Empress Norfolk Women’s League, Division 3
Norwich Dragons Ladies 8s  v Dereham:  1-3

The last game of the season and what a way to end it!  One of the best that that 8’s have played, determined to give it their all and end on a high. Everyone worked their absolute green and red socks off and attacked from the beginning, wasted no time in showing Dereham who was boss. It was one of the hottest days of the year so far and they were probably the only 2 hockey teams in Norfolk that played a league match that day.  The 8’s do love to take on a challenge…

Final score was 3:1 to Dereham 5’s.  POM was Captain Katy Cole. Despite being pretty even in the first half and holding them well for the first 33 minutes, Dereham flukily scored their first goal in the last 2 minutes of the first half whilst their second and third came form short corners, of which they had about 15!  Dragons successfully managed to defend nearly all of them and get the ball back down the other end.  The score line does not reflect the 8’s efforts. They really held their own and should be proud, despite the loss.  It certainly was one of their best games to watch.

Goal Keeper Emma ‘Noble Northy’ North continued her successful run of being on fab form, saving too many goal shots to count, particularly those close ones from from the many short corners they had fouled against them, she made she great clearances and looked cool, calm and collected in her goalie kit even in the 18 degree heat!

Vice Captain Jo ‘The Strategiser’ Baker made another noteworthy performance as centre back – calculatedly took dozens of amazing hit outs in to some lovely spaces, she really held the defence and the rest of the defenders responded excellently to her direction.  Jo was fierce in the D and worked super hard to distribute the ball out whilst they were under attack.

Anna ‘Silent Achiever’ Chapman as left back.  Anna was her usual stealth-like strong and reliable self, she played some lovely balls along with the wing, did some great passes to the waiting midfielders and was on top form in this match.

Johanne ‘Sassy’ Steward as right back.  Johanne was her enthusiastic self and she worked really hard to tackle the opposition and take possession of the ball.  Johanne made some excellent passes to open spaces ready for the players to ‘post-up’ just like they have been learning in training.

Maria ‘No-Milling-Around’ Milititsky as right back and covered Jo B as centre back.  Maria is a fabulous new talent in the making, she is tenacious and fearless, she drops back to support GK Emma when she pushed up to make a clearance.  This is no mean feat!

Emma ‘Fearless’ Fielding was brilliant again as bottom of the diamond.  Emma’s great speed and fitness mean that she is easily able to run up and down the pitch like all good midfielders do!  Emma takes direction well and she made good use of her strong hits to distribute the ball out of the defending danger zone.

Nic ‘Tenacious’ Harrison, left mid and covered as top of the diamond.  As ever a reliable player who never gives up!  Nic tackled tirelessly as always and demonstrated her super work output level!  Made some lovely runs down the wing and passed accurately to the forwards.

‘Tricky’ Tracy Stuart Sheppard as right mid, fierce and fast paced, worked hard to gain possession and was always quick to take side line hits.  Communicated well with the rest of the team and definitely was a force to be reckoned with during this game.

Kim ‘The Bruiser’ Brenchley continues to improve each time she plays and had one of her best games yet. Kim made some lovely tackles and passed accurately up the wing to the forwards.  Kim worked super hard to attack and didn’t give up!

Captain Katy ‘The Optimiser’ Cole as top to the diamond – probably her best game ever for the 8’s. Katy did some impressive tackles, intercepted the ball and managed to drive the ball all the way up the other end of the pitch, passed a defender and into the goal, GK deflected and then she got the rebound!  A cracking goal.

Fern ‘Dancer’ Daly – Fern may be small but she is mighty!  She has great speed and grace, almost dances on the pitch chasing the ball with ease, so confident once she gets going and a has a fair whack on her – one to watch definitely!

Olivia ‘The Devil’ Dickson – played right forward and lived up to her nick name, devilishly fooled the Dereham defenders who were too slow to keep up with her pace and grit.

Lois ‘The Legend’ Metcalfe – after a 3 week break away from hockey, the 8’s were pleased to have her back in the forward line!  Lois gave excellent direction to the other forwards, was always in the best positions to receive the ball and tackled with determination.

Sadie ‘The Joker’ Jacobs – there was no clowning around from this little super star.  Sadie got in to some brilliantly placed spaces, passed the ball around well, was demonstrably desirous to win and fought hard to get in the D and strike!

So the 8s may have lost but they didn’t go down without a fight!  The most enthusiastic of teams who have come a long way since their inception last season.  The 8’s have learned lots and are keen to continue their well honed skills into next season!  They have really gelled as a team and have maintained a consistent core set of players who love to play and are eager to win!

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Women’s East Hockey League, Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v Sevenoaks 2:  2-2

At the tail end of a very long season, both teams were able to take the opportunity to bring up some young players into their first teams and welcome back some old faces! The result was a positive match which enabled our younger members to build on their experience.

In the first 15 minutes, the Dragons team were put under fairly consistent pressure by the visitors, but with the steady hands Sarah Jenkins and Holly Reding controlling the defence, Dragons were able to repel advances. Luisa Valentini made her debut for the first team in goal and was outstanding throughout the match, eventually sharing the player of the match award. In these earlier moments of the game, a series of flying saves kept the visitors from scoring and the score at 0-0.

Dragons found their stride though; Lara Taylor was dominant down the left hand side and combined well with Issy Wolfe and Shelly Seaman up front. Maddy Reynolds, on her debut for the first team, found herself in plenty of space on the right and showed great determination and promise up front. After a sustained period of excellent, attacking play the home team won a penalty corner.  Having worked hard on the routine in training, a new line up took their place at the top of the D. The ball found its way to Holly Reding who calmly slotted the ball home to take Dragons to 1-0.

Unfortunately, the opposition quickly counter-attacked and a well taken penalty corner found its way into the back of the goal to level the score at 1-1 at half time.

Once again in the second half, Dragons dominated and enjoyed several periods of fantastic, linking play. Sophie Mullan was everywhere and thoroughly deserved the joint player of the match honour that she later received.

Issy Wolfe harried her opposite number and won the ball around the half way line. She drove into the opposition half and into the D where she attempted a shot on goal. The shot was deflected but Shelly Seaman was lying in wait and expertly converted to take the Dragons to 2-1 up.

Sevenoaks did not give up though and in the remaining 10 minutes, they fought hard to equalise. An injury to stalwart Reding meant that the Dragons had to reshuffle the defence and the opposition capitalised, managing to break through the defence and score, taking the full time score to 2-2.

Sunday 8th April

Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v Canterbury 2:  0-2

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Women’s East Hockey League, Division 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s – no fixture

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

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s v Norwich City 3:  0-5

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

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

The end of the season is approaching and Ladies 6s are making sure they do everything in their power to finish the season on a high.

Their 6-1 win against Broadland 3s is a great example of this.

This was a fantastic team performance where every single player in the squad gave 110% effort.

Dragons took the lead early in the first half but Broadland broke straight back to bring the score to 1-1. Dragons then worked as a unit to penetrate the Broadland defence. The forward line of Jane Wells, Gemma Ballard, Charlotte Knight and Amelia Keitly-Webb worked hard running in behind the Broadland defence, getting into some great positions.

The midfield of Anita Mancini, Floss Andrews, Coco Brown and Gill Walker worked hard to support both the defence and attack.

