Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s vs  Norwich City Men’s 3s

Score: 1-11

Scorers: Alberto Embarba

MOM: Alex Wolfe

Dragons received Norwich City 3s at the Den at 12:30 in the afternoon. Despite a very changing weather forecast, both teams enjoyed a good hockey session in the sun and the rain only came once the game was over.

Dragons knew this would be one of the toughest challenges this season since the visiting team was already at the top of the league before the game. Despite City reaching double figures that consolidate Dragons at the wrong end of the table, what was seen on the pitch was nothing but a good fight between two teams not that far in skills. A fair number of efficient short corner routines helped City increase their lead progressively, while outfield their superiority wasn’t that obvious. Only a stubborn goal post kept Will Kirby from scoring with a straight blast that could be heard across town. The score at half time was 0-6.

Dragons had a collaborative talk during the break in which everyone added up to make the necessary amendments for the second half. Despite City scoring five more times, Dragons had clearer chances during the second half and managed to get their symbolic prize with a single goal by Alberto Embarba, who flicked the ball from the top of the D across to the left side of the net and away from the keeper’s reach. It was a great team effort that started with a number of quick bounce passes from the left side and finished with a very generous pass from Will Gwyther, whose 3D skills created a ‘misleading optical illusion’ that made some City players think he had used parts of his body to push the ball forward… but that could never be proved 😉

The score at full time was 1-11, with the MoM award finally going to keeper Alex Wolfe, for displaying a magnificent catalogue of saves of all kinds throughout the whole game. Everyone gave their best but Adam Bowles, Ed Cross, Isaac Diver-Hall and Will Gwyther had outstanding contributions to such an enjoyable and fair hockey game.

Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s vs  Norwich City 5’s

Score: 4-0

Scorers: Casper Lind, Will Sexton, Pete Thomas & Seb Atkinson

Norwich Dragons 5s claimed an incredible 4-0 win over local rivals Norwich City in today’s 5NE East Anglian derby.

The reds began on the back foot, relying on goalkeeper Dave King’s defensive prowess to keep the score 0-0 in the first half hour of play.

Though Dragons faced a barraged of short corners, expert defence denied City a breakthrough.

But City’s hopes of leading into the second half were dashed in the 30th minute when Casper Lind broke the deadlock and found the back of City’s net.

Dragons returned from the half time break a changed side with renewed confidence and began playing as a more cohesive unit in comparison to the first 35 minutes.

Striker Will Sexton made his impression felt with a worldie reverse stick, finding the onion bag to make it 2-0 to the reds early into the second half.

Within minutes Pete Thomas had upped the score line to 3-0, twisting the knife on a waning City side.

Dragons pressed home the advantage and dominated play, probing the opposition on both wings and breaking down the opposition.

One such exploit lead to the 4th and final goal, with winger Bertie Pinching taking the ball down to the right hand corner flag, assisting left midfielder Seb Atkinson who promptly drilled it into the bottom left.

Dragons maintained possession for much of the final minutes of the game, winning a final short corner just before the whistle and flooded the City half with red shirts, at the prospect of making it 5 goals to none. Though City were spared of humiliation with a deflection of midfield stalwart Ali Smyth’s shot, putting the ball out of play and triggering the end of play.

Dragons walked away with four goals, an unstained sheet and one of their most remarkable victories of the year, with manager Andrew Cross praising the team’s youngsters for their efforts in the post-match press conference. “…Impressed with all the team and especially the youngsters who executed the game plan so well in the second half”.

Norwich Dragons Men’s 6s vs Watton 1’s

Score: 1-11

Scorers: Darryl Robinson

Disappointing that after such a super effort 1st half to turn 1-3, that we ran steam as we were hit for 8 goals after the break. As it was 2 of the 3 first half goals were deflections &  Dar Ryl Robinson swept home our first short corner.  Still we must regroup after Christmas & there is the opening of the Transfer Window, when we can bring in a couple of defenders. Have a Safe Christmas & keep fit.

Norwich Dragons Men’s 7s vs Norwich City 7’s

Score: 1-1

Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s Vs Watton

Score: 2-1

Scorers: Georgia Rant & Mia Bartram

MOM: Georgia Rant

Ladies 1s managed to grab their last win of 2020 with a 2-1 at home against Watton 1. Dragons fell behind 1-0 with a counter attack from Watton.

Dragons were determined to not let this bother them and get back into full fighting mode. After a strong half time talk, dragons managed to up their game and to come back from behind to win 2-1. Goals from Georgia Rant and Mia Bartram. MOM Georgia Rant. DOD Niamh Lowe-Davies

Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s Vs Ipswich

Score: 0-6

MOM: Karen O’Neill – Simpson

Early start for the Ladies 2 travelling to Ipswich to play the undefeated top of the league. Dragons started much stronger than last week and held the Ipswich attack off for a good portion of the first half unfortunately a deflected ball at a short put the well-drilled Ipswich side 1-0 up. Dragons fought hard and kept composed when under pressure but the Ipswich side showed why they are undefeated and we ended the first half 4-0. Going into the second half the 2s kept up the momentum, putting the Ipswich defence under real pressure and made the keeper make some important saves. Ipswich, however, kept the work up too and converted another 2 goals by the final whistle. 6-0 to Ipswich was the final score which (& I know it’s said a lot!) did really flatter them – even their coach agreed! POM was very close this week, showing just how much work the entire team put in, but Captain Karen claimed the title for some solid defending and constant encouragement throughout the match

Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s Vs Framlingham

Score: 4-2

Scorers: Fiona Fletcher, Lillian Sore & Lucy Cross x 2

MOM: Lucy Cross

Ladies 3s entertained Framlingham for a 10th vs 11th clash. An intense game and definitely one for the neutrals the end to end play ended up with Fram leading 2-0 after 20 minutes. Dragons kept their heads and got one back with a textbook baseline to P-spot pass for Fiona Fletcher to slot home. This spurred Dragons on again and a lovely reverse push from Lillian Sore saw the score line even going into half time. A solid second half saw a deflection from Lucy Cross to make it 3-2, and then she brought the game to a close with a well worked short corner routine to end the game 4-2 and Dragons picking up all the points.

The team should be really proud of their performance and having picked up 6 of their 7 points in the past 2 games brings hope for after Christmas results!

POM having fended off steep competition is Lucy Cross!

Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s Vs Magpies Ladies 6

Score: 4-1

Scorers: Anita Mancini, Lizzie McDonnell, Gemma Ballard & Jane Wells

MOM: Mia Norris

Ladies 5s had a cold, foggy match against Magpies 6s, winning 4-1.

First half we came out strong having the majority of the play. We had lots of amazing play from all. Lara, Freya, Gemma and Anita all showing their fabulous skills with Mia adding some fast paced runs, allowing us to get 3-0 up.

In the second half Magpies fought back and managed to score from a short. Their confidence rose and they became a strong side, but our defence were up for the challenge allowing us to score another goal. It should’ve been two but sadly Gemma’s goal was disallowed after the ball orbited the moon on its way into the D. There was some solid tackling and good ball distribution from the defenders but especially Jen, Brooksy and Em. As well as some brilliant saves from Amy Forse.

Goal scorers were Anita, Lizzie, Gemma and Jane. Well done everyone!

Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s Vs Dereham

Score: 1-2

Scorers: Alicia Fairweather

MOM: Rosie Smith

Ladies’ 6s travelled to misty Dereham this chilly December Saturday morning to what we anticipated to be a tough match again their 3s. Dereham came out strong and scored quite early on through a goal that physics may have deemed impossible. However, Dragons did not let their heads drop, powered on with some fantastic passing and some lovely hits to the forward line and this paid off with a beautiful equaliser from Alicia Fairweather in her first match against her former club. The Pat Chat and some sweets at half time left us wanting more and we continued our strong performance in the second half – however some firing up of a more experienced *cough* player on the Dereham side left us at a disadvantage and we conceded another goal. Emma North kept us in the game by saving a flick but it was not meant to be in the end. Final score 2:1 to Dereham but a fantastic effort all round. POM goes to Rosie Smith with Honey Wells and Northie close seconds. Have a lovely Christmas, everyone!!

Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s Vs Harelston Magpies Ladies 7s

Score: 2-2

Scorers: Sarah Marshall & Claire Fairhurst

MOM: Amy Forse

Super proud of the ladies 7s today who played away at Magpies. As expected Magpies were clinical and swift with their passing, however dragons were strong in defence and kept the opposition at bay. Finally after a scramble in the D Magpies scored. Into the second half Magpies scored again early on which fired up the dragons even more. After some great play around the D Sarah Marshall slotted the ball behind the keeper for our first goal! Continued pressure and some lovely play by dragons lead to a fantastic equaliser after Claire Fairhurst slapped the ball in from the post. Final score 2-2 but I couldn’t be more proud of how the girls fought and really got into the game. POM goes to Amy Forse who I’d like to thank again for playing in goal for us today.

Norwich Dragons Ladies 8s Vs Dereham Ladies 5s

Score: 0-4

MOM: Mehnaz Shammy

The Awesome 8s were so happy to be on the road and on the pitch once again after a long break. They could consider themselves slightly unlucky to concede four goals, but they end the first half of the season in high spirits knowing they have learned and improved a number of aspects of their game. All they need now is a bit of luck, some more aggression and a fair bit of polish.

Our captains have called for a different type of match report. They want reporters to focus on the game. They believe that we no longer need to concentrate on finding something positive to say about each squad member, because we are stronger individuals now and can take honest comments without fearing that they are judgemental about individuals.

So here goes. But do please remember this is just one person’s observations. She can’t be everywhere on the pitch at once, and really needed a pen and paper to make a note of some of the excellent moves we put together.

The 8s only went 1 goal down in the first half. Dragons did not always manage to hold their shape as a team, but the defensive unit played very strongly. They cut out plenty of crosses and marked well on the edge of the circle.

Dereham and Dragons were well matched in midfield, both sides capable of putting in good runs and some accurate passes to the forwards. Our midfield showed good judgement in when to run and when to pass. Dragons are still at the stage of enjoying the number of opportunities that are coming their way in the circle; they now get more in a game than they did in the whole of the last season.

Another positive move for Dragons is that they managed to utilise their four subs smoothly and tactically; one of many benefits of having a team that trains together sticking together. Players could swap sides, switch roles and generally be sure of making a contribution.

In the second half, not for the first time this season, Dragons actually played better but conceded more goals. Dragons held their shape much better, and probably had as many opportunities in the attacking circle as Dereham, but they lacked a cutting edge. They had a few penalty corners, with the slip left looking the one most likely to succeed.

After the half time team talk, our mids and defenders sorted out their individual positions much better and did not threaten to take the ball off each other. The forwards held their wide position and rotated more frequently. But did the defenders tire a little, or did Dereham’s speedy youngsters up their game and learn that they could trick the defence into a bit of ball watching, which gave them far more chances to ping the ball around in the circle?

A couple of other regular problems that Dragons still have to work on is the challenge of being ‘first to the ball’. We absolutely have to step up to meet the ball and the pass. It is particularly frustrating if a Dragon calls for the ball, the pass comes, and then an opponent (having heard the call) steps in front and nabs it. We also have to do some more work on avoiding giving away free hits because of our feet. A lot of it is to do with the way we hold our sticks, and the need to have our feet facing going forward.

All the Dereham players paid us close attention in the marking department, with some very enthusiastic and accidental sticks bashing everywhere from feet to knees. But basically we sucked it up. Regular training meant that even though we gave it everything we had, every individual was still capable of making a run or a tackle right the way through the match. Another improvement.

During the latter part of the second half, it was Dragons who were able to put the telling balls through into the circle, and this is where we need to practice the final gather and put the shot pass the goalkeeper. We deserved to have one of those moves come off against Dereham.

So every player in the squad can look back at this very difficult season and know that she has improved her game. Looking forwards, most of us know what we have to do to improve even more and put that polish on the basic skills. Then we will get the results we deserve. Mehnaz Shammy was voted POM. A special shout out to Nik Harrison who, because of the rule forbidding the sharing of lifts, caught a bus to and from the match. There’s a Dragon for you.

Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s vs Norwich Exiles

Score: 1-4

Scorers: Will Kirby

MOM: Will Ives

 Dragons 4s lost a hard fought but fun game against Norwich Exiles 4-1, with Will Kirby getting the Dragons goal.

Exiles had 4 Dragons 2s players from title winning seasons a decade ago in Messrs Powley, Nisbet, Whiting and Cheeseman with only the older Goodson (me!) and Rich Phillis surviving on the Dragons side – although thinking about it, Kirby may have got accidentally selected for Sudbury away on occasion.

As seems usual this season, Dragons started like a team that had never played together before this season or held a stick much in last couple of months, both of which are true.

After gifting Exiles a two goal lead, Dragons got their *%!? together and began to string their passes together and look the better side. Challenge is to do it from the start next week!!!

Will Ives was a well-deserved man of the match for sticking to Danny C like glue for the match and pretty much marking him out of the game (or just kicking it which had a similar effect).

Onwards and upwards – let’s focus on enjoying it and the performances will come!!!

Norwich Dragons Men’s 7s vs Pelicans Men’s 4s

Score:

Scorers:

MOM:

Norwich Dragons Boys Development vs Dereham

Score: 5-0

Scorers: Louis Bolton-Smith x2, Hector McNeill, George Wilson & Rahul Kaushall

MOM: George Wilson

 Everyone was expecting a tight fixture after the reverse match was only separated by one goal but Dragons dominated from the start ! Built on a solid foundation at the back. Moving the ball quickly and expansively all the play was mostly in the Dereham half.

In the first quarter, the first goal came in the third minute by Louis Bolton-Smith. The quarter ends without any attacks having been mounted by Dereham and three short corners by Dragons not amounting to anything  1-0 to Dragons.

In the second quarter  start, Rhys Howard replaces Tommy Cahir. In the fourth minute a great triangular move on the edge of the box ends with Louis in front of the keeper who beats him to make it 2-0.Another short corner to Dragons comes after Theo drives into the D and is brought down – alas nothing comes from the short corner. Eight minutes into second quarter Louis gets into box and draws the keeper – he squares to Hector McNeil, captain on the day, who then scores from close range – 3-0.Dragons still dominating possession and in the last minute of the quarter George Wilson draws the keeper out and chips over him to make it 4-0 at half time.

In the third quarter Tommy replaces Louis. The Dereham keeper is their best player ! He has made at least 5 top saves to keep the score to four ! Good passing moves and total control by Dragons – Patrick has barely touched the ball !

At the beginning of quarter four, Adam Kelsall is off. The Derham keeper continues to excel – another great save from Louis ! Dragons have their fifth short corner but they haven’t converted any as yet ! The team continues to move the ball back and forward, moving Dereham around and in the 13th minute of the last quarter a ball from the bye line across the D ends with Rahul Kaushal unmarked just in front of goal knocking it in to make it 5-0 to Dragons. George Wilson comes off for the last minute but had a great game and was selected by the coaches as Man of the Match.

Game ends 5-0 to Dragons – a complete all round performance with everyone contributing to an excellent win !

Norwich Dragons Girls Development A vs Norwich City Girls Development

Score: 4-2

Scorers: Libby Ong x2, Imogen Dolding & Mae Hollis

MOM: Georgia Demetriou

Dragons girls started very quickly and within 5 minutes took the lead. A quick free hit was taken by Katie Hume in the City 23 and the ball was transferred to Libby Ong who scored. The lead was doubled when Libby scored her second. City pulled a goal back at the end of the quarter from a short corner.

The girls showed great commitment and good work by the defensive unit and goalkeeper ensured a goalless second quarter.

City scored an equaliser in the third quarter in an end to end period of play. The girls would not let this stop them and good work by Georgia Demetriou set up Imogen Dolding to score for Dragons to regain the lead and end the third quarter 3-2 ahead.

A team talk before the final quarter emphasising the importance of getting behind the ball when the opposition had it to prevent them having opportunities to score an equaliser was expertly put into practise by the team.

A late double substitution brought Georgia on who received the ball and attacked the D and shot. The City keeper made a good save but Mae Hollis was following up and reacted quickly to the loose ball to push it into the goal for her first Dev Girls goal and give a vital two goal lead. The girls saw out the last five minutes for a 4-2 victory. This result ended City’s 100% start to the season.

A great team performance by the girls and the two adults supporting them on the pitch.

Player of the match: Georgia Demetriou for the assists to many of the goals.

Special mention to Libby Ong for her work rate and the amount of pitch she covers to pressure and help win the ball off the opposition defenders.

Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s Vs Dereham

Score: 1-1

Scorers: Haz Green

MOM: Freddie Briscoe

Ladies 1s managed to come away with one point with a draw at home against Dereham finishing 1-1. Good intensity and a fairly even match between both sides so a fair result. Great goal came from Haz Green who equalised within the last few minutes of the game! MOM Freddie Briscoe and DOD Mia Bartram bring on Watton next week!

Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s Vs Colchester

Score: 3-4

Scorers: Maddy Reynolds, Harriett Marlee & Lilli Ballard

MOM: Maddy Reynolds & Florri Smith

Ladies 2s travelled to Colchester for our first game back. Down to 11 players due to a late call off, the 2s knew it was going to be a tough, intense game but wanted to make the journey worth it. Quick to start, dragons dominated the opening minutes of the match but weren’t able to convert. Colchester then went on the attack and dragons found themselves 3-0 down half way through the first half. But the dragons fought back with some well worked goals from Maddy Reynolds Harriet Marlee and Lilli Ballard to go 3-3 until the last few minutes of the game. Unfortunately, the lack of subs may have caught up on us and we conceded in the final few mins ending the match as 4-3 to Colchester. As always, each of 2s put in 100% effort and played hard until the very last whistle. POM shared between Maddy Reynolds and Flori Smith. An extra special THANK YOU to the parents/family members who drove 2s players to Colchester ensuring that we would get a match – it’s really really appreciated!

Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s Vs

Score: 3-2

Scorers: Gill Walker, Lucy Buxton & Vicki Earley

MOM: Jenna Mills

What a fabulous game this was!

Broadland started with a good goal after we tried ourselves previously minutes before, but failed to do so!

Nevertheless less we came back with vengeance and with superb team play we got two goals back by half time, with Broadland only getting another one, coming into the second half even 2-2, and ready to start again

Each player played amazingly well today, in fact the best we’ve played together as a team. Lots of superb passing, defending and well as attacking, lots of player support, and fun!

We a back a scored one more superb goal with a superb assist.

Fabulous play and great teamwork by a bunch of fabulous ladies today!

Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s Vs Harleston Magpies Ladies 5s

Score: 1-3

Scorers: Amy Forse

MOM: Amy Forse

 An eventful day for the 4’s, shaded the first half and unluckily to be a goal down. Harleston were the better team in the second half. Final score 3-1 to Harleston. Dragon’s scorer was Amy Forse, a great reward for persistence.

The game was well umpired and play in a lovely spirit – a great advert for hockey and the wider hockey family! POM Amy Forse

Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s Vs Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s

Score: 5-0

Scorers: Anita Mancini & Liz McDonnell x 4

MOM: Liz McDonnell

A lovely bright morning for our return to hockey. 5s were keen to get back to playing again to make up for a disappointing loss before the break. With key players returning to the team, we were quick to settle into our rhythm despite a very well drilled 6s team coming out fast and hard. They certainly made things difficult for us with some excellent passing and movement on and off the ball. None the less, the 5s settled when Anita kicked off the scoring with a great piece of individual skill working her way into the D and calmly slotting the ball into the back of the net. We kept the pressure up through the game, and 6s continued to counter with some very close efforts – but luckily the defence and Kristina stayed focused and kept a clean sheet. We went on to score 4 more with 3 assists from Anita to Lizzie who kept her composure scoring 4 great goals. The 5th goal assisted by Freya in the last few minutes. Final score 5:0. We still have some things to work on and hope we can maintain our momentum into the next game against Magpies! Well played all Dragons involved. It’s good to be back!

Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s Vs Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s

Score: 0-5

MOM: Joanna Jennings

We are back! And what a way to restart the season. Optimistic as ever, the 6s went out to have some fun and give the 5s a run for their money on this crisp Saturday morning. It was a tough game for the 6s – the underdogs before the whistle went in this biannual face off. However, we held our own and put up a decent fight. Lots of fantastic passing across the pitch, and a few good chances too! However, the 5s demonstrated their own slick passing and efficiency in front of goal. 2-0 down at halftime and buoyed by our weekly Pat Chat, we kept the pressure on in the second half with constant encouragement from all players throughout. As always, the team remained positive, and we have plenty to take away for our next match against Dereham. Final score 5-0. Player of the match was Joanna Jennings for an ever-present performance (literally) all over the pitch!

Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s Vs Norwich City 6s

Score: 1-5

Scorers: Lara Nuthall

MOM: Ellie Wagstaff

The ladies 7s played the first home game of the day against Norwich City 6s. A very even game to begin and some great play by the 7s, who were unfortunate to go down 3-0 in the first half. Once again we came out fighting and everyone worked together to create some good passes. We managed to get a goal back (scored by me) and it really improved the spirit of the team. Final score was 5-1 to City 6s. MOM was Ellie Wagstaff and a big shoutout and thank you to Mia McGhee who played in goal for us today.

Norwich Dragons Men’s 6s vs North Norfolk 3’s

Score: 2-3

Scorers: Adrian Kemp & Elliott Stevenson

MOM: Elliott Stevenson

Defensive errors cost us but good to be back! Bottom line is that if we are going to be so attack minded then we need to convert the chances. NN scored first when a poor free hit gave the ball away in our half(hand up it was the captain) but our guest, Adrian Kemp, equalised after Matthew Cook got round the back of their defence. This was followed by the most obvious foot stopping a goal bound ball & NN converted the flick to lead 1-2 at HT.

M6 then equalised early 2nd half when Elliott Stevenson moved to joint LGS with his 3rd goal in consecutive league games(looks like Golden Stick form). There were chances to take the lead but it was a breakaway down our left, centred to a first time shot from the top of the D that sunk us.

MOM – Elliott Stevenson who has really adapted to adult hockey & like Crossy, knows where the net is.

Norwich Dragons Men’s 7s vs Dereham 4d

Score: 7-0

Scorers: Will Bloom, Adam Bowles (x2), Dan Orsborne, Andrew Cross (x3)

MOM: Adam Bowles

 A positive restart to the season for the 7s with a seven nil home win against Dereham 4s. Dragons maintained most of the possession in the first half with Zak McEwan and Tom Clifton creating attacking opportunities down the left and right wings. Will Bloom opened up the score with an early goal, shortly followed by two goals from Adam Bowles who was playing defence in the first half.

Dereham looked more threatening in the second half however solid defensive play from Max Linford, David Pentin and Ali Smyth ensured a clean sheet. Some strong passages of play down the right wing and baseline from Adam Bowles created plenty of opportunities in the Dereham D with a superb goal from Dan Orsbourne followed by 3 goals from Andrew Cross.

Overall a great team effort and an enjoyable good natured game. MoM this week was Adam Bowles for his work rate down the right wing and 2 first half goals

Norwich Dragons Boys Development vs Norwich Dragons Boys Development (Friendly)

Score: 1-1

Scorers: Louis Bolton-Smith scored for the bibs and Hector McNeill the equaliser for non-bibs.

MOM: Hugh Baragwanath for the non-bibs and Theo Chapallaz & Cameron Connell joint (both stepping up from u12) for the bibs.

 Dev boys took to the pitch for an in-house friendly this afternoon after Pelicans were unable to get a side together.  Two evenly matched sides made up of dev boys along with seven u12’s played out an entertaining 1-1 draw.  Louis Bolton-Smith scored for the bibs and Hector McNeill the equaliser for non-bibs.  Lots of opportunities for players to try different positions meant everyone got a good run out.  It ended as a low scoring draw with both defenses coming out on top through a mixture of good defensive play and midfielders holding onto the ball too long when simple passes would have opened up more opportunities. 

Players of the match were Hugh Baragwanath for the non-bibs and Theo Chapallaz & Cameron Connell joint (both stepping up from u12) for the bibs.

Thanks to both umpires for keeping the game flowing and to Andy, Alpesh and Martin for coaching the sides.  Special thanks though to Natalie for getting the friendly together and letting 23 boys have a match when Pelicans pulled out.

Norwich Dragons Girls Development B vs Yarmouth Girls Development

Score: 1-0

Scorers: Katie Hume

MOM: Katie Hume

The girls Dev B team started this match with only 10 players. Despite this they started on the front foot with attacking moves with good wing play by Imogen Cook and Imogen Thomas linking up with Freya McAllister and Elizabeth Taylor the forwards. Chances were created but the Yarmouth keeper stopped them well. Katie Hume was playing strongly at the top of the midfield diamond playing balls into the D and also trying to get on the end of crosses.

The short neat passing used by the girls was a pleasure to watch. Not to be outdone the defenders were playing their part with Ella Borrett once again strong in defence with her good tackling. Lola Brooke was playing a captain’s role by taking on an unfamiliar defensive role and working hard with tackles and good shadowing.

Ottillie Vinters showed great concentration and positive decision making when called on with good kicking and saves.

The forwards were pressing and winning the ball off Yarmouth’s sixteens.

In the second quarter though a Yarmouth clearance accidentally flew high and hit Freya in the face. She had to be withdrawn and go home and we send her our best wishes and that a small bruise maybe the limits of any damage. (Hope you’re feeling better soon Freya)!

At half-time the girls were asked to try to make passes earlier when they made breaks in the second half and had numerical advantages as had occurred in the first half. They put this perfectly into practise in the second half.

Despite now playing with 9 players the girls continued to attack. Their pressure and chances led to the opening goal which they deserved when Katie Hume shot into the corner of the goal to finally beat Yarmouth’s keeper.

As the final quarter arrived fog started to drift in but the defence worked hard and when they were breached Ottillie was there to pull off saves to ensure a clean sheet and a glorious 1-0 victory.

Special thanks to the three adults Sophie Thomas, Amy Forse and Lois Metcalfe who rotated the two adult place on the pitch.They played just the right way supporting and guiding the girls in the team.

Thanks to the two umpires and to Yarmouth who played the match in a great spirit.

Player of the match: Katie Hume for her performance. This coach is very proud of each and every member of today’s Girls Dev B team for a result  without a full team. Apologies for the long report but this was a special performance and result.

Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s Vs Cambridge South Ladies 1s 

Score: 2-2

Scorers: Jemima Watson & Georgia Rant

MOM: Jemima Watson

Ladies 1s travelled away to Cambridge South. Having had the majority of possession, we went 1-0 down at half time. A motivating team talk encouraged the team going into the second half. Unfortunately, Cambridge managed to get a second goal early on in the second half. With 15 minutes to go, dragons needed to up their game- which they did! With two very well worked short corners, dragons managed to come away with a 2-2 draw taking the 1 point, but more importantly stopping them taking the 3 points to make us equal on points in the table. A result no doubt we will want to improve on for the second match at home!

Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s Vs Broadland Ladies 1s

Score: 3-1

Scorers: Harriet Marlee, Jess Bennett & Lilli Ballard

MOM: Hannah Roney & Harriet Marlee

The team could have dropped their heads being undeservedly behind in a game they had dominated…….. but they worked through their ‘bad spell’ found their passing game and every player worked for each other with a calm determination to pull the game round.

Goals came from Harriet Marlee, Sarah Jessica Bennett and Lilli Ballard in the last 20 minutes of the second half……. following some patient passing hockey in the build up to each of the goals.

A performance the team should be proud of, as despite the dreadful conditions they stuck to their game plan, worked their way through their difficult spell and finished the game in dominant fashion! Some top performances notably Mimi Rutterford on her 2nd team debut.

Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s Vs Bury St Edmunds Ladies 2s

Score: 0-1

MOM: Nat Crisp & Jenna Mills 

3’s travelled to Culford to face Bury today for a midday push back. Along came the rain to making it even more fun for us.

The team had some positional changes which seemed to work well for most of the game. Bury got a goal from a very strong hit after a short corner. Although we matched play and played our hearts out we couldn’t get one back.

The team seemed to have a very good positive match and everyone were happy after wards – especially with the Halloween cakes provided by Kristina!

Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s Vs East Coast Ladies 1s 

Score: 3-0

Scorers: Alison Gunton, Charly Burgess & Amy Forse

MOM: Racheal Matthews 

Ladies 4’s played East Coast. Dragons played some lovely flowing hockey. It turns out that practising short corners was a good thing – we won 3-0 all goals from shorts. (Thanks to the maestro Pete Thomas!). Well played everyone !!

Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s Vs Herling Ladies

Score: 1-2

Scorers: Adelice Stanley

MOM: Rosie Smith

With a very youthful 5s team and several players coming up from the 6s to replace a depleted 5s squad, the very experienced Herlings capitalised on the Dragon’s lack of familiarity as a team, and the match began at a fast pace with Herlings playing their expected long ball down the pitch to their nifty forward line, who looked dangerous on the attack. Fortunately, the defiant defence of Georgia Butterworth, Emily Grint and Georgia Heaton held them back throughout the first half.

Dragons rallied and countered with some good movements from the midfield of Lara King, Mae Clark, Maddie Gibbs and Honey Wells; with Rosie Smith and Lara making some good break throughs the Herling’s midfield but not quite getting the ball through to the forward line. The challenge of working out which lines were the hockey pitch markings (white or yellow?) added an additional frustration to the start of the game. First half over 0:0. After the break,

Dragons were shaken by two quick goals from Herlings – one a great strike from the top of the D and another which sneaked through Northy in goal; who had made some great saves from some strong Herling’s shots. For most of the second half, Dragons dominated the game with more possession and more shots on goal from Gemma Ballard, Jane Wells and Addi Stanley, but they were thwarted by a very good Herling’s goalie who kept our forwards at bay. Eventually Dragons had the breakthrough they needed in the last ten minutes. When a run through midfield saw Lara King provide a pacey pass to Addi who slotted comfortably pass the GK. Final Score 2:1 to Herlings. Going forward to our next game, we need a little more focus on earlier and precise delivery when passing; and our positioning off the ball. Let’s hope we come back stronger for the next game! Go 5s!!!

POM to Rosie Smith for a strong performance in her 5s debut.

Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s Vs East Coast Ladies 3s

Score: 3-3

Scorers: Alicia Fairweather, Lara Nuthall & Brittany Hopkins

MOM: Charlotte Knight

Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s vs Wisbech Town 1

Score: 1-0

Scorers: Jonty Gosling

MOM: Dim Ives

Arriving to see the home team sporting red kit, the pushback was delayed while they fetched some white shirts…unfortunately, with our captain this week unable to play due to the tracking down of the rarest of canines in the highlands of Scotland, he failed to warn us of the clash of kits  (…but he’s blaming Pitchero master Ali Smyth)

The game spluttered into life with both teams pressing aggressive setups. Finding joy in pockets of space down the wings, we created a fair few half-chances in the first half, however the final pass or finish wasn’t quite there, and the period ended with sides level.

