still a formidable force in the forward line with a strong flick from the top of the circle that narrowly missed the roof of the net. The pressure continued and with his first touch of the season Alex Browne came from the bench to score. Browne then followed this up minutes later with a great strike from open play. Dragons continued to dominate and played simple and uncomplicated hockey. At one point left back Burgess found himself in the circle and unleashed a cracking reverse stick shot that seemingly shocked his team mates as much as the Sudbury keeper.
Following a couple of unsuccessful penalty corner attempts a great ball into the circle from Steve Woodward was picked up and cleanly dispatched by Simon Nisbet. Dragons were able to use the full width of the pitch and the ball was passed confidently amongst the team. Ricky Powley broke through the Sudbury defence following a lengthy run and put the ball past the goal keeper to take Dragons to 4-0 at half time.
The second half started with a quick second goal from Simon Nisbet who was at full stretch to take the newly promoted side to 5. With their noses clearly in front Dragons were able to stretch the field with defenders Glenn Masterson and Piers Gordon Brown finding themselves on the other side of the half way line. With this dominance, balls into the circle were frequent and both Nisbet and Browne found their second and third goals respectively from fluid passes inside the circle. Nisbet came agonisingly close to a third but following a goal mouth scramble missed the target by inches.
In the latter stages Sudbury found some speed and broke into the Dragons circle for the first time and were awarded a penalty corner. Goal Keeper Matt Collinge confidently kicked the ball away and Dragons were swiftly on the counter attack once more. It was Alex Browne who again took control of play and scored his fourth goal of the game. As the match came to a close Sudbury never gave up and continued to push their opponents to the final whistle. With seconds left on the clock a well drilled pass came into the Sudbury circle and from nowhere Lee Peck pounced on it to sweep it in at the back post. A spirited performance left the Dragons side with an impressive 8-0 victory at the final whistle.
Norwich Dragons 2’s take on UEA at Dragons Den on Saturday.
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Men’s East Hockey League Division 4NE
Norwich Dragons 3s 1:3 Pelicans 2
Dragons 3s suffered a first ever league defeat at The Den against a strong Pelicans 2nd XI.
After going 2-0 down to an early short corner and a well worked goal from open play, Dragons settled into their trademark passing game and began to threaten with Matt Jenkins and Adrian Kemp forcing good saves out of the in-form Pelicans keeper.
At the other end, Elliot Wang made some crucial saves to keep the score to 2-0 and was well supported by the solid tackling of Neil Shorten and a vital goal line clearance from David Pentin.
With Stu Kelly doing well to break up the play and the supporting wing-backs Will Ives and Henry Eades offering attacking options, Dragons continued to look a threat against a side who were playing in the league above last season.
Dragons started off the second half with increased positivity and urgency and were unlucky to stay 2-0 down after a spectacular drag-flick from Henry Laming was pushed to safety by the Pelicans keeper.
A goal was never far away however, and a turn of pace from man of the match Jon Goodson saw him burst into the D and his cross was inadvertently deflected into the net by the visiting defender.
Pelicans responded with chances of their own and stand-in full back Dan Cheeseman made some vital blocks and solid distribution to set Dragons back on the front foot with some notable classy skills from Alec Bidet-Steele causing problems for the defence.
It looked as if the game hinged the next goal and it very nearly came to Dragons. A cross from John Ives flashed its way across the goal and Will Kirby was inches from claiming a deserved equalizer. The decisive goal was scored by Pelicans to make it 3-1; the striker dispatching a classy finish into the top corner to leave the keeper with no chance.
Dragons refused to let their heads drop and pushed on, with Chris Wilkinson starting some good passing moves with his link up play on the right hand side. Unfortunately, the final ball was elusive for the team and despite a series of late short corners, they were unable to get a second or third goal to claim a share of the points.
Lots of positives from the game and a vastly improved performance from last week. Dragons will no doubt continue to improve and hopefully get a result they deserve as they adjust to a faster-paced division.
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Men’s East Hockey League Division 5NE
Norwich Dragons 4s 6:1 Sudbury 3s
After last weeks disappointment losing to Pelicans, Dragons were determined to improve and take the game to the visiting Sudbury side. It was last week’s scorer who got the 4th’s off to an excellent early 2 goal start. Sam Mann scored the first and Mike Banham slotted home his second short corner of the season. Ollie King followed up another Banham corner to get the 3rd goal. Sam Mann then finished a flowing move from deep in the dragons half. The half time lead of 4-0 was increased by Andy Key and another from King before Sudbury got a consolation goal.
The start of each half saw fast, flowing hockey only to be spoiled at the end when passing stopped and too much tired running with the ball was attempted leading to too many interceptions.
Man of the Match was Elliott Wang who was inspired in the Dragons goal. The 4ths are looking forward to next weeks game at UEA 2nds and will hopefully build on this very positive display.
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Women’s East Hockey League Division 1N
Norwich Dragons 1s 4:3 St Ives 1
Dragons were pleased to have debutant Kate TRELAWNY-GOWER available to strengthen their squad for their first away fixture against St Ives historically a very tough team to play especially at their home ground.