Defensively, Hannah Woods, Kate Atkins and Jen Buskell stood firm making some wide runs to pack the attack.

Emily Roper made a stunning save at 1-1 which allowed the Dragons to build up and press Broadland.

A special mention must go to the Broadland team who fought hard until the end, creating chances of their own. But what ladies 6s proved this week is that they can settle into a game, work out the weaknesses of their opposition and use them to their advantage.

Player of the match going to Jane Wells for her hat-trick and impressive display up front!

With just one game left and promotion in the bag, will Ladies 6s become division 2 champions? Find out Saturday 14^th 11.45am as they take on their top of the table rivals Lowestoft Railway

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Division 3
Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s  v Loddon 2:  0-6

In the topsy-turvey world of Division 3, Loddon sealed the number one spot with a comprehensive win over Dragons. It was a far cry from the gutsy draw the Dragons achieved on the Loddon ground earlier in the season. Dragons knew they would have their work cut out because lack of availability left them without key players, notably an out and out striker. Loddon on the other hand fielded a team with speed, stick skills and physicality – they were definitely the best team on the day. But Dragons stuck to their guns. Perhaps a little slow to implement the marking and tackling game they knew they would have to use, they also let themselves down by their old weaknesses of failing to get first to the ball and by ‘hiding’. But that was only in the first half, when Loddon raced to a 4-0 lead.

In the second half, Dragons were definitely on it. Emma Northie North was unanimously voted POM for her super saves and prodigious kicking. She also achieved some excellent ‘second phase’ saves too – blocking the hard shots and then getting her hands up to clear the high rebounds. Inspired by Northie, Emma Dyer, Lily Crew and Becky Gallagher all made their tackles tell while Esme McKinnon-Evans was a little dynamo at the bottom of the diamond. Bridget Le Good made enough use of the hit-outs to keep Loddon guessing, and there were some flashes of the very best Dragons can produce when, starting from the back, swift and accurate passing using Stevie Spencer, Maisie Dearmer, Amelia Keitley-Webb and Claire Fairhurst really pinged the ball around and worked the ball up to the 23. Alice Bishop and Mia McGhee made some promising runs, but the Dragons had few shots. They gave it everything they had, with Claire, Alice and Mia sacrificing their attacking moves to sensibly help out the mids, where Amelia, Becky, Stevie and Maisie were doing their best to contain the rampant Loddon forwards. Even though this was their heaviest defeat of the season, every Dragon on the pitch today gave it everything. One more shout out to Northie! Whoop whoop!

The Super Sevens final game is against City, and in the topsy-turvey world of Division 3, City recently crushed Loddon 3-0. Dragons are all too aware that you can only play what the opposition put out, and are looking forward to a brilliant training session and a strong team selection to set them up for a fabulous fun (winning) finale.

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Empress Norfolk Women’s League, Division 3
Norwich Dragons Ladies 8s  v Pelicans 3:  1-2

POM jointly between Emma North and Mehnaz Shammy.

On a hot (well 18 degrees) Spring day, 12 Dragons set out to win against the very young Pelican 4’s (average age 14) team.

Dragons took a while to find their shape, with some of their regular players unavailable, a few players stepped up to play in different positions which caused a delay in their attack.  The fast Pelicans played on their strong side pushing against their Dragon’s weak side, particularly in the first half where they scored 2  goals.  In the second half the Dragons really raised their game and scored.  It was a very close match and it really looked like they would equalise having been awarded several short corners. Dragons dominated the second half with the play mostly being in the attacking end.  But they were unable to equalise despite their valiant attempts.

Goal Keeper Emma was fab as always and managed some excellent saves, demonstrated some brilliant ball clearances and gave great direction which helped the defenders.  A well deserved POM.

Jo ‘Vice Captain’ Baker was her usual strong self as centre back and lead by example by making giving great vocal direction and some lovely passes right up the other end of the pitch into some great spaces and also to the mid fielders

Anna ‘flexi player’ Chapman, played left back, right back and left forward!  Anna was great, the silent achiever that she is.  She was strong in defence, showed off her speed and has really developed her hits so that she was successfully able to pass the ball down to the mids. Anna was tenacious as a forward too, with a couple of close shots to goal – well done Anna for your flexibility and attitude.

Johanne Steward as right back (and covered as left back) – each game she grows more confident and she worked really hard to pass to the midfielders by passing down the line with success.

Jess Lockwood – left back.  Jess is also another player that gains more confidence and speed in each match.  Jess took some fab side line hits and was not afraid to tackle the opposition.

Emma Fielding as BOD – she has tenacity to tackle and has a nice strong hit on her. Is another speedy player who successfully managed to run up and down the pitch and kept up with the young Pelicans.

Nic Harrison as right mid.  Nic played with strength and confidence as always.  Nic made some lovely drives into to the D and set up some excellent passes which resulted in our goal by Emma Young.

Tracy Stuart-Sheppard as right mid.  Played solidly in this position.  Always quick to reset and take side line hits. Made some fabulous tackles and great passes down to the eagerly waiting forwards.

Captain Katy Cole – top of the diamond.   She worked hard to ensure that she ‘protected the castle’ and didn’t drift out to the wing.  She made some good tackles and managed to intimidate the young Pelicans. Her speed ensured that she was able to push up and attack, as well as drop back and support the defence when required.

Emma Young as right forward – scored her fist league goal!  As a high forward she eagerly awaiting the ball.  Listened well to instructions, determined and enthusiastic and struck at the right moment – well done Emma!

Mehnaz Shammy as centre forward – went confidently in for every tackle, fabulously demonstrated her honed stick skills, even the quickest young Pelicans were no match for her speed and versatility.

Sadie Jacobs – left forward.  Her confidence has come on leaps and bounds and this really showed against the Pelicans.  Sadie got stuck in, put herself in some excellent positions and showed the opposition that she may be small, but she is a force to be reckoned with.

What next for the awesome 8’s?

2 more matches to go, we continue to work on previously acquired training skills, mark the most dangerous players and post up!  Go to the player and don’t wait for the ball to come to come to you!  Our final match is on the day of the awards night – a momentous occasion for Dragons and also for the 8’s – a victory is on the horizon.

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 2N
Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s v Horncastle 1:  4-3

Goalscorers:  Henry Laming, Rupert Snelling x2, Andy Saunders

MOM:  Henry Laming

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

A lacklustre mens 2nds lost their penultimate league home match of a seemingly never ending season 3-2 (HT 1-1) to Newmarket. Scorer and MOM Jono Chaney-Baxter.

Sunday 8th April

Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s v Ipswich 2:  3-2

Resurgent men’s seconds travelled to Ipswich 2nds for their last away game with the end of the season in sight winning 3-2 (HT 0-1). Rupert Snelling equalised with a drag flick short corner with Chris Simmonds finishing a move putting dragons into the lead. The home side pegged us back with five minutes remaining, only for Jono Chaney-Baxter to break their hearts with the winner. MOM again JCB.