The second half proved much more eventful than the first. The heavens opened and in the heavy downpour the home side found an additional gear, pushing through midfield and besieging our D on several occasions. Standing resolute, Brooksy again impressed a great deal, beating his men to the ball and sweeping danger up like a player beyond his years!

Owen Tennant entered the field as “fresh legs” and to sure-up the Dragons defence in the middle of the half…soon after pulling off an outstanding above-head save on the line!

Talking about saves, Dim was absolutely unbeatable in goal today, not for Wisbech trying their best to best him. A highlight of the many fine stops was a low right-hand stick save when the scores were level. Slightly against the run of play in the moment, clever Dragons forward play won a short-corner. Switching up routines, the ball was played short to Rixy, whose strike was saved by the Wisbech keeper into the path of our injector, Jonty, who produce a carbon-copy finish from his goal earlier this season! (Also…Rixy’s late miss! … won’t linger on this one though… )

Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s vs Newmarket Men’s 1s

Score: 4-1

Scorers: Henry Thomas, Jon Miles, Charlie Creasy & Rupert Snelling

MOM: Ben Sathitsuk

Newmarket didn’t quite get the memo about using the stick to score. With the umpires’ views obstructed and with an open-ish goal, a distinctly Beckham-like finish made it 2-1. But we were not to be deterred. Some positively dominant play emanating from the back and channelled with panache through the midfield of Mitch, Arj and Isaac, coupled with two wonderfully deflected goals from Ru and Jon in the second-half, put the game to bed.

Norwich Dragons Men’s 3s vs East Coast Men’s 1s

Score: 1-6

Scorers: John Ives 

MOM: Tom Poole

Our passing game created several opportunities and short corners, but the awful weather made it hard to capitalise. Eventually though we grabbed a goal through John Ives and a broken down short. So a tight 2-1 at halftime was spoiled somewhat by a final quarter where we ran out of steam.

Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s vs Dereham Men’s 3s

Score: 3-4

Scorers: Will Kirby, Ross Barnshaw & Adrian Kemp

MOM: Adam Bowles & Rob Goodson

Dragons had an early game in the den this time, receiving Dereham 3 in a very chilly and windy morning. Soon after the push back Dragons managed to set themselves ahead with a goal by Will Kirby. Dereham kept pushing, mainly through long passes straight into the D, looking for their forwards to tap in on the goal line. And they eventually got the successful deflection, halfway through the first half, levelling up the score. A few minutes later the game had to be stopped for some 10 minutes, after one of Dereham players was found sat in midfield with acute pain around his shoulder. The game resumed once the player had been removed from the pitch and shielded safely in the dugout. Just five minutes before the break Ross Barnshaw brilliantly slotted in Dragons’ second goal with the finest deflection ever seen in front of a goalkeeper.

The start of the second half had to be delayed and an ambulance was called to take Dereham’s injured player to hospital with a suspected clavicle fracture, since he passed out during the break due to the pain. When the second half was resumed Dragons knew that, despite being in control of the game most of the time, Dereham had the skills to cause damage with those long passes into the D, so decided to remove a forward in order to get an extra defender. The change of strategy proved useful but didn’t stop Dereham from scoring twice, overtaking Dragons on the score board.  Dragons had to work hard to get the equalizer by Adie Kemp. The game was at hand again but in the last few minutes Dereham hit the bullseye one more time, setting a 3-4 final score from another well executed short corner. Dragons never gave up and applied great pressure on Dereham’s defence during the last ten minutes, which also saw Owain Hall get a flesh wound to his forehead from a head-to-head bump that had to be steri-tripped by Peta Kerrigan.

The Man of the Match award went to both Adam Bowles and Rob Goodson, for their invaluable contributions in defence and midfield. Also worth mentioning is young keeper Conor Kerrigan, who displayed an assortment of incredible saves, and both Peta and Ben for dealing with the multiple injuries along with the emergency services. All in all, what a day! We wish the Dereham player who was taken to hospital a speedy recovery. 

Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s vs Ipswich Men’s 3s 

Score: 0-5

MOM: Lloyd Wade

Norwich Dragons Men’s 6s vs Dereham Men’s 4s

Score: 2-3

Scorers: Mike Banham & Elliot Stevenson

MOM: Darryl Robinson

Norwich Dragons Men’s 7s vs Harleston Magpies Men’s 6s

Score: 4-3

Scorers: Crossley Eccles, Andrew Cross, Pete Mares & James Hollis

MOM: Fin Heywood 

A good game and result for the Men’s 7s away to Magpies 6s. The first half opened with Dragons maintaining most of the possession leading to an early goal secured by Crossley Eccles. Magpies soon responded, but further goals from Andrew Cross and Pete Mares saw the score line at 2:3 at half time.

The game was well balanced and both sides looked threating in the second half with Magpies levelling the score line at 3:3. However, some great defence and distribution of the ball from Finn Pond, Max Linford, Ali Smyth and David Kinder prevented any further goals. The final goal came from James Hollis attacking down the left with Pete Mares to seal the win.

Special mention for Colin Birch who made a fine contribution to the game having stepped in at the 11^th hour to ensure we had a full squad. MOM this week is Fin Heywood who worked tirelessly down the right wing creating plenty of attacking opportunities.

Norwich Dragons Boys Development A vs Norwich City Boys Development 

Score: 1-4 

Scorers: Thomas Mack

MOM: Theo Demetriou

Dev boys played away at City today in a late afternoon friendly. It was a tough game against a well drilled side. Dragons didn’t really get going at all in the first quarter and the boys found themselves 2 goals down and frustrated at some strange decisions. The boys played better in the remaining quarters without really creating many chances though we did have a goal disallowed (no idea why) and Thomas Mack scored his first Dragons goal in only his second ever game of hockey. Final score was 4-1 to City. Theo Demetriou got man of the match. Thanks to Andy Kelsall and Vicky Earley for managing the team.

Norwich Dragons Girls Development A vs Norwich City Girls Development 

Score: 0-3

MOM: Georgia Demetriou

The girls Dev A team played away to their Norwich City counterparts under a full moon in the last match on Halloween.

The defence worked hard with Erin Hernon tracking back well and shadowing her opponent out to the touchline. Ella Borrett was tackling strongly and winning the ball and were supported by a solid display by Rowan Hewitt. Spike was guiding them and reading the game and making interceptions.

City finally broke through when they had a 2 on 1 against keeper Arya and left her with no chance. The attack were pressuring the City defenders in their own 23 with Libby Ong and Georgia Demetriou to the fore. Chances were created and short corners won but at half-time the sides were still separated by the only goal.

Into the second half and supported in midfield by adults Amy Forse and Lois Metcalfe rotating at the bottom of the diamond this enabled Katie Hulme and Ivy Hodds to support the forwards and get the ball into the D but shots were saved by the City keeper. Arya in goal was making some good blocks with her pads and making good kicked clearances. City added a second goal with a short corner strike and a further goal in the third quarter.

Into the final quarter and Dragons continued to make good fast attacks. Anna Ong and Georgia Demetriou were getting behind the City defence but not quite able to beat the keeper and rebounds didn’t drop quite to sticks. They were well supported from the wings by Elizabeth Taylor, Freya McAllister and Sophia Betts. The final score in this friendly finished 3-0 to City.

I am sure though the large crowd of family members supporting the girls were as proud of the girls efforts and development as their coaches were.

Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s Vs City Of Peterborough 2’s

Score: 1-0

Scorers: Kiera Goymour

MOM: Sophie Thomas

Ladies 1s played City of Peterborough 2s in the midday slot. Dragons dominated the first half and managed to get a goal from a short corner- goal from Kiera Goymour.

Dragons dominated less phases of the game in the second half however managed to keep a clean sheet with our amazing defence ending the game 1-0! A great win.

Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s Vs Harelston Magpies Ladies 3’s

Score: 0-4

MOM: Jillian Bain Christie

2nd half was better from Dragons holding the game at 2-0 until the last 10mins and having chances to score, but their efforts just going wide or well saved. Tiring legs saw Magpies score 2 more before the final whistle. Wasn’t to be for the 2’s who know they can play better but also recognised the quality of the opposition.

PoM was close between Maddy and Jillian with Jillian taking the honours DoD only one person in contention really…… Tabba Emma Tabrett

Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s Vs Colchester Ladies

Score: 0-1

MOM: Beth Prakash, Emily Smith & Amy Beadman

The first half saw lots of misplaced passes resulting in us dragons running around making hard work of the game.

The second half was better with much more passing but alas Colchester worked a good goal in form a short corner making the final score 0-1

3’s are getting their stuff together so we hope for a win soon – we will endeavour to keep working hard

Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s Vs Reepham Ladies 

Score: 2-1

Scorers: Amy Forse & Charly Burgesson

MOM: Katherine Hardwick

Ladies 4’s played the graveyard shift against Reepham. Fantastic team effort, kept together and played through the ropey bits! Won 2-1, scorers Amy Forse and Charly Burgesson her return !!

Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s Vs Pelicans Ladies 2’s

Score: 2-0

Scorers: Gemma Ballard & Lara King

MOM: Louise Brooks 

After our half time team talk from Anita, we went out with more determination, which resulted in a our first goal; a lovely through ball from Liz McDonnell to Gem Ballard who calmly slotted it past the keeper. This helped to lift our spirits and we continued to dominate against the very physical Pelicans.

Our final goal came from some great pressure from Lara King and Anita who got the ball into the D, further scuffles saw the goal cross the line once (but wasn’t noticed by the umpire), it was then semi cleared to Lara who skilfully lifted the ball into the back of the net!! Final score 2:0 to us. It probably should have been more, but just not our day today – particularly with short corners.

Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s Vs Herlings Ladies 

Score: 2-2

Scorers: Honey Wells & Alicia Fairweather

MOM: Lizzie Costello

Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s Vs Norwich City Ladies 6’s

Score: 3-0

Scorers: Claire Fairhurst, Hannah Shepperon & Lucy Courtier

MOM: Team

Ladies 7s played a friendly against Norwich City this morning and worked extremely hard for a well deserved 3-0 win. A goal at the end of the first half came from a ball worked beautifully in to the d which I hit goal bound. Into the second half we had some more good play and two short corners resulted in two more goals, one from Hannah Shepperson and one from Lucy Courtier! There was no MOM as the whole team played fantastically.

Norwich Dragons Ladies 8s Vs Norwich City Ladies 7’s

Score: 1-2 

Scorers: Emily Grint

MOM: Nola Mitchell

Ladies 8’s had an early pushback away at City 7’s in a ‘friendly’ match!

POM went to a very deserved Nola Mitchell who as goalkeeper made some cracking saves. Showing no fear as she went to the ball and equally as quick to return back to guard the goal mouth if it got through the first line of defence.

Jess Lockwood, team captain, (defender) showed buckets of Awesome 8’s ‘Grrr’ much to the frustration of the evidently annoyed City forwards. As did Jo Lees, who went in fearlessly on her block tackles infuriating City and causing one City player to ROAR in anger-several times!!! She also made some exceptionally powerful free hits which was perfect as we were minus Bridget today!!

City took an early goal leaving 8’s to up the pressure, never dipping in our energy and enthusiasm. Emily Grint joined us on the team today and literally seemed to play everywhere! Covering every side, edge and corner. She had several hits on goal and was rewarded with a signature clonk, putting Dragons very much back in the match.

Despite persistent efforts from Dragons to get an equaliser it was not to be. Louis Crouch-Reed played an awesome and confident match up front and was often seen scuttling off with the ball on her stick confidently driving it away just like we have had instilled in us by the coaches at training. Johanne Steward was perfectly placed on the goal post when needed, ready and waiting, as Dragons pummelled the ball at the goal.

‘Super Speedy’ Sadie Jacobs played on the wing, and made one particularly memorable hard hit right up the line for Louise to pick up. Imogen Burke (tod) seemed to appear from nowhere on numerous occasions giving Ellie O’Kane ‘back up’ and together they moved the ball with effortless ease and made some great passes for ‘Nippy and super sonically speedy’ Nell Morrey to pick up and race off with. Karen Grint made a ‘mother/daughter’ debut with Emily and proved to be a nifty addition to the 8’s this season, always willing and waiting- and if in doubt, going headlong into a tackle! Emma Young was delighted when I made a successful jab tackle!

Sarah Wagstaff and Amy Forse were on the sidelines giving expert advice, great feedback and plenty of cheering. The 8’s had a lot to be proud of today and what’s better, is spectators are commenting more and on the strength and improvement in our game, which is a huge boost for our confidence as a team.

Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s vs City of Peterborough 3’s

Score: 3-0

Scorers: Jack Hallworth, Sam Avery & Oliver Buck

MOM: Alex Brooks

Back home. Back at the Den. Back to sipping the sweet nectar of glory.

The game was a show of domination in play all across the pitch. Controlling the game, the mighty Dragons pushed an aggressive team shape upon the visitors. A convincing score line should possibly have been even more reflective of our play! We opened the scoring from a well worked short corner routine, Jack Hallworth firing a crisp effort into the corner! Soon after, we won a penalty flick…however Hallworth was a little too crisp with that connection.

The intensity was kept high. Some intricate play around the opposition D saw

Mark Flatman and myself work an interchange which found Kit in front of goal, who was unlucky as the keeper reacted well. Ollie King created some opportunities before the close of the half, keeping the opposition under consistent pressure. Towards half’s end, a short corner came out to me slightly wide, and [subduing a primal urge to shoot] I played the ball wide to right slip, where through a befuddling pinball of deflections from a Sam Avery effort, the ball mysteriously looped and trickled in! Always intended…Sam is a magician!

The second half continued in the theme of the first! Brookesy had an assured CB performance, and fullbacks still got well involved in forward play. Peterborough pushed harder for a goal, which gave space upfront for swift counters that cut their defence wide open, just for the final pass not quite making it.

Great signs for future games with the considered attacking of the first half combined with the swift switches in play and rapid counter attacks in the second. Late in the half, a siege on the Peterborough defence resulted in the ball falling to Bucky at the top of the D, whose effort found the back of the net!

Wondrous scenes of glorious emotion. We smash Wisbech next week!

Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s vs IES 3’s

Score: 4-2

Scorers: Aaron Curtis x2, Arj Puvanachandra

MOM: Arj Puvanachandra

It was only fair though that given the amount of times he’s bailed us out, we bailed him out… after allowing them to score again (9AM meets are very early) we started to enjoy ourselves a bit more. We turned what was a turgid first half performance into a slightly above average one second half. A considerably more direct approach made for some good opportunities, 4 of which were expertly put away. Everything was right with the world again.

Norwich Dragons Men’s 3s vs Dereham Men’s 2’s

Score: 1-9

Scorers: Robin Clarke

MOM: Phil Good & Bobby Stuart-Sheppard

After trailing 4-0 at half time, we were determined to continue our learning journey, and we definitely did that, forcing Dereham to work hard for their opportunities. Unfortunately they had an excellent short corner routine, which prevented them from getting frustrated.

Late in the second half Dragons got reward for an increasingly competent passing game, when Robin Clarke swept in a neat finish following good work from Matt Hull and Bobby Sheppard.

Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s vs Sudbury

Score: 3-4

Scorers: Will Kirby & Jake Hardesty x2 

MOM: Alberto Embarba

Dragons hit the road early for their 12pm push back down in Sudbury but traffic issues made them start with 10 men only. Many of their regular players were unavailable this time, forcing a few others to play in unusual positions. Sudbury took advantage of the general confusion and set themselves ahead with an early goal. Dragons finally had their line up complete some 15 minutes into the game with the arrival of Phil York-Smith, whose skills and cool mind brought back control. Dragons then seemed to settle and started to adapt to both the slow pitch and a sticky ball. The arrival of Adam Bowles, who beat his opponent brilliantly time and again, boosted Dragons play and kept a contained 1-0 score at half time.

The second half presented a completely different story, with Jake Hardesty scoring an early equalizer. Despite Dragons looking stronger and more confident, Sudbury still managed to score two more, but Dragons never gave up and levelled up the score again with another two by Jake and Will Kirby. With less than 5 minutes to go, another brilliantly executed short corner pushed Sudbury ahead and finally gave them the three points that Dragons once had at their fingertips.

4-3 was the final score of a game in which Sudbury used their cards wisely, leaving Dragons with a bitter-sweet taste. Everyone worked really hard, with nominations for MoM for Adam Bowles, John Ives, Owain Hall and Jake Hardesty, and the award finally going to Alberto Embarba, who also managed to secure the Dragon of the Day prize thanks to his brilliant assistance in Sudbury’s second goal. Also special thanks to keeper Dave King for his numerous life-saving interventions throughout the game. Well done everyone, keep up the good work and victories will eventually arrive.

Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s vs Newmarket Men’s

Score: 0-2

MOM: Tom Jackson

Dragons where a match for Newmarket during first half, but seemingly the scoring of the flick awarded at the end of first half following the injury, plus our growing injury issues left the them with more wind in the second half.

Norwich Dragons Men’s 6s vs Bury St Edmunds 8’s

Score: 1-1 

Scorers: Elliott Stevenson

MOM: Matthew Cooke

Great to be back playing old friends in Suffolk after a couple of years & what a cracking game this turned out to be & a fair result.

Bury probably got the edge in the first half as M6’s lapsed defensively in the last minute of the half to let Bury in. Previously Adam Jones had made a super reflect save at the far post, while M6’s had some good balls across the Bury D without anyone on the end. The second half belonged to M6 who moved the ball quicker, earned some corners & were rewarded when Elliott Stevenson got his first adult league goal.

Everyone put in a real shift with Sam Nutt, Dan Adcock, Will Bloom & Matthew Cooke all making their first outing of M6 this season & MOM was M6 debutant Matthew Cooke who looked really comfortable at right midfield & giving a superb box to box effort.

Norwich Dragons Men’s 7s vs North Norfolk 3’s

Score: 4-0

Scorers: Pete Mares x2 & Andrew Cross x2

MOM: Oli Rudling

Men’s 7s hosted a youthful and skilful North Norfolk 3s at the den. A well contested and enjoyable match saw the score line at 4 – 0 by the end of the 1^st half. Pete Mares opened up the score line, followed by a converted penalty from Andrew Cross. Not long after Andrew C. scored again with a fine assist from Pete Mares. Not to be out done Pete Mares secured the 4^th and final goal of the match.

The second half saw plenty of Dragons possession with Dylan Bondi unfortunate not to score with a great shot deflected off the post. Special mentions for Matt Armstrong, Joe Heywood and Joe Beadman for great work in defence and Zak McEwan and Tom Clifton creating opportunities out wide in the midfield. However, MOM this week, as voted for by the team, is Oli Rudling for his hard work in midfield and in the D (hope the foot feels better soon).  Well done all.

Norwich Dragons Boys Development vs Dereham Boys Development 

Score: 5-4

Scorers: Louis Boulton-Smith x4 and Ayrton Rant

MOM: George Hunter

By Ben Towers

A great match today for the Dev boys. The Dragons played well against a good team, who were well organised. We started well with Louis Boulton-Smith getting a goal. We then let in 2 goals before Louis scored again to equalise. Dereham scored quickly into the third quarter but Ayrton Rant scored up at the other end to equalise again, shortly followed by another goal from Louis. In the last quarter, Dereham again managed to beat our defence and scored. We then had a tense few minutes before Louis scored his 4th goal to make us the winners. Dragons 5 – Dereham 4. Man of the Match went to George (U12 Goalkeeper) who made some great saves and communicated well to the rest of the team.  

Norwich Dragons Girls Development A vs  Harelston Magpies Girls Development 

Score: 2-5 

Scorers: Amelia Finch & Georgia Demetriou

MOM: Libby Ong

Dev Girls A played a valiant away match at Harleston Magpies early doors this morning. Magpies started on the attack forcing the Dragons girls into lots of defending in the first quarter, but some great tackles from left mid Libby Ong & centre back Jamie Sisterson, together with super clearance kicking by GK Arya Puvanachandra, meant Dragons thwarted the early Magpies efforts.

Dragons then found their rhythm and in the second quarter were able to break through the Magpies defence to have a few attempts at goal themselves, only to see shots narrowly miss, or just saved by the Magpies players. With the first half ending 0-0, there were high hopes for the outcome, however it was not to be. First Magpies struck with a well taken goal struck into the bottom left corner, but not to be deterred, Dragons fought back and following a quick counter attack with great passing between India Bunn, Perdie Finch & Amelia Finch, found the back of the net for their first goal to level the game again.

Sadly a short spell of concerted pressure, with some defensive mistakes from Dragons and good passing in the D by the Magpies players, saw a quick succession of 3 goals scored by the Magpies team. Seemingly undeterred, Dragons continued to battle, and after Georgia Demetriou stole the ball off the Magpies adult player, were eventually rewarded with a 2nd goal, following an initial ricochet off the far post. In the final quarter the game went to and fro between the ends, but the extra subs for the Magpies team showed and they were eventually rewarded with one further goal meaning the game finished 2-5, a score line which but for the short 5 min spell in the 3rd quarter, possibly flatters Magpies, as for the majority of the time, the match was quite evenly balanced!

POM: Libby Ong for fearless tackling & consistent tracking up and down the pitch to both defend and support the attack!

Norwich Dragons Girls Development B vs  Watton Girls Development 

Score: 0-0 

MOM: Katie Hume

Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s Vs St Neots Ladies 1s 

Score: 0-2

Scorers: Sophie Farrow & Alice Whitmore

MOM: Sophie Farrow

Ladies 1s travelled away to St Neots Ladies 1s. After a slightly unsettled start, dragons found their play in the second half and managed to score from a short corner routine with Sophie Farrow finding the back board. Our second goal came from a lovely pattern of play running down the right with Georgia passing the ball to Alice Whitmore in front of goal who slid the ball into the goal! Score finished 2-0 to dragons despite a few cards and confused players along the way! 

Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s Vs Norwich City Ladies 3s

Score: 4-0

Scorers: Jess Bennett x2, Alex Daplyn & Flori Smith 

MOM: Flori Smith

Eventually Dragons got the breakthrough following good work from Shelly Seaman the ball breaking to Flori Smith who fired home from the right. Other opportunities came and went, and the team had a goal disallowed after Birthday girl Maddy Reynolds was adjudged to have used back of stick.

Half time called for the team to stick to their shape, work a bit harder to close City down sooner, and to move the ball earlier rather than run into trouble. Dragons took note and started to dominate, having some good efforts on goal and numerous short corners.

Eventually the goals came too – another sharp brace from Sarah Jessica Bennett, one a great short corner strike from out wide. A fourth came near the end from Alex Daplyn, a fine reverse stick lifted effort into the roof of the net.

Credit to the team for working their way through their ‘slowish’ start and ending the game completely dominating possession. Man of the Match went to Flori Smith who is growing every week in this team, playing with great maturity and composure.

Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s Vs Norwich City Ladies 3s 

Score: 7-3

Scorers: Harriet Marlee x2 & Mimi Rutherford 

MOM: Harriet Marlee

The 3’s have played the best hockey together in a long time and we matched city as regards to their play. We were unfortunate to lose the first half 1-2 but came back strong in the second half and the score became 3-4. A couple of players took one for the team by using anything other than their stick to stop more goals but alas resulting in penalty flicks (worth a try I suppose – obviously all unintentional) – city won 7-3 in the end but then score did not reflect our play.

Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s Vs Yarmouth Ladies 

Score: 0-3

MOM: Christina Murgatroyd 

Ladies 4’s played a very strong Yarmouth today and lost 3-0. We had some lovely periods of play and when we moved the ball early really opened them up. Yarmouth gave us a good test of where we need to be in terms of be in terms of ball speed and being clinical. We can take heart that one goal was an amazing short and another a gift. Lots more to come from this team!

Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s Vs North Norfolk Ladies 2s 

Score: 13-0

Scorers: Gemma Ballard x4, Liz McDonnell x5, Jane Wells x2, Anita Mancini & Lily McDonald

MOM: Maddie Gibbs 

A lack of real threat from the opponents forwards allowed our defence to push up at times and there was some lovely attacking play from the defence, with an exceptional run by Maddie on the right. Lizzie and Jane both scored cracking goals which came from some lovely teamwork, and a converted short corner made the score at half time 6-0.

Second half again showed an excellent level of passing, pace on and off the ball and great teamwork and this led to the goals going in regularly. Second half saw goals scored by Lizzie, Jane, Gemma, Anita and Lily from a mixture of attacking runs by the forward line, working the ball around the midfield and defence and some great crosses into the D.

Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s Vs Pelicans Ladies 2s

Score: 1-2

Scorers: Adelice Stanley

MOM: Mae Clark & Emma North

It wasn’t pouring with rain today when the Ladies 6s gathered to take on freshly demoted Pelicans 2s. In anticipation of a heavily defensive game we geared up and took on the challenge. Turns out, we were actually able to give them a jolly good run for their money. Lots of good play across the pitch and the occasional shot on goal at either end made for a very competitive game. An unfortunate break through the middle put Pellys in the lead just before the half time whistle.

Pat Chat and sweets later, we went out strong again and even scored an equaliser from a lovely triangle of Brittany, Hattie and Adelice Stanley tapping it in a bit unconventionally. The game heated up, as did the running commentary on every decision made, but it was just not meant to be for Dragons today. Pellys snuck another one in not long before the end, leading to a final score of 1:2. PoM was joint between Mae Clark for a cracking game at the bottom of the diamond and Emma North for keeping us in the game (quite literally…). Good game, girls, we could have had this one!!

Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s Vs Pelican Ladies 3s

Score: 3-3

Scorers: Lucy Courtier, Charlotte Carr & Alicia Fairweather

MOM: Sophie Rice & Charlotte Carr

The 7s played away at Pelicans this morning and managed to dodge the rain once again! We started the game positively with some good possession and were shortly awarded a penalty corner which was converted by Lucy Courtier. Another cat and mouse game and a lot of movement from both teams meant the first half finished 2-2 with a lovely worked goal by the whole team which Charlotte Carr slotted home. Much the same in the second half and a beautiful break and with great composure in front of goal from Alicia Fairweather we secured our third goal. By the end of the game (and I’m not sure when this happened as I was convinced we’d won) the score line was 3-3 so a great game by all!

Norwich Dragons Ladies 8s Vs Norwich City Ladies 7s

Score: 1-6

Scorers: Johanne Steward

MOM: Neha Shammy

Ladies 8’s were at home to City 7’s on what had promised to be a rain free morning!! But it wouldn’t be hockey 2020 if it didn’t rain! Despite a strong fight and without any noticeable superiority in play, City 7’s beat us 6-1.

Goal scorer and captain, Johanne Steward, had us all cheering both on and off the pitch as she scored after a short corner in the first half. Johanne injected the ball to Bridget who took a hit on goal, while Johanne raced to the post, deflecting the ball nicely into the net.

POM was Neha Shammy, (midfielder). Neha gave it 100% from start to finish, hunting down every ball with speed and determination. Nell Morrey, (bod) bravely went into tackles and winning the ball before moving it on swiftly.

Nola Mitchell (goalkeeper) did a fantastic job, and as City pummelled the ball into the D, relentless in their pursuit of another goal, Jess Lockwood, Bridget Le Good and Emma Young, (defenders) fought valiantly to clear the ball away.

Hettie McClean and Louise Crouch-Reed, (forwards) made some great pick ups of the ball on the wing which were passed to Karen Davidson, (tod) or moved quickly around the City players by Imogen Burke and Sadie Jacobs. While Ellie O’Kane (midfielder) intercepted some great balls resulting in a quick switch in direction of play. We left with our heads held high after a great match. Ohh yes I nearly forgot coach Sarah was umpiring and so could not offer any advice but she has already got plans for us on Wednesday night a training to tighten up any weaker areas of our game.

Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s vs Cambridge Nomad Men’s 1s 

Score: 5-1

Scorers: Ben Watson

MOM: Alex Brookes & Ben Watson

Jack Hallworth’s former team took the lead in the game. In sharp reply, a Dragons return for Ben Watson was capped with a scrappy but well-taken equaliser!

Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s vs Magpies Men’s 4s

Score: 3-4

Scorers: Kit Scott x2, Rupert Snelling

MOM: Ed Cross

Some fantastic hockey, and I mean that, was played today. If we can concentrate on the performance rather than then result then we can sleep easy tonight. Some young faces in the side today who constantly drove us forward and did us incredibly proud.

Norwich Dragons Men’s 3s vs Magpies Men’s 3s

Score: 10-1

Scorers: Tommy Gale

MOM: Tommy Gale

The final 10 minutes showed that we absolutely can play at this level when we finally got our act together and threatened their goal with several short corners and open play chances. In truth a tough day at the office, and something we’ll learn from. Certainly our young forwards looked threatening throughout (unlike the old forward). Goal was scored by Tommy Gale, who also claimed player of the match.

Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s vs Bury St Edmunds 2s

Score: 2-5

Scorers: Vithu Baskaran & Jake Hardesty

MOM: Rob Goodson

The game saw two teams who are new to this league: Bury came down from the league above and Dragons up from the lower end. Despite the supposed level gap, Dragons displayed great skills and presented a good fight, making Bury give their best until the final whistle.

Bury scored three goals in the first half but Vithu Baskaran managed to shorten distances finalising a great team combination, making 1-3 the score at half time. The second half saw Dragons pushing even harder and getting closer with another goal from Jake Hardesty but Bury still managed to sore two more.

Man of the Match went to and excellent Rob Goodson for his outstanding effort throughout the game, closely followed in votes by Vithu Baskaran, Owain Hall and Stu Kelly, who all worked at really high standards, making Bury fight really hard to earn the 3 points. Also worth mentioning young keeper Conor Kerrigan for his brilliant interventions and Jos Briggs, who was pushing really hard when he pulled his hamstring shortly after the start of the game.

Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s vs East Coast 2

Score: 0-0 

MOM: Josh Bingham

Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s game abandoned after 30 mins at 0-0 due to player injury.

Norwich Dragons Men’s 6s vs North Norfolk Nomads 2s 

Score: 4-0

Scorers: Mike Banham, Graham Cormack, Harry Fuller & Andrew Cross

MOM: Lee Beadman

M6’s got an early lead as skipper Mike Banham slotted a short corner. Plenty of pressure was rewarded as Graham Cormack found a way to squeeze the ball passed the keeper from a very narrow angle. 2-0 up at HT was increased by Harry Fuller – must work on the celebration Harry. As in the first half M6’s had to deal with Nomads finding more attacking options as the half went on, with Dim Leander Ives making some excellent saves & Lee Beadman putting most parts of his body on the line to repel the opposition (suit of armour next week for protection!).

The final goal was an Andrew Cross trademark effort. Mention of Phil York-Smith who sprayed the ball around the park, helped by Graham Cormack doing the running for him, which brought all the youngsters (Josh Cormack, Harry, Noah & Lee Beadman) into play & they showed real attacking prowess. The more senior players (Ray Hansell, Daryl Robinson & slightly younger Stephen Holland) all put in a solid shift especially when we were under some late pressure. This first league win needs to be built on away at Bury next week)

Norwich Dragons Men’s 7s vs North Norfolk Nomads 1s

Score: 0-1

MOM: Matthew Cooke

A well fought contest away to the Norfolk Nomads 1’s at the UEA. Overall a really good game and lots to be very positive about. Great use of width and lots of possession especially down the right from Matthew C, Elliot and Fin D. Nomads persistence paid off in the second half with a goal, however the 7’s continued with determination and positive play, especially when we were down to 9 men at one point. Special mention to David P and Tom C for their contribution to the game and for continuing to play whilst injured. MOM this week, as voted for the by the team, is Matthew Cooke for his great work in defence as well as attack.