Dragons started the game with a high tempo hitting St Ives hard from the start. They took an early lead through Rachel KING driving the ball to the by-line and cutting it back for Laura SHREEVE to slot in. Within 3 minutes St Ives found themselves 2-0 down. KING again skilfully beating the defence and this time finding Marie JAMES in space at the far post leaving her with an easy finish. St Ives fought back and began to find their rhythm and halved the deficit by knocking a loose ball in the Dragons D high into the net. This settled the home side who began to dominant putting the Dragons defence under immense pressure and levelled the match just before half time.
The second half St Ives continued pressuring the Dragon’s defence who relied on their young keeper, and player of the match, Freddie BRISCOE, to keep them at bay. St Ives forced a third goal through a short corner routine with a fine reverse strike by Claire BANNERMAN which saw St Ives take the lead for the first time in the match.
The Dragons fought back demonstrating great character even though a 2-0 lead had been lost. Some good work down the right hand side by Gail THOMAS who smartly crossing the ball clearing the St Ives defence and finding Kate TRELAWNY-GOWER who slotted the ball past the keeper levelling the match.
With five minutes remaining the Dragons still had enough fuel in their tank for a final push. Laura SHREEVE who worked tirelessly up front pressurised the St Ives defence and stole possession from them when they failed to clear the ball. SHREEVE drove the ball towards the D skilfully fending off tackles from the defence before passing the ball to Marie JAMES. The keeper was quick off her line to close down but JAMES scored her second, which proved to be the winning goal, by placing the ball just out of her reach and into the far corner of the goal.
DRAGONS kept possession well to see out the game and take the full three points; a great victory in what was a very tough, competitive hard fought match.
The Dragons were appreciative of the travelling supporters, Laurel DENMAN, Ann JAMES and Kit TRELAWNY-GOWER who were vocal in their support encouraging them to keep fighting for the victory.
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Women’s East Hockey League Division 2NE
Norwich Dragons 2s: 2:1 Cambs Uni 2
On a beautiful Autumn day down at the Den, Norwich Dragon’s Ladies 2’s began this encounter brightly against a strong looking Cambridge University 2’s team. Emma Gibb made her debut for the 2’s in defence, however in the early stages, most of the play was at the other end, with the Dragons forwards putting pressure on the University goal.
Natasha Blyth, Amy Brown and George Stannett were working well upfront together, and were well supported by the hard working midfield, most notably Lucy Hopgood, who was having a real impact just behind the forwards.
Unfortunately, chances came and went for the Dragon’s, the most notable being a goal which was ruled out, due to an earlier infringement by the University defence. So the scores were level at halftime, however Dragons remained upbeat, given they had created a number of good opportunities.
The second half started a little more evenly, with the Dragons defence of Amy Forse, Ally Windsor Waite, Angela Murgatroyd, Emma Gibb and Alice Guest, soaking up some early pressure. Eventually however, somewhat against the run of play, Cambridge University took the lead. Fortunately for the Dragons, this only served to drive the team on. Hannah Hardy intercepted an attempted pass around the University defence, her initial shot on goal was saved by the Keeper, however Olivia Thomas followed up on the rebound and found Amy Brown in the perfect position, who calmly slotted the ball home into the corner, for her first East League Div 2 goal.
With 10 minutes remaining, Dragons continued to pile forward, Niamh Lowe Davies, Laura Bailey, Olivia Thomas and Lucy Hopgood continued to work tirelessly in midfield. This continued pressure paid dividends, when following some good build-up play, Player of the Match Amy Brown wasted no time in getting her 2nd East League goal, again holding a great position in the D and clinically dispatching into the corner once more.
A deserved win for a really hard working Ladies 2’s Dragons team, against a strong Cambridge University 2’s Team, who will undoubtedly get stronger as the season progresses.
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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Premier League
Norwich Dragons 3s 2:3 Loddon 1
It’s happened, after an outstanding run of 24 consecutive league victories, Norwich Dragons 3s tasted defeat on Saturday. Away to Loddon 1s, Dragons were competing well and leading by a Caroline Wolfe penalty corner goal with less than ten minutes to go to half-time. But Dragons’ goalkeeper, Laura Tuck, had already made a handful of important saves, before Loddon stunned the visitors with three quickfire goals to go into the break 3-1 up. Dragons dominated possession in the second half, leaving Tuck as a virtual spectator, while they bombarded the Loddon goal. Dragons restricted the experienced Loddon attack to sporadic sorties that failed to penetrate their circle. But at the other end Dragons’ only reward was a single goal from another penalty corner strike. Sarah Radley’s fierce shot was deflected into the roof of the net off a defender’s stick
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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League Division 1
Norwich Dragons 4s 2:7 Magpies 5
The score line doesn’t really reflect the game (honest). Possession was fairly equally spread across the two teams and both sides had almost as many opportunities to score, but Magpies just seemed to have that little extra something when it came to converting those chances into goals.