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

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Men’s East Hockey League Division 4NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s v Felixstowe 2: 

Felixstowe conceeded

Men’s East Hockey League, Division 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s v Magpies 5:  1-5

Goalscorer:  Tommy Gale

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 6NE(N)
Norwich Dragons Men’s 6s – no fixture

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Norwich Dragons Hockey Club
Dragons Dev Boys A 

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Norwich Dragons Hockey Club
Dragons Dev Boys B

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Norwich Dragons Hockey Club
Dragons Dev Girls v  Norwich City B:  0-6

MOM:  Emily Smith

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Bury were a strong, youthful team, and they started the game brightly, dominating the early possession. Dragons had Gina Hunt in goal once again and she was in outstanding form from the off, making some commanding early saves. The defensive unit of Karen O’Neill Simpson, Harriett Green, Carmel Windsor Waite and Shelly Seaman knew they were going to need to be at their sharpest to keep Bury at bay.

With Emma Tabrett returning to the squad, having been unavailable for a few weeks, adding her usual fire and energy to the forward line, supported by the pace of Laura Ward and the skills of Kate McKenna. The game started to level out, with Dragons getting in behind the Bury defence on a couple of occasions. In midfield, Gail Thomas, Sophie Mullan, Lucy Morton and Kiera Goymour were starting to win the 50/50 battles and were feeding the forwards with some excellent through balls. With one such attack, Gail Thomas found Emma Tabrett, whose powerful drive and square pass found the willing run of Lucy Morton on the back post, for the lead. Before halftime this was doubled, this time Morton squared to Tabrett who found the backboard.

Bury had a number of opportunities to get back into the game before half time – there was some excellent defensive work by Dragons though and the score remained 2-0 at the break.

The second half saw Bury change their formation a little but the game still remained pretty even – both teams playing at high pace and having decent opportunities. It was Dragons however who took their chances, Tabrett claiming her second to make it 3-0,  whilst the fourth came from Kiera Goymour, her first for the Club, which was well deserved. Whilst 4-0 sounds a convincing scoreline, this was only achieved with some outstanding defensive work and some top saves from Dragons Player of the Match Gina Hunt – one instinctive save high to her right which was gloved away nonchalantly.

The final whistle was blown by two of the most impressive umpires we have seen this season and Dragons, playing some of the finest hockey of the season, took another 3pts, temporarily taking them to top of the table, however teams have games in hand to overcome their points tally. A fine end to a hugely competitive and enjoyable season in Div 2NE.

Great credit goes to the team for their commitment and dedication. Huge thanks go to Captain Karen O’Neill Simpson – its been a tough season in many ways, none more so than because of all the injuries the team have had to contend with, but her belief, passion and commitment for the team is unrelenting!
 

Dev Boys A v Norwich City:  0-1  

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Women’s East Hockey League, Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s – no fixture

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Women’s East Hockey League, Division 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s v Yarmouth 1s:  2-0

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

This week saw a very late push back for the Ladies 3^rd team against Norwich City 4^th team, knowing that a point would be enough to be crowned champions and gain promotion to the east league.

The tension around the team was building as we waited for the game already on the pitch to finish, however Ally’s Circle of Friends ensured the team were on their toes from the start and the 80’s aerobic session definitely worked for Jess Haw. Two minutes into the game, Jess Haw made a great run from the left wing, passing many defenders and scored the first goal from a strike at the top of the circle.

Dragons were on fire with positive passing play throughout the field, which soon lead to the second goal being scored from a short corner, calmly tapped over the line by Aditi Naik. The high intensity of play continued from Dragons and the third goal of the game was driven home from Debs Smith again from a short corner to end the first half 3-0.

The second half saw Norwich City create more opportunities as Dragons intensity dropped, but the defensive combination of Kat Speirs, Bella Capps, Angela Muragtroyd and Esme Potter dealt with all City attacks to maintain another clean sheet this season. Dragons remained patient and managed to convert a third short corner of the game for the fourth goal of the game, this time scored by Ally Windsor Waite.

The final score was 4-0, joint POM for Jess Haw and Esme Potter and a champagne celebration at the end for winning the Empressa Norfolk Premier League and gaining promotion with one game to spare!

Thank you to Sophie Barrow, Kate Mckenna, Carmel Windsor Waite and Hannah Hardy for coming to support us and enjoy the mini party at the end!

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

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s v City 3s:  0-9

With the weather considerably milder than the past few weeks we took on Norwich City 3s.  It turned out to be a tough match against skilled opposition with the final scoreline reflecting this at 0-9 against.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Division 2
Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s v Pelicans 3s:  11-1

Fielding 12 players this week with lots of illnesses, there was one clear message from Captain Woody this week…HAVE FUN!

The 6s had already achieved so much throughout the season, this game was about supporting each other, working together and enjoying it.

I think it’s safe to say that the 6s grew into the game. Finishing the first half at 2-0 and with Pelicans upping the pressure, Dragons knew that they needed to continue to pile on the pressure.

They definitely did!

The forward line of Gemma Ballard, Jane Wells and Jess Vernon were spectacular. They worked as a unit, pre-empting passes and knowing where each other were going to be, the goals really started to fly in. Gemma getting 5 and Jane 2.

The mid-field worked hard to support them. Floss Andrews, Charlotte Knight and Flori Smith all making it onto the score sheet.

Jen Buskell’s inspired run from defence saw a cracking shot from the edge of the D. Casually dribbling the ball up herself through several player.

Jade Blanchflower held the centre of the pitch at bottom of the diamond to distribute out.

Hannah Woods, Kate Atkins and Stella Windsor-Waite dealt with the Pelican’s attacks well.

A special mention should go to POM Stella. She was aggressive in defence, putting in some fantastic covering tackles, supporting the midfield, stepping in front of her player and commanding the left. A very mature performance from someone so young!

A top 2 finish is guaranteed for the 6s BUT its close at the top. Lowestoft Railway are on equal points but with a better goal difference, they play each other in the last game of the season. 14^th April – 11.45am – the Den will be the place to be. The 6s will be grateful of lots of Dragon’s fire in the race for the championship!

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Division 3
Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s  v Dereham 5s:  4-1

The 7s kept up their promotion push with a win that was comfortable enough, although the match never reached any great heights. Dragons left Dereham feeling that they had got away with some pretty rubbishy play, and were later astonished to find that results elsewhere had gone very much in their favour. So perhaps over the season the luck really does even out. After an excellent training session midweek, the 7s were hoping to build with some good ball speed, fast accurate passing, tight marking and sharp shooting. Oops! It didn’t happen, or rather not until the last 10 minutes of the game. On any other day we would have been raving about Adelice Kraemer’s four-timer. And indeed Addi did show the benefit of being a big strong forward making a nuisance of herself in front of the goalie. But truth to tell we coulda/shoulda had half a dozen more and the penalty corners were disappointing too.

In the first half, the 7s lost possession too many times and the passing was poor – and none worse than the DOTD pass by Bridget Le Good that let in the Dereham forwards to score and bring the score back to 2-1. It spoilt Emma Northie North’s chance of another clean sheet when she didn’t look like being beaten by anything. There were another couple of occasions when the entire defence missed a through ball, and if the young Dereham forwards had had the stick skills to match their speed Dragons could have been in trouble.

However, gradually the defence asserted their superiority. Bridget almost redeemed herself with a reasonably high percentage of accurate hit outs, and there was some determined tackling from Emma Dyer and Lily Crew. Louise Brooksy Brooks gave her usual full on performance at the bottom of the diamond and picked up her usual quota of smacks as a reward. When Brooksy had to take a break, Mads Gibbs provided some excellent cover on a very sprightly centre forward. Lily Crew again showed she can be a competent defender and a creative midfielder.

The mids did not make a confident start. They were not first to the ball and the passing was poor by their standards – and there were times when they were robbed because they tried to do too much. But as a unit, they will never give up. With Stevie Spencer in the centre, and with Amelia Keitley-Webb and Maisie Dearmer on either side, Dragons have three quick, determined mids more than capable of the hard work that gets you through the tough spells. In the second half they did some excellent tackling back as well as setting up the forwards, and Mads, Lily and Brooksy were also involved in some nice linking moves.

With only 12 players, the forwards also had to up their work rate in order to allow Addi to play high and demo how well she can shield that ball. She really is untackle-able! Captain Claire Fairhurst was at her best wide left, linking nicely with Amelia and Stevie. On the right, Mia McGhee injected some real pace in her runs, frequently coming from deep and making some excellent crosses. Both Mia and Claire went close with their follow ups, and Amelia had some good shots which somehow found the goalkeeper.

Dragons know their promotion fate is now in their own sticks and they know they can perform far better than they did today. Several players got one or two POM votes. But the real star of the day? Step forward Lilly Sore, who umpired her first league match. Calm, authoritative and confident, Lilly showed excellent judgement on when to penalise the footballers and when to let the game flow. Well done Lilly.

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

Ladies 8’s player of the match – Nic Harrison

Following the euphoria of after winning the previous match, the feeling going into this match was that “anything was possible.”

This game was always going to be a hard one as the opposition are a team that was relegated from the league above at the end of last season. The #awesomeeights started slowly and struggled to find their grove. There were glimmers of hope, especially when encouragement and pointers were offered from the side-lines (thanks Mike Hardy).

Positioning, on a whole, was good but like the eights, enthusiasm slipped at times. When we were on point the play was fluid and the ball quickly found its way into the oppositions D. When the eights remembered what we have been practising, played the ball wide, with short direct passes or passes into space we easily had the upper hand. Unfortunately, this wasn’t maintained consistently throughout the match giving Watton the chance to get the ball to the top player who went on to score four of their six goals. Slip ups in marking also gave them opportunities which they shouldn’t have had.

The second half showed a massive improvement in the eights game, with the team working closer together, posting up and good communication from the defence team. Special mentions must go to Nic Harrison who yet again gave an enthusiastic, tenacious performance earning her the man of the match award. Also, to Sophie James who despite a nasty knock to the elbow which required some attention from an ice pack, dusted herself down and returned to the pitch to keep fighting on and driving the ball up the field. Special thanks to Esther Jacobs for doubling up and manning the goal for us, your encouragement, knowledge and communication was brilliant and went a long way to getting us back on track when heads dropped.

So, as we enter the last bit of the season, thanks to the trio of re-scheduled matches, #awesomeeights need to remember to;

• Work as a team – Communicate with each other
• Don’t crowd
• Try to keep to the 3-pass rule (it really works)!
• MARK players, especially the dangerous ones
• Post Up
• HAVE FUN – after all this is why we play hockey.

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 2N
Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s v Magpies 2s:  0-1

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s v City 4s:  13-1

There was to be no dragon slaying for Norwich City 4ths this day: for they were put to the sword 13-1 (HT 3-0) by a rampant dragons 2nds! Eddie Gould got the ball rolling from a short corner strike and the visitors never looked back. Dragons mix of youth and experience ran amok putting ten second half goals past the hapless home keeper. City scored a consolation making it 5-1 but this only spurred the away side on to greater things. Scorers were Eddie Gould 4, Alex Browne 4, Jonathan Chaney-Baxter 4 and Ed Murphy. Tireless work from Pedro Goss got him MOM.

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

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Men’s East Hockey League Division 4NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s v Ipswich 3s:  0-5

Men’s East Hockey League, Division 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s – no game

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 6NE(N)
Norwich Dragons Men’s 6s v Norfolk Nomads:  2-1

This was the final game of the season for the mens 6^th team and was, once again, a postponed match from earlier in the season. The approach to this game was very much the same as others, that being short, accurate passing and retaining the ball as much as possible. The first half was a very tight affair with neither side making a significant breakthrough. In reality we were very evenly matched. There were very few penalty corners awarded to either team and it was a close battle in midfield to retain possession.

At half time, the team talk was to continue playing in the same style and we would eventually make the breakthrough. Within 10 minutes of the re-start Dragons made the breakthrough with a clean strike on goal from Rob Lee being turned into the Nomads goal by Thomas Helfer right on the near post. A lovely taken goal. It didn’t take long for Nomads to strike back when they managed to break into the dragons final third and managed to get a clear shot into the Dragons net.

With the game slipping away, a draw looked the most likely outcome, but in the dying minutes Bobby Sheppard broke though into the Nomads circle and took the shot which was initially blocked but Tommy Chapman was on hand to turn the ball into the Nomads goal. Shortly after, the whistle blew for the end of the match with another win for Dragons 6.

As it was the final game of the season we had an individual vote by each team member for Man of the Match. A clear winner was Tommy Chapman for great play up front and scoring the winning goal.

As captain this season, I would just like to publicly record my appreciation to every player who has turned out for the mens 6th team this year. It has been a tough season with the league reorganisation, and we effectively went up a division when the two bottom leagues were split geographically. Because of this we didn’t get the results we all hoped for during most of the season, but at no time did anyone give up or throw the towel in. In fact everyone dug deep and kept trying their individual hardest to improve themselves and the team results. As a consequence, we finished the season winning 3 out of the last 5 games and the final two consecutively. This showed how much everyone kept the right approach and desire to succeed, right up to the final whistle of the season. Well done everyone and I am proud to have been your captain this year.

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Norwich Dragons Hockey Club
Dragons Dev Boys A v Watton 17-0

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Norwich Dragons Hockey Club
Dragons Dev Boys B v Dereham 7-1

In great conditions for hockey a strong looking Dragons B took on Dereham away from home

Initial early pressure led to an excellent solo goal from Lawrie Williams. This allowed us to start to play the open attacking game we wanted to.

We continued to press but there was always a threat from Dereham on the break.

Some driving runs from midfield bought a short corner, which came to nothing and an excellent save by the Dereham keeper.

Second goal eventually came and it was another solo by Lawrie after pressure had bought other chances in the preceding 5 minutes.

Despite dominating we remained vulnerable to counter attack. Dereham subsequently  forced an excellent save from Adam Jones in goal and well disciplined defence from Will Mares and his back line.

Our 3rd was an excellent well worked goal from Josh Cormack and the 4th  came just before half time from Jake Reynolds to leave us looking very comfortable at the break.

Ht

We started the 2nd as we finished the 1st half with a great goal for Josh almost straight from push back.

Tenacious defending and good save by Adam followed by deserved Dereham goal to make it 5-1. Despite the score line Dereham never gave up and continued to make a great game of it.

Game more stretched both sides opportunities with Will having a breather with Bertie Pinching and Harvey Nkrumah filling in well and some great shielding play by Daniel Shirley kept Dereham attacks at bay.

Dragons worked the Dereham keeper and a dogged Dereham refused to give up and chances at both ends

As Dereham tired a sweeping move bought the 6th from Archie Grieg who scored his first ever Dev goal.

The scoring was completed with the Dragons 7th coming from Josh who completed his hatrick

World class save at the death from Adam who had busier afternoon than score would suggest.

The game finished 7-1. It was an excellent performance and a thoroughly enjoyable, good spirited game.

Tommy Chambers

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Norwich Dragons Hockey Club
Dragons Dev Girls v  Dereham:  2-2

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Saturday 17th March

All fixtures were postponed except Men’s 3s.

Men’s East Hockey League, Division 3NE

Men’s 3s v Bury St Edmunds 2s:  1-3 

Goalscorer:  Jono Chaney Baxter

MOM:  Joel Lawrence

Sunday 18th March

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Premier Division

Ladies 3s v Lowestoft Railway:  2-0

Following all matches being cancelled in Norwich on Saturday, Norwich Dragons Ladies 3^rd team could not believe the message from Lowestoft from the comfort of their warm beds early on Sunday morning, ‘no snow or frost in Lowestoft, so the game should be on’!

We all arrived in Lowestoft at 9.15am on a Sunday morning with thermometers reading 0 degrees, most players with many base layers in disbelief that we were actually going to play hockey. Despite the pitch being a bit solid in places the umpires deemed the pitch playable.

Dragons began the game positively despite the wind chill from the East, creating some positive attacking play down both wings from Sam Franklin, Lucy Buxton and Elsa Scott (making her 3^rd team debut). Dragons were soon awarded with a short corner that was deflected past the Lowestoft keeper for the first goal by Hannah Ellis.

The forward combination of Maddy Reynolds, Jess Haw and Ally Windsor Waite were combining well with Hazel Knights in centre of midfield to cause the Lowestoft defence problems, which soon resulted in the 2^nd goal calmly slotted over the goal line by Maddy Reynolds.

At half time the team grouped together mainly to keep warm and called for more positive play in the second half. The second half saw the majority of the play in the Lowestoft half, but the defensive combination of Sophie Barrow, Sarah Wagstaff, Angela Murgatroyd and Kat Speirs were on their toes for the full game and maintained a clean sheet in difficult conditions.

Despite many opportunities for Dragons in the second half we were unable to score more goals and the game ended with a 2 0 win for Dragons and many blue knees and arms! Hazel Knights and Hannah Ellis shared player of the match.

A big thank you to all our dedicated supporting parents and Mike Hardy who braved the sub-zero temperatures to cheer us on and a special mention for Tracy who managed the substitutions brilliantly despite being given the teamsheet for Saturday not Sunday by the captain!

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Women’s East Hockey League, Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v Canterbury 2s:  1-2

Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s embarked on the long trip down the M11 for the last time this season to take on mid-tabled Canterbury 2s. The game started off relatively evenly, with the Dragons forward line of Stacey Lee, Hayley Toleman, Issy Wolfe and Lucy Morton stringing some nice passes together and putting pressure on the host’s goal. Canterbury also had their own chances, finding gaps in the Dragons’ press on a number of occasions and creating opportunities through overload situations. The defensive unit remained cool under pressure, however, and kept Canterbury at bay. Special mention to Sophie Thomas for saving a ball virtually on the line and calmly clearing it wide after a 2 on 1 situation. However, a scrappy situation in the D subsequently led to the hosts scoring a soft goal putting them 1-0 up going into half time.

The second half began the way it ended, seeing Canterbury extend their lead through some effective movement in front of the goal and a simple push into the back of the net. Following this, the Dragons managed to lift their level of intensity. After a period of sustained pressure, the Canterbury defence was split by a silky piece of individual skill from player of the match Stacey Lee. While her shot on goal was initially saved, a follow up from Lee saw her pass to well-positioned Lucy Morton, and the youngster slotted the ball home to score her first goal for the Ladies 1s. Unfortunately, the visitors had left the revival too late, and the score ended 2-1 to Canterbury.

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Women’s East Hockey League, Division 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s v Christchurch 1s:  6-0

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

This week saw Dragons Ladies 3’s travel to UEA to play their ladies 2^nd team keen to continue their winning run following a week off last week for the snow. Dragons were determined to have a good start from the first whistle following a few slow starts in the month of February. Dragons made a positive start creating too many opportunities to count, which were either saved by a solid UEA defence or narrowly missed either side of the post. Despite the positive attacking start the score remained 0-0 at half time.

The call at half time was to continue with the good passing play from the team and remain patient and the goals would be scored. However, UEA maintained a strong defence until half way through the second half when Jess Haw managed to score our first goal with a composed touch over the line. Dragons soon scored their second goal from a short corner which was calmly completed by Ally Windsor Waite. The third goal came from some good passing play down the pitch from Debs Smith to Lucy Buxton for Fiona Fletcher to finish from the penalty spot.

A great team effort with strong performances for Bella Capps, playing her first game for the third team this season and Catherine Matthews who won the player of the match award.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s v Broadland 1s:  3-5

It was a tough physical game ahead of us so we were ready for an energetic game.
Broadland worked well together and very much in our half most of the game, but we broke free and found our pace to execute the first goal which was crossed to Gina Hunt who hit it into the far corner.

With Broadland’s team working well and their ability to know exactly where to pass the ball to their players we soon found things difficult only to be met with a goal from them to equal the score. Another two goals went their way finding ourselves 3-1 down. Our defence Sarah Wagstaff, Jemima Williams, Katie Franks tried so hard but were not able to stop the clever play by Broadland.

Vicki Earley and Hannah Edwards worked tirelessly down the middle with Ellie James, Elsa Scott and Gina working the mid to wings. This paid off as we found ourselves with another goal by Lisa Harwood from a short corner who sneakily lifted it over the defences’ feet.

They went on to score another one making the score 4-2.

Another amazing goal was scored by Caroline Wolfe with an amazing hit from a short corner.
Esther Jacobs tried her hardest in goal but Broadland were a force to be reckoned with and they went on to score another making the final score 5-3.

Broadland played a very well constructed game but our team worked so hard and we should be pleased with our work rate.
MOM Elsa for learning her position getting better and better as the match went on. Thanks to Elsa and Hannah for their first appearance in Dragons’s  4’s.

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

Ladies 5’s were raring to go this week after all the snow in what felt like positively tropical temperatures in comparison. A thorough warm up was expertly led by Lou Davis ensuring all players were ready for the match ahead.

The first half was end to end, each team pressing the other eager for a goal. Loddon played a strong game in the centre of the pitch keeping the midfielders Sue Brumby (POM), Ginny Simkin, Niamh Somers and Lizzy McDonnell working hard. Each midfielder tried to create opportunities for the forwards, but true to form Loddon’s defence were fast and were not making it easy.  There were several opportunities created for Dragons with Amy Forse, Sue Cross and Jenna Inglis working hard to send balls towards the D and into the attacking space with Lilly Sore sending in some lovely crosses from the right side. The half time score was 0:0.

The second half maintained intensity and Loddon pressed hard but the defenders, Steph Samson, Lou Davis and Mel Widdows kept their cool, clearing numerous balls. Eventually Loddon using their speed and hunger for a goal broke through and made it 1:0. Dragons pressed back quickly looking for an equaliser but found that Loddon had gained more confidence and were intercepting balls and quickly on the counter. Loddon were awarded a penalty flick which saw Kat Speirs (POM) having already made a number of cracking saves, rise to the challenge causing the shot to go wide.

The game remained end to end and the work rate from all players showed the hunger for an equalising goal. However Loddon had other ideas and managed to sneak another goal past us in the last few minutes of the game making the final score 2:0. Every player gave it their all this week and we were unlucky not to get a goal but the work rate and good linking play is a great positive to take forward to our next game.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Division 2
Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s v Thetford 1s:  0-0

Dragons knew they were in for a different type of challenge against Thetford. Their position in the table does not reflect their resilience and team work for a side struggling to get 11 players each week.

Dragons dominated possession throughout the whole match. Keeper Emily Roper was never really put under any pressure. However, Dragons just could not make the breakthrough they deserved.

Welcoming Joanna Jennings into the team this week, she proved to be a valuable asset in midfield, picking up a few POM votes. It was Gill Walker that came away with the landslide majority. She worked tirelessly at top of the diamond, creating chance after chance and never giving up.

Flori Smith was also a great addition, missing lots of games due to school, her regular training attendance really showed, making some great runs up the left of the pitch and getting some great crosses in.

The 0-0 scoreline did not reflect the pressure that Dragons put on Thetford, however, it does reflect the resilience of the 11-strong Thetford squad with a keeper who made some cracking saves.

With 3 games left, only goal difference separates Dragons and rivals Lowestoft. Are we setting ourselves up for a title decider on 14^th April? If we are it will be a game not to be missed!

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Division 3
Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s  v UEA 4s:  1-2

The 7s suffered a dent to their promotion hopes, with UEA completing the seasonal double over them. The 7s had a plan, based on the training session, but it seemed as though the students had the same plan – and were executing it just that bit better in every department. They had three fast forwards, with speed on the wings and plenty of tricksy skills from their centre forward. The Dragons’ defence had to work really hard, with a lot of last ditch tackling and not so much of their usual poise. Fortunately, Louise Brooksy Brooks (POM) was in outstanding form and there were not too many clean shots for Emma Northie North to deal with, but she remained calm and competent. It was UEA who were constantly first to the ball, and they also showed admirable persistence coming back time after time to tackle back. It was well into the second half before Dragons began to match the visitors for determination and energy. In this game, Dragons didn’t have a big strong forward to impose herself in front of the goalkeeper. All the forwards worked hard, but the crosses went begging and no-one chased down the rebounds.

UEA opened the scoring in the second half with a neatly taken penalty which just went past the keeper and behind the post guard. Their second was a reward for their determination to keep chasing back and working the ball through. Dragons did then up their game, but lacked a cutting edge. Their goal came when they won a penalty seconds before the end of the match. So there was no reason to prevent Bridget Le Good from coming up from the back. With no pressure, she smashed the ball home but it was no consolation.

Although Dragons were disappointed, it was no disgrace to be beaten by such a good team on the day. It serves to remind them that nothing less than 100 per cent effort will get them promotion and probably what they need right now is a bit more physical positivity and in most cases a lot more bravery to match the skills and game understanding they have. And it can be done!

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Empress Norfolk Women’s League, Division 3
Norwich Dragons Ladies 8s  v City 7s:  2-1

WE WON! WE WON! WE WON! (Not out of the system yet but will get on with the rest of the report!)

So, before the match started hopes were high and there was a buzz in the air despite another early-ish start. Luckily all that mother nature had left to throw at us was a quick sprinkling of the wet stuff. Both teams were eager as they warmed up alongside each other, so keen we managed to start the match a whole five minutes early.

From the start the #awesomeeights were gunning for that long-awaited win. Following some really positive training sessions with Mike and Shelley, pre-match email reminding us of what was taught and then moral boosting pre-match chat, the eights turned knowledge into action and attacked the game. Following advice from Amy Forse and conversations between Captain and Vice-Captain a few strategic tweaks were made to positions and subbing, resulting in getting the very best out of every single player.

Once again goalie Emma North put in a feisty performance dominating the goal mouth and making sure the opposition knew who was boss with some fantastic clearances and saves. She once again provided valuable communication and being the eyes in the back of the defences heads. Vice-Captain Jo Baker again produced some spectacular sling-shots to the opposite end of the pitch and drove the defence team to push from the back. Even when she was tripped and winded (following a brief stint off the pitch to recover) got back on the pitch and fought back. Emma “Mouse” Fielding offered fantastic cover when Jo was off the pitch, her speed and fast feet meant that she is quickly become a threat to anyone that tries to attack and was fantastic at backing up and supporting her team mates. Anna Chapman’s confidence increases with every match, her energy, endurance and speed means she has the ability to push high (which scares the opposition). Her ability to read the game is brilliant and free hits and clearances improve week on week. The fourth member of the defence team Johanne Steward tackled bravely and worked hard throughout, meaning there was no easy way in for City.

Captain Katy stepped up into her new role as bottom of the diamond tackled well, cleared the ball up the pitch and provided a great back up to the defence team despite being elbowed consistently by the opposition. Tenacious-N Nic Harrison and Tracy S-S proved that age is just numbers as they provided drive and speed down the wings and providing width to the game, keeping the game moving and City battling to keep up! Nic’s excitement and enthusiasm goes a long way to motivate the #awesomeeights and continues to be a massive asset to team.

A lot can be said about Emma Merryweather! But firstly, mend quickly Merry we need you back asap! Her speed is relentless, and City found that she was hard to mark because of this. Her reverse stick skills also contributed to confusing the opposition which gave us another advantage. Unfortunately, due to an injury, she was missing from the pitch for the last 20 minutes of the match. By this time, she had already more than earnt her MOM award alongside Goalie Northy. Youngsters Sophie James and Mehnaz “M” Shammy provided the legs up front, they worked well as pair and their persistence paid off with a goal a piece for the pair. Once again Lois Metcalfe provided stability, experience, knowledge and direction up front, moving the attacking forwards around, threatening the goal and getting numerous short corners awarded to us. Shaniece Claxton also gave a stellar performance and her strength and spirit showed throughout the game, tackling and distributing the ball. Sadie Jacobs once again showed an increase in confidence, made regular calls for the ball and got ahead to make early threats in the D, she is increasingly becoming a force to be reckoned with.

Summing up, well we are going to enjoy this, so the celebrations may (will probably) continue into training, we are learning to re-set quicker and to face the ball. The fighting spirit has never left the team this season, but this win means the world to us and will bolster us for the last four matches of the season #awesomeeights never give up! We need to continue to work as a team because it brings the results, use every player and every inch of the pitch and to continue to really want this!

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 2N
Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s v Dereham 2s:  1-3

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

Captain fantastic, Richard Mouslon managed a selectorial master stroke this week. Jettisoning experience for youth meant for a perfect blend that would ultimately defeat UEA 2s convincingly. The Dragons managed a comfortable victory, keeping their promotion hopes alive, ahead of 4 vital games in 8 days.

A very poor start to the first half, which luckily did not set the tone for the rest of game gave UEA the lead. The Dragons got all of their calamitous defending out of the way in the first 30 seconds and UEA took the lead. Thanks to some good saves, especially from short corners, by Joel Lawrence, the lead stayed at 1-0. The Dragons eventually managed to maintain some more possession and some excellent work from all four of the youngsters: Jonathan Chaney-Baxter, James Cross, Elliot Jones and Pedro Goss meant the score at half time was 2-1 to the Dragons, thanks to a deflection from Elliot and trademark thunderbolt from The Plumber, Eddie Gould.

The second half soon became a very much one sided affair, with further goals from Eddie Gould again, JCB on debut and Pedro Goss smashing home into the bottom corner from an acute angle.

All in all a pleasing result ahead of a clash against the “best team in the league” IES 3.

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 3s v IES 2s:  0-6

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Men’s East Hockey League Division 4NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s v IES 4s:  0-4

Men’s East Hockey League, Division 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s v IES 5s:  1-0

Dragons Men’s 5’s recorded their 4th win of the season. A 1-0 victory over IES 5. The goal was scored by Andrew Cross midway through the fist half. The victory was thanks to the sterling work in defence and tireless running in midfield, especially Greg Reynolds who the team voted as player of the match.  The ever reliable James King in goal stopped any half chances IES managed to get.

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 6NE(N)
Norwich Dragons Men’s 6s v Norwich City:  2-4 

It is a complement to M6’s when the opposition walking off say ‘ Can’t believe those guys are bottom of the league’.

On the subject of  Dev Boys, well done Angus Reid Gordon who played his first adult game in goal & with excellent saves(including a Penalty Flick) earned Man of the Match.

City scored first but M6 equalised when Bobby Sheppard put Ed Crosier free to place his shot delicately past the Keeper. City scored again to lead 1-2 at half time. M6 hit back through a fine reverse shot from the top of the D by Bobby. As the game moved into the final quarter, M6’s could not capitalise on a short & as all 11 started to flag without any bench & City scored a further 2 goals

Stephen Holland again showed how much progress he has made in his first season, Andy Key was so good he was not really noticed, Josh Bingham & Rob Lee ran themselves into the pitch(Josh finishing on one leg). In defence Ray Hansell, Rich Davis, Harry Brown & Mike Banham were solid against a table topping attack. Sometimes it is easier to play with 11 but that last 15 minutes is the killer.

Sunday

Norwich Dragons Men’s 6s v UEA: 

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Norwich Dragons Hockey Club
Dragons Dev Boys A v Magpies:  5-3

Report by Lawrence Williams

Saturday’s afternoon’s fixture at The Den proved to be a very close encounter with the result coming down to the last 10 minutes of play. There was very high-quality hockey from both sides before Dragons broke the deadlock and opened a lead. This was followed up by a second goal only 5 minutes later, with Dragons going 2-0 up. Magpies pulled a goal back just before half time to bring the match closer.

Magpies were re-energised after half time and increased their tempo and possessional play into the second half. The pressure paid off for Magpies and they turned the game around to take a 3-2 lead. It looked at this point that the match could go anyway. Some tactical rolling substitutions from the Dragons coach, injected more energy into the Dragons play and they began to open holes in the Magpies defence again, with some great right and left-wing play. Dragons made this pressure count and scored 3 times in the last 15 minutes of the match to close off a very entertaining fixture and a successful 5-3 home victory.

Goalscorers:  Will Bowman x2, Charlie Creasy, Freddie Royal x2

MOM:  Charlie Creasy and Edward Cross

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Norwich Dragons Hockey Club
Dragons Dev Boys B v Watton:  2-1

Goalscorers:  Tommy Chambers and George Wilson

MOM: Sam Hancock

The B team over came all odds being out-numbered and out- aged to pull off a great 2-1 win against Watton! Will Mares, the captain, led by example with many forward runs leading to the Dragons winning several short corners in the first half. Dragons were unable to convert these short corners though due to good defending from the Watton team. Dragons had their own defending to do with Watton always quick to break with the long ball forward. Will Sexton, Will Mares and Bertie Pinching all worked hard to be in the right place at the right time to make important tackles and blocks throughout the game. Watton took the lead after one of their quick breaks but Dragons equalised before half time with Sam Hancock getting a cross in from the right wing for George Wilson (u12 boy on dev league debut) to slot it home.

The second half saw the Dragons in attacking form with great breaks down the wings from George, Bertie Pinching and Alex Marjoram setting up Archie Grieg and Josh Cormack in the ‘D’. Watton were defending in numbers though. Tommy Chambers was on fire in the second half, forcing the Watton goalkeeper to pull off a great save. His fantastic work rate was rewarded with Tommy scoring the second goal! Thanks to a point blank save from the Dragons’ keeper Adam Jones towards the end of the match, the B team were victorious. Well played all of you.

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Norwich Dragons Hockey Club
Dragons Dev Girls v  Magpies:  1-2

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Women’s East Hockey League, Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v Old Loughts 1s:  2-3

Dragons Ladies 1s made the trip down the M11 to face already-relegated London side, Old Loughtonians in a desperate bid to maintain their status in the East Prem. With Captain Sarah Jenkins still side-lined by injury, the game saw defensive duo Lou Murray and Holly Reding taking command in the centre of defence, and managing the young Old Loughts side effectively.

The opening 10 minutes of play were relatively evenly matched, with neither side breaking through the other’s defences. The midfield trio of Marie James, Issy Wolfe, and player of the match Liv Thomas, were working well together, and following a well-timed tackle in defence, and some great movement of the ball through Thomas, the ball was threaded behind the Old Lought’s defence. A nicely placed pass from Stacey Lee in front of goal put Hayley Toleman in a great position to slot home and put the visitors 1-0 up.

The Dragons dominated the next patch of play, creating a number of chances in and around the attacking D, and eventually winning a short corner. Tabba Tabrett cooly put her drag flick in the back of the net, making the score 2-0. Despite going 2 goals up in first half, a rough patch in play and a 5 minute lapse in concentration saw the hosts draw the score level to 2-2 going into half time.

The team were called upon to step up the intensity in the second half, and the majority of this half saw Dragons dominate the play. However, with all 11 of the Old Lought’s team camped out in their 23 the Dragons struggled to break through. Another lapse in concentration from the visitors in the last 5 minutes saw a long ball played right through the middle of the pitch from the Old Loughts defence. Their two forwards working effectively together split the Dragons defence and allowed them to slot the ball in the net. While the Dragons won a short corner as the whistle went for half time they were unable to convert, and the girls left the pitch disappointed by a 3-2 loss and almost certain relegation.

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Women’s East Hockey League, Division 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s v IES1s:  2-2

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s v Magpies 4s:  5-2

This week Dragons ladies’ 3^rd team welcomed Magpies’ 4^th team to the Den on a bright but fresh February morning. The first goal was scored by Ally Windsor Waite with a strike from the top right-hand side of the D in the left-hand corner of the goal. The second goal was calmly completed by Jess Haw who was perfectly positioned in front of the keeper for the incoming cross from Debs Smith. Harleston Magpies then got a goal back from a second shot at goal which was initially saved by Dragons Keeper Kat Speirs from a short corner. The first half finished with Dragons leading 2 – 1.

The second half continued like the first half with opportunities being created by both teams, however Dragons managed to increase the lead with a second goal from Jess Haw and a converted penalty from Ally Windsor Waite. Magpies continued to stay in the game by scoring a second goal from open play. However, Jess Haw completed a great game on the forward line to gain her second hattrick of the season and score Dragons 5^th goal of the game.

The defensive combination of Kat Speirs, Sophie Barrow, Angela Murgatroyd and Esme Potter made a significant contribution to the game, with Sophie Barrow winning the Player of the Match vote for her great defensive and attacking play at right back.

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

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

It was a cold and early start for the Ladies 5’s with a 9:30am push back. An early pitch inspection revealed that despite the forecast the pitch was only partially frozen and improving by the minute in the beautiful winter sun. As the opposition were UEA they were happy to travel the short trip down the road as both teams were keen to play. This was a key game for the 5’s.

After a thorough warm up Dragons begun with the sun behind them hoping to take advantage of this and gain an early lead. Each team pressed hard eager to score, our defenders Steph Samson, Grace Brown and Georgia Butterworth worked as a cohesive unit clearing the ball from the D. UEA took a few early shots on goal with Amy Forse demonstrating, as ever, that she is a very nimble goal keeper and a force to be reckoned with. After a consistent stretch of pressure on our goal UEA managed to score putting them 1-0 up at half time.

The half time talk centred around intensity of play which we have been focussing on in training over recent weeks. With this in mind we began the second half utilising speed and skills. Hannah Edwards (MOM) worked hard to keep the ball out of our half and push play towards Mel Widdows, Sophia Haehnelt and Lizzy McDonnell, using width and connecting play to try and maintain possession and move forward. UEA hungry for another goal pushed back out of their half and made it 2:0. With everything still to play for Dragons increased the intensity gaining a short corner and eventually after a few rebounds the ball made it over the line off the stick of Jade Blanchflower. This demonstrates that with high intensity play and good linking and communication between our forwards and midfielders we can score goals and this is something we need to remember moving forward. Ginny Simkin moving to top of the diamond late in the game tried to create opportunities for Sue Cross, Sue Brumby, Lilly Sore and Niamh Somers to get us another goal. As a team we pressed hard until the end of the game looking for that equalising goal but sadly we were unable to convert with the game finishing 2:1 to UEA.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Division 2
Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s v Magpies 6s:  6-0

Ladies 6s hosted their Magpies counterparts on a not so frosty morning at the Den. Following a late call off, Captain Woody donned the goalie pads for the first time as a Dragon. Her pre-match team talk short and sweet – “do not let the ball get to me!”

Taking this on board her team did exactly that!

Dragons dominated the possession from the first whistle – after last weeks grass game they were able to play the pretty supportive hockey they are used to. The forward line of Harriet Rant, Amy Forse, Gemma Ballard and Jane Wells working as a unit to put pressure on the Magpies defence.

The forward line well supported by the midfield. Anita Mancini play making at top of the diamond with Maisie Dearmer, Gill Walker, Coco Brown and Emma Gillard offering lots of support in the attack.

Defensively Kate Atkins, Jen Buskell & Stella Windsor-Waite dispatched any Magpies challenge with assertiveness, being able to push up and support the attack too.

With 6 goals being scored there was lots to celebrate from ladies 6s performance. Gemma Ballard and Harriet Rant getting two a piece. Anita Mancini making it onto the scoresheet and Gill Walker scoring too (expert post play following her short corner injection).

Great teamwork this week ladies and lots of great performances. The 4 way split (Harriet, Stella, Coco & Gill) for POM just goes to show what a great team performance it was!

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Division 3
Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s  v Pelicans 4s:  6-0

The 7s showed good form in every department as they completed a comfortable double over a young Pelis team who themselves have gained in confidence and skill over the season. Dragons’ win was very much related to the fact that they had most of the strongest members of their squad available to them. Before the match, they committed to come out with all guns blazing and putting the plan into action helped dispel any lingering memories of the unfortunate defeat last time out.

Dragons pressed from the outset, and moving Adelice Kraemer to centre forward brought rewards. Pelis never really came to terms to her neat touches in front of the keeper, and with a liberal supply of excellent crosses and passes she rattled off a hat trick in the first half and got one more in the second. Addi’s move to high forward left Mia McGhee free to rove the wings and she used her speed to good effect and got on the score sheet. The scoring was completed by captain Claire Fairhurst whose goal was the cheekiest of them all – a very carefully placed low lift with all the pace taken off the ball to beat the keeper. The Pelis keeper, Molly Gromett, once again proved she is an excellent shot stopper and with some brave defending around her did really well to keep the score down. Claire Stuart had a memorable shot saved; Amelia Keitley-Webb peppered the goal from every angle and distance; Stevie Spencer was perhaps under-used for shooting from the top of the circle.

Dragons worked hard to keep a high press on and to keep hold of the ball. Pelis had to work the ball up from the back, and the 7s know where they have a ‘little hole’ which will remain their guilty secret until they can put it right in training! The defence (this time with Lily Crew on the left, Bridget Le Good in the centre and Madeleine Gibbs on the right) were pretty solid, and they have the confidence not to get in the way of keeper Emma Northie North when she is in position to block and clear. So Northie got another nicey Northie cleanie sheetie. Hooray! A great confidence booster for her and the team.

With several players getting POM votes, the contribution of Mads Gibbs was rewarded – she did not miss a single tackle all afternoon. Louise Brooksy Brooks was again outstanding at the bottom of the diamond, making a solid contribution in defence but even more importantly linking her distribution beautifully to the mids. How good it was to have regular 7s players back in the midfield working hard and playing creatively. Amelia and Stevie showed great stick skills and some lovely passes. Sophie James had some nice touches, particularly on the right. Becky Gallagher continues to improve every week and plays solidly when in defence – and gets some excellent penetration when she moves into midfield. The flexibility of players like Becky, the two Claires, and Brooksy’s ability to turn defence into attack is adding another dimension to the 7s play. They have added versatility to their team lineup which enables them to cope with different game challenges.

Solid defence, creative midfield and forwards developing a much-needed cutting edge meant this was a most enjoyable game for the 7s. They know they have a ‘couple of little things’ to work on, but they are well up for the top of the table clash with Loddon next week. Unfortunately, the weather may have a say on the play, but the Super Sevens are definitely ready.

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

What a game!  The score line really doesn’t reflect this game as the 8’s continued to demonstrate that they are a force to be reckoned with and were even complemented by the infamous magpie Shirley on how good the game was and how she felt that the 8’s had really improved and given them a run for their money.  With no less than 4 new players to the 8’s this week, the optimistic team were super keen to beat the Magpies and improve upon their 1 nil loss from the last time they played them.  A late start of 4.35PM, the sun had already just about gone in and it one of the coldest matches of the season.  From the off set the 8’s battled hard in the wintry conditions on the opponents’ pitch.  Anita Mancini had stepped up to play in goal got 8’s and what a performance she had!  With a close second for POM, she made some cracking saves and did her self and the team proud.  Great communication from the back provided fab and well-needed support to the defence line.  Some excellent clearances and dives stopping many of the fast and hard balls form the well-versed magpies who showed no mercy from the word go.

Jo Baker as centre back once again proved her worth with using many of her amazing slap hits out