Norwich Dragons Boys Development vs East Coast Boys Development 

Score: 0-5

Scorers: Louis Bolton-Smith x3 & Hector McNeill x2 

MOM: Hugh Baragwanath

Dragons Dev Boys played East Coast away in Lowestoft. The first quarter was tight with both teams creating chances. East Coast had an adult in defence who organised his team well. Dragons grew in confidence during the second quarter with Ayrton Rant and Hector McNeill pressing our midfield. We controlled the quarter for long periods, which resulted in a goal from a baseline run by Tommy Cahir who passed to Hector McNeill to score. This was quickly followed by another two goals through Louis Bolton-Smith. Dragons continued to get into good press formations which eventually lead to a fourth goal by Rhys Howard making a baseline pass for Louis Bolton-Smith to complete his hat-trick. East Coast threatened Dragons defence in the final quarter, however good saves from Patrick O’Rourke ensured Dragons achieved a clean sheet. Hector McNeill scored his second goal to finish the game 5-0 to Dragons. The team spirit was good throughout. Thank you to our coaches Andy Kelsall and Paul O’Rourke.

Norwich Dragons Girls Development A vs Watton Girls Development

Score: 4-0

Scorers: Saoirse Lowe-Davies & Ivy Hodds x3

MOM: Ivy Hodds

A positive start to the match saw a Saoirse Lowe-Davies goal quickly followed by a second by Ivy Hodds in the first period. Good moves were being created down the right and Josie Kell was unfortunate not to increase the lead. The defensive three rotated between Jamie, Meena, Rowan and Charlotte were preventing any Watton attacks and were confident enough to play the ball round the back.

In the second period a third goal was scored with Ivy scoring her second. Amy Forse and Brittany Hopkins helping as adults (Thanks) rotated at the bottom of midfield and were playing some great passes through to the forwards.

In the third period Watton breached the defence once but Arya in goal was alert and blocked the ball and the danger was alleviated. Further attacks were created but were stopped by Watton’s adult when the ball was taken too near her stick. The Watton keeper made several saves to stop more goals as well. In the third period the team used the left more where Elizabeth and Freya were working hard. In the final period the adults were rested and the team composed of all girls and a fourth goal was scored as Ivy Hodds completed her hat-trick.

Well played girls a good performance and win but we can get even better.

Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s Vs Cambridge City 3’s

Score: 0-2

MOM: Kiera Goymour 

Ladies 1s unfortunately lost to Cambridge City 3s 2-0. We created lots of chances and dominated phases of the game. Sadly the goals didn’t come our way this week! Bring on training and St Neots next weekend to convert chances into goals!

Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s Vs Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s

Score: 6-0

Scorers: Maddy Reynolds, Hannah Hardy x2, Jess Bennett x2 & Lucy Cross 

MOM: Maddy Reynolds

Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s Vs Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s

Score: 0-6 

MOM: Katie Lister & Nat Crisp

Well what a match !!! We definitely had the 2’s on their heels for the whole match and I believe they had themselves worried at times we needed to believe we were a match for them and between us I think we brought it to them 

They however got the goals and by half time they led by 3 goals but we kept putting our ‘ALL’ into the game but alas no goals came out of it for us and they won 6-0 in the end.

I can honestly say that the 3’s played amazingly well this morning – and we can be so proud of ourselves. Thanks to Karen and her team of 2’s for such a fabulous game

Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s Vs Broadlands 2’s

Score: 2-1 

Scorers: Claire Stuart

MOM: Jennifer Buskell

Though a bit shell shocked in the first 20 mins and conceding 2 goals, Dragons rallied and began to assert themselves more. The second half was all Dragons and  Claire Merriam Stuart scored with a very neat deflection. Despite numerous attempts we couldn’t get the equaliser. Lots of heart shown in the second half – proud of the team. 

Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s Vs Norwich City 5’s

Score: 2-1

Scorers: Gem Ballard & Lily Macdonald

MOM: Jane Wells & Lara King

At last a game when the sun shone for most of the play. The game began well for Dragons who scored very early on after a great combined move down the right ending with Jane delivering a great cross across the goal for Gem Ballard to calmly slip into the net ..Dragons were 1:0 up. From then on City 5s upped their game with some lovely play from their young wing players who passed the ball well and gave us some challenges in midfield and defence. But with the stoic defence of Maddie, Emily, Brooksy and Mia as well as a lot of running from the mids of Lara, Freya, Floss and Neet we kept them bay for most of the half with some solid tackles and tight marking which frustrated the City attackers. There was some good possession hockey from the Dragons towards the end of the first half but still some gaps that were being exploited by the City mids and forwards. After the break, Dragons began to play a much better game with better distribution, using the breadth of the pitch to good affect. Yet it was City who capitalised on a disputed foul to spring a surprise break on goal which levelled the game at the1:1. This spurred the Dragons on with most of the second half possession being with Dragons. The forward line of Gemma, Lilly, Lizzy and Jane putting pressure on the city backs at 16s and sidelines ..some lovely supportive play by Brooksy, Lara, Floss, Freya and Anita; moving the ball around and breaking through their defence but not able to get it past their very good goalie…After a series of short corners for Dragons they were finally rewarded with a goal from Lily MacDonald who slipped the ball past a defender and goalie after a great strike by Jane…POM quite rightly shared between Jane Elizabeth and Lara King. Everyone really stepped up their game in the second half against a very tough and skilled City team.

Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s Vs North Norfolk Ladies 2’s

Score:  3-0

Scorers: Charlotte Knight, Adelice Stanley & Hattie Stuart 

MOM:

Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s Vs Broadland 3’s

Score: 4-2

Scorers: Sarah Marshall, Hannah Shepperson, Charlotte Carr & Lara Nuthall 

MOM: Hannah Shepperson

An absolutely beautiful 4-2 win over Broadland 3s for the 7s today! Could not be happier and prouder, we’ve worked so hard as a team in training and today that really did shine through. A close game in the first half and with some lovely chances we just couldn’t convert and were unlucky to go 0-1 down. However, the second half saw some really strong play and a bit of cat and mouse on the score sheet with dragons equalising and going 1 clear with Broadland shortly equalising once more. Continued effort and composure from dragons saw us pop two more in the goal and some stellar defending meant the game finished 4-2 to dragons! Goal scorers were Sarah Marshall, Hannah Shepperson, Charlotte Carr and myself. MOM very well deserved went to Hannah Shepperson!

Norwich Dragons Ladies 8s Vs UEA 5’s 

Score: 1-3

Scorers: Karen Davidson 

MOM: Karen Davidson

Dragons 8s lost a closely-fought encounter 1-3 away to UEA 5s. It was a game which saw the 8s return to their progressive form, with the plus points being the way they managed to cope with a different formation, some last minute changes and one or two players being a little below par because of illness or injury.

The two captains made their plans, and it was captain on the day Jess Lockwood who explained what she expected of her players. Nola Mitchell was in goal, and blossomed under the encouraging eye of manager Amy Forse. The only shots to beat Nola were the very best, and on the few occasions when the students slipped their markers.

The defence was the first unit to settle. With Jo Lees playing sweeper, they looked nicely secure. Nothing much gets past Jess Lockwood nowadays and Emma Young is developing strength, reliability and accuracy on the ball. Nell Morrey and Karen Davidson shared the central defender role, which in the past the 8s have thought of as their bottom of the diamond. But with two strong defenders forming part of the back line, it meant that they could get far more balls through to the mids.

The midfielders showed just what they could do when individuals are brought together in an experiment. It was great to have Sadie Jacobs back. She started a little nervously up front, but when she dropped back into left and right mid, she was in her element. Sadie made herself available, picked up the passes, and skilled the opposition frequently. Ellie O’Kane also returned, and reads the game so well that the attacking moves flowed from her passes. Ellie also showed strength in the tackle and combined well with Imogen Burke who had another high-energy game.

In the meantime, Karen was making her presence felt as she had to play in several different positions. Possibly her strongest was at attacking central mid, and if she has more opportunities to link with a central defender like Nell, this has great potential for the 8s. On one of her forays, Karen (whose hard work earned her the POM) received a short corner and her shot from the top of the circle pinged its way in via a rather surprised defender.

The forwards had their chances, but did not really spark. Johanne Steward ran herself into the ground doing the rather thankless task of the high forward. Bridget Le Good did some decent through passes, but this meant she wasn’t where she was needed when she was needed. Things improved in the second half when Sadie’s presence pushed the forwards higher and Alicia Billington joined in with some speedy runs.

This was big effort from the 8s, and a step up on their performance last week. It was particularly praiseworthy for the team to commit to trying something different and finding that it worked. It would probably help them to build their sharpness (assuming the combinations remain similar) if the mids and forwards practice gathering some firmly-struck passes and shooting on sight. Overall, all the team needed was a lot less feet and a little more luck!

Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s vs Cambridge City 4’s 

Score: 2-3

Scorers: Ollie King & Sean Orton

MOM: Alex Brooks 

Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s vs Norwich Dragons Men’s 3s

Score: 6-3

Scorers: Charlie Creasy x 2, Josh Rollason, Henry Ashcroft, Chris Simmonds & Rupert Snelling

MOM: Dim Ives

I can only really second what Jas has said about the spirit of that game. Really competitive, fair, and too even for our liking…

The 3s put us under constant pressure with and without the ball, broke with real pace, and defended heroically. It would be fair to say that the same amount of chances were created by both teams but we were indebted to some experienced finishing from our lads – the only difference between the two teams! And I promised myself I wouldn’t make any comments about being hindered by the sun in the second half (woops)

Look forward to the reverse fixture but more so to trying to make it four from four next week

Norwich Dragons Men’s 3s vs Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s

Score: 3-6

Scorers: Robin Clarke & Jason Wolfe x2 

MOM: Arj Puvanachandra

A perfect game in many respects; the 2s getting the points and goals they needed and the 3s proving they can absolutely compete at this level.

These intra-club games are always slightly odd affairs, but this one was played in a brilliant spirit and at a generally high level of competence. The 3s were able to bolster their ranks with a couple of very experienced and high class individuals (yes I’m buttering them up so that they’ll play again), including Richard Moulson and Pete Thomas. The team was pretty much made up of those under 20 and those over 50.

And after a very exciting first half where both teams created good chances, it was one of those youngsters in Robin Clarke who got the first of the 3’s goals {although sadly we’d conceded two by then). The increasing confidence of our youngsters helped counter the wilting legs of our oldies and a classic end-to-end game ensued.

The final score ended 6-3 but both teams were grateful to their respective goalkeepers for keeping out plenty of good chances. Wolfe senior managed to bundle in our two remaining goals, but it really was a great effort all round.

My sincere thanks to the 2s for the way they conducted themselves, and my sincere admiration to the 3s that put in such a good performance. And not to forget them, a big well done to

Player of the match could have had a number of candidates, but was very deservedly won by young Arj Puvanachandra for tireless work and exceptional skills.

Looking forward to next week already.

Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s vs Colchester

Score: 0-5

MOM: Will Ives

Men’s 4’s came away with a 5-0 loss against a very good Colchester side. First 20 mins we managed to hold them off and even though were down everyone worked and fought hard right to the end and especially the last 15 mins. Man of the match Will Ives for his performance in defence.

Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s vs Sudbury

Score: 2-0

Scorers: Richard Phillis & Casper Lind

MOM: David Kidner

Dragons opened strongly against a heavily defensive Sudbury side, controlling possession for the majority of the half despite a number of counter attacks from the Sudbury side. However the score remained level at half time following a number of strong yet fruitless short corner efforts from by dead ball specialist Josh Bingham, as well as a pair of chances from Atkinson saved by the keeper.

Dragons entered the second half controlling the play, with only a handful of Sudbury incursions into the Dragons’ half. The stalemate was finally broken by Richard Phillis in an inspired short corner routine, with a slip from Bingham at top D to Will Kirby and Phillis putting it away from close range.

Dragons then sealed the deal on a counter attack, with right winger Will Sexton crossing the ball into the D for Casper Lind to smash into the backboard. Dragons parked the bus for the final minutes with defensive assets David Kidner and Joel Dennis soaking up the Sudbury onslaught to retain Dragons’ freshly laundered sheet. A well deserved result following a disappointingly close 5-4 loss last week.

 Norwich Dragons Men’s 6s vs Norwich Dragons Men’s 7s

Score: 0-6

Norwich Dragons Men’s 7s vs Norwich Dragons Men’s 6s

Score: 6-0

Scorers: Will Bloom, Andrew Cross x3 & Joe Heywood x2

MOM: Matthew Cooke & Joe Heywood 

A good and well contested game at home to the men’s 7 team. Some good passages of play and use of width allowed the 7s to open up a 2 nil lead at half time with goals from Will B and Andrew C. The rain arrived for the second half with two further goals from Andrew C and 2 goals from Joe Heywood on his M7 debut. A good team effort all-round with everyone working hard. Men of the match this week are:  Matthew Cooke for working tirelessly in defence and creating numerous opportunities down the right wing and Joe Heywood for his efforts at both ends of the pitch and 2 goals.

Norwich Dragons Boys Development Bibs vs Non-Bibs

Score: 1-5

Scorers: Florian Vermeijden (Bibs) Louis Bolton-Smith x4 & Henry Gale (Non-Bibs)

MOM: Monty Patel (Bibs) & Joe Crotty (Non-Bibs) 

Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s Vs Cambridge University 2’s

Score: 0 – 2

Scorers: Jemima Watson & Holly Setchell 

MOM: Jemima Watson

Ladies 1s travelled to Cambridge to play Cambridge Uni 2. After a strong start, dragons managed to convert a short corner with the goal coming from Jemima Watson. Our second goal came from Hol Louise Setchell after taking a penalty flick to bring us to the final score of a 2-0 win. MOM Jemima Watson DOD Kate Macca (reading confusion)!  Great game girls!

Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s Vs Framlingham 1’s

Score: 7-2

MOM: Hannah Hardy

Second half saw more of the same with Dragons passing the ball around well, however a slight lapse in concentration saw Framlingham get in behind and their shot on goal hit a Dragons body en route, the flick was dispatched despite Jillian Christie getting a glove to it. Dragons then had another flick following good work by Jess, but this time Hardy changed her side and fluffed her lines putting it wide.

More goals came however, a fine Gail Thomas short corner strike made it 4. Jess Bennett then scored 2 further goals completing a fine hat trick, and Hannah Ellis fired a shot that went so quickly, no one saw it until it smashed against the backboard!!! Another slight lapse in concentration at the back allowed Fram a 2nd consolation goal. Much better performance from the L2’s. Flori Smith had a great debut for the team, Tabby Witte also playing for the 2’s for the first time had a strong game. All round great team performance.

Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s Vs East Coast 

Score: 3-3

Scorers: Harriet Marlee x2 & Lucy Cross

MOM: Nat Crisp

The weather was kinder than last week, warm and damp! And we had more confidence for this Saturdays match and we all felt hungry before we even went onto the pitch. In the first half we kept our cool and fought hard to win a goal but to concede 2! But for some reason we didn’t think we were losing and kept up the tempo – we were winning in our eyes!

The second half brought more confidence to the team and we went in strong to pull back and win the second half ending in 3-3. It’s amazing how even though we drew we felt like we won – the team came together so well albeit we hadn’t played together only but a few.

A huge well done to a relatively new team of ladies, we go on and we endeavour to fight as a team

Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s Vs Diss

Score: 1-0

Scorers: Amy Forse

MOM: Harriet Rant

Ladies 4’s away to Diss won 1-0. At times some really pretty hockey, we’ll played everyone!! Goalscorer Amy Forse and POM Harriet Rant. 

Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s Vs Dereham 4’s

Score: 8-0

Scorers: Lizzie McDonnell x4, Jane Wells, Freya Dolding, Claire Stuart & Gemma Ballard

MOM: Anita Mancini

Dragons 5 played Dereham 4 on another soggy Saturday. Dereham battled hard but couldn’t keep out the fiesty Dragons in a match which ended 8-0. Defence and mids had to work their socks off against some strong, dare I say, rugby-style play from the opponents. Scorers were Lizzie x 4, and one each for Jane, Gemma, Freya and myself. Some may say mine was helped in a little by the opposition!

Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s Vs Magpies 6’s 

Score: 4 – 2 

Scorers: Lily McDonald x2, Rosie Smith & Charlotte Carr 

MOM: Joanna Jennings

Ladies 6’s we’re away to Magpies 6’s and returned home with an awesome 2-4 win under our belt! The rain held off and we had some great sharp clean passes and plenty of quick release play allowing us to take control of the game. Our ever valuable Pat Chat at half time helped inspire us to push ourselves that bit harder to be first to the ball and continue to put pressure on a young magpies team, who played very well!

2 goals from Lily on the right wing ( very speedy!) another from Charlotte C and last of all Rosie POM deservedly went to Joanna Jennings for taking over left wing superbly #dragons #ladies6’s and the rain stayed away!!!!!

Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s Vs Loddon 2’s

Score: 1-2

Scorers: Lara Nuthall 

MOM: Emily Matthews 

The 7s were lucky to dodge the rain this afternoon at home against Loddon 2s. Some glimmers of lovely hockey with the first half ending 2-1 to Loddon, our goal a lovely ball into the D from Claire Fairhurst very lightly directed into the bottom corner by myself. No more goals for either team followed in the second half and another unlucky loss, however really pleased with how the team is starting to build. MOM to Emily Matthews for her strong and resilient defending.

Norwich Dragons Ladies 8s Vs UEA 4’s 

Score: 0-8

MOM: Emily Grint   

Dragons 8s lost 8-0 at home to UEA 4s. Dragons were disappointed that they could not build on their promising start to the season, but recognised that the students are already playing the kind of game that they aspire to. UEA built their victory on being first to the ball, accurate passing, speed around the pitch and with a few talented players having the strength to drive through when they needed. Dragons have the potential to achieve these essential skills, and must continue to believe that they really are making progress, especially by working hard at training week by week.

Dragons were 2-0 down at half time and at that point the defensive line up was holding up well. Jess Lockwood was very composed at left defence, dealing well with a speedy wing. Emma Young improves week by week on the right, making some good clearances out wide. Bridget Le Good has a reliable hit which can frequently get the Dragons mids away. Karen Davidson is a tenacious tackler in front of the back three and also links well with the mids. Ringing the changes to give their many defensive players pitch time, Jo Lees is developing her hit out with accuracy and power. And, Karen Grint is thoroughly enjoying her hockey and developing her game. Throughout the game, POM Emily Grint proved she is an excellent shot stopper in goal and is also developing the ability to clear out wide to begin the first line of attack.

The Dragons expected, and got, a very high work rate from their young midfielders. Neha and Mehnaz Shammy ran themselves into the ground and displayed some good stick skills out in the wide positions. Imogen Burke in the centre was the one player who actually got stronger as the match progressed, discovering that she was one of the fastest players on the pitch and could not only take the ball from the opposition, but could get her forwards away as well. Louise Crouch-Reed, Johanne Steward and Hester McLean saw less of the ball this week, but comparing where the 8s are now with this time last season, the forwards are getting the ball into the attacking 23 more often.

The closest the 8s came to getting a goal was from a short corner, which they need to create opportunities to practice. The injection to Bridget Le Good was a little soft, and the defence were on her, but she got the ball onto the post where Karen Davidson so nearly managed to force the ball home. It was a great effort from Karen in an unfamiliar position doing unfamiliar things really well!

In the second half, UEA upped their game. They were far more forceful, and perhaps Dragons tired and became a little disheartened. The first thing they lost was their ability to press up, which they have been practicing. This surrendered a lot of territory to the Us, and made it very difficult for the Dragons’ mids to work the ball out and up to the forwards.

Last season, the 8s would have folded into a double figure drubbing. They didn’t, thanks to Emily’s performance in goal and to the defence’s determination to clear the ball out wide.

So it is back to the drawing board for the 8s this week, with the focus needing to be on their main objectives. Personal fitness and acceleration over short distances is still an issue. They will continue to work on their press, and their passing game. But, they still have the excellent team spirit and determination to do better. Onwards and upwards Awesome 8s!

Norwich Dragons 1’s vs Pelicans 1’s

Score: 2-3

Scorers: Jon Miles & Daniel Rix 

MOM: Oliver Buck

The first half was a rather end-to-end affair with each team trading attacks and spells of sustained pressure. A moment of brilliance saw today’s assist King-o turn away from his man on the edge of the D, dance with poise and skill into the area before feeding a chance on a plate for Jon Miles to finish with ease into the net. Pelicans pushed hard as the first half moved on, finding two goals in a very short space of time at half’s end. Oliver Buck put in a fine performance today, notably during the first half, with adept skilful carries from the back and a frantic yet vital save on the line to keep us in the game!

The second half saw another Ollie King mazing dribble that resulted in a ball across the goal for Rixy to finish into an empty goal. A Peli’s attack 10 minutes later swept into our D and a wayward strike was deflected in. For the remainder of the game the Dragons reshaped and pushed hard, establishing a superiority over the play in the final 15 minutes. Our midfield and back line stepped up and pushed Pelis back. Owen Tennant spreading play from the back with real shifts and movement from our midfield, alongside interplay between Kingo, myself and Rixy – producing flashes of our previous season’s movement and linkup play.

Sam Avery came close with a late run and volley at goal, just wide. I got hacked, smacked and bundled upon during a run down the centre…moments before coming close – losing my man in the D and their keeper pulling off an impressive save. Other highlights included Jonty and Sam putting in big shifts, and Roman was followed by a rather physical little admirer. Pete again delivered good saves, while Owen did his best Gandalf “you shall not pass”, smiting an attacker in his path, fairly…and with the force of a thousand oxen!!! 

Norwich Dragons 2s vs Pelicans 2’s 

Score: 6-1

Scorers: Rupert Snelling x2, Isaac Driver-Hall x2, Josh Rollason, Jono Chaney-Baxter

MOM: Jono Chaney-Baxter

We conceded one goal after going 5-0 up as everyone had dreams of their name appearing on the score sheet. A real marker of where we want to be this season in terms of performance and result… watch this space!

Norwich Dragons 3s vs Felixstowe  

Score: 0-7

MOM: Ed Cross

Huge thanks to those who volunteered to travel with us and ensure we had a team. Building on last week’s efforts, the horde of youngsters in the side continue to grow and develop. If us oldies can just keep up our end of the bargain we’ll be a decent team by Christmas.

MoM today was Ed Cross, who was a calm and effective influence at the back.

Norwich Dragons 4s vs Norwich City 4’s 

Score: 1-1

Scorers: Jake Hardesty

MOM: Matt Hull 

It was a definite game of two halves with City dominating first half possession but being thwarted by man of the match Matt Hull and keeper Dave King on numerous occasions. However City did manage to grab a well taken goal after a rare Dragons attack broke down.

The team had a productive half time team talk (well, better than the previous week’s grump-fest) and had much more of the play in an end to end second half. Jake Hardesty scored an excellent goal after good work by John Ives to take an share of the points.

Norwich Dragons 5s vs Pelicans 3’s

Score: 4-5

Scorers: Seb Atkinson, Casper Lind x 2, Bertie Pinching

MOM: Conor Kerrigan

5s Galactico Casper Lind then responded to take Dragons to 2-1, taking advantage of a severely rattled keeper. But again Pelicans equalised having been awarded a P Flick. With just moments until the half time whistle, false nine and 5s debutant Jos hammered home a sterling effort, only for the goal to be disallowed by VAR due to some earlier footwork before receiving the ball.

Moving into the second half, Dragons again brought the pressure on with several brilliant opportunities, including an effort from striker Will Sexton, though unfortunately resulting in a stationary ball and a hockey stick blasted into row Z. Striker Casper Lind found the onion bag once more to put Dragons in front. However following some tough defending, Dragons conceded against the run of play on a short, and yet another P Flick awarded against the reds to bring Pelicans ahead 4-3. Fortunately midfield dynamo Bertie Pinching charged into the D to curl in a worldy off the back of a second assist from big-game player Shiv Kapur. This brought the score all square and the 5s’ unbeaten run seemingly intact. Within the final moments of the game the Dragons battled hard with yet more world-class saves from keeper Conor Kerrigan.

But sadly it was not to be, with Pelicans putting in their fifth and final goal during Fergie Time, leaving Dragons with no opportunity to respond. Despite the final score, the entire team played strongly against a tough Pelicans side who are anticipated to be setting the standard this season.

 Norwich Dragons 6s vs Pelicans 4’s 

Score: 0-4

MOM: Graham Cormack

Not quite the line-up I expected lunchtime but we were not 4 goals worse in a competitive match where we had enough chances. First half we were 0-3 down , with 2 goals due to our own defensive frailties & a feeling that foot stopped a short corner reply. The second half saws a more attack minded M6 & a Pelican keeper who seemed to be inspired in keeping us out of the game.

Norwich Dragons 7s vs Watton 1’s

Score: 7-1 

Scorers: Will Bloom

MOM: Adams Jones

A fast and challenging game for the second of the 7’s league matches away to Watton 1’s. The initial 11 man squad, bolstered by a guest appearance from Steve Linford, got off to a good start with some strong passages of play and possession. Constant pressure from Watton resulted in 3 goals by half time.

The second half saw further goals from Watton, however the continued determination from the team denied the home team of a clean sheet with a much deserved goal by Will Bloom. Special thanks to Dan Orsborne for half time refreshments! MOM this week, as voted for by the team, is Adams Jones whose sterling performance in goal prevented a heavier loss. Much to be positive about and to build on for future games. A great effort from everyone on the pitch.

Norwich Dragons Boys Development vs Magpies Development

Score: 9-0

Scorers: Louis Bolton-Smith x4, Ayrton Rant x3, Freddie Jupe & Deeran Jeyapragash

MOM: Louis Bolton-Smith

Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s Vs Bury St Edmunds 1s

Score: 3-6

Scorers: Kate Mckenna, Kiera Goymour & Alice Whitmore

MOM: Jemima Watson

Ladies 1s saw their first league game vs Bury 1s. Slow to start in the first half gave bury the 3-1 lead. Bury managed to score 3 more goals in the second half, with us scoring 2 more making the final score 6-3 to Bury. Lots still to learn but positives to take from the second half and take in to training on Tuesday! Goals from Kate Mckenna, Kiera Goymour and Alice Whitmore. POM Jemima Watson and DOD Mia Bartram and Holly Setchell.

Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s Vs Bury St Edmunds 2s  

Score: 0-1

MOM: Sophie Farrow

Ladies 2’s came away from Bury St Edmund 2’s with nothing, despite dominating possession. Even the umpires commented ‘how on earth did you lose that?!’.

The answer, we weren’t quite at it in the 1st half and allowed Bury into the game ( and to score as we rotated our defensive unit ). 2nd half we dominated, but we simply didn’t take our chances or make the right decisions particularly in the D. We can and will play better than this, but we stick together and go again Tuesday & next weekend!

Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s Vs Ipswich 2’s

Score: 0-2

MOM: Amy Beadman

Dragons 3’s played Ipswich 2’s on the same wet windy day as other other fellow teammates playing at home and suffered the same feeling of cold and wet hands!

The first league match together as a new team saw some great hockey and some not so good hockey, but one thing that was apparent was the effort and hard work every player out into the match! Ipswich managed 2 goals in the first half but come the second half they didn’t get any, unfortunately neither did we – the game ended with Ipswich winning 2-0. 

Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s Vs Carrow 1’s

Score: 4-0

Scorers: Amy Forse X2, Lisa Harwood & Alison Windsor-Waite

MOM: Flori Smith

Ladies 4’s played Carrow, first the good news: lovely hockey, a real team effort (though I thought Kristina Smyth was under used😉) won 4-0 goal scorers Amy Forse (2) Lisa Harwood and Alison W-W. Now the sad news: Catherine Matthews last game for a while, good luck and have a wonderful time at Uni!!! We’ll miss you!!

Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s Vs Dereham 3’s

Score: 2-2

Scorers: Jane Wells & Claire Stuart  

MOM: Freya Dolding

Dragons 5s played Dereham 3s in what we can only describe as ‘proper hockey weather’. To be honest we’d kind of had enough of the lovely sunshine and warm, dry conditions for our last 2 friendlies. Any way things were tough and both teams battled hard. Dereham were a young and nippy side with some skilled players; their persistence paying off with a well worked goal in the first half. The 5s continued to work hard playing some nice hockey and eventually getting a goal back with a short corner strike from me. We were then lucky to go another goal up somehow after a bit of a commotion in the Dereham D and Claire Merriam Stuart getting the last Dragon’s touch before it went into the goal off a Dereham foot. The game continued with end to end action and both keepers making some good saves. Gem Ballard and Freya both had goals disallowed (boooo). With only one sub, Dragons started to tire and then lost Louise Brooks to injury in the last few minutes. Dereham took advantage of this and equalised. The final result 2-2. Well done all. A difficult game in challenging conditions.

Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s Vs Beccles 1s

Score: 1-3

Scorers: Alicia Fairweather 

MOM: Mae Clark

On a wet and windy morning, the Ladies 6s came together to take on their first league match opponents Beccles 1s. Having kept on the warm coats until the very last possible moment, we did some last minute star jumps before taking on what can only be described as an air hockey team – genuinely impressive how little the ball stayed on the ground….

Anyway, moving on – following a decent start from the dragons side, Beccles somehow managed to score off some massive hits across the pitch. We quickly countered with a lovely short corner goal from Alicia. Unfortunately we were not able to build on this though and ended up conceding a further two goals in the half.

After another motivational half time Pat Chat we came out much more determined in the second half and had a number of excellent chances. However, it was not meant to be for us this game. We were just not quite as good as them at hacking away at the ball turns out…So final score was 3:1 to Beccles. Man of the Match was Mae Clark with an excellent second half at right mid, but I can say we all played our little hearts out, that is for sure! Onwards and upwards team – fun in the sun will be back again soon

Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s Vs Thetford

Score: 1-3

Scorers: Charlotte Knight

MOM: Charlotte Knight

Ladies 7s travelled to Thetford for a rather chilly early morning start. Despite starting the game a little shaky the team really started to work together and played some beautiful hockey. With the score 2-0 to Thetford at half time we really pushed on in the second half with Charlotte Knight slotting a beautiful ball in the goal. We continued to fight forward and were unlucky to not get a few more goals. Final score 3-1 to Thetford with Charlotte also winning MOM. Fantastic game especially with a largely new team and some of the girls making their debuts, well done everyone!

Norwich Dragons Ladies 8s Vs Carrow 2’s

Score: 1-2

Scorers: Sadie Jacobs    

Ladies 8’s took on Carrow 2’s, at home! And what an exciting match!

It is fair to say Carrow were taken by surprise by the ‘new look’ Awesome 8’s! When I say ‘new look’, we are the same players, but WE are players who have worked hard at training, learned from mistakes, and improved our techniques, but above all, we have practiced, practiced practiced!

Coach Sarah was on the side-lines and lived through every hit, thwack ,and tackle. Sarah has been brilliant in helping us all, and has very much identified us, as not just a team, but individuals as well, allowing her to impart some great ideas and knowledge to improve us all personally as players and to communicate with team mates and to know our own strengths and that of others  and use it to our advantage.

Nola Mitchel was in goal, and was totally awesome, making some fabulous saves and saving our bacon more than once! Mehnaz Shammy was deservedly awarded POM, and she more than earned that accolade. She was  bold and fearless with her tackles and speedy as ever on the wing. We don’t call her ‘legs’ for nothing!

Jo Lees played in defence and made some great block tackles in the D giving Nola a welcome breathing space! Jess Lockwood, also in defence, appeared from nowhere at one point in the second half, but thank goodness she did, as she blocked a direct hit on goal getting between a Carrow Forward and Nola, as the rest of us raced back to assist.

Nic Harrison was in Mid-field and ran around in her usual enviable exuberance, never walking away from a tackle or a ball! Imogen Burke was brilliant on the wing and made some amazing (and no doubt annoying for Carrow), chases down the wing. She sped down the line, stick down and chased an opposition until they were forced to hit the ball out.

Bridget Le Good was ‘on fire’ making some great tackles whilst playing at bottom of the diamond! Free hits were met with her signature ‘Klonk’  which sent the ball flying down to the other half. Jo Lees stepped in for Bridget when she went up front and she too played some great balls. Emma Young played right back, and although I say it myself, made a fabulous block tackle in the D early on in the match, and I was not giving up until I had cleared the ball away. If ever there was ‘Grrr’ I had it, in spades at that point!

The second half whistle blew and it was 0-0.

The rain and the wind were relentless sweeping across the red pitch as we started the second half. Mehnaz’s father roared encouragement to us all from the side-lines, which was just what we needed to get us through. Unfortunately Carrow went 2-0 up, but the Awesome 8’s never wavered!

Johanne Steward and Louise Crouch-Reed were ready and waiting as forwards to receive the ball and Louise made some brave tackles on the halfway line which were fantastic.

Karen Davidson was chasing down any ball that came near her and was never going to let it go without a fight, much to the irritated Carrow players!

The last few minutes took the ball into Dragons D and it was Sadie Jacobs who must have had the ‘grr’ by that point as her and other Dragon players tried to score. Sadie never gave up and just as Sarah has told us in training, she kept going! And thank goodness she did as we finally heard the resounding klonk of the ball on the back of the goal, which echoed through the rain and wind. Unfortunately time had run out for us to equalise and the whistle blew and Carrow had won 2-1.

Well played Awesome 8’s. Also a thank you to Bridget who has been kindly putting us through additional fitness training with her ever patient and amazing Personal Trainer. It has helped us hugely with our fitness and our team camaraderie.

Norwich Dragons 1’s vs Ipswich 2’s

Score: 2-1

Scorers: Jonty Gosling & Sean Orton

MOM: Peter Hughes

Norfolk’s infamous tropical rainy season has descended, and an incredibly moist and bracing game befell the Den at midday! The first half witnessed both teams growing into a game where the elements certainly made themselves known. Your mighty Dragons took command of the play for much of the first half, restricting those newly promoted from deepest, darkest Suffolk to counter attacks and ambitious airborne assaults.

A [relatively] well worked short corner routine saw their keeper save twice from Jack Hallworth, before Jonty popped up – right place, right time – to place the ball in without hesitation! Special mention here for Bucky for forensically identifying the right short-corner play for this goal.

Across the first half and second, our until recently side-lined goalkeeper and El Capitan pulled off some absolutely stunning saves…arguably eclipsing even his finest performances from his MVP season last year! At moments in the second half after Ipswich pulled a goal back, Captain Pete commanded the D and refused to be beaten. Who needs a pre-season?

As the clock ticked down, and the scores were level in an end-to-end contest that was proving to be a real grind in the weather, we found a winner! Through swift build-up play switching to the left, Alex Brooks entered the D with poise, getting his head up and finding me on the baseline. A first-time finish from the angle, the ball struck the inside of the post before going in…no matter how much the defender on the line shuffled his flailing gluteus to keep the ball out!

Ipswich pushed hard with vigour for an equaliser…in vain. We’re back! A winning start! Everyone put in a proper shift and should be proud. A sign of champions is winning when you’re not at your tip top best…let this bode well

Norwich Dragons 2s vs East Coast 1

Score: 3-2

Scorers: Jon Miles x2 & Henry Thomas   

MOM: Phil Good

Well then, we definitely played Lowestoft didn’t we. A very strange and aggressive game ended up overshadowing what was a good performance that saw us being 3-0 up at halftime. Unfortunately their game plan wore us down and we conceded 2 goals when we could have done with slowing the game down and sticking to what we do well. That being said I am very proud of everyone for keeping their heads and getting the result in what was a frustrating game. Good start… onto next week!

Norwich Dragons 3s vs UEA 2s

Score: 2-5

Scorers: Charlie Creasy & Robin Clarke

Norwich Dragons 4s vs UEA 3s

Score: 1-2

Scorers: John Ives

MOM: Ed Cross

Norwich Dragons 4s lost to UEA 2-1 although to be honest, I have no idea how!!

We dominated the match missing chance after chance and rarely letting UEA into our half – i missed a hattrick of chances and if I get that many opportunities then you know we must be dominating!

UEA scored a couple of sucker punches towards the end and, although John Ives scored from a well worked short to set up a grandstand finish, we were unable to equalise.

MOTM to Ed Cross who looked a class above most on the pitch.

Norwich Dragons 5s vs Harleston Magpies 5s

Score: 4-4

Scorers: Will Sexton x2, Casper Lind & Josh Cormack

MOM: Will Sexton

Dragons produced a gripping 4-4 draw against Harleston Magpies 5s, in their first league fixture. Norwich Dragons 5th XI entered the season following an undefeated run of four pre-season friendlies, with four clean sheets and nine goals to show for it. However the visiting Magpies team would put this to the test by taking an early 2-0 lead.

Dragons came back hard with centre forward talisman Will Sexton finding the net soon after Magpie’s second insertion. Winger Casper Lind rounded off the first half by slotting one in the onion bag to bring it all square, with midfield stalwart Ali Codling on the assist.

The second half began in Magpie’s favour, exploiting a tired Dragons squad to bring the score to 4-2.

However Dragons responded strongly by catching the opposition on the break, with an emphatic strike from Josh Cormack to make it 4-3.

With only 5 minutes to go new signing Seb Atkinson provided the assist for Sexton to bag his second from close range and levelling the score. Dragons 5s retain their undefeated run going into their visit to Pelicans next week.

 Norwich Dragons 6s vs Magpies 6s

Score: 1-3

Scorers: Jos Briggs

MOM: Jos Briggs

Good start in the league turned on the attack having a clear chance to tie up the game 2-2 at one end, only for Magpies to immediately take the final 2 goal gap at the other end. First half was end to end & a goal down. After HT the boys put the pressure on & Jos levelled the score. Magpies decisive goal saw the whole defence have 5 attempts to clear the D as their first option. Good debuts by Elliot & Fin from Devs, & Lewis returning to hockey after 5 years. Again last year’s youngsters Daniel, Harry & Adam showed how much they have matured & they now take responsibility on the field. That leaves the Oldies who are showing the solidity to make this into a team with potential. My MOM is goal scorer Jos Briggs, who in his 2nd M6 game is showing  how key a player he will be in this set up.

Norwich Dragons 7s vs UEA 4s

Score: 6-0

MOM: Pete Thomas

The first league game for the 7’s was at home to UEA 4’s.  A competitive and good natured match saw the 7’s leading 3 : 0 at half time with goals from Pete Thomas and Andrew Cross (x2). The second half started well with another goal this time from Peter Sales followed by a converted short corner by Pete Thomas. The scoring was capped off by a further goal again secured by Pete T. Special mentions for Jack Sales who played well and worked hard in his Dragons debut and Will Bloom who worked tirelessly in mid field. However, MOM this week has to be Pete Thomas for his contribution to the game and for calculating that the total ages of the goal scorers was over 300.

Norwich Dragons Boys Development vs Norwich City Boys Development

Score: 1-7

Scorers: Theo Demetriou

MOM: Theo Demetriou

This match was a friendly and the first match of the season for Norwich Dragons after only one training session. We lost 7-1 but there were some really good passages of play from Norwich Dragons throughout the match. They also scored 5 of the 7 with short corners because they had an insanely good hitter. The first quarter was probably the worst quarter for dragons of the four as we weren’t ready for how good they were! They had a constant press as well.

In the first 2 mins we conceded in open play from a successful counter attack. City then missed a short corner in the 10th minute, hit a shot over the bar in the 12th but scored from a short corner in the 14th. Two further goals from city in the 2nd quarter which left the Dragons morale depleted.

After an inspiring team talk we came back on the pitch with our heads up. However in  the first 5 mins of the 3rd quarter we conceded a short corner which they converted, but we came back fighting and on a successful counter attack we won a short corner. We had practised short corners on Thursday so knew what we were doing and Theo Demetriou scored. Then with 30 seconds to go in the last quarter a further short corner was converted by City which left the score at 6-1. At the break we knew we couldn’t win but we kept our pride and didn’t let them score although we let them take about four short corners. With about 10 seconds left we conceded the final short corner which they also converted which finished the match at 7-1. 

Message from the Chairman Phil Y-S: Well done boys though, good to hear you are out there trying and thanks to the team organisers coaches and admin.

Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s Vs Dereham

Score: 1-2

Scorers: Mia Bartram

MOM: Mia Bartram  DOD: Tabba Emma Tabrett

Ladies 1s travelled away to play Dereham on another sunny Saturday! This would have been our first game of the season, but had to be played as a friendly due to the change of start dates! Dragons started with good intensity thanks to having a full squad ready and keen to play! Our first goal came from a beautiful short corner with Mia Bartram finding the top left corner of the net! Dereham managed to equalise to bring it to 1-1. Half time came and wise words were shared amongst the whole team with contribution from mostly everyone (thank you Ollie King for running the bench)! Unfortunately Dereham managed to score another goal, which was awarded despite surprise from players on both teams! Overall a really good team performance. One more friendly this week before the real fun starts next Saturday (hopefully)!?

Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s Vs Norwich City 2s

Score: 2-2

Scorers: Lilli Ballard, Amy Beadman

DOD: Jessica

Ladies 2s came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Norwich City 2s. Goals from Lilli Ballard and Amy Beadman. Great team performance showing resilience and positivity for the coming season.

Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s Broadland 1s

Score: 1-2

Scorers: Harriet Marlee

We tried a new format in the first half which proved to be tough work for us all and it would of killed us if we had kept going. So in the second half we worked on a different format and by the end of the match we smashed it!

This friendly made us work on our improvements. We are a bunch of smart players – we CAN do it but we need to work hard to find our own individual improvements to get there.

We lost 2-1, and I think they were meant to win, but we were meant to make the game our own, and we did towards the end

Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s Vs City 3s

Score: 2-5

Scorers: Amy Forse X2

MOM: Hannah Edwards

Dragons started with some very good hockey, moving the ball neatly and playing with great pace. As a result of this they went two up, both by Amy Forse.

City applied more pressure scoring from a short and then converting a second at the whistle. The second half proved the cliche ‘game of two halves’, City came out stronger and Dragons tired – losing the game 5-2. Lots of positives and some learning to build on!

Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s Vs Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s

Score: 6-1

Scorers: Jane, Liz McDonnell X3, Freya, Neet  

MOM: Liz McDonnell

Great friendly game in the sunshine. It was a game with some great passing, great team work & also some fantastic fluffs. First goal came from a great strike from a short corner by

Jane Elizabeth There was some great defending & goal keeping from the 6s preventing several goal attempts. However the second goal came from a great pass from Jane on the right to Liz McDonnell which was slipped through the goalies legs. The third goal came from a lovely reverse hit from Liz. Score 3-0 at half time. Half time team talk from the captains &

Will Kirby meant coming in to the second half we passed the ball more smoothly & round the back. There were some great runs down the wings from Freya, Mia & Floss with some great passing onto the forwards. The 4th goal came from some good stick play in the D from Neet & a tap round 2 defenders & the goalie. The 5th goal came from a strike just in the D by Liz. Goal number 6 was a great strike from Freya at the top of the D. Goal from the 6s came in the last few minutes of the match. There was a disallowed goal from the 5s that deserves a mention; a great strike by Freya from a short corner but unfortunately was a little too high.

Great game played with a great spirit from both sides. The score doesn’t reflect the competitiveness from the 6s and some great play they put together.

Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s Vs Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s

Score: 1-6

Scorers: Adelice Stanley  

MOM: Emma North

Ladies 6s played Ladies 5s in our first intra-club clash of the season. Great effort from all the girls in the heat! Ladies 5s kept the pressure on throughout all four quarters, scoring 6 goals in total. 6s perseverance paid off with a well-deserved goal by Adelice Louise in the final quarter topping off a high effort performance from all. Final score 6-1. Really enjoyable game for both sides with Emma North taking MOM with a stormer in goal!

Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s Vs Norwich City 6s

Score: 0-2

MOM: Sophie Rice

Ladies 7s lost 2:0 to City 6s. POM Sophie Rice with Joanna Eke a close 2nd. Lots to be positive about and things to work on.

Norwich Dragons Ladies 8s Vs Norwich City Ladies 7s

Score: 1-5

Scorers: Bridget Le Good   

Ladies 8s played their first non-Dragons opposition since lockdown in a friendly against City 7s. On what was a gorgeous afternoon, Dragons soon went 1 nil up from a beautifully executed short corner by Bridget Le Good. In buoyant spirits, helped by lots of group fitness over the summer, 8s played some lovely hockey and huge improvements seen in all players. We held the lead for a while but City equalised from an equally well executed short corner and scored again to make it 2 – 1 at half time. The City team, which fielded a number of higher team players, gained confidence and scored another 3 in the 2nd half. Play seemed pretty equal and coach Sarah Wagstaff said the score didn’t reflect the game. The only thing we lacked was a bit of ‘grrr’ and so the team were tasked with getting hold of some before our first league match next Saturday. Well done, ladies – a lovely game to get us going. Plenty of ‘grrr’ next week!

Norwich Dragons 1st XI vs Dereham 1st XI

Score: 1-6

Scorers: Jon Miles

MOM: Sam Avery

The curtain closed on pre-season with a performance that had a lot of great takeaways, despite the result. Working as a unit, the first half ended with us down 1-2, with Jon Miles

scoring with a fine reverse stick finish as their keeper helplessly sprawled in rushing to the edge of his D.

The second half saw Dereham take a more dominant position on the score line, with the game still hotly contested on the pitch in contrast. Aaron John went mightily close from a short-corner drag flick, with a great save from their keeper to deny a top-corner rasper!

Big mention to Sam Avery who powered through the entire game with incredible perseverance and energy! The much anticipated season opener at the Den is on the horizon. We look forward to delivering a momentous season!

Norwich Dragons 2s vs Dereham 2s

Score: 1-2

Scorers: Chris Simmonds  

MOM: Ben Sathitsuk

DOD: Rohan Kaushal

Fair performance against a team who will be a strong force in our league this year after just being demoted. Plenty of chances created in a good contest. It puts us in good stead to go for a big win when it matters next week!

Norwich Dragons 3s vs East Coast 1

Score: 3-2

Scorers: Bobby Shepperd x 2 & Charlie Creasy

A strong East Coast team came out blazing and went 2-0 up in the first half. Dragons defence remained composed and got us back into the game. Their confident passing around the back helped the team find shape, which paid off with a goal from Charlie Creasy and two from Bobby Sheppard. Thanks to East Coast for a competitive match.

Norwich Dragons 4s vs Thetford 1

Score: 3-5

Scorers: Will Kirby, Owain Hall & Ross Barnshaw

MOM: Rahul Kaushal

This was a great game at an unusually sunny Dragon’s Den. Thetford only managed to mobilise 10 players on this occasion, so for the sake of having a fair friendly game Dragons offered to cover the vacant position with one of their own midfielders, which they would have regretted if this had been an official league game.

Thetford played their cards very well on the first half, earning a well-deserved three-goal advantage at half time. Dragons fought well but Thetford had an outstanding player who, despite the great effort made by keeper Dave King, managed to make his way to the D and slot the ball in three times. The game had to be interrupted for a few minutes after one of Thetford players fell on the ground and bumped his neck, luckily without consequences, but serious enough to leave Thetford with 10 players for the rest of the game.

Dragons reacted well on the second half and managed to level up the score with three consecutive goals by Will Kirby, Owain Hall and Ross Barnshaw. They could have scored two more if Kirby’s stick hadn’t been lifted by a defender on the goal line, and if Owain’s magnificent finish hadn’t hit the top of the right post. Unfortunately, Thetford’s star player reappeared at the end to score two more. All Dragons’ youngsters played really well, with Rahul Kaushal playing a key role in the midfield, what granted him a well-deserved MOM award.

Norwich Dragons 5s vs North Norfolk 2s

Score: 0-0

MOM: Will Sexton

Men’s 5s Draw 0-0 against North Norfolk 2s. MOTM: Will Sexton.

Norwich Dragons 6s vs Magpies 5s

Score: 1-3

Scorers: Mike Banham

MOM: Connor Kerrigan

Great start to season for M6 who played Magpies 5 from a league above. 0-2 at Halftime with all 11 men in their own 25 for last 10 mins of the half. A real effort to get forward in the 2nd half was rewarded when skipper Mike Banham slotted our 2nd short corner only for a disputed Magpies 3rd in last minute, robbing M6’s of winning the 2nd half – MOM keeper Connor Kerrigan whose positional play kept Magpies out – Special mention Harry & Noah who look confident to really take the opposition on this year – Thanks to  Andrew Cross, Ali Smyth & Dave Kidner from last year’s higher teams for helping us out. – Excellent debut by Jos – Rest of M6 put in an excellent shift & on this performance look capable of competing for honours.

Norwich Dragons 7s vs Dereham 4s

Score: 0-2

MOM: Team

The last pre-season friendly for the 7’s was away to Dereham 4’s. The 12 man squad put in a sterling effort in the heat of the sun with a 0 – 0 score line by half time. An early goal in the second half followed by a successful penalty flick by Dereham did not dent the team’s determination with some great passages of play and plenty of possession and chances. Overall a great effort from everyone in the team and lots to be positive about. By consensus the whole team is MOM this week.

This Week’s Results

East League,  Ladies 1N
Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v St Ives 1s:  2-1

Goalscorers:  Kiera Goymour, Kate McKenna
MOM:  Sarah Jenkins

Ladies 1s safely negotiated the A14 roadworks and travelled to St Ives needing a win to ensure safety in Division 1N.  

A large group of  Dragons’ supporters saw the ladies play some excellent hockey from start to finish and the team deservedly came away with the 3 points needed.  Every player worked their socks off, no more so than Sarah Jenkins who was MOM.

A well taken goal by Kiera Goymour from a short corner early on settled the nerves.    Dragons continued to dominate the first half and maybe should have gone into half time more than the 1-nil up.

Early in the second half Kate McKenna had the last touch on a strike from Harriet Green to score the second.   Supporters’ nerves were starting to settle.  However, St Ives came well and truly back into the game and with 10 minutes left they scored a goal from a short corner, making the remainder of the game a very tense affair.   Dragons held their nerve and returned home with the 3 points and a place in Division 1N next season.

East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s v East Coast 1s:  1-5

Goalscorer:  Georgie Manly
MOM:  Stella Windsor Waite

Dragons faced 2nd placed East Coast – welcoming Lily Sore into the squad who was deservedly making her 2nd team debut. 

The early stages of the game saw Dragons in the ascendency, playing some good passing hockey and pushing East Coast back from the start. The home team were rewarded for their efforts with a good goal by Georgie Manly, showing some good individual skills.

Dragons couldn’t hold onto their lead for long as East Coast turned the tables with a couple of goals before halftime. Dragons were still in the game though and talked about continuing to press in the 2nd half, however their plan didn’t work out, with East Coast scoring quickly after the break to deflate the home team further. The visitors were by far the better team in the 2nd half, and took their chances clinically extending their lead to 5-1.

The scoreline not totally reflecting the whole game, but the visitors are deservedly in the hunt for promotion. Dragons PoM vote was close with Stella Windsor Waite taking the honours.

East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s – no fixture

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s v East Coast 2s:  0-2

MOM:   Nat Crisp, Flori Smith

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s v Yarmouth:  11-0

Goalscorers:  Hatty Harrison Mobbs, Mimi Rutterford, Gemma Ballard x2, Louise Brooks, Anita Mancini, Lizzy McDonnell x2, Adelice Stanley x3
MOM:   Claire Stuart

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s v Herlings:  2-2

Goalscorers:  Mia McGhee, Hattie Stuart
MOM: Jo Jennings

Today ladies 6’s played away to Herlings finishing with a 2-2 draw. Their goalie arrived with no kit so we quickly took advantage of this with Mia McGhee scoring a cracking goal! When defending slipped up they managed to sneak a goal back! Second half they came out much more determined, causing us to work hard but Hattie Stuart insisted that she scored and what a goal it was! Short lived by an equaliser!
Great game played by all with awesome teas to enjoy after!  Pat was great support on the sideline, only telling me off once 👍😆 player of the match went to Joanne Jennings with her persistence in left defence!

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 2
Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s v Pelicans 3s:  4-0

Goalscorer:  Lara Nuthall x3, Paige Fisher
MOM:   Orla Hardiman

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 3
Norwich Dragons Ladies 8s  v Pelicans 4s:  1-0

Goalscorer:  Imi Burke
MOM:  Mehnaz Shammy

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East League, Men’s 2N
Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s v St Ives 1:  3-3

Goalscorers:  Olly Buck, Ollie King x2
MOM: Olly Buck

East League, Men’s 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s v Palicans 2s:  2-5

Goalscorer:  Rupert Snelling x2
MOM:  Joe Flatt

Men’s 2s unfortunately lost 5-2 after making the away trip to Kings Lynn. As starts go, it wasn’t the best. We found ourselves 3-0 down in the opening 10 minutes. However, after some strong words, we picked up the quality of our hockey and created some decent chances for the remainder of the half. We contested well, but couldn’t keep out the quality of Pelis short corners as they added to their total after half time. We continued to create chances and scored 2 goals in quick succession. Callings of a comeback were on! Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be and we couldn’t add to our total in the last 15 minutes of the game.

Goalscorers:  Jon Miles x5, Mitch Smith, Will Kirby
MOM:  Jon Miles

Today saw Mens 3s take on IES 3s at home with one team looking to avoid relegation and the other pushing for promotion. Knowing only a win would be an acceptable result in the battle to avoid the bottom three Dragons 3s started with vigour and vitality going 3-0 up quickly.

A half time team talk of “keep doing what you’re doing” saw the home side come out the gates quickly…and concede from a disastrous short corner which should have been an easy save for Captain-not-so-fantasti (Tom McLean). Thankfully we responded and went down the other end to score from a short corner where IES’s keeper decided to do exactly the same manoeuvre of getting swiftly out the way of a ball down the middle of the goal.

East League, Men’s 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s v Ipswich Cranes 1s:  4-0

Goalscorers:  Owain Hall x2, Robin Clarke, Adrian Kemp
MOM:   Will Gwyther

Dragons start strongly against a spirited Cranes side eager to contest every ball. But pressure told as Owain Hall (aka Dwyne) converted a short corner and Bobby Sheppard squares to Robin Clarke to finish. The second half saw  two short corner conversions through Owain and Adrian Kemp and put the game out of reach. Man of the Match went to Will (Billy) Gwyther for controller the middle.

East League, Men’s 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s v  IES 5s:  5-0

Goalscorers:  David Kidner, Casper Lind, Will Kidner, Ross Barnshaw
MOM:  Matt Armstrong

Dev Girls A  v 

Goalscorers: 
MOM: Elspeth and Charlotte

Dev Girls B  v 

Goalscorers: 
MOM:

Dev Boys A v 

Goalscorers: 
MOM:

This Week’s Results

East League,  Ladies 1N
Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v Peterborough City 1s:  0-3

MOM:  Shelly Seaman

The Ladies 1s lost 3-0 against City of Peterborough 2s. We didn’t play the hockey we’d been playing for the past few weeks. Although we had a large majority of the play, we didn’t move the ball on quickly enough and there wasn’t any urgency in the second half. It was 2-0 at half time. The first opposition goal came from a short corner, the second from a deflection. The third goal was scored quite early in the second half. We did have many chances to score, notably Shelly Seaman who nearly scored a volley, and Georgia Rant who struck an amazing reverse hit. However, a skilful opposition goalie was on them every single time. Player of the match went to Shelly Seaman for her work rate and shots on goal.

East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s – no fixture

East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s v Christchurch 1s:  2-1

Goalscorers: Lillian Sore, Harriet Rant
MOM:  Harriet Rant

Ladies 3s win away at Christchurch 2-1. Massive effort to come back from 1-0 down after 5 minutes, Dragons levelled just before the break, with the winner coming half way through the second half. There should have been more, but their keeper was having a very good day.
Goals from Harriet Rant and Lillian Sore. PoTM to Harriet for good interceptions, tackling and a “sick” goal

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s v Loddon:  1-0

Goalscorer:  Niamh Somers
MOM:   Gill Walker

Ladies 4’s have a good win 1-0 v Loddon. Goal scored by Niamh Somers in a goal line scramble (with a little help from the defence!). POM to  Gill Walker for her pocket dynamo performance in midfield. Well done everyone!

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s v Herlings:  8-0

Goalscorers:  Claire Stuart x2, Gemma Ballard x3, Lizzy McDonnell x3
MOM:   Mimi Rutterford

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s v East Coast 3s:  5-2

Goalscorers:  Adelice Stanley, Freya Dolding, Mia McGhee x2, Mia Norris
MOM: Freya Dolding

Ladies 6s beat East Coast 3s 5:2 (talk about yoyo-ing this season…). An enjoyable game, lots of good tackles and passing play, and the sun even came out for a bit. Got some good short corner practise in and scored a couple of goals off them too. Goals from Mia McGhee x2, Mia Norris, Freya Golding and Adelice Stanley. Man of the match to Freya for a fantastic game at top of the diamond. Well done 6s, we needed and deserved that win. Let’s go into the last couple of games confidently 

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 2
Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s v Breckland:  1-2

Goalscorer:  Lara Nuthall
MOM:   Brittany Hopkins, Fern Daly

Today ladies 7’s played Breckland to lose an unfortunate 2-1. Goal scored by Lara Nuthall.  However, we played very well as a team. We had a fair few injuries but still we persevered. Our joint winners for POM were Fern Daly and Brittany Hopkins

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 3
Norwich Dragons Ladies 8s  v Magpies 7s:  0-9

MOM:  Mehnaz Shammy

We welcomed new players to the team Alicia Billington and were delighted to have Lynne Price
(out of retirement!) joining us too. Lynne proved to be worth her weight in gold, playing on right
wing and you could guarantee she was everywhere and anywhere she needed to be, taking hold of the ball and moving up the wing either in person or with an impressive whack, much to the frustrated magpies!

Man of the match went to a very deserved Mhanez Shammy who exhibited some beautiful text
book hockey, showing elegance and skill and out foxing the opposition as she took the ball up the pitch and into the D with at least two attempts on goal. Backing her up was Alicia Billington and Imi Burke, who like M were speedy, skilled and always ready in a free space to receive the ball. It was fabulous to have the three youngsters on the team and they played with a grace and confidence only to be admired.

Special accolade has to go to Emma North in goal, who made multiple saves and some of a jaw
dropping quality which again left Magpies dumbfounded! My personal favourite was one that she caught with her knees!!! I kid you not!!!!!

Jo Lee’s in defence, once again executed one or two of her infamous, stick down blocks right on
the goal line! Jess Lockwood in Left defence was kept on her AstroTurf tip toes as she relentlessly blocked and tackled and moved the ball deftly out wide and ditto can be said for our captain Johanne Steward. Bridget Le Good remained strong and defiant and refused to relinquish the ball in some feisty tackles which more often than not left her victorious!
Karen Davidson and Nic Harrison were their usual reliable selves. Nic fast and determined and
Karen, strong and persistent. Sadie Jacobs and Louise Crouch-Reed were up front and towards the end of the second half the ball was very much in our half meaning the forwards were given the opportunity to take the ball into the D and make some shots on target.

Lois Metcalfe was manning the bench and assured subbing ran smoothly, as well as offering a
much needed calm and brief repose from a fast paced match.

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East League, Men’s 2N
Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s v Horncastle 1s:  6-1

Goalscorers:  Sam Avery, Jack Hallworth x2, Matt Knights, Dan Rix, Sean Orton
MOM: Kade Bond

Cars packed for the epic journey to Horncastle – stopping for much needed breakfast provisions at Ronald’s patisserie  – we arrived following a scenic route and with Sam’s flailing lumber bus bouncing its way along.

The first half was a controlled affair. Sam Avery – harnessing the deep anger held for his car’s flaccid suspension – bullied his way out wide and past the Horncastle defence to ping the ball past a despairing keeper!

The second-half featured a dominant Dragons subjugation of Horncastle’s [extremely] long-ball tactic (they had a trebuchet at centre-back!)  Matt Knights struck first, deftly deflecting an upright reverse into a falling keeper who palmed the effort into the corner of the net.

Solid defensive performances alongside patient and inventive build-up play – with a commanding, assured and controlled midfield anchoring performance from Kade Bond – afforded the Dragons a control of the game.

Next to score was Dan Rix who’s reverse strike was carefully pushed into the net by a Horncastle defender. Jack Hallworth then notched his [now routine] deflected push from a short corner, under the keeper’s hand and over the line!

I (Sean Orton) was next on the scoreline. After being fairly ridiculed for not shooting earlier in the game, I received the ball at the edge of the D from assist-king Ollie King, took the ball past and through the legs of a defender and flicked the ball past the keeper into the net.

Hallworth then added his second with Rixy performing his classic pirouette spin for the ball to deflect into the path of the scorer who’s clip-shot rifled into the backboards.

A win to be proud of…certainly worth the epic journey across the Fens, and back in time, to Horncastle.

We celebrate and wait to see if Sam makes it back in his low-rider.

A special mention to Ali  Smyth who came on today and was solid. We now reminisce of better times…a flashback card below of his former glory…

East League, Men’s 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s v UEA 2s:  1-3

Goalscorer:  Joe Flatt
MOM:  Alex Brooks

Men’s 2 unfortunately lost 3-1 in an even game which saw Dragons on the wrong side of the result. We dominated the first half, breaking through with an early goal from Joe Flatt in the first 5 minutes. However, our momentum was halted due to a stoppage for 5 minutes when one of the umpires fell over. UEA then took their opportunity to level the scores shortly after, as we finished the half 1-1. We continued to play decent hockey but a long ball from UEA and fortunate finish saw us go 2-1 down. We continued to press and create chances going close on numerous occasions but we were caught on the break once again and conceded our 3rd goal.

Goalscorers:  Jon Miles x2
MOM:  Mitch Smith

Men’s 3s hosted Pelicans this afternoon at a slightly chilly and overcast Den. The visitors scored from 2 short corners to take them into the break 2-0 up. A slight dressing down and motivational speech from Jon Goodson and 9 year old son revitalised the side and sent us into the second half ready to put up a fight. A solid second half performance saw a great come back and well earned point from two Jon Miles short corner flicks. MOM Mitch Smith for a solid midfield performance and DOD for James Goodson sporting his wife’s jeans during teas.

East League, Men’s 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s v Newmarket 2s:  3-1

Goalscorers:  Will Kirby x2, Bobby Stuart Sheppard
MOM:   Will Mares and Bobby Stuart Sheppard

Solid start from Dragons saw Will Kirby sneak the ball in under the keeper. Newmarket fought back though a good deflected cross but Dragon countered with a Kirby short corner. Half time ahead and Dragons looked to extend the lead early in the second half with plenty off chances. Newmarket suffered a couple of injuries which didn’t help but a fine finish from Bobby Sheppard put the game out of sight for Newmarket. The last ten minutes where more open but it closed out 3-1.

East League, Men’s 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s v  Ispwich Cranes 1s:  8-2

Goalscorers:  Robin Clarke x2, Jason Wolfe, Ross Barnshaw, Casper Lind, Will Kidner x3
MOM:  Matt Armstrong

Dev Girls A  v 

Goalscorers: 
MOM:

Dev Girls B  v 

Goalscorers: 
MOM:

Dev Boys A v 

Goalscorers: 
MOM:

This Week’s Results

East League,  Ladies 1N
Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v Sudbury 1s:  0-3

MOM:  Holly Setchell

The Ladies 1s lost 3-0 against high flying  (unbeaten) Sudbury 1s. Sudbury pressed very high and were quick to close down, however we managed this the majority of the time. It was 2-0 at the end of the first half. The first opposition goal was a straight strike to the left post from a short corner. The second, also from a short corner, was lifted and dropped to hit the back board. Unfortunately, a Dragons’ goal was disallowed, however we fought on but sadly couldn’t find the net. The third opposition goal was scored within the last 5 minutes of the match after a scramble in the D. Goalie, Gina Hunt, saved the first shot, Sophie Thomas saved the second, however we couldn’t save the following rebound. Player of the match went to Holly Setchell for her strong and aggressive tackles, especially against a skilful Sudbury striker.

East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s v Magpies 3s:  0-3

MOM:  Stella Windsor Waite

Wet and windy weather and a strong looking Magpies 3rd team met Dragons at Weybread. Having a late drop out in the morning Dragons 2’s were down to a bare 12 players. 

The first half was a very close affair, with both teams having good opportunities, Shelly Seaman and Georgia Rant coming close for the visitors, but thwarted by Magpies strong GK. Sadly for Dragons a couple of lapses before half time saw the strong Magpies forward, firing home two strikes.

The 2nd half was less even, with Magpies forcing Dragons back for long spells of the game. Dragons were a bit sloppy in their play and just not able to get themselves going, with too many stray passes or running into open sticks. Another goal came for Magpies during this spell of pressure.

A disappointing 2nd half performance by Dragons, meaning they left with nothing. Player of the Match was Stella Windsor-Waite.

East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s v Ipswich 2s:  1-3

Goalscorer:  Lucy Buxton
MOM:  Lucy Buxton

Ladies 3s lost 1-3 at home to Ipswich. We got over our slow-start curse with a lovely, well worked goal in the first 3 minutes. Assist from Lillian Sore with the final work around the goalie from Lucy Buxton.

The opposition’s first goal came from a short corner, with the others coming in the second half when our concentration slipped. Another result which didn’t fully reflect how we played. Lucy was also our player of the match – welcome back!

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s v Norwich City 3s:  0-3

MOM:   Mia Somers

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s v Magpies 6s:  2-5

Goalscorers:  Gemma Ballard, Anita Mancini
MOM:  Georgia Butterworth

Dragons 5s lost against Magpies 6s. We took a bit of time to get going and despite having no subs we settled in the second half to win that part 2-1. Goals coming from Anita and Gem. Magpies were strong and took advantage of some fast breaks. Their keeper also had a very good game! POM to Georgia Butterworth for some great work playing out of position in left midfield! Well done.

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s v Carrow:  1-13

Goalscorer:  Claire Stuart
MOM:  Emma North

Another tough game today for the Ladies 6s away against Carrow. They were good. There is no other way to say it. But we kept going and actually had a very enjoyable game despite what the score ended up being. The second half was much stronger (those extra 4 minutes at half time waiting for the hail storm to pass really did the trick), and we even scored a goal!!! It was an absolute beauty from Claire Stuart ! Anyway, if you need to know, they beat us 13:1 in the end. But hey it’s not the worst we have seen this season and we all had lots of fun in the sun. Man of the match goes to Emma North for some wonderful saves, including a penalty flick. Onwards to next week now, team. 

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 2
Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s v Loddon 2s:  2-0

Goalscorers:   Claire Fairhurst, Sophie James
MOM:  Sophie James

Ladies 7’s won a well fought game against Loddon 2’s securing a 2-0 finish. Strong play from all players despite the cold, wind and rain. First goal scored by Sophie James from a well executed short corner. Second goal scored by Claire Fairhurst after great link up play from Maisie Dearmer and Lara Nuthall. Mom Sophie James. Thank you to Des and Rob Wagstaff for the sideline support. Go dragons!

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 3
Norwich Dragons Ladies 8s  v Carrow 2s:  0-2

MOM:  Mehnaz Shammy

The 8s played arguably their best hockey of the season, and with all respect to their opponents there was an element of luck about both the goals.  The first was scored with scarcely a minute on the clock when a speculative ball into the circle bobbled around hitting various sticks before rolling slowly over the line.. The second, midway through the second half, was a clean shot struck from a cross – which a Dragon’s defender had well covered before she unluckily fell on the slick surface.

So having reported on the goals, time to concentrate on a very solid performance by the Dragons. They lost 4-0 to Carrow earlier in the season, and this performance represented a step up by every department. The 8s traditionally play and build from the back, and Esther Jacobs in goal turned defence into attack with some positive wide clearances.  The defenders improved their marking and tackling, and with Jo Lees, Bridget Le Good,  Johanne Steward and Jess Lockwood rotating, it was good to see them combining the ability to hit the dimples off the ball with some finer touch play. There were even times under pressure when good communication  enabled one defender  to rob a forward in the circle, and another to complete the clearance. This was progress! Hester McLean showed her versatility by putting in a stint in defence and also in a more attacking role, switching with Johanne also moved smoothly from defence into attack.

Carrow tended to have the better of the end to end exchanges, because as a team they used stronger passes and gathered them safely. But Dragons were fighting back, and push passes and sweeps from Bridget, Jo and Jess were finding the new 8s experimental midfield. Nic Harrison and Sadie Jacobs both carried the ball well, and they were joined by two newcomers to the team who made a big impact. Mehnaz Shammy, who regularly runs rings round teammates in training, was for the first time able to play competitively and was player of the match for ball carrying and tackling skills. She combined well with Imi Burke and Kaia Peiris. Karen Davidson turned in another good performance at top of the diamond and created openings to left and right for Johanne Steward and Louise Crouch-Read up front.

If the 8s can keep this midfield together, there is every chance that they will learn to press and create more opportunities. Carrow asserted themselves in and around the defensive circle, and Dragons need to learn to hold their own space and get shots away. Its a difficult skill to practice safely in training, but the cutting edge is one of the last pieces of game play the 8s need to master if they are to get a win before the end of the season.

The 8s declared themselves very happy with their game against tough opposition, and players worked hard for each other. More plans to do even better in training and in the next match! Go Awesome 8s.

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East League, Men’s 2N
Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s v Norwich City 2s:  3-1

Goalscorers:  Jack Hallworth x2, Matt Knights
MOM:  Jack Hallworth

The well rested Dragons, dispelling dark memories of defeat a fortnight ago, regrouped for this week’s encounter with Norwich City. City would come into this game confident, with one of our regrettable performances this season coming on their turf several months ago.

Only one outcome today would do…the sweet taste of GLORIOUS RETRIBUTION!

Pounded by the wind, rain, and hail, the game was underway with each team pushing for the opener. The Dragons, however, soon took control of proceedings with Matt Knights finishing crisply from the penalty spot. City came back at us hard, and while we controlled much of the play in the first half, our defence was breached for a moment, which saw City equalise.

At the half-time break the sun broke through the thick clouds and spurred us on into a comfortable second half display. Not forced into a high gear of play, we moved forward and Jack Hallworth struck from a deflected short corner and shortly after, whilst being tumbled in the D, he rifled a reverse strike into the top of the net … bullet! 

The whole team had a very solid game, and while not our most fluid and expansive display of hockey today, there is a confidence to push on to the end of the season in good form and finish strong! 

Special mention to LJ Dangerous who celebrated his 30th anniversary of birth yesterday and crowned the momentous day with two…yes two…strikes at goal today! 

We now begin packing our bags and preparing provisions for the epic trek to Horncastle next week…

East League, Men’s 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s v Norwich City 4s:  8-1

Goalscorers:   Joe Flatt x3, Rupert Snelling x3, Matt Hull, Isaac Diver Hall 
MOM:  Matt Hull

Men’s 2s won 8-1 with their second win in succession with an excellent performance against Norwich City 4s.  We started off well, picking up a well worked goal in the opening minutes of the first half. After having much of the possession, we were hit by a quick City move that levelled the scores. However, we bounced back in quick fashion with another goal before half time and closed the half 2-1 up. In the second half, we continued strongly before putting a 3rd and then 4th past City. They couldn’t cope with the pressure put on by ourselves, conceding another 4 in quick succession in the last 10 minutes of the game.

East League, Men’s 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 3s v Newmarket 1s:  0-6

MOM: Phil Good

A day to forget for the Men’s 3s as a tough day away at Newmarket proved their biggest loss of the season so far.

A woeful start saw dragons go 3-0 quickly before solidifying for the last 5 minutes. The hairdryer was out at halftime which saw the away side perform much better for most of the second half however the few errors were pounced upon by Newmarket seeing the score finish 6-0. A deserved win for the home side but score line is flattering. MoM for recently selected Norfolk Masters wonderkid Phil Good, whilst DoD goes to Ed Smith for an unusually sloppy day out.

3 big games left for survival, we go again against Peli 2s next week.

East League, Men’s 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s v Norwich Exiles 1:  2-4

Goalscorers:  Will Kirby x2, Bobby Stuart Sheppard
MOM:   Will Ives

Good challenging game saw Exiles take the lead but Dragons fought back to head into the half time break 2-1 up. The second half saw the game get competitive with Dragons creating chances but not being as clinical in front of goal. In the end Exiles fought back to take the lead and Dragons pressed til the end. Well played all. Goals 2x Will Kirby…and one that was millimetres away and the other from Bobby Sheppard. Man of the match to Will Ives for being everywhere in defence.

East League, Men’s 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s v Magpies 6s:  2-3

Goalscorers:  Will Kidner, Jamie Allsop
MOM:  Jason Wolfe

Dev Girls A  v Magpies:  1-3

Goalscorer:  Rosie Smith
MOM:  Josie Kell

Dev Girls B  v Norwich City:  0-8

MOM:  India Bunn

Dev Boys A v Norwich City:  10-0

Goalscorers:  Aryton Rant, Dylan Bondi x4, Will Sexton x5
MOM:  Theo Demetiou, Will Sexton

It was a sunny but very cold and windy game.
The two teams set out determined but the play stayed firmly in City’s half for the first 2 quarters. The score at half time was 5-0 to dragons.
City came out fighting after half time and pushed in to Dragons half but were not able to get on the score sheet.
Dragons dominated once more and Scored a further 3 goals in the 3rd quarter.
The final score was 10-0 to Dragons despite City’s final flourish in the closing minutes with Dragons keeper being called into action to make a save.
Well done all on a great game.

This Week’s Results

East League,  Ladies 1N
Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v Wisbeach:   1-1

Goalscorer:  Harriet Green
MOM: Carmel Windsor Waite

Ladies 1s draw 1-1 on the road to Wisbech. Some great build up play , but just lacking a little something in the attacking D.  

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East League, Men’s 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s v Bury St Edmunds 2s:  3-2

Goalscorers:  Joe Flatt, James Cross, Ollie King
MOM:  Alex Brooks

Men’s 2s won 3-2 in an excellent performance that saw us bring back a crucial 3 points from Bury. The first half consisted of some great all round hockey which lead to us going 1-0 up through a well worked goal. Our good structure meant Bury were unable to break us down and we finished the half 1-0 up. At start of the second half, our lead doubled thanks to a drag flick short corner. However, Bury continued to press and we conceded shortly after. In the later stages of the second half we put away our 3rd goal, hitting Bury with a good counter attacking move. A tense last 10 minutes saw us concede again to bring the score to 3-2. Although thanks to some great defending we saw out the game for a well earned 3 points.

East League, Men’s 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s v Bury St Edmunds 4s: 3-3

Goalscorers:  Alberto Embarba, Adrian Kemp, Will Kirby
MOM:  Alberto Embarba

Men’s 4s have a good game with Bury. Bury well organised attack went 2 up but got pegged back with Alberto converting a short corner break down. After half time Dragons pulled another back via a p flick from Will Kirby. Excitement continued with a short corner for Bury after a few saves from Jamie. Dragons pulled it back with a great move from Isaac crossing for Adi Kemp to roll back the years. Bury closed out time with a short corner but will Ives closed out the threat. Great competitive game and good teas.

Dev Boys A v Magpies:  7-0

Goalscorers: Ed Cross, Raul Wigglesworth x2, Will Sexton, George Wilson x2, Finn Dearmer
MOM:  Conor Kerrigan

This Week’s Results

East League,  Ladies 1N
Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v North Norfolk 1s:  1-2

Goalscorer:  Holly Setchell
MOM: Alex Daplyn

The Ladies 1s lost 2-1 against North Norfolk 1s. A very unlucky and frustrating score line as we played extremely well. We were patient on the ball, waiting for a suitable pass to open up, there were good transfers around the back and movement off the ball was fantastic. The Dragons goal came from Holly Setchell after a scramble during a short corner. A lot of chances but sadly just couldn’t make much of the short corners that we had. The opposition scored their first goal from a short corner, and the second was an unlucky own goal. But we had great support, happy to say that there was no heckling from the sideline by Mr Barrow, and Storm Dennis didn’t push us off the ball! Player of the match went to Alex Daplyn for her amazing runs, composure on the ball and tenacious work rate.

East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s v Norwich City 2s:  1-1

Goalscorer:  Grace Kidner
MOM:  Kristina Smyth, Karen O’Neill Simpson

Whilst Storm Dennis threatened, conditions for the early local derby were actually quite pleasant so the game got away as scheduled! Dragons had slightly depleted numbers, whilst City arrived with a full squad of 15.

Early encounters were extremely one-sided with City forcing a number of early short corners and forcing Dragons to defend for their lives, GK Kristina Smyth and Karen O’Neill Simpson throwing themselves at everything whilst Ally Windsor Waite took one effort off the line. Eventually however City’s pressure counted with the ball forced home after a bit of a scramble in the D.

This served as a bit of a wake up call for Dragons, who started to get themselves back into the game, beginning to close the ball down and finding each other better with their passes. Sophie Farrow was having a fine game in midfield, whilst both Lucy Buxton and Piper Hempsall were also battling hard and winning possession back for the home team. 

Midway through the half, another commanding run from the ever dangerous Grace Kidner saw a free hit awarded. Once again Grace saw the opportunity to pick up the ball quickly and drive into the D, once there her shot at goal was deflected off a City stick, flying up over the keeper and into the net.

From here on, the game remained pretty even. Both teams had their chances and had good spells of play, but there was some strong defending meaning the final score remained 1-1. Given their depleted numbers, Dragons were relatively happy to take the point. 

Some excellent performances for the Dragons, notably Stella Windsor-Waite in a new position which she is starting to make her own, Grace Kidner, who improves week on week with the strength of her tackling and all round play, and Sophie Farrow, stepping up for the 3’s and battling really hard for the team. To a player however, Dragons showed excellent spirit and workrate. Thank you to both umpires for a well umpired game.

PoM was split between Karen O’Neill Simpson and Kristina Smyth. 

East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s v UEA 1s:  0-7

MOM: 

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s – slip week

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s – slip week

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s – slip week

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 2
Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s – slip week

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 3
Norwich Dragons Ladies 8s  – slip week

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East League, Men’s 2N
Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s v Long Sutton:  0-2

MOM: 

With storm Dennis the Destroyer on the horizon – causing many a strange happening to occur across the land – in a deep forgotten corner of Lincolnshire cutting crosswinds saw the Dragons’ flight falter.

The sporting bout began crazed and confused, with slow play and our opposition maximising the long ball to wise effect – knowing that to play a ground-pass in the thick yellow wasteland was futile.

End to end, we soon ‘scored’ through Dan Rix but alas was disallowed, just not be 😕 minutes later Long Sutton bundled the ball in! After a reflective half-time we pushed ahead and had much of the ball with Rixy, Pedro Goss, and I (Sean Orton) having decent chances to level proceedings. Long Sutton applied their game-plan very well and Olly Buck saved us on the line with Pete Dickerson pulling off some spell-binding saves. They scored a rasping short corner in the dying minutes to all but end the game.

A frustrating day for the Dragons.

This season’s shock giant killing result – understandably boisterously celebrated by Long Sutton, and one that will surely be celebrated in the barns of deep Lincolnshire for many moons to come!

We dust ourselves down and empty all pockets and orifices of sand, and go again in a fortnight!

East League, Men’s 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s v Bury St Edmunds 2s:  P:P

East League, Men’s 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 3s v Norwich City 3s:  1-0

Goalscorer:  Jon Miles
MOM:  Tom McLean

Dragons Men’s 3s secured a huge win in their fight to stay up today during storm Dennis. A home game against relegation rivals Norwich City 3s in a windy affair saw the home team come out 1-0 victors thanks to a stunner from Jon Miles.

After a reasonably well imposed (if with grumbles) Friday night of sobriety the home side defended excellently and made the best of the few chances they had. Special mention should go to the back 4 of Jim Goodson, Ed Smith, Stu Kelly and Harry Brown who played 70 minutes of excellent defensive hockey but ultimately MoM goes to captain fantastic T Mac for the game of his season keeping the clean sheet including a few stunning short corner and double saves (not to toot my own horn too much). Outfield highlight of the game goes to Rob Goodson’s last ditch sliding tackle in the D. DoD to John Ives for breaking the curfew and spending a bit too much time searching for gold in his nose 😛

East League, Men’s 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s v Bury St Edmunds 4s:  P:P

East League, Men’s 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s v  Sudbury 3s:  2-4

Goalscorer:  Will Gwyther, Jamie Allsop, Casper Lind
MOM:  Ed Cross

Dev Girls A  no fixture

Dev Girls B  v East Coast:  6-1

Goalscorers:  Katie Hume x1; Megan Davis x1;  Poppy Francis x4 
MOM:  Poppy Francis

Dev Boys A v 

Goalscorers: 
MOM:

This Week’s Results

East League,  Ladies 1N
Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v St Neots:  3-2

Goalscorers:  Sarah Jenkins, Holly Setchell
MOM:  Sophie Thomas

The Ladies 1s lost 3-2 to St Neots 1s. We held most of possession during the first half, and our high press worked well, however we could not make anything from the breaks that we had. There were lots of short corners from both sides, but all of ours were unsuccessful. During the second half we dropped the tempo and were unable to keep hold of the ball. Our first goal was scored by Sarah Jenkins from a wonderful penalty flick. Our second was scored by Holly Setchell from open play. Two opposition goals were from short corners and one from open play.
Player of the match went to Sophie Thomas for her solid runs up the pitch and being the play maker throughout the game.

East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s v Broadland 1s:  1-2

Goalscorers:  Georgie Manly
MOM:  Grace Kidner

East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s v East Coast 1s:  1-7

Goalscorers: Lily Sore
MOM:  Lilli Ballard

Ladies 3s went to sunny but windy Lowestoft to play clinical and quick East Coast. First half dragons went 5-0 down after a quick series of impressive goals. But the 3s really rallied at half time with a lot more possession and great teamwork resulting in a lovely reverse stick goal from Lily Sore after a well worked long corner from Fiona Fletcher and assist from Catherine Matthews. Second half score 2-1 to East Coast (you can do the maths). POM Lilli Ballard for great attack on the wing and a superb goal line save!

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s v UEA 2s:  1-1

Goalscorers:  Nat Crisp
MOM:   Katherine Hardwick

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s v Beccles:  8-0

Goalscorers:  Hatty Harrison Mobbs, Gemma Ballard x4, Mimi Rutterford, Anita Mancini x2
MOM:   Mae Clarke

A strong start with lots of linking play and well organised passing. Midfield were strong with excellent distribution from Louise Brooks. Forwards used the space well to create lots of opportunities goals soon came with  Gemma Ballard getting 4, Hatty Harrison-Mobs getting 1, Mimi Rutherford getting 1 and Anita Mancini grabbing 2. Mae Clarke got a well deserved PoM. Goals from a variety of open play and short corners. Beccles continued to battle to the last whistle, meaning no one could rest. Lara King and Jo Jennnings kept up the pace in midfield and the defensive line pushed and channelled through out. A good game of passing hockey.

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s v Norwich City 5s:  0-10

MOM:  Lizzie Costello

Ladies 6s went out to Taverham for some fitness and fun in the sun. Emphasis here on the fitness, the result is not worth talking about really (for anyone that really needs to know it was 0:10 – it is what it is…). Lots of fantastic individual performances but not quite linking up as a team just yet – lots to work on. MoM goes to Lizzie for a brilliant final appearance for us before she leaves us for the wondrous world of London.

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 2
Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s v North Norfolk:  0-0

MOM:   Rosie Tarleton

The 7s played out a hard-fought goalless draw on a breezy and bright afternoon. After the disappointment of last Saturday, the whole team put in an absolute shift in a really enjoyable game!

POM deservedly goes to Rosie Tarleton for an absolute stormer at LB

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 3
Norwich Dragons Ladies 8s  v Watton 3s:  0-6

MOM:  Issy Gale

Ladies 8’s were away playing Watton 3’s and despite a loss of 6-0 it was a fabulous match to be a part of and we ALL played our ‘green dragon’ socks off!

POM went to Issy Gale who was a deserved choice and played solidly throughout.

We were delighted to welcome Lois Metcalfe back into the fold as our Goalie.

She made some truly awesome saves!  And proved to have a strong, powerful kick when clearing the ball which any Premiership footballer would be proud of!!!!

Lois’ kick proved invaluable as it carried such pace that 9 times out of 10 it was picked up on the wing by Issy or Nic Harrison who both sped off down the pitch.

Dragons were awarded at least three short corners where we came so close to scoring.

Sadie Jacobs having said at the start she had not played a match in a while, (I can only wonder if the reason being is she has been at a 24 hour Hockey Boot Camp!!) She played some fabulous hockey displaying skill, confidence and ‘dogged determination’ which we embrace in the 8’s.  Sadie made excellent use of the width and was often seen picking up one of Bridget Le Good’s numerous and legendary cracking hard hits and speeding down the wing. Bridget was another player who seemed to be everywhere at once much to the vexed opposition!

Louise Crouch-Reed and Hettie McClean were great upfront as forwards, finding space and receiving the ball up high and taking it into the D.

Karen Davidson was her usual awesome self and never seems to be afraid of making some bold tackles with confidence and strength.

Back in defence, Jess Lockwood, Jo Lee’s and myself fought hard to mark players and NOT the ball and Lois was fabulous at letting us know who was unmarked. Jo Lee’s made an awesome save on the post which made an impressive cracking noise as it deflected off her stick!!!

Our Captain Johanne Steward could be seen playing upfront and in defence and was another player who made one or two brave tackles in defence and clearing the ball wide.

Team spirit and camaraderie shone brighter than the February sunshine and the strong gusts of wind which swept relentlessly over the pitch stood no chance of blowing away our ‘dogged determination’.

We remain Strong and we remain the Awesome 8’s!

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East League, Men’s 2N
Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s v Magpies 3s:  2-1

Goalscorers:  Dan Rix x2
MOM: Dan Rix

First Half

•  The game began with end to end play
•  Some early chances for Dragons
•  Special mention to Ali Smyth’s improved manager’s attire
•  It was too easy to pass it to our own players…
•  Pedro Goss was a workhorse throughout the game
•  They scored a decent goal
•  Owen Tennant engaged sprinting – a rare and thunderous lumberous quelling of their forward
• We piled on pressure and a slick breakaway saw us score at half time…weeeeell almost, as the half time whistle was blown less than 2 seconds before we had the ball in the net (Cries of “Why!” could be heard echoing through the Harleston countryside )

Second half

•  Pete Dickerson pulled off some great saves
•  Jim Barker the enforcer commanded the anchor of our midfield, with a very tidy mid-air pick too
•  Rixy (Dan Rix) scored following some quick-thinking forward combination play
•  I set up Jim to take his glory but it wasn’t to be
•  Roman Cassidy had a great chance (swiiiiiiing…and a miss)
•  Bucky (Olly Buck) saved us on the line with a smart clearance
•  A solid debut from Kade Bond
•  a real battle of a game ensued as the points hung in the balance
•  In the last minutes of the game Rixy (putting aside some earlier chances) fired in a rocket from a short corner for the winner!

A real grind of a win but three points none the less…Rixy this week basks in the smooth buttery coconut glow of his man of the match upgrade!

East League, Men’s 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s v IES 3s:  1-2

Goalscorers:  Rupert Snelling
MOM:  Jason Wolfe

Men’s 2s narrowly lost 2-1 in a competitive game. We started the first half by playing some good flowing hockey all over the pitch, which saw us go 1-0 up through a drag flick from Rupert Snelling.  However, we couldn’t keep out 2 of IES’s short corners and finished the game 2-1 down.

MoM – Jason for a top performance playing at right back.

Goalscorers:  Jon Miles
MOM:  Ed Smith

Fantastic 1-0 win for NDHC Men’s 3s against IES 2s. Jon Miles with the goal from a short corner drag flick. MoM to Ed Smith for a great defensive performance (he even voted for himself cheeky).  Big 3 points, onto North Norfolk next week!

East League, Men’s 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s v IES 5s:  10-0

Goalscorers:  Greg Reynolds, Adrian Kemp x3,  Tommy Gale x3, Will Kirby x3
MOM:   Tommy Gale, Garnett Jones, Will Kirby

And it’s 3 hat tricks in 3 weeks for Will Kirby.

East League, Men’s 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s v  East Coast 2s:  3-1

Goalscorer:  Will Kidner x2, Tom Helfer
MOM:  Tom Helfer

Dev Girls A  v Dereham:  Dereham conceded

Goalscorers: 
MOM:

Dev Girls B  v Yarmouth:  0-1

Goalscorers: 
MOM:

Dev Boys A v 

Goalscorers: 
MOM:

This Week’s Results

East League,  Ladies 1N
Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v IES:  0-3

Ladies 1s lost 3-0 to IES 1s. A long high intensity game against a very good team. The first half was very slow.  Our decisions were not accurate and we needed to pick up the pace, which was seen at times in the second half, where we were more aggressive and moved the ball quicker. There were many defending short corners, most of which were successfully defended against. We are ready to take what we have learnt from this match into training and work on what needs to be improved. Player of the match went to Holly Setchell for her consistent hard tackles, and her aggressive attacking play.

East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s v Norwich Dragons 3s:  3-0

Goalscorers:  Georgia Rant, Shelly Seaman, Lucy Buxton
MOM:  Grace Kidner

Dragons 2’s with several people unavailable for different reasons welcomed Harriet Green, Lucy Buxton, Sophie Farrow and Piper Hempsall into their team. They were also pleased to see Georgia Rant finally arrive just before the start of the game via Taverham, even though her sister Harriet Rant, who was playing for the 3’s, manged to get to the correct pitch on time!!

Inter-club games are never easy but this was a good game played in the right spirit. The first goal came from a strong shot from Hannah Hardy which was well blocked by the 3’s. However Lucy Buxton who was in a great position was first to the ball and fired it into the goal from a narrow angle. This gave Dragons 2’s the lead and they went into half time 1-0 up.

In the second half Dragon 2’s started to apply a bit more pressure. The second goal was again assisted by Hannah Hardy who saw Shelly Seaman in a great space and slipped the ball to her. Shelly Seaman took her chance and from a acute angle fired it towards the goal, giving the keeper little chance, to make it 2-0. The third and final goal came from a lovely ball across the pitch from Grace Kidner to Harriet Green. Harriet Green then fired the ball into the D and found Georgia Rant on the P spot who deflected it skilfully into the goal to make it 3-0 to Dragon 2’s.

Player of the match for Dragons 2’s went to Grace Kidner who played LB for the first time and had a great game. Donkey of the Day went to Georgia Rant for thinking Dragons 2’s would be playing Dragons 3’s at Taverham. 

East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s v Norwich Dragons 2s:  0-3

MOM:  Harriet Rant

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s v Pelicans 2s:  4-3

Goalscorers:  Lisa Harwood, Niamh Somers, Amy Forse x2
MOM:   Gill Walker

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s v Watton 2s:  0-4

MOM:  Louise Brooks

Dragons 5s played Watton 2s away and lost 4-0. First half we had two unlucky goals scored against us, and one good goal. Dragons had some excellent chances but just missed the target. Second half Dragons found their form and were much better, but still failed to score and Watton scored on a break to end the match 4-0. Watton played well, we had some good chances. Looking forward to the next match… 

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s v Beccles 3-4

Goalscorers:  Adelice Stanley x2, Mia McGhee
MOM:  Mae Clarke

It was a level game between the two teams, we went out strong and Mia McGhee got in there early to bring us 1:0 up. Unfortunately a couple of decent short corners and some nice runs down the middle by them made the score look slightly less attractive towards the half time whistle. A slighly scrappy goal by myself (Adelice Stanley)  brought us back into the game and we went into the break 2:4 down. The second half saw a much stronger Dragons team, we had some lovely passing play, particularly in mid and used the final minute to score another even scrappier goal (me again). But alas it was not quite enough in the end. Man of the match was very spread but Mae stole it in the end for a fantastic game at top of the diamond. Onwards and upwards as always 6s!!

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 2
Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s v UEA 3s:  104

Goalscorer:   Brittany Hopkins
MOM:  Maisie Dearmer

Ladies 7s had a strong start against UEA 3s, Dragons scoring first with straight strike at a short corner from me. UEA responded almost immediately, converting a penalty flick after a stunning goal line save by my thigh (sorry Nola 🥴). UEA then put the match to bed with a further 3 goals, leaving us with a final score of 1-4.

MoM to Maisie Dearmer for some beautiful runs down the right despite being definitely quite ill…with Lucy Courtier a close second!

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 3
Norwich Dragons Ladies 8s  v UEA 4s:  0-4

MOM:  Rosie Tarleton

This was a really gutsy performance by the 8s. We are now well into the second half of the season and the 8s are giving it everything they’ve got in order to improve their standard of hockey – without losing the great team spirit and friendship that has hallmarked their performances.

So with high availability for once, the captains went for the bold step of selecting just 13 players in order to help with making the best use of the subs. In the past, using more players has not actually strengthened the team or enabled the less-experienced players to understand their positional roles. There is also a new focus on attending training, which has been so beneficial since Christmas. On Wednesday the players were trying new skills and discussing solutions to hockey problems. Before the match, the team planned how they would put training into action. 

In the early stages, the plan worked. Kristina Smyth always puts up an outstanding performance  when she plays in goal for the 8s, and part of the benefit of using her experience is the way in which she guides the defenders in front of her. Emma Young is improving every week with her clearances and marking. Jess Lockwood and Jo Lees are always solid and in the first half Rosie Tarleton and Karen Davidson shared the holding role, and linked well with mids.

A brave but perhaps misdirected attempted to stop a high ball opened the scoring for the Us, but after that the defenders learned to focus on making the tackles and letting Kristina stop the shots. The students were fast in the outfield and clever about passing the ball in the circle. This tested the ability of the defenders to keep on their marks, and led to a certain amount of scrambling and a lot of penalty corners.  Well done to Jess, Emma, Jo, Rosie and Nic Harrison for holding firm – and to Karen  for knowing when she had to come back to defend. During the frantic spell, Kristina saved a penalty flick.

Ellie O’Kane was back after a few weeks absence, and began to make an impression in midfield. She showed a willingness to run the length of the pitch with any opponent on a raid, and her jab tackling improved throughout the game. Kaia Peris has also not played many games, but showed some very nice touches – and some even nicer determination when tackling. Louise Crouch-Read is another player making an increasingly positive contribution.

Possibly the skill difference between UEA and the 8s was the visitors’ ability to be first to the ball and to show greater speed and stamina as the match progressed. This made life very hard for the forwards, mainly Johanne Steward and Ceris Burgues who had to create their own opportunities. Ceris formed useful partnerships with Ellie and Kaia. This was her last match for Dragons, and we hope it was memorable for many positive reasons.

Towards the end of the second half, Dragons defence faded in stamina but not in spirit. Some players are still recovering from virus and injuries, and this was a step up on last week’s performance. Dropping Bridget Le Good back to bottom of the diamond gave Dragons a bit more welly in getting the ball out of defence, and also released Rosie to play a more creative role. For her tenacious tackling in defence, accurate passing and determined running in attack, Rosie was voted player of the match.

Once again, there is a lot the 8s can take from this match. Their heads never dropped, they worked hard at moving the ball around, and they encouraged each other. Typically, even other members of the squad turned up to support. Come on 8s!

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East League, Men’s 2N
Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s v Kettering 1s:  0-2

MOM: 

East League, Men’s 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s v Norwich Dragons Men’s 3s:  2-2

Goalscorers:   Joe Flatt, Eddie Gould
MOM:  

East League, Men’s 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 3s v Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s:  2-2

Goalscorers:  Jon Miles, Charlie Creasy
MOM: Stuart Kelly

David and goliath. The tortoise and the hare. Norwich City vs. Man City. These are all stories of incredible underdog performances and today witnessed a new tale for the history books. Listen closely fellow readers as I recount the story of the men’s 2s vs. 3s.

Picture the scene, a brisk Saturday afternoon fourteen men, nay, heroes gathered together at the Den to face off in the ever epic NDHC derby between the 2s and 3s. These heroes knew they faced an uphill battle against the odds, outnumbered and out gunned but were they scared NO! There were butterflies in the stomach and nervous toilet trips of course, but not for one minute did the plucky 3s feel unready for this mammoth task. And so, after the long wait, the game finally begun with the blow of the whistle and you could feel the pantheon watching from above for what promised to be a fantastic, feisty and frantic game of hockey.

The first half saw some excellent interplay between Kit Scott, AJ Edwards and Jon Miles upfront with numerous chances just missing wide of the target or flying past the back post untouched with the 2s sitting deep and inviting pressure, pressure we gave. After 15 of so minutes disaster struck. A quick free hit saw a ball enter the D where a 2s striker turned and found the bottom corner with a good reverse stick finish. The 3s responded with more liquid hockey and some beautiful passing plays but were thwarted by the 2s keeper. All over the pitch we saw stick tackles and desperate challenges and the 2s struggled to keep up the pace and beauty of the 3s play, a sign the away side took of respect but none the less disruptive to our Barcelona-esque tactics. Despite all of this pressure the underdogs saw themselves down 2-0 just before the half when a crash ball found its way to Eddie Gould who fabulously (and fortuitously) deflected the ball into the top corner.

You would think at half time our plucky protagonists would be dismayed, 2-0 down but once again my dear reader you would be wrong. With all the chances and beautiful play we knew more chances would come our way and if we kept playing how we were then the goals would come. Captain fantastic gave a rousing team talk (think “Once more into the breach, dear friends…”, “We shall fight them on the beaches…” etc) and distributed the liquorice all sorts (a debatable choice this week) before once again sending his band of merry men out to undertake the impossible.

The second half saw a change in fortune for our fellows with the ticky tacky hockey leading to Charlie Creasey slotting a beautiful finish into the bottom corner to bring the 3s back into the game. Seeing the opponents on the ropes saw our underdogs change tactics (The “going for it” method) throwing caution to the wind and going for the jugular. A scrap in the opposition D saw a goal line clearance using an illegal body part leading to a penalty flick being given and the ice man himself, Jon Miles, stepped up to guide the ball into the corner, the stands erupting in celebration, the fans going wild and we even heard a small squeak of joy from the often-taciturn Stu Kelly. The final 5 minutes saw the biggest backs against the wall defensive performance ever witnessed with every single member of the 3s putting everything on the line to ensure the precious point was kept including a gift from the gods as an uncleared save from keeper extraordinaire Tom McLean saw Eddie Gould hit the post with the follow up.

After what seemed an age the umpires blew for full time and the comeback was complete, they’d done it! A 2-2 draw, feeling like a victory and I believe everyone player on the pitch will agree the most enjoyable derby game in a long long time. A few special mentions are needed with an unnervingly good performance from Stu Kelly earning the MoM award and DoD going to John Ives for falling off his chair whilst reaching for a slice of pizza, I won’t mention his height but it probably played a part.

Shout out to the 2s for being a fantastic opposition and giving us a game that will be fondly remembered for both teams I hope, a really really enjoyable derby (even ignoring the score).

East League, Men’s 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s v Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s:  4-1

Goalscorers:  Will Kirby x3,  Bobby Sheppard
MOM:   Robin Clarke

The game started pretty even as both sides found openings. Eventually Dragons 4ths found Kirby in space on the left post who’s shot was deflected in off the keeper. With a goal up the game remained open with both sides pressing well. Another was added by Kirby before half time to ensure Dragons 4ths felt a bit more comfortable.The second half opened up but the end result was put beyond doubt by Kirby completing his second hattrick in two games. Kirby then set up Bobby Sheppard for the 4th. Dragons 5ths didn’t stop at any point though and finally got one past Chris Millar with Will Kidner slotting home. Good game had by all and thanks to Pat and Sharpie for umpiring. Men’s 4ths man of the match to the engine room performance from Robin Clarke.

East League, Men’s 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s v Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s:  1-4

Goalscorer:  Will Kidner
MOM:  Matt Armstrong

Dev Girls A  

Dev Girls B  v East Coast:  7-2

Goalscorers:
MOM:  

Dev Boys A v 

MOM:   Theo Demetriou

This Week’s Results

East League,  Ladies 1N
Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v Wisbech 1s:   P-P

East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s v Christchurch 1s:  3-0

Goalscorers:  Hannah Ellis, Maddy Reynolds, Georgie Manly
MOM:  Shelly Seaman

The game started a bit slowly with Norwich Dragons giving the ball away too easily and putting themselves under unnecessary pressure. Dragons still had plenty of chances but were struggling to take advantage of them. Finally about halfway through the first half the ball fell to Maddy Reynolds who quickly took advantage of this and calmly slammed the ball into the goal to make it 1-0 to Dragons.

At half time Dragons coach Pete Thomas made it clear that we needed to step it up and play better hockey, something none of us could argue with! 

With his words ringing in our ears Dragons started to play much better hockey and take control of the game. Under pressure Christchurch started to give away short corners, but the Christchurch keeper made some excellent saves keeping the score at 1-0. Finally though the pressure paid off. The ball was put out at speed by Hannah Ellis, smartly stopped by Karen O’Neill-Simpson and struck hard by Gail Thomas, again the keeper made a great save. However the ball was then jumped on by Hannah Ellis and a Christchurch defender and a battle of strength began cms from the goal line which Hannah Ellis won to make it 2-0. Dragons were now playing much better hockey and put the game to bed with a lovely run from Grace Kidner who passed the ball at speed to Georgie Manly who slotted it home to make it 3-0. As usual the votes for player of the match were really spread with Shelly Seaman just pipping Mia Bartram and Grace Kidner to it.

Not Dragons best game ever but they were pleased to take 3 point, to score 3 goals and to keep a clean sheet.

East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s v Magpies 3s:  0-6

MOM:  Piper Hempsall

Ladies 3s suffered a 6-0 defeat against a very skillful, quick and well drilled Magpies squad. Some great moments of play from us with everyone on the pitch giving 100% effort but it unfortunately wasn’t enough. Special mention to Mia Somers for some awesome saves and great talking from the back line. POM goes to Piper Hempsall for relentless play down the wings – On to the next!

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s v Diss:  5-0

Goalscorers:  Amy Forse x2, Nicola Cage Brimelow x2, Niamh Somers
MOM:   Mia Somers

Ladies 4’s won 5-0 against Diss. Slow start into the game with the first goal coming about 15 mins into the game from Amy Forse, Nicola Cage Brimelow x2, Niamh Somers and then Amy with a second goal. We kept up the momentum throughout the game and kept fighting. Some great hockey girls!!! Pom Niamh Somers!!! 

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s v East Coast 3s:  4-0

Goalscorers:  Katie Lister, Gemma Ballard, Lara King x2
MOM:  Lara King 

Ladies 5s win 4-0 against East Coast. We were a little slow to get started but had a few shots on goal which we were unable to convert. Our first goal came from a top of the D hit from Lara King. The opposition then levelled the score from a lovely short corner. We then decided we would go up a gear & goal number 2 came from a short corner received at the top & slipped to Katie Lister on the left who got the ball in the back of the net. Third goal again from Lara at the top of the D. Goal number 4 was a lovely run down the right from Katie to Mary Bowles into Liz McDonnell & then tapped in by Gemma Ballard at the left post. Well played everyone. Thank you Anita Mancini and Will Kirby for your sideline guidance & management. MOM Lara.

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s v Watton 2s:  5-1

Goalscorer:  Mimi Rutterford
MOM:  Mimi Rutterford

Despite mostly dominating the first half, and still holding well in the second, Ladies 6s went down to Watton 2s a slightly painful 5 – 1 (painful to our pride and injuries sustained)
The solitary goal was scored by Mimi Rutterford, who also won player of the match (most deservedly). This one goal was a cracker, lifted slightly past a defender and the goalie, into the net. The crowds (all five dragons supporters) went wild. Hope renewed, but soon dashed.The details escape me, but Watton scored three in rather quick succession.
Despite the lack lustre outcome, there was some right good hockey played.
Yet again, the rally cry of the sixes is heard “onwards and upwards!”
Injuries sustained in order of severity: Emma Dyer maybe broke a finger, I took a minor blow to the head, and Georgia Heaton was icing her leg but I’m not sure why.
Massive thanks to Pat for yelling at us from the side lines.

Goalscorer:   Lara Nuthall
MOM:  Hattie Stuart

Ladies 7s lost 4:1 to Broadland 3. Goal by Lara Nuthall. POM Hattie Stuart. We battled hard with only 10 players and Broadland certainly didn’t have an easy time. Heads up ladies!

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 3
Norwich Dragons Ladies 8s  v Magpies 8s:  0-17

MOM:  Lucy Courtier

Ladies 8’s took on Magpies 8’s away in Harleston and despite a cricket score style result! (not in our favour sadly) I might add! We played some amazing hockey, showing grit and determination and never more so than in the second half.We lost 17-0 but did not go down without fighting back. The team spirit was flying higher than any magpie could ever possibly wish to reach and as our captain Jess Lockwood said there were times in the match that any spectator walking passed and watching for five minutes would no doubt be surprised at the score!POM went to Lucy Courtier who was joining us from Dev’s in her debut appearance for the 8’s and we were very happy to have her onboard. She played some excellent hockey with the ‘dogged determination’ we all embrace as a team.Lucy picked the ball up on the right wing and glided effortlessly up the pitch, she was an awesome player to watch and a very welcome addition.Lucy and Bridget Le Good soon picked up an excellent rapport and between them devised a plan which had Bridget keeping the ball and then passing out wide back to Lucy who having found space picked it up and sped off! Nola Mitchell was a absolute legend as Goalie and made numerous, incredible saves and without her competence, bravery and again ‘dogged determination!’ the score would have been considerably enhanced for Magpies. She never gave up and was a pleasure to have on the pitch with us.Karen Davidson was top of the diamond and played brilliantly showing her speed, skill, and yes! you guessed it ‘dogged determination’! which she carried every minute of the match and most importantly she never gives up!Jess in defence made some spectacular tackles allowing Nola a brief reprieve as did Jo Lee’s.Hettie McClean dropped back to Defence in the second half and was soon making some bold tackles which was fantastic.Louise Crouch-Reed picked up some great balls playing as left forward as did Johanne Steward in Center Forward. Nic Harrison was her usual fast and reliable self as Left Mid. We also used the width of the pitch brilliantly, just as we had practiced on Wednesday night training and it worked an absolute treat!!! 

The coaches would have been proud!!!!

We remain Strong and most importantly We remain The Awesome 8’s!!!!! 

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East League, Men’s 2N
Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s v UEA 1s:  1-1

Goalscorer:   Jack Hallworth
MOM:  Peter Dickerson

The sun shone in the biting cold at UEA as the students attempted to extend their recent impressive league form – today scuppered by an energetic and resolute Dragons display.

Lively from the start, UEA took the lead through a low-driven short corner. Not to be down for long, some explosive link-up play down the left wing between Pedro Goss and Sean Orton saw Jack Hallworth finish exquisitely!

UEA pushed into the game with many, many short corners however could not finish, and  Dan Rix spurning a good chance just wide.

Honours even – thanks mainly to the monstrously elegant display by captain Pete Dickerson in goal – he takes home the coconut gel 

East League, Men’s 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s v Newmarket 1s:  0-4

MOM:  Dim Ives

Mens 2s lose 4-0 to a strong Newmarket side. Some good play and chances to score, but beaten by a better side on the day. Man of the match goes to Dim Ives for keeping the score lower than the home fixture with some fantastic low saves (although kicking the ball directly in to my privates was less fantastic..). DoD to Isaac for keeping us waiting at Goals for 30 minutes while actually being in a car already half way to the pitch.

East League, Men’s 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 3s v UEA 2s:  0-2

MOM: Rob Goodson

A tough game against what seemed like a squad of 20 UEA 2s players ended in a 0-2 defeat for the Men’s 3s. With most of the game being played in midfield the dilapidated home team put up a great fight but two not-so-clever moments leave the 3s thinking what could have been.

Many positives to take from the game including a great debut for Tommy Gale in tough conditions and another stellar performance for Rob Goodson garnering MoM! DoD goes to Will Main who seem to spend half the game on his arse. Suggestions for correcting the range from new footwear to getting personal running lessons from Will “the gazelle” Kirby.

With many players returning for next week’s epic against NDHC 2s we aim to return to winning ways.

East League, Men’s 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s v Magpies 5s:  4-0

Goalscorers:  Will Kirby x3, Jamie Allsop
MOM:  Will Kirby, Alberto Embarba

A tight first half drew saves from both keepers as the game ebbed and flowed. Dragons managed to break the deadlock first with a Will Kirby strike but Harleston didn’t back down. Using their subs well Dragons finally found more chances and Kirby added another two good finishes. With the game open Dragons ran harder in the last quarter and Jamie Allsop added a good 4th before the end. A good game and competitive til the end.

Man of Match was tied between the goal machine Kirby and the midfield general Alberto Embarba.

East League, Men’s 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s v Newmarket 2s:  5-2

Goalscorers:  Josh Bingham, Tom Helfer, Will Kidner x2, Ross Barnshaw
MOM:  Will Kidner

Dev Girls A  

Dev Girls B 

Dev Boys A v Dereham:  2-0

Goalscorers:  Aryton Rant, Will Sexton
MOM:  Will Sexton, Rahul Kaushal

The match started fairly even between both teams. Us and the opposition had some great chances but didn’t quite manage to put anything in the goal. Some good passes were made but what we lacked was enough urgency to get the ball and the game seemed a bit relaxed in the first quarter.

Dev Boys B v East Coast:  2-3

Goalscorers: Louis Bolton Smith x2
MOM:   Tommy Cahir, James Hollis

After a late start to the game, we all were passing the ball wide and we had a few chances. We had a short corner in the middle of the first quarter, but it was well defended by East Coast. Nearing the end of the first quarter East Coast made a breakthrough and passed through our defence and scored. Going into the second quarter, Tommy Cahir is off with the ball racing down the wing and passes it to Louis Boulton-Smith, he controls it and puts it bottom left corner. East Coast have a couple of shots on goal, but they go wide. Then Archie Griegg has the ball on the right wing and passes it through to Louis Boulton-Smith, who pushes it past the keeper, its 2-1 at half time. In the third quarter we have a short corner, but it’s well defended by EC. Getting near to the end of the third quarter EC coast get a goal just past the reach of Patrick O’Rourke in goal.  Then it came to the last quarter, we had to get a goal to win. We were all passing it well, both teams had some good chances. James Hollis did some great defending at the back, controlling the back 3. Then just when we coming to the end, there’s a stumble at the back it looked like it hit an EC players foot but the umpire carried on and it went left bottom corner. It was the end of the game, both teams played well, and we all worked and played amazing. Final score was 3-2, to East Coast. POM James Hollis and Tommy Cahir.

Final result – 3-2 to East Coast.

This Week’s Results

East League,  Ladies 1N
Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v Colchester 1s:  4-1 

Goalscorers:  Holly Setchell x2, Harriet Green, Kate McKenna
MOM:  Sophie Thomas

Ladies 1s beat Colchester 1s 4-1. A good first game after Christmas, preparing the team to step up the tempo. There were brilliant transfers round the back, effective use of triangles and game management was good. The first 10 minutes was a bit slow, however after we picked up the pace and went out and smashed it! The first goal was scored by Holly Setchell after a fantastically worked short corner. After stretching Colchester and hitting them on the break, the second goal came from a wonderful reverse flick into the corner by Harriet Green after a hit in from Sophie Barrow. The third goal came from Holly Setchell again after multiple deflections, and the fourth goal was from Kate McKenna after an assist from Alex Daplyn. The opposition goal was a straight strike into the left corner of the goal from a short corner. Overall, a very good cohesive performance where everyone worked as a unit. Player of the match went to Sophie Thomas for her composure on the ball, amazing defensive work and fighting spirit.

East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s v Ipswich 2s:  1-3

Goalscorer:  Grace Kidner
MOM:  Jillian Christie, Stella Windsor Waite

The game started at a fast pace with Norwich Dragons 2’s determined to close their opponents down and not give them time on the ball. There was a lot of good play from both teams but Norwich Dragons 2’s work rate was giving them the edge and they started to control play. Hannah Hardy, Gail Thomas, Grace Kidner and Sophie Farrow were wining the battle in midfield and providing some great balls forward. Any Ipswich attacks were cut out by Hannah Ellis and Shelly Seaman who were protecting the middle well. Ally Windsor-Waite and Georgia Rant were working hard up front and Norwich Dragons 2’s were unlucky to go into halftime at 0-0.

As expected Ipswich started the second half all guns blazing. On numerous occasions Karen O’Neill-Simpson, Esme Potter and Stella Windsor-Waite found themselves outnumbered as Ipswich drove forward on mass. Even with some good defending and some great saves from Jillian Christie, Norwich Dragons 2’s unfortunately found themselves 3-0 down within 15 minutes of the re-start. However Norwich Dragons 2’s didn’t give up and started to work their way back into the game, earning themselves a short corner. The ball was put out by Hannah Ellis and well stopped by Esme Potter. Gail Thomas then slipped it to Ally Windsor-Waite, who found Grace Kidner, who calmly slotted the ball into the goal, exactly as we had practiced in trainiing!!! Norwich Dragons 2’s continued to pressure the Ipswich goal, back on top of the game, but unfortunately ran out of time as the final whistle went.

A great team effort from Norwich Dragons 2’s who have made great progress since September and are excited for the rest of the season. There were several players who got votes for Player of the match but it was shared between Jillian Christie and Stella Windsor-Waite. 

East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s v Norwich City 2s:  1-5

Goalscorer:  Lilli Ballard
MOM:  Beth Prakash

Ladies 3’s took on the tough Norwich city 2’s today. A slow start saw us 2-0 down, but a great goal from a short from Lilli Ballard got us one back. Half time ended at 3-1 and despite much better play in the second half we were unable to better the score. The game unfortunately ended 5-1 but there were signs of great play which will hopefully lead to a better score next week 👍🏼😊 pom to Beth Prakash!

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s v Reepham:  4-3

Goalscorers:  Amy Forse, Nathalie Crisp, Lisa Harwood, Nicola Cage-Brimelow
MOM:   Katherine Hardwick

Smashing game in the sunshine for Ladies 4s vs Reepham.  A battle from start to finish. New formation working well with lots of opportunities to score – resulting in a 4-3 win. Goals from Nic Cage, Nathalie Crisp, Lisa Harwood and Amy Forse .  2 goals from shorts (thanks for the help and advice Pete Thomas). POM to Katherine Hardwick for some sound attacking defence. 6 points from 2 games makes a great start to 2020!

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s v Carrow:  0-4

MOM:  Lara King, Lizzie Costello

We started off the game with good play from both teams. We each had opportunities and from a 16 they unfortunately smacked it past our defence, there was good play in the D resulting in a goal and 2 goals were from well-drilled short corners.  Well played everyone

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s v Magpies 5s:  1-12

Goalscorer:  Adelice Stanley
MOM:  Emma North

Ladies 6s took on top of the league Magpies 5s. We always knew it was going to be a tough game and we went out there with a smile and buckets of enthusiasm. We fought hard and kept the score low for a significant part of the first half, even scoring a goal (yes everybody, we scored a goal against magpies 5s!!!). Unfortunately as time went on the Magpies got stronger and eventually went on to win quite clearly…final score 1:12…oh well!
Man of the match goes to Emma North for a cracking game in goal. And HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Freya!!!

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 2
Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s v Thetford:  2-1

Goalscorers:  Claire Fairhurst, Lara Nuthall
MOM:  Paige Fisher

Well done to the 7’s who played Thetford today with a winning score of 2-1. It was a strong game on both sides with Dragons making a great comeback from an 11 nil loss at the start of the season. Well done to Claire and Lara for scoring the goals and congratulations to Paige getting WOM. Thank you to Des and the umpires for a great match and start to the season.

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 3
Norwich Dragons Ladies 8s – no fixture

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East League, Men’s 2N
Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s v City of Peterborough 3s:  2-2

Goalscorers:  Dan Rix, Jack Hallworth
MOM:  Jim Barker

East League, Men’s 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s v Norwich City 3s:  3-1

Goalscorers:  Chris Simmonds, Rupert Snelling, Isaac Diver-Hall
MOM:  Mark Walmsley

East League, Men’s 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 3s v Norwich City 4s:  5-1

Goalscorers:  Crossley Eccles, John Ives, Jon Miles, Kit Scott x2
MOM: Kit Scott

Mens 3s started their match away against NCHC 4s slowly (I blame too much Christmas spirit(s)) and went 1-0 down after 5 minutes but fought back and immediately responded with a beautiful back post finish from Crossley Eccles to even the scores. Then followed two wonderful goals from Kit Scott making an excellent debut and John Ives with his 4th of the season making it 1-4 at the half.

Second half saw dragons defending about a million (no exaggeration) short corners including a few spectacular diving stick saves from Captain Fantastic (Tom McLean) before John Miles put the game to bed with some sort of goal I didn’t see because it was far too windy to view the other end of the pitch. A fantastic start to 2020 and long may it continue… 

East League, Men’s 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s v Sudbury 3s:  2-0

Goalscorers:  Tommy Gale, Will Kirby
MOM:  Greg Reynolds

Both teams missed chances to score in the first half with a few more eluding Dragons. In the second half Dragons got the goal they needed at the end of a good move with Tommy Gale rolling the ball home. The game opened up and Dragons got a second from a strong shot by Will Kirby.  Sudbury kept fighting to the end but Dragons held them. Well done all with man of the match going to Greg Reynolds.

East League, Men’s 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s v Norwich Exiles 1s:  2-3

Goalscorers:  Tom Helfer, Dan Murphy
MOM:  Tom Bailey

Development Leagues

Dev Girls A  – no fixture

Dev Girls B v Pelicans:  2-1

Goalscorers:  Imogen Dolding x2
MOM:  Imogen Dolding

Dev Boys A v East Coast:  6-0

Goalscorers:  Oli Rudling x2, Rahul Kaushal, Monty Patel, Ayrton Rant, Dylan Bondi

Dev Boys B v Magpies:  1-5

Goalscorer: Theo Demetriou
MOM:   Theo Demetriou, Hector McNeill, James Hollis

This Week’s Results

East League,  Ladies 1N
Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s – no fixture

East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s – no fixture

East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s – no fixture

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s v Evergreens:   4-0

Goalscorers:  Catherine Matthews x2, Lillian Sore x2,
MOM:   Emma Merryweather

Ladies 4’s start the year off with a 4-0 win against Evergreens. 2-0 at half time with the opening goal from Catherine Matthews and the second from Lillian Sore.   We kept fighting in the second half knowing they could win the game back but we put in another two goals, first of the second half from Lillian Sore and the last goal from Catherine.  We had a green card against us and some challenging play but we kept up the high intensity and bagged ourselves yet another win! Pom Emma Merryweather for some excellent play!!!

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s v Magpies 5s:  2-2

Goalscorers:  Gemma Ballard x2
MOM:  Jillian Christie

First game back after all the Christmas and new year excesses! The 5s rolled down to the pitch and into a much needed warm up led by our ‘warm up Queen’ Lou!  We knew the game would be one of our toughest games against top of the table and unbeaten Magpies 5s, meaning we were very much the underdogs! We didn’t start well conceding a goal in the first 5 mins. It was a bit of a shock to the system! Think we had forgotten how to play hockey. None the less we stayed strong and started to find our rhythm. Play started to link well and our first goal game after a great passing move down the right between Lara King, Claire Stuart, Lizzie McDonnell and Gemma Ballard. Gem narrowly missed a second goal a few moments later. We continued to match Magpies who had a lot of chances but our keeper Jillian Christie was AMAZING! Lizzie has a goal disallowed too. The first half finished 1-1. Magpies started strong in the second half getting a second goal from a short corner move with just 10 mins to go. Hannah Edwards also made a great goal line clearance to keep us in the game. We pushed on with Anita Mancini winning a short corner. Lizzie’s straight strike led to us equalising through Gem!! We were very happy.  Final score 2-2. Great game by all. MOM to Jillian  for keeping us in the match. Lara (Carol) in second place! Looking forward to the Carrow game where we will all be feeling fitter and stronger!

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s v Evergreens:  

Goalscorers:  
MOM:  Lizzie Costello

The 6s continue to yo-yo between winning and losing, going down 7-0 to Dereham 3s.  Again, we hadn’t played as a team before, and Dereham wouldn’t let us settle, tackling as soon as we won the ball.
Still, the match tea was good.
POM goes to Lizzie Costello for her wonderful defending. Special mention to our goalie, Emma North,  who saved a hell of a lot more than went by her.

Chin up for next week ladies, a yo-yo must come back up!

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 2
Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s –  no fixture

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 3
Norwich Dragons Ladies 8s – no fixture

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East League, Men’s 2N
Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s –  no fixture

East League, Men’s 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s v IES 2s:  0-4

East League, Men’s 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 3s  – no fixture

East League, Men’s 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s – no fixture

East League, Men’s 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s – no fixture

Development Leagues

Dev Girls A  – no fixture

Dev Girls B – no fixture

Dev Boys A – no fixture

Dev Boys B v Magpies:  1-2

Goalscorer:  Vithu Baskaran
MOM:   George Wilson

On Saturday the boys dev B team suffered a close 2-1 loss to magpies.  They scored first from a short corner.  Vithu Baskaran equalised for us with a great strike.  Magpies then scored the winner when their winger was left unmarked during a rare Magpie attack.  Dragons had majority of the ball and played some good hockey but two excellent saves from the Magpies keeper prevented us equalising. After that, despite lots of effort, we failed to successfully work around the Magpies adult who defended resolutely. George Wilson was player of the match.

This Week’s Results

East League,  Ladies 1N
Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v Cambridge City 3s:  3-3

Goalscorers:    Sarah Jenkins x2, Liv Leary
MOM:   Sarah Jenkins

The Ladies 1s drew 3-3 with Cambridge City 3s.  Blood, sweat and tears as the team fought throughout the whole game – a determination that we haven’t seen in previous weeks.  Dragons scored the first goal from a brilliantly worked short corner. A one, two, to be smashed in by Sarah Jenkins. At half time it was 1-1; the opposition scored from a short corner just before the whistle went for the break. In the second half, we went 2-1 up after another fantastic short corner and another strike from Sarah Jenkins to be deflected off a defender’s stick. The third goal came from a lovely drive to the base line by Lucy Morton who played it in to Liv Leary to hit in. Another two goals were scored by the opposition, the 2nd from open play on the break, and the 3rd from another short corner. A great game where all 50/50 balls were ours and, solid but dynamic defending. Great work from everyone. Player of the match went to Sarah Jenkins for her amazing goals and work upfront – well deserved.

East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s – no fixture

East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s – no fixture

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s v Norwich City 4s:  0-1

MOM:  Katherine Hardwick

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s – no fixture

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s v Magpies 6s:  5-1

Goalscorers:  Adelice Stanley x3, Gemma Ballard x2
MOM:  Hatty Harrison-Mobbs

Ladies 6s go out strong and positive on a cold and breezy morning in the fields of Harleston to take on the Magpies 6s. We started on a high with 3 goals in quick succession by Adelice Stanley, which surprised both them and us if we are quite honest. Things calmed down a bit and the Magpies stole one back before half time. A rainy but sweets-filled half time talk later and we were back on form, for Gemma Ballard to score another two in the second half. Lots of fantastic play all round, with Hatty Harrison Mobbs stealing that MoM in the end. Final score 5:1, a great result to go into the (short) break with. Have a wonderful Christmas everyone!!

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 2
Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s v Norwich City 6s:  2-1  FRIENDLY

Goalscorers:  Brittany Hopkins, Paige Fisher
MOM:  Mia Norris

Ladies 7s beat City 6s 2:1 in a friendly. Great game with dragons dominating. Cracking goals by Paige Fisher and Brittany Hopkins. Paige then received a ball to the wrist putting an end to her game. POM Mia Norris in her first adult game. Special mention to Ella Peart too as it was also her first adult match came 2nd in POM votes. 

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 3
Norwich Dragons Ladies 8s v Norwich City 7s:  0-1

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East League, Men’s 2N
Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s –  no fixture

East League, Men’s 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s – no fixture

East League, Men’s 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 3s  – no fixture

East League, Men’s 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s – no fixture

East League, Men’s 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s v Pelicans :  0-4

Development Leagues

Dev Girls A  v Norwich City:  1-6

Goalscorer:  
MOM:

Dev Girls B – no fixture

Dev Boys A v Magpies:  1-1

Goalscorer:  Vithu Baskaran
MOM:  Varun Naik

Dev Boys B – no fixture

This Week’s Results

East League,  Ladies 1N
Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v Bury St Edmunds 1s:  0-3

MOM:  Carmel Windsor Waite, Sarah Jenkins

After a week off due to last week’s weather cancellations Ladies 1s played Bury St Edmunds 1s at home. Dragons lacked some intensity in the 1st half and Bury were able to capitalise on a couple of our mistakes. A rousing half time talk from our captain gave us more fire in the 2nd half but sadly not enough to turn the game around, ending 3-0 to Bury. PoM joint between the dynamic defensive duo of Sarah Jenkins and Carmel Windsor Waite.

East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s v UEA 1s:  1-7

Goalscorer:  Nat Beal
MOM:  Shelly Seaman

With availability issues across the Ladies Club, Dragons fielded a squad of 12 against much healthier looking numbers for UEA!

The game started evenly, with both teams having spells of possession but lacking composure in the final ball. Dragons were first to break the deadlock, a fine run down the right by Georgie Manly saw the ball crossed into the D, Gail Thomas has a good strike saved but Nat Beal was there to finish off on the rebound.

Dragons almost had a 2nd through an excellent Hannah Ellis strike from the top of the D, but unfortunately it glanced off a Dragons foot on the way to goal, meaning the strike was disallowed.

Dragons were holding the game although UEA were starting to get more into it – they earned a penalty flick, which Dragons keeper Jillian Christie saved smartly to her right. An injury to influential defender Esme Potter saw Dragons lose their shape a little, as they struggled to adjust just before half time. In this spell UEA capitalised scoring 2 quick goals to turn the tie going into the break.

2nd half the game changed completely with UEA dominating the attacking play and scoring some excellent goals. The speed and fluency of their play combined with their all round ball pace meant Dragons were somewhat outplayed in this half. 5 goals for UEA saw the game finishing with a convincing victory for a team who on the day, played some very strong hockey.

Dragons need to take this on the chin, rebuild and come back stronger in the new year. Some good displays notably from Georgie Manly and Shelly Seaman with Shelly taking PoM.

East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s v Yarmouth 1s:  0-3

MOM:  Kristina Smyth, Catherine Matthews

3’s lose 3-0 to a tough Yarmouth team. 2 goals half way through the first half  meant Dragons needed to really rally at half time.  We started strongly in the second half and had some great play with numerous opportunities and more of the possession but a few harsh injuries and an unstoppable short corner hit from Yarmouth sealed their lead. Score doesn’t reflect the hard work and great team play of the 3’s.

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s v Magpies 4s:  1-4

Goalscorer:  Amy Forse
MOM:  Jen Buskell, Sarah Wagstaff, Amy Forse

Ladies 4’s lost 4-1 to a good Harleston side. Goal scored by  Amy Forse. Our good play was good enough but there wasn’t enough of it. Thanks to coach Lynn Price! POM three ways Amy Forse, Jen Buskell and Sarah Wagstaff but in typical 4’s fashion the votes were spread across 7 players.

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s v Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s:  10-0

Goalscorers:  Gemma Ballard x4, Lizzy McDonnell x3, Anita Mancini x2, Hatty Harrison Mobbs
MOM: Gemma Ballard

Dragons 5s vs Dragons 6s – always a difficult game to play. Both teams came out fighting.  End to end play, Gina Hunt was fantastic keeping a clean sheet for us. However by half time the 5s were up 5-0.  The 6s came out strongly at the beginning of the second half, but when the 5s managed to get another goal they then dominated the last few minutes. Great play by both teams, lots of short corners on both side and near misses.

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s v Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s:  0-10

MOM:  Karen Davidson

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 2
Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s – no fixture

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 3
Norwich Dragons Ladies 8s v – no fixture

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East League, Men’s 2N
Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s v Dereham 2s:  2-2

Goalscorers:  Jack Hallworth, Dan Rix
MOM: Peter Dickerson

A patchy grey afternoon in Norfolk’s forgotten wilderness witnessed a frustrating, confusing, and battling performance.

It was one of those games…couldn’t get our game firing on all cylinders and tackling a persistent long-ball game against us …we stuck at it with effort, guile, and vigour.

First half – happened.

Second half – Conceding the first goal to a penalty-flick we rallied and Jack Hallworth rifled a beautifully orchestrated short-corner drag-flick routine into the roof of the net.
After controlling some impressive phases of play we found ourselves behind once again to a good Dereham short-corner routine. It was tense. The massing local crowds were biting their clenched fists in anticipation of a fairytale win, and believed this day to be the fateful giant-killing moment…all before Dan Rix, the dream breaker, pounced in the very final second to torpedo a leveller from the angle into top bins!

East League, Men’s 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s v North Norfolk 1s:  0-5

MOM:  Rob Goodson

This morning Men’s 3s faced a much changed and strong Bury 2s who were coming off some big wins. Dragons got off to a strong start with Jon Miles narrowly missing a beautiful drag flick just past the post. It was a fairly even and open first half but ended goalless.

Second half saw a change with Bury being well on top but Dragons held strong for 35 minutes to come away with a much deserved and welcome point.
Onto the Christmas meal!

Man of the match goes to Rob Goodson for some fantastic midfield play and being pivotal for the clean sheet.

Goalscorer:  Jason Wolfe
MOM:  Greg Reynolds

Men’s 4s lost 2-1 away to Bury St Edmunds 5s.  Dragons were strong throughout and constantly on the attack. Everyone played well in all parts of the pitch except for in front of goal. Everyone had their fair share of fluffed shots so blame was shared equally between the lads.

Our only goal came from Jason Wolfe, who took advantage of a perfectly stopped ball on a short to give dragons hope in the second half.

MOTM was awarded to Greg Reynolds in order to ‘mix things up’ from the usual MOTM picks. Shoutouts to Tommy Gales, Bobby Shepard and Arj P for their usual performances. Alberto’s defensive debut was deemed a moderate success by the lads.

East League, Men’s 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s v Bury St Edmunds 4s:  0-1

East League, Men’s 5NE(N)
Norwich Dragons Men’s 6s v  Norfolk Nomads 1s:  0-4

Development Leagues

Dev Girls A  v Watton:  5-0

Goalscorers:  Mia Rutterford x2, Lucy Courtier, Ivy Hodds, Hannah Shepperson
MOM:

Dev Girls B v Dereham:  3-1

Goalscorers:  Libby Ong, India Bunn, Caitlyn Hernon
MOM:  Libby Ong

Dev Boys A v Norwich City:  4-1

Goalscorers:  Monty Patel, Rahul Kaushal, Hector McNeil, Tom Clifton
MOM:  Hector McNeil, Tom Clifton

The Dragons had a fantastic start to the game with the first goal coming within two minutes of the starting whistle.  Moments earlier the team had stood with only ten men but not only did Hector McNeill arrive with seconds to spare he scored with lightening speed.

Norwich City were not phased by this coming back strong and moments later we saw their equaliser.

Both teams fought on for the rest of this quarter but with the Dragons stronger up front.

The second quarter was a battle between both sides. From a short corner hit by Will Sexton, the ball was deflected by one of their defenders, past the keeper, and hit the backboard. But for some unknown reason the goal was disallowed.

This made us more determined and we went on to score once again. (scored by Monty Patel)

By the third quarter we were dominant but only leading 2-1. The team talk brought confidence resulting in the Dragons third goal moments after the play began. (scored by Rahul Kaushal)  City had their fair amount of chances but our defence was very solid.

The weather was bitterly cold as we hit the fourth quarter but both teams fought on. The forwards had a decent press again with many attempts at goal with Tom Clifton scoring the final of this four goal win. The opposition were still trying to get goals but the defence made sure they wouldn’t let that happen.

 Player of the match shared between Hector and Tom Clifton

Dev Boys B v Watton:  7-0

Goalscorers:  Zac McEwan, Louis Bolton Smith x2, Monty Patel, Theo Demetriou x2, Ayrton Rant
MOM:  Theo Demetriou

This Week’s Results

East League,  Ladies 1N
Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v Cambridge City 3s:  P-P

East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s v Watton 1s:  4-3

Goalscorers:  Maddy Reynolds x2, Nat Beal x2
MOM:  Maddy Reynolds

East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s v Broadland 1s:  3-1

Goalscorers:  Beth Prakash, Jenna Mills x2
MOM:  Jenna Mills

Ladies 3s get their first win of the season away to Broadland 1s!  HT 0-0 but some excellent play and Dragons came out fighting for the second half. A cracking effort from Lilli Ballard was saved but the rebound was put away by Jenna Mills shortly before a short corner strike from Beth Prakash rattled the goal as it hit the back board for a 2-0 lead. Broadland pushed and pushed and eventually got one back but then Jenna pulled off an absolute screamer into the top corner from a narrow angle making it 3-1 FT. A great game for the whole team, with Jenna also winning the POM title.

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s v Norwich City 4s:  P-P

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s v Dereham 3s:  2-0

Goalscorers:  Claire Stuart, Lizzy McDonnell
MOM: Louise Brooks

The pitch defrosted just in time for the Ladies 5s push back vs Dereham 3s. The struggle was real with Dereham going out hard and fast from the start. Their youthful team looked dangerous on the break, but the 5s stayed strong with our first goal coming from some quick passing around the D and a tap into the left corner by Claire Stuart. The defence of Lou Davies, Georgia Butterworth and Emily Grint worked so hard to keep the Dereham attack at bay with Esther  Jacobs making some great saves – even getting the ball stuck under her shin pads. Emily made a save on the line.  Louise Brooks put an absolute SHIFT in, reliable as ever in defensive midfield! (Think the valuable experience she gained as a forward in the over 45s game paid off!!) Our solid midfield of Anita Mancini, Emma Merryweather, Nat Crisp and Floss Andrews made intelligent passes between the defence and the attack and helped to keep the pressure on the Dereham defence. The second half was just as tough with a second goal coming from a short corner to Anita at the top, slipped right to Liz McDonnell who pushed it into the goal! Jane Wells had a lot of shots on goal which were saved by the Dereham keeper. The dying seconds saw an amazing passing move down the left resulting a great effort by Claire, missing the goal by millimetres!! Another great team performance against a strong Dereham side! POM going to Louise Brooks. Well done all. FIVES!!

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s v Magpies 6s:  P-P

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 2
Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s v Dereham 4s:  1-2

Goalscorer:  Lucy Courtier
MOM:  Emma North

Ignoring the fact the opposition scored in the first few minutes, there was some excellent play from across the team, especially the defence who stood firm, sharpened their elbows and tried to give as good as they got against a very robust team. Dragons got their reward in the second half after some excellent play lead to debutant Lucy Courtier scoring her first senior goal! The team continued to fight till the end but unfortunately Dereham snuck in a very good goal. Special mention to the defence and Emma North who was our player of the match! Final score 2-1 to Dereham.

Goalscorers:  Bridget Le Good, Hattie Stuart
MOM:  

The 8s went down to lowly-placed Dereham, but in this match they achieved far more as a team than they have done in recent games. Dragons did not let their heads drop, and in the second half their determination and ‘sticking to the knitting’ (continuing to put into practise all the work they have been doing in training) actually saw them ‘draw’ 2-2.

An unfortunate recurrence of an injury meant that they were without Nic Harrison, who has been playing so well in recent weeks. But, coming back after a long injury was Hattie Stuart who had to play a restrained game but still added some much needed pace into the team. As her confidence grew, Hattie began to turn on the stick skills and in one glorious move in the second half ran half the length of the pitch, beating three players  before placing the ball past the goalkeeper.

This gave the 8s a terrific boost. The midfield of Hattie, Emily Matthews and Sadie Jacobs redoubled their efforts and did some nice linking with the forwards who consisted at various times of Emma Young, Johanne Steward, Louise Crouch-Read and Hester McLean. These very same players also did stints in defence. The 8s may not as yet be getting the results on the pitch, but every one of them will do her very best in whatever position she is asked to play. This is particularly creditable to the less experienced, and this versatility is one of the plus points of the team, and why the team spirit is so good.

The defensive unit was mainly Jess Lockwood, Jo Lees in the middle and Karen Davidson on the right with Bridget Le Good as bottom of the diamond. In the first half they tended to give the nippy Dereham forwards too much respect, hanging back because they could be shredded by slick through passes. This gave Emma Northie North a lot to do, but as always she kicked and cleared far more than went in.

A bit of a talking too (nicely) by coach Pat Cline at half time saw Dragons up their efforts. The defence were tackled more confidently and were clearing to the mids. 

Bridget Le Good continued to smack the ball the length of the pitch, and gradually the forwards are developing the skill of collecting these balls.  After one of these forays, Dragons won their second penalty corner. Up stepped Johanne to take a sweet injection straight onto Bridget’s stick. One little push into the circle and the ball was hit straight into the corner of the goal. Another move straight out of the practice book. Much who-hoo-hooing. No more goals for Dereham.

The team didn’t vote for a POM because they had to race back to the City for Quiz Night. Nothing beats a pack of Dragons going for a curry!

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East League, Men’s 2N
Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s v Magpies 2s:  1-4

Goalscorers:  Matt Knights
MOM: Pedro Goss

East League, Men’s 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s v  IES 2s:  P-P

Goalscorers:  AJ Edwards, Jon Miles x2
MOM:  Charlie Creasy

You’ve heard it here first folks. Nobody beats the Men’s 3s 8 games in a row! It was a cold and sunny afternoon that saw the home side take on Ipswich 2s at 1pm. With a strong side dragons weathered a high press and strong start from the visitors before Charlie Creasey drove down the right wing to drop it back for Jon Miles to finish well on his return. The visitors scored a thundering strike from a short corner just before the break to leave the score 1-1 at the half.

Second half the dragons weathered a storm where they did well to only concede one more, this from another short corner after 15 minutes of intense pressure. Dragons then won a short which Jon Miles duly dispatched in wonderful fashion then deciding to fall over during his celebration. It was the time for the home time to pile on the pressure and the winner came through AJ Edwards keeping his cool and firing a vicious reverse hit through the keepers legs. The last 5 minutes was a defensive masterclass even with Harry Brown, at the end of an awesome performance, truly cementing his place in the 3s by getting a green card after disgustingly hitting the ball away (after the quietest whistle ever).

East League, Men’s 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s v East Coast 2s:  4-1

Goalscorers:  Greg Reynolds, Tommy Gale, Bobby Sheppard, Rich Phillis
MOM:  Tommy Gale

On a bright day Dragons used their bench wisely and went ahead via a clever short corner conversion from Rich ‘poacher’ Phillis.  Lowestoft didn’t back down and it took good play for Bobby Stuart-Sheppard to double the half time score. Lowestoft came back with vigour and made a short corner scramble count. This meant the game opened up and in the end Dragons made their subs count with Greg Reynolds (aka don’t call me Greg) and man of the match Tommy Gale both slotting seemlessly in to take the game away from a battling Lowestoft.

Good teas and a warm room after much appreciated.

East League, Men’s 5NE(N)
Norwich Dragons Men’s 6s v  Dereham 4s:  P-P

Development Leagues

Dev Girls A v Dev Girls B:  2-0

Dev Boys A v  Watton    : P-P

Dev Boys B v Norwich City:  1-2

Goalscorer:  Vithu Baskaran
MOM:  Tom Clifton

1ST QUARTER

The First quarter was a real rollercoaster of 15 minutes, with attacking displays coming from both sides, but mostly from our opponents who played some great hockey up front, but ultimately failed to penetrate our solid defence, whom had been well prepped for the game. When we did attack though we looked very strong, with our wide midfielders generating a couple of good attacks, but getting unlucky after our attacks were broken down. Ultimately though, our opponents were dominant in this quarter and had many good chances and once the quarter ended we had a lot to praise and reflect on.

2ND QUARTER

After the break, we came out playing even better than before and started to limit the number of their attacks whilst increasing our own, including a good shot saved by the keeper. However though, Norwich City increased the pressure on all our players but mostly our defence. Who were playing exceptionally well to keep up with the high press of Norwich, many great tackles and interceptions by our defence kept our clean sheet intact. But, a few minutes before half time, a splitting ball by Norwich, cut open our defence and their striker slotted in a shot to make it 1-0. This gave us an extra boost for the rest of the quarter but we couldn’t find a way through before the half-time whistle blew.

3RD QUARTER

After an extensive team talk at half-time, we set out to dominate possession in the second half which we did for the whole of this quarter. We started attacking a lot more now and we had many good drives up the field. but many were smothered by Norwich’s’ ’Smother the attack from the core’ tactics which meant our attacks didn’t pose much threat to the Opposing keeper, until we really got going with a great team move being saved by the keeper with Vithu Baskaran then chipping in a rebound to make it  1-1. This gave us a spring in our step and more attacks rained in on Norwich, but we couldn’t really get fluidity in the final third like before. We then saw a turnover in play and a rapid-fire attack from our opponents lead to a Norwich short corner. Our defence rushed out to counter or block the shot, but Norwich managed to slot the ball in to the goal to make it 2-1 just before the break.

4TH QUARTER

After the final stoppage, we set out with an attacking outlook more than anything else this quarter. Our defence kept us in the game on a pitch that was beginning to freeze, slips were beginning to become common for us in attack and defence but we kept strong despite the freezing conditions, a few last gasp attacks gave us some light but Norwich had kept their solid foundations at the back, making getting in on goal hard. Norwich kept on shutting us out until the final whistle blew. Despite a loss on paper, the boys were unfortunate to come away with a loss and not picking up any points. Against one of the strongest teams in the region, a great performance was had all round from the boys.

Man of the Match was Tom Clifton for an excellent display in defence

Adam

This Week’s Results

East League,  Ladies 1N
Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v St Ives:  3-1

Goalscorers:   Lucy Morton, Kiera Goymour, Harriet Green
MOM:   Carmel Windsor Waite

The L1s secured a 3-1 win against St Ives. Fantastic game with so much movement from everyone. The two wing defenders pushed high up the pitch to put further pressure on the opposition.
After starting the game down a player with just 12 the team stepped up to the challenge, however sadly Sam Franklin got injured and we were down to 11.
The transfer was used well, and everyone worked as a unit, offering the pass 24/7.
The first goal was scored by Lucy Morton – assisted by Katie Taubman – who was on the post to hit in. The second goal was scored by Kiera Goymour from a broken down short corner – quite messy but a brilliant goal. The third goal was scored by Harriet Green from a 1,2 at the top of the D and a rogue ball to hit in. The opposition goal was scored from a short corner off the post player.
Player of the match went to Carmel Windsor Waite for making incredible runs up the pitch, getting into the D and working the ball around the defence. Well deserved.

East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s v East Coast 1s:  0-4

MOM:  Elsa Scott, Stella Windsor Waite

East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s – no fixture 

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s v East Coast 2s:  3-2

Goalscorers:  Lillian Sore, Georgia Manly, Fiona Fletcher
MOM:  Nat Crisp

Ladies 4’s win 3-2 against east coast, finishing the first half at 1-0 with Fiona Fletcher getting the first goal. The rain decided to join us towards the end of the first half, obscuring everyone’s vision just slightly. We started the second half strongly knowing that the opposition were going to want to grab a goal back,  which they did . But in true dragon fashion we went back in front with a second goal from Georgia Manly with the help of a defender putting the ball into the back of the goal for her! East coast continued to fight back and bagged themselves a second goal which put the game head to head at 2-2 with about 5 minutes left to play. It was a very equal game with no team having the majority of possession. And in the last few minutes of the game Lillian Sore scored the winning goal – on her birthday – and we managed to hold on until the end of the match making it another win for us! 

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s v Yarmouth:  12-0

Goalscorers:  Gemma Ballard x6, Lizzy McDonnell x2, Jane Wells, Claire Stuart,
Emma Merryweather, Anita Mancini
MOM: Jane Wells

Ladies 5’s won 12-0 against Yarmouth.  In the first half we scored 4 goals, struggling to finish many short corners. Yarmouth played well with only 10 players in the first half. We came into the 2nd half strongly, with great passing between everyone. MOM went to Jane Wells, well played everyone.

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s v Herlings:  3-3

Goalscorers: Adelice Stanley, Mia McGhee x2
MOM:  Orla Hardiman

Dragons Ladies 6s held onto (and fought b***** hard for) a 3:3 draw against Herlings. We scored one then they scored one then we scored one then they scored one then they scored one then we had a break then we scored one. All clear? Lots of fantastic play all round and a thriller of 4 tense short corners in the last 20 seconds of play (who knew that was possible…).  Player of the match went to Orla for an excellent game in left mid. A well deserved point and a highly enjoyable game 

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 2
Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s v Pelicans 3s:  0-2

MOM:  Emily Matthews, Sophie James

It was a very close game with some great saves from Emma North. The Pelicans were very fast paced and began to dominate towards the end of the second half.

There were lots of falls and tumbles with the Dragons but with no subs we all ploughed on, well done to everyone.

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 3
Norwich Dragons Ladies 8s v Pelicans 4s:  0-10

MOM:  Freya Dolding

Dragons Ladies 8’s lost 10-0 to Pelicans. It was a tough game and the first half was absolutely fantastic with Freya making her debut performance in style.

Huge thanks to Karen Davidson for putting a brilliant effort in goal and there were some truly excellent moments out on pitch.

Great support from the whole team as usual and some good points to develop on for future wins.

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East League, Men’s 2N
Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s v St Ives 1s:  5-3

Goalscorers:  Ollie King x2, Sean Orton, Roman Cassidy, Lewis Wilkins
MOM: Sam Avery

With a chill in the air and fresh lashings of wind, the atmosphere was set for St Ives’ signature brand of long-ball hockey…and set to witness a battling Dragon’s victory!

Exploding out of the gate, we dominated the opening passages of play, only to be betrayed by a short corner St Ives goal – I think Pete will warm up before the game next week! With some nice work from Jack Hallworth to reach their D, Sean Orton swept in our reply, curling into the bottom corner. But again, our over exuberance witnessed a St Ives breakaway win a short corner that was finished to make it 1-2!

Our response saw a Lewis Wilkins dangerous cross deflect  off their keeper into the net with the last touch from Ollie King.

It was our turn for a defensive muddle when their third deflected off Peter Dickerson into our net…but a Dragon would rise…Olly Buck set up a wonderful move seeing Ollie King pop in his second of the game!  Olly Buck then pounced again in the second half to bring us in front! Solid defending, and a consistently monstrous Sam Avery performance saw the St Ives’ attack quelled in the second half. In the dying embers of the game Sean Orton found Pedro Goss sauntering onto the back-post from a short, whose saved strike allowed Roman Cassidy to  finish to nicely round off the game.

East League, Men’s 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s v  Pelicans 2s:  4-4

Goalscorers:  Joe Flatt x2, Mark Walmsley, Cley Hamilton
MOM:  Rupert Snelling

MOM:  Charlie Creasy

An early away game in Ipswich for the 3s against IES 3s saw the biggest loss (although a very even game) of the season at 3-0 against a very strong side with about a million subs. 3s debuts to Greg Reynolds and Charlie Creasy who excelled up front on the counter. Although the defence played well all 3 goals game from very good and well designed short corners. The away side came close with a few good attacks through the rapid Jamie Allsop.

Man of the Match goes to debutant Charlie Creasy for an excellent performance up front fitting in to the team with ease.

Dragon of the Day goes to Will Kirby for turning up late, having the worlds longest toilet break and also forgetting his socks and shorts and forgetting how to finish.

East League, Men’s 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s v Ipswich Crane 1s:  7-1

Goalscorers:  Will Ives, Robin Clarke x2, Arj Puvanachandra, Bobby Sheppard, Matt Hull x2
MOM:  Robin Clarke

Men’s 4ths took on a plucky Ipswich Cranes coming out 7-1 winners.

Dragons used their youth and subs well to head into an early lead but Cranes limited the half time score to 3. More attacking play and a constant set of rolling subs saw the second half open up and more goals flowed. Cranes did pull one back but Dragons had too much for them. Well played all.

Goals came as follows with Robin Clarke taking Man of Match. Apparently Will Ives goal was the pick of a talented bunch.

East League, Men’s 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s v IES 5s:  4-1

Goalscorers:  Jason Wolfe x2, Tom Bailey
MOM:  Tom Bailey

Goalscorer:  Josh Cormack
MOM:  Freddie Royall

Mens 6th lost 2-1 to North Norfolk 3. A match where we probably deserved a share of the points and maybe some of the decisions didn’t quite go our way.  A good performance by a team where experience and youthful skill and energy combined well.

Man of the Match:Freddie Royall.  Who had a great match on the right wing and hit a stunning shot that required a fantastic save from the keeper to prevent from arrowing into the net.

Development Leagues

Dev Girls A v Magpies:  0-4

MOM:  Nola Mitchell

Dev Girls B v Norwich City 0-8

MOM:  Perdie

Dev Boys A v Dev Boys B:  7-0

Goalscorers:  Will Sexton x3, Paul Wigglesworth x2, Fredd Jupe, Hector McNeil

This Week’s Results

East League,  Ladies 1N
Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v Peterborough 2s:  2-1

Goalscorers:   Kate McKenna, Sam Franklin
MOM:   Polly Watson

The Ladies 1s secured 3 points winning 2-1 against City of Peterborough 2s after a few weeks of disappointing results. The game began as a relatively evenly matched affair, with chances from both sides coming before the break. However, the score-line remained at 0-0 at half time. The dragons went a goal down mid-way through the second half, as Peterborough executed a slick short corner routine, deflecting the ball high into the goal from the left post. The score-line was shortly brought back level after a short corner for the dragons saw Kate McKenna slot the ball over the line. With only a few minutes to go, the hosts began to pressure the ball higher up the pitch. This led to a mistake from the opposition defence and a loose ball sent towards the top of the circle was picked up by Sam Franklin, who took the opportunity to put the Dragons ahead by slapping the ball past the goalkeeper into the bottom right corner. With some smart possession hockey in the final few minutes, Dragons held onto the lead to secure the 3 points. A solid performance from the team, and a great 1^stXI debut from Alex Daplyn. 

East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s – No fixture

East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s v  Christchurch 1s:  0-0

MOM: Elsa Scott, Beth Prakash, Catherine Matthews, Piper Hempsall, Georgie Manly

Ladies 3s double their season’s points with a 0-0 draw against Christchurch 1s

After a rousing team talk from substitute captain Beth Prakash and a sermon on the Wolfie Ways from Caroline Wolfe, Dragons had a solid warm up and a cracking game, we just couldn’t convert! POM votes showed what a good match the 3s had, split between half the team and resulted in a 5-way tie.

Thanks to Caroline Wolfe for managing (aka shouting at us!) and the ladies 2s that used their no game weekend to come and support.

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s v Loddon:  3-5

Goalscorers:  Hannah Edwards, Aditi Naik, Niamh Somers
MOM:  Mia Somers

Ladies 4’s lost 5-3 in a tough match against Loddon. Some lovely play and amazing team spirit but luck was not running our way today.

In typical 4’s fashion a spread of votes but the amazing Mia Somers was player of the match!

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s v Herlings:  3-0

Goalscorer:  Gemma Ballard , Liz McDonnell x2
MOM: Emma Merryweather, Mae Clark

Dragons Ladies 5s played a hard fought game against Herlings.

We dominated the first half with all three goals being scored by play from the right. First goal was a deflected goal crossed from Lizzie McDonnell and tapped in by the Herling’s defence. 2nd goal was crossed from Lizzie to Gemma Ballard with a classic tap in. 3rd goal was the result of a cross from Jane Wells and tap in from Lizzie.

2nd half saw Herlings coming out stronger with some strong hits out and important interceptions. Dragons Defenders: Lou Davis, Georgia Butterworth and Emily Grint absorbed the pressure and Gina Hunt put in some good saves to keep us in the game. Lou even made a save on the line! Midfielders Emma Merryweather, Nat Crisp, Lara King and Mae Clark worked hard to break up the play. Emma fell over in the middle of the pitch (really no idea how!). Final Score 3-0 Win. POM – joint between Emma and Mae! Well done all. Go 5s!!!!!

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s v East Coast 3s:  4-3

Goalscorer: Hatty Harrison-Mobbs, Mia McGhee, Claire Stuart, Lara Nuthall
MOM:  Georgia Heaton

Dragons came out cocky, and let two goals by in the first ten minutes. Suitably humbled, we pulled our socks up, picked our sticks up, and remembered how to play hockey. Hatty Harrison-Mobbs put away a messy goal, via the keepers shin pads, but the crowd roared it’s appreciation (well, the sub and someone’s boyfriend). Within the next few minutes Mia McGhee scored a cracker.

Half time came and we congratulated ourselves on equalising, but suggested more goals would be optimal. Having eaten too many sweets, we went back on the pitch on a sugar high.
Newcomer Georgia Heaton, who had a fantastic game, crossed the ball forcefully through the D, where Claire Stuart niftily popped it in – who breathed a sigh of relief as we were now in the lead, and despite turning 40 recently, she hasn’t lost her edge.  Our fourth goal was courtesy of Lara Nuthall, assisted by Fern Daly.

We had several scuffles on our defensive goal line, with Esther Jacobs playing marvelously. Fern frequently picked up the ball on the edge of D and moved out further up the pitch.

Unfortunately the opposition scored a third goal, whilst Briony Johnstone had gone off the pitch coughing a lung up, which nobody noticed, so we were a man down when that went in.

It was a harder match than we anticipated, but the East Coast ladies were friendly and fun to play against. Cracking match tea as well.

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 2
Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s v Breckland:  Breckland conceded

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 3
Norwich Dragons Ladies 8s v Magpies 7s:  0-8

MOM:  Esther Jacobs

Dragons put up a very spirited defence away against Magpies 7s, who are currently romping away with Division 3. The Magpies, playing a settled blend of experience and youth, have won all their matches and have had only one goal scored against them so far – and they have now scored 50. The 8s never seriously looked like making a dent on this record, although there were a few forays in the second half which were nearly the stuff of which dreams are made!

The captains decided to set out a defensive formation as this was the 8s best chance of making an impression. To an extent, they achieved their goal because they held Magpies to just about their ‘average’ goal feast.

Where Dragons are improving is in their determination to be first to the ball and get their tackles in, and to get the ball out wide when under pressure. Perhaps the biggest difference between the two sides is that Magpies demonstrated how to find team mates all over the pitch with firmly struck passes that were brought immediately under control, where Dragons know they still have a lot of work to do in this area. 

Magpies scored 5 in the first half, but Dragons played a lot better in the second. There was some stand out performances, particularly from Esther Jacobs in goal who must have saved two dozen shots. Her POM recognition was not just for her blocking but also for her strong kicks out wide, particularly impressive when she could stand up tall and impose her presence on the marauding forwards.

Dragons mids caught the eye. Sarah Lucas played mostly at the top of the diamond and was electric throughout the game, particularly good at tackling back. Nic Harrison gets better every game, and drove forward at every opportunity but also played a steady wide role when defending.

All the Dragons team played some good hockey at times. As individuals they again demonstrated their willingness to work for each other. This was a game that everyone enjoyed, even though it was something of a lesson in how to play the game from a very sporting team. The 8s might well expect that they can carry forward the lessons learned to next week’s game when they play against a team who might be more at their level. Perhaps!

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East League, Men’s 2N
Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s v Horncastle 1s:  8-0

Goalscorers:  Mark Beckett-Flatman, Roman Cassidy x2, Dan Rix, x2, Matt Knights, Sean Orton, Cley Hamilton
MOM: Dan Rix

A fast start by Dragons saw a silky passing move finished by this week’s hattrick-chasing-and-failing Rixy (Dan Rix). Then, fuelled by fresh analysis of last week’s game via NorwichCity Tv, Mark Beckett-Flatman pounced to score a saucy reverse. With Horncastle’s goal aching for more, airshot-Knightsy (Matt Knights) and Roman Cassidy stepped up with a goal each to round off the half. Oh yeah, and Rixy pulled an absolute wonder goal out of his proverbial backside – an absolute blinder, no man on the pitch looked as surprised as the scorer as it kissed the top corner! 

The second 2,100 seconds witnessed more solid defending and impressive forward play. Roman saw the Horncastle defence part like the red seas, before he sent a cheeky undercut into the roof of the net…a decent debut. Sean Orton remembered that hitting the ball at goal is a genuine option, so enacted this to rifle one in from a short corner . Pete Dickerson pulled off a devilish double save, and Cley Hamilton then got in on the act with a clinical eighth just to make sure of the 3 points! 

East League, Men’s 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s v  UEA 2s:  1-4

Goalscorers:  
MOM: 

Goalscores:  Matt Hull x2
MOM:  James Goodson

A tough away game for Men’s 3s away at Pelican 2s who have had some huge home wins recently. A series of short corners ended in a goal for the home side before  Dragons hit back with Matt Hull scoring . A wicked reverse hit into the top corner saw dragons go into half time 2-1 down with all to play for. Dragons then equalised after the half through Matt Hull again via a  own goal! Pelis then took the lead through another reverse through the keepers feet (which he’ll never hear the end of) before the visiting side then weathered a storm forcing captain fantastic (Tom McLean) to make a series of excellent saves but not enough to save him from DoD for being a human sieve. Despite a few half chances  the game ended in a midfield battle and finished 3-2 to Pelis. Another close score and lots of positives to take from the game, on to IES 3s next week. 

Goalscorers:  Bobby Sheppard, Tommy Gale, Dan Murphy
MOM:  Arj Puvanachandra

Dragons started with enthusiasm, and the tireless running of the midfield and forwards meant Newmarket had to work hard to keep the game level. But eventual pressure meant Dragons found themselves 2 up at half time and more chances beckoned. The second half opened up and good goal keeping from Newmarket kept the score the same. Dragons substitutes then told towards the end of the game and a third was added. Goals from Bobby Sheppard (cool slide under the keeper) , Tommy Gale (great composure) and Dan Murphy (classic tomahawk). Man of the match to Arj Puvanachandra closely followed by Tommy and Bobby. Cheers to Ali and Dim for the umpiring and Newmarket for a good game.

East League, Men’s 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s v Ipswich Crane 1s:  3-4

Goalscorers:  Ross Barnshaw, Jason Wolfe, Andrew Cross
MOM:  Alex Wolfe

MOM:  Josh Cormack

Bottom of the table sides are often difficult to beat on their home pitch. Pelicans scored 2 goals in each half but first half M6’s had enough chances to turn level. Trying to push the game later, the M6’s gave away too much ball especially getting too close to defenders & being picked off. Plenty to work with before visiting Cromer. MOM – Josh Cormack for a tireless display

Development Leagues

Dev Girls A v Yarmouth: 7-0

Goalscorers:  Mia Rutterford x3, Mia Norris x2, Indian Bunn x1
MOM:  Mia Rutterford

Dev Girls B v Magpies:  0-0

MOM:  

Dev Boys A – no fixture

Dev Boys B v Dereham:  1-3

Goalscorer:  Rahul Kaushal
MOM:  Rahul Kaushal

It was a fairly even game with Dragons B team starting well early on, but Dereham upped their game in the second quarter and got two goals. In the fourth quarter Rahul Kaushal scored but Dereham topped that with another goal which made the game 3-1. Well done to man of the match Rahul.

 A big thanks to Steve Linford and Andy Kelsall for their encouragement and support.’

This Week’s Results

East League,  Ladies 1N
Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v Sudbury:  0-7

MOM:  Carmel Windsor Waite, Polly Watson

The Ladies 1st team lost 7-0 to Sudbury 1s.  A match of two halves, with a high intensity first half finishing 1-0 down after a flukey opposition goal from a reverse stick deflection. Fantastic movement off the ball using everything that was worked on in training.

The second half lost a lot of momentum after Sophie Barrow was given a green card. Two further goals were conceded with 10 players.  Frustratingly a further four goals were scored by Sudbury, however there were improvements towards the end of the match. Players of the match went to Carmel Windsor Waite for making some brilliant passes and strong defending, and Polly Watson for an overall fantastic game and distributing the ball brilliantly from the middle.

East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s v Norwich City 2s:  2-1

Goalscorers:  Gail Thomas, Mia Bartram
MOM: Mia Bartram

This week Dragons Ladies 2^’s welcomed Harleston Magpies 3’s to the den ready for a tough encounter as both teams were in a similar position on the league table. The game started at a high pace with both teams displaying good skilful hockey all over the field. During the first half Dragons created more attacking opportunities and short corners, but Magpies managed to take the lead a couple of minutes before the half time whistle.

Dragons remained positive and confident they could still win the game at half time and believed if they stuck to their game plan and fought hard for each other some points could be taken. The second half was played in a similar style to the first half with constructive attacking play from both teams. Dragons managed to equalise half way through the second half from Gail Thomas with a clean strike on goal at a short corner.

Dragons now believed they could take all three points and continued to battle hard all the over the pitch and were soon rewarded with a second goal from open play scored by Mia Bartram. Magpies continued to put pressure on the Dragons defence but were unable to find an equaliser. A great team performance to build on in the coming few weeks and the player of the match was awarded to Mia Bartram.

East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s v  Ipswich 2s:  0-3

MOM: Sophie Farrow

Dragons 3’s had an unfortunate result against Ipswich losing 3-0.
Their goals were from well rehearsed short corners and a straight strike.
3’s played hard with some great defensive work and we go again taking lessons learnt with us.

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s v Norwich City 3s:  1-5

Goalscorers:  Lisa Harwood
MOM:  Mia Somers

After a buoyant game the previous week the 4s were keen for a repeat performance.  The Norwich City 3s were near the top of the table and we expected a tough game.  In the first 10 minutes the Dragons battled hard and had a couple of chances on goal, passing out and round the opposition.  Then we just became a bit sloppy, hanging on the ball and City were quick to capitalise making breaks into our D.  At half time we were 2-0 nil down, with words of wisdom from our sideline posse we managed to pull back a goal with a ball slipped into the D from Amy Forse and stuck into the right corner from Lisa Harwood.  Final score was 5-1.  Player of the match was Mia Somers for fighting off many attacks.  DOD goes to Amy Forse for not being able to count to 11 and subbing herself on and off and on! 

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s v Norwich City 5s:  Magpies 6s:  1-0

Goalscorer:  Gemma Ballard 
MOM: Emma Merryweather

Ladies 5s started their hockey Saturday with a minute’s silence with Magpies 6s. The game was a well fought battle with decent Dragon’ possession. Magpies 6s were a well drilled young team who were quick to fight back but Dragons held their own and a beautiful cross from Jane Wells to Gemma Ballard on the corner (signature move!) gave Dragons the lead which we held on to for a 1-0 win. Player of Match Emma for her hard work in mid.

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s v Carrow:  1-6

Goalscorer: Jade Blanchflower
MOM:  Jade Blanchflower, Maddie Gibbs, Brittany Hopkins

Ladies’ 6s took on second in the league Carrow 1s in a dark, damp game. After a ropey start including not having a full team on the pitch and a bit of confusion about what was and wasn’t a match ball we got going and gave it our all.

A solid performance in the first half against a technically strong and tactical team saw the half time score at 0:2. After a motivational team talk at half time (thanks Anita Mancini), Dragons came out roaring and went on to score a beautiful goal from a short corner, a straight hit from myself which Jade Blanchflower swiftly tapped into the back of the net. Our confidence boosted we became more attacking as the game went on, which however left some gaps in the defence, which Carrow took advantage of. Final score was 1:6, however, overall a smashing performance and one to be proud of! 

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 2
Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s v Loddon 2s:  2-0

Goalscorer:  Claire Fairhurst, Orla Hardiman
MOM:  Paige Fisher

Dragons 7s played their best hockey yet this season winning against Loddon 2s. Scoring quickly in the first half and then following up with a second left Dragons to win 2-0.  Goals from Claire Fairhurst and Orla Harriman. All round excellent hockey, good use of Triangles (thanks Des). Man of the match well deserved by Paige who worked hard and placed the ball really well in midfield. First clean sheet and win of the season

MOM:  Ellie O’Kane, Karen Davidson

Ladies 8’s took on Carrow ladies 2’s on Saturday under a cold but brilliant blue sky, the sun shone and Langley school provided an idyllic backdrop on such a beautiful Autumn day.

Johanne Steward was captaining the team and one of her first words of advice to us all was to lose our base-layers! 

This was understandably met with a gasp and the obligatory “but it’s freeeeeezing!”

But not for the first time and definitely not the last Johanne was right! We only had eleven players and not a sub in sight, we were therefore on the move constantly and any chill was quickly forgotten. 

We played valiantly for the first 30 minutes and there was little difference in the standard of hockey between the two teams which was impressive considering this same Carrow team beat top of the table Watton 6-0 last weekend.

But then a  goal for Carrow brought the standard up a level! But as true Dragons, and not just any Dragons, but Awesome 8’s Dragons, we kept up the fight!

Esther Jacobs made some fantastic saves in goal and ‘unlucky’ (but only for a second) Johanne Steward playing in defence put her stick down to stop a goal which annoyingly flicked offf the wrong way and an own goal went in Carrow’s favour. But it needs to be said that Captain Johanne made up for it in spades in a similar situation in the second half and stopped the ball on the line with such strength, grit and determination, there was no way the same mistake was happening twice.

Johanne also played some great hockey in defence and stopped a lot of balls making into the oppositions D which were more often than not  picked up by Nic Harrison in midfield who could be seen running through Carrow players fast and skilfully on the wing. Nic is always noticeably enthusiastic and always gives it her ‘all’.

Karen Davidson played in defence and proved her weight in gold as she blocked numerous balls  and sent the ball out wide. Jo Lees was also kept busy, and at times seemed to appear from nowhere with her legendary clearance shots which saved the day on many occasions. 

Bridget Le Good was bottom of the diamond and the opposition soon scattered when she played one of her remarkable and accurate and EXTREMELY hard hits which flew out wide and up towards the Center line where Sadie Jacobs as left forward was ready with stick down to receive the ball. 

Louise Crouch was Center forward and was only to happy to drop back and help out in defence and quickly  learned to find a space and intercept the ball much to the annoyance of our opposition.

Shaniece Clayton was top of the diamond and as always played a high level of hockey, executing some beautiful stick skills and text book block tackles. 

We loved having Ellie O’Kane join us and she was an amazing mid fielder who moved like lightning, picking up balls and driving them forward with skill and confidence.

Emma Young was playing right forward and although we did get the ball into the D and we had a short corner in the first half, Carrow proved just a bit quick in their defence and we weren’t able to execute any accurate shots on goal although we gave it everything.

We were down to ten players in the second half due to injury, but we carried on with pace and determination and did not allow them to take advantage of this.The whole team gave it a 100% until the final whistle blew. 

The final score was 4-0 to Carrow Ladies 2’s.

We may not have won but the camaraderie and team spirit was totally awesome and I for one have never been prouder to wear the Dragon shirt alongside my team mates. Well played everyone!!

East League, Men’s 2N
Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s v Norwich City 2s:  0-4

MOM: Pedro Goss

A bad day at the office for Men’s 1s, starting slowly at Norwich City 2 and never recovering from their 3 goal headstart.

A much improved second half couldn’t find the goal to bring about the comeback, and City added a 4th from a corner.

East League, Men’s 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s v  Norwich City 4s:  6-2

Goalscorers:  Alex Sharpe, Eddie Gould
MOM: Eddie Gould

Men’s 2nd team made the long journey to bottom of the league Norwich City 4s.

On the back of some strong form a win was inevitable.

Despite being away from home our travelling squad was strong and we even had substitutes.  There was a Dragons’ debut goal for Alex Sharpe – back-foot squeeze,  and one from Ed Gould – top of circle rocket through the keeper’s legs.

Goalscorer:  John Ives
MOM:  John Ives

Mens 3s had an early game against top of the league Newmarket 1s. With a few key players missing to injury or child birth including Mitch Smith with “ouchy ribs” and Joel Dennis falling to pieces it was always going to be a tough ask but Dragons got off to a flying start. “Experienced” forward Jon Ives scored half way through the first half to put the home side 1-0 up after weathering a serious storm in which keeper and captain fantastic Tom McLean made a number of impressive stops (if I may say so myself). The away side then scored from a good short corner routine near the end of the first half to take it to 1-1.

East League, Men’s 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s v Norwich Exiles 1s:  2-3

Goalscorers:  Bobby Sheppard, Neil Shorten
MOM:  Dim Ives

Exiles started strongly as you would expect from a top of the table team. But a short corner strike from Neil Shorten saw Dragons take the lead.  Exiles rallied though and pulled one back before half time despite good saves from Dim Ives. The second half opened up and Exiles pulled 2 goals ahead via a great strike and a penalty stroke. Dragons didn’t give up and another goal from Bobby Sheppard meant the final 10 minutes of the game was in the balance. Exiles managed the game well at the end and Dragons couldn’t convert their chances. Well played all and great to see familiar faces #hockeyfamily MOM to Dim the cat Ives.

East League, Men’s 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s v Magpies 5s:  4-0

Goalscorers:  Charlie Creasy, Dave King, Pete Latoy, Tom Bailey
MOM:  Shiv Kapur

Dragons 5s record their first win of the season with a brilliant team display. Four goal from four players (Peter Latoy, Charlie Creasy, Tom Bailey and Dave King)

East League, Men’s 5NE(N)
Norwich Dragons Men’s 6s v  No fixture

Development Leagues

Dev Girls A v Dereham: 8-0

Goalscorers:  Freya D x2, India B, Mia N, Mia R
MOM:  Freya D

Dev Girls B v Yarmouth:  0-0

MOM:  Sophie Rice

Dev Girls B played a fantastic match away at a, for once sunny and pleasant, Yarmouth. With a good number of u12s stepping up, the girls fought hard against players in some cases nearly twice their height and considerably older than themselves. Everyone in the team showed some great passing skills, fearless tackling and super runs for each other. It was a thrilling game to watch, coach and manage, with some heart stopping moments at either end. A super 0-0 result for the team (though is it ok that I’m a little disappointed for the girls that they didn’t get a win, which would have been thoroughly deserved from the effort and work they put in?!) A deserved POM for Sophie Rice who made some great runs down the right from midfield to set up several chances at goals. Well played everyone & thank you to Amy Forse & Bridget Le Good for their help & being playing adults.

Dev Boys A v Dereham:  4-1

Goalscorers:  Rahul Kaushal, Will Sexton x3
MOM:  Rahul Kaushal

Dev Boys B v East Coast:  0-1

MOM:  Monty Patel

Dragons Dev Boys hosted East Coast Dev Boys at the Dragons den on Saturday the 9th November for a League match. The weather conditions where good and Dragons fielded an 11 boy team plus 1 adult player. East coast fielded a full squad of mixed age boys plus two adult players.

The first half was an even contest ending 0-0. Key learning points were for the back 3 to pivot and to avoid passes on the stick side of the opposition. The second half was equally close however East coast scored a goal in the 3rd quarter.  In the final quarter Dragons where able to push forward and a last minute short corner for Dragons could not be converted in to a goal.

A good effort from all players and lots to take away for the next match. The POM was Monty Patel.

Thank you to Natalie for organising and managing on the day. 

James Hollis

This Week’s Results

East League,  Ladies 1N
Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v North Norfolk:  1-2

Goalscorer:  Katie Taubman
MOM:  Sophie Thomas, Holly Setchell

The Ladies 1st team lost 2-1 to North Norfolk 1s today after a tough match. A disappointing game with a lot to learn but amazing fighting spirit from all players. The first North Norfolk goal was scored in the first half from a ball that was hit over the top of the goalie’s head. The second half saw a levelling goal scored by Katie Taubman; a straight strike from a short corner. However, frustratingly North Norfolk scored the winning goal from a break. Players of the match went to Holly Setchell and Sophie Thomas for their solid attacking and defensive play.

East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s v Norwich City 2s:  0-2

MOM: Esme Potter

With the wind subsiding and the sun shining, the respective Norwich 2nd teams played in what was was the best conditions of the day. Dragons were once again grateful to Amy Forse for helping the team out in goal.

The visitors started the brighter of the teams, attacking the City goal through good work by the attacking mids of Gail Thomas, Alex Daplyn, Elsa Scott and Grace Kidner. Ally Windsor Waite and Georgia Rant were working hard upfront however clear cut chances were few and far between.

The Dragons defence were working hard to protect the goal with Esme Potter and Stella Windsor Waite looking really strong on the wings and helping launch the attacks. The spine of the team was well marshalled by Karen O’Neill Simpson, Shelly Seaman and Hannah Ellis and it was all square at half time.

The 2nd half was much of the same with neither GK overly troubled, however Dragons lost their shape a little and allowed themselves to drop a bit deep, inviting City pressure which ultimately lead to a City goal.

With 10mins to go Capt O’Neill Simpson changed the formation in order to try and get the equaliser. Dragons had a bit more pressure but alas couldn’t make any clear cut chances and City scored a 2nd on the break to seal the points.

An improved performance from Dragons with plenty to encourage the team who are still building. Esme Potter was player of the match, run closely by Stella Windsor Waite, both of whom are improving week on week, showing the confidence, composure and tenacity needed in this league.

East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s v  UEA 3s:  0-3

MOM: Kristina Smyth, Beth Prakash

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s v Broadland 2s:  3-0

Goalscorers:  Emily Smith x3
MOM:  Lillian Sore

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Division 1

Goalscorers:  Gemma Ballard x2, Anita Mancini, Jane Wells, Claire Stuart
MOM:  Kate Atkins

Despite the very wet and blustery weather conditions, Dragons 5s were ready to go out and be ‘RELENTLESS’. With the direction from Captain Gemma Ballard to ensure we were first to the ball, to use the width and make early passes, we started strongly and dominated the first half. 

The first goal came after some good play between our awesome and unrelenting midfield line, which led to Anita Mancini picking up the ball in the D, working her usual magic and calmly slotting it past the keeper; 1-0. 

Dragons continued to pressure City with some great movement and play down the right between Emma Merryweather and Jane Wells. Two more goals were scored in quick succession: both from firm right crosses from Jane followed by first time touches by Claire Stuart and then Gem to put the ball against the backboard …. textbook and 3-0 up! 

Dragons had a lot of short corners during the first half and the 4th goal was scored as a result of a well worked move from Gemma’s injection to Anita; who slipped the ball left to Jane,  who hit a strong first time strike into the bottom left hand corner of the net. 4-0. 

The 5th goal was scored by Gem at the end of the second half again from build up play between Emma to Jane who crossed the goal to Gemma to tap in. 5-0. 

The second half saw continued pressure from the Dragons, with the midfielders of Mel Widdows, ‘Haley’ (Katie Hale) and Emma working tirelessly and chasing down every ball. With our strong defence behind them, they were able to play high and keep the pressure on the City defensive line. 

However City were certainly seeing more of the ball after their half time talk. With some strong hits out of their defensive third, their nippy wingers were able to break through the Dragon’s midfield. Nevertheless, the Dragon’s fearsome defensive line of Kate Atkins, Lou Davis, Nat Crisp and Brooksy (Louise Brooks) worked hard to absorb any pressure with some very strong tackles getting the ball back out wide to the Dragon’s midfield. 

City kept the pressure up but our stand in Goalie Emily Grint (who we are VERY grateful to!!) did her job and kept her calm to kick away any shots on goal. 

We were nearly through the game with a clean sheet, but one last push from City led to a short corner. This was well taken with a good first shot on goal, that was initially blocked by Brooksy. City’s persistence meant that the ball was scrambled into the Dragon’s goal at the left post. 5-1. 

Overall a really great game and a huge team effort. City are always a difficult side to play. The 5s worked hard for each other and we were relentless; as was the wind and the rain! 

Player of the match to Kate Atkins for some excellent interceptions at crucial moments and fab distribution of the ball out to the midfielders. 

Finally, you’ll all be pleased to know that Nat’s freshly manicured nails remained intact. RESULT!

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s v Yarmouth 2s:  4-0

Goalscorers:  Stevie Spencer, Hatty Harrison-Mobbs x2, Mia McGhee
MOM:  Hatty Harrison-Mobbs

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 2
Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s v Norwich City 6s:  1-1

Goalscorer:  Claire Fairhurst
MOM:  Brittany Hopkins

East League, Men’s 2N
Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s v Long Sutton 1s:  4-1

Goalscorers:   Olly Buck, Jack Hallworth x2, Cley Hamilton
MOM: Peter Dickerson

East League, Men’s 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s v  Bury St Edmunds 2s:  2-1

Goalscorers:  Eddie Gould, Rupert Snelling
MOM: Patrick Gordon

Goalscorer:  John Ives
MOM: Jamie McKinnon, John Ives

East League, Men’s 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s v Bury St Edmunds 4s:  3-1

Goalscorers:  Bobby Sheppard, Jason Wolfe, Phil York-Smith
MOM:  Bobby Sheppard

East League, Men’s 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s v Sudbury 3s:  2-3

Goalscorers:  Charlie Creasy x2
MOM:  Charlie Creasy

East League, Men’s 5NE(N)
Norwich Dragons Men’s 6s v  Norwich City 7s:  0-6

MOM:   David Pentin

Development Leagues

Dev Boys A and B – both postponed

Dev G A v Pelicans:  7-0

Goalscorers:  Freya D, Josie Kx2, Mia N x2, India B x2
MOM:  Nell Morreg, Mia N

This Week’s Results

East League,  Ladies 1N
Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v Cambridge Uni 2s:  1-1

Goalscorer:  Lucy Morton
MOM:  Sophie Barrow

The Ladies 1st team drew 1-1 against Cambridge Uni 2s today. It was very evenly sided with a lot of ‘ping-pong’ action in the middle of the pitch for most of the game. It was 0-0 at half time, however Cambs scored from a penalty flick in the second half. After a strong fight back, Dragons scored when Lucy Morton tapped in from a well worked short corner.  Player of the match went to Sophie Barrow for her goal-line saves and runs up the pitch.

East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s v Yarmouth 1s:  1-0

Goalscorer:  Hannah Hardy
MOM: Grace Kidner

With half term holidays causing havoc with availability and a last minute drop out, Dragons were extremely grateful to Elsa Scott, Harriett Marlee and Harriett Rant who all stepped up to play for the 2’s and performed extremely well on their 2nd team debuts. It was great to see the Rant sisters take to the pitch for the first time together in the 2’s. Dragons also warmly welcomed Grace Kidner to the team for her debut for the Club.

The game started with a concerted spell of Dragons pressure, with the central midfield duo of Han Ellis and Grace Kidner breaking down Yarmouth’s crash balls down the centre of the pitch and quickly turning defence into attack. Gail Thomas on the left and Elsa Scott on the right were providing great midfield support and feeding the willing forward runners, however Dragons couldn’t quite work the Yarmouth GK as much as they should have.

Finally a dangerous attack into the D saw Georgia Rant use her skills alongside Harriet Marlee, the Yarmouth defence struggled to clear the ball and a shot at goal was stopped near the line by a defenders leg. The umpires deliberated before a short corner was awarded. The resulting short corner was despatched inside the near post by Hannah Hardy.

Whilst Dragons were largely on top, they still weren’t quite playing their fluent hockey and Yarmouth had breaks of their own, earning a number of short corners particularly in the first half. Kristina Smyth in goal made some fine saves against the direct strikes from Yarmouth. The defensive line of Stella Windsor Waite, Alex Daplyn and Karen O’Neill Simpson worked really hard to break down play and ensure a clean sheet at half time.

The second half saw more of the same with Dragons working hard to gain possession, but just not finding the effective final ball to cause the Yarmouth GK any real problems, however there was lots of good work particularly through joint PoM Grace Kidner. Kristina Smyth was the other joint PoM with some important saves again from short corners and one particular one on one effort with Yarmouth centre forward, where Smyth and Alex Daplyn combined really well to clear the danger and kept the clean sheet intact.

So 3 points to Dragons, it wasn’t pretty but they all count!

East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s v  Watton 1s:  0-14

MOM: Esther Jacobs

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s v UEA 2s:  1-4

Goalscorer:  Niamh Somers
MOM:  Emily Smith

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s v Norwich City 5s:  0-4

MOM:  Emma Dyer, Stevie Spencer, Emma North, Mia McGhee

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 2
Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s v no league game

East League, Men’s 2N
Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s v Pelicans 1s:  2-5

Goalscorers:   Mark Beckett-Flatman, Matt Knights
MOM: Mark Beckett-Flatman

East League, Men’s 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s v Ipswich 2s:  5-4

Goalscorers:  Joe Flatt x3, Isaac Diver Hall, Angus Blazer
MOM: Isaac Diver Hall

Mens 2s travelled to 2nd placed Ipswich 2s this morning, showing our true dedication to the club by missing the England game!

A poor start and saw us go 2-0 down within 15 minutes. However, some excellent play and brilliant teamwork saw us draw level just before half time.

A busy second half saw us at 4-4 with around 5 minutes left on the clock before we finally (for the first time in the game) took the lead at 5-4.

Goalscorers:  Jon Miles x2
MOM: Stu Kelly, Phil Good

After watching the England rugby team demolish the All Blacks NDHC Mens 3s went into their game with high-flying North Norfolk 1s with spirits high even with the weather doing its best to dampen that elation. Unfortunately it seemed all minds were still on the rugby as Dragons went 0-1 down in the first minute, simply not having switched on and NN 1s taking full advantage finishing at the back post. Soon after the visiting team went 0-2 up after a deflected shot, high in the sky, was volleyed down into the goal, slowly the home side worked their way back into the game coming to close to scoring but at half-time the score was still 0-2. NDHC 3s weathered another storm after starting slowly in the 2nd half again but were dragged back into the game by prolific striker Jon Miles, scoring a beautiful drag flick high into the corner. With 10 minutes to go and still 1-2 down Dragons threw caution to the wind taking off multiple defensive players and playing four upfront to push for an equaliser. They came close before suffering a dagger blow conceding from a short corner. With a never-give-up attitude the team brought it back to 2-3 after a nice move ending in Jon Miles finishing yet again (taking his tally into the double figures for the season!). With everyone attacking the visiting side broke on the counter and scored their final goal on the bow of the whistle leading to a very flattering score of 2-4 to North Norfolk 1s. Many positives to take from the game including some gorgeous attacking, solid defence against a very good side and an unbeatable attitude. MoM was shared between Phil Good and Stu Kelly for superb defensive work and some great runs down the right from Phil!

East League, Men’s 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s v Pelicans 3s:  1-2

Goalscorers:  Bobby Sheppard
MOM:  Kit Scott

Dragons 4s suffered their first defeat of the season on Saturday, against direct rivals Pelicans 3, who swapped positions in the league table, pushing Dragons down to the third position on a goal difference basis only.  As soon as they left Norwich the rain started, and it never stopped, neither during the long trip to Kings Lynn, nor during the game, not even on the way back to Norwich.

As soon as the game started Dragons knew it would be a tough one. Pelicans were strong and very well organised, with quite a few well-known faces that had been seen before playing in higher leagues. Soon after the push back captain Alberto Embarba made good progress in the run fur goof of the day, by brilliantly intercepting a ball in the midfield, making no apparent effort to use the lawful side of his stick, the same stick that was later seen flying backwards off Alberto’s slippery hands after a hit. As time went by Pelicans were dominating more and more and managed to lock Dragons in their half of the pitch. But Dragons proved to be really strong in defence and stopped every single attack from Pelis. With some 10 minutes still to go, Bobby Sheppard got the reward to his efforts when he scored a great goal that brought Dragons some fresh air. But a few minutes later Pelicans got the equalizer, setting a 1-1 score at half time.

The second half started in a slightly different fashion, with Dragons gaining momentum and pushing Pelicans defence more and more often. The combinations between Kit Scott, Bobby Sheppard, Gregg Reynolds and Robin Clarke were very prolific, but still a second goal couldn’t be achieved. Keeper Peter Dickerson, with his magnificent saves, managed to keep Dragons’ aspirations alive for most of the game, but Pelicans got their second goal in the end. Nevertheless, Dragons never gave up and kept fighting fiercely in the ruthless rain until the final whistle.

Everyone played really well but Neil Shorten, Bobby Sheppard and Kit Scott were shortlisted in a very tight MOM draw, with Kit Scott getting the award in the end for his brilliant contribution to the game.

East League, Men’s 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s vBury St Edmunds 5s:  1-1

Goalscorer:  Ali Smyth
MOM:  Tom Bailey

East League, Men’s 5NE(N)
Norwich Dragons Men’s 6s v  Norfolk Nomads 2s:  4-0

Goalscorers:  Mike Banham x2, Dan Orsborne, Casper Lind
MOM:   Andy Hollis

Development Leagues