Magpies scored quickly in the first half – using excellent passing and pacey runs down the wings to take command of the game. Their forwards worked well as a unit, switching the ball around until the perfect moment arose to score. They followed their initial goal with a quick second before Dragons fought back. There had been several runs by Dragons down the wings lead by Marcy Windsor Waite and Lucy Bracey and both Sue Cross and Holly Bailey had both had shots stopped by the keeper when finally a lovely ball headed towards the post and was knocked in by Sophie Farrow. Just before half time Magpies scored their 4th goal of the match from a short corner.
Dragons picked up the pace after the half time interval and the passing seemed more consistent and the space was better utilised. Ball speed increased and there was a more determined nature to play. Gemma Rump and Flora Gregorie (PoM) put in an excellent performance in midfield and kept moving the ball towards the Magpies D but every time their defence cleared the shot and play headed back in the opposite direction. It was in one of these breaks that Magpies scored their 5th goal. However possibly the goal of the game (from both sides) came from Aoife Lowe Davies who made a beautiful run down the right and across into the D before slamming the ball into the corner of the goal.
Unfortunately, although Dragons continued to attack, each attempt was broken down by Magpies who quickly turned it to their advantage scoring twice more before the end of the game. Morag Morrison, in goal, made valiant attempts to save the ball on the line but the Magpies knew exactly where to place the ball to make it almost impossible. Dragons hoped to steal one more goal with a short corner on the final whistle and while there were at least 3 shots on goal the ball was eventually cleared.
While not the continuation from last week that we would have liked, lessons have been leant and there is certainly a great deal still to be pleased with. Next week is another chance to improve and keep moving forward.
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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League Division 2
Norwich Dragons 5s 2:1 Norwich City 4
Ladies 5s were extremely happy with their first win of the season especially as there were times in the game where it looked like it may be their first defeat.
Norwich City 4s were both skilful, fit and played an extremely good first half where they dominated play. Initially Dragons got the ball to the D & Jade Blanchflower worked hard to pick up a loose ball & try and convert it, however after that point Norwich City took control.
The pressure was on the defensive formation & Alice Smith in goal who held up well. Dragons defence of Emma Buxton, Tammy St John & new 5s player Sarah Nortcliff, however the rest of the team were not playing with the same vigour as last week & finally conceded a well-deserved goal to City.
A few stern words at half time obviously sunk in as this did indeed become a game of two halves. Dragons put the pressure on and upped their game & finally the goal came from some excellent work by Chiara Bond & finished by Lois McGregor.
Norwich City continued to press hard but none of their efforts were too much. Katie Buxton (Man of the Match) was on fine form with her skilful tackles and making some excellent play up the pitch. At 1-1 draw and a captain on the sideline shouting encouragement these dragons needed (she wanted a win). Everyone pulled together to push for that goal with Rosie Korn, Charlotte Stace and Rachael Matthews making their attempts & working hard to get the ball to the D. It was however another excellent cross from Chiara Bond & finished by human dynamo Lisa Harwood. It was indeed a goal to be admired. This was not game over though as Norwich City continued to press, however they could not penetrate our determined defence with Sarah Nortcliff even throwing herself to the ground to protect us from yet another draw. Excellent play in the second half & a very happy team who are absolutely determined to play with that level of pressure from the beginning of next weeks match.
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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League Division 3
Norwich Dragons 6s 5:1 Magpies 7
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Empresa Norfolk Girls Development League
Norwich Dragons 1:3 Watton
On Saturday 28th September Dragons girls development played Watton. We knew it was going to be a tough match and they had some very good players. However we went into the match with hopes of a goal and we delivered. There had been a great run into the D and a good pass to Lucy on left post. She then hit it over to Ruby who was in a great position to recieve the ball and shoot. Sure enough she scored and by half time we were winning 1-0. During the second half we played well but tiredness was getting to all of us. They were a very strong team and we all were giving 100% to try and stop them scoring. Unfortunatley they scored a few times during the second half which led them to a victory. I think we all played very well but there is also lots to work on such as using the width and getting into space for our hit outs. Nevertheless we all came out of the match feeling happy with the way we played. Many players were voted for as player of the match which just shows how well everyone did play. The final player of the match was Lottie. Well done to everyone who played and hopefully we can learn from our mistakes duing that match.
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The Hoof table as at 28/09/2013
| Position | Team | Hoof Average |
| 1 | Ladies 1s | 3.33 |
| 1 | Mens 2s | 3.33 |
| 3 | Ladies 3s | 3.00 |
| 3 | Mens 5s | 3.00 |
| 5 | Ladies 2s | 2.67 |
| 6 | Mens 1s | 2.33 |
| 7 | Ladies 4s | 2.00 |
| 8 | Ladies 5s | 1.67 |
| 8 | Mens 4s | 1.67 |
| 10 | Mens 3s | 1.33 |
| 10 | Girls’ Development | 1.33 |
| 10 | Ladies 6s | 1.33 |
| 13 | Boys’ Development | 0.67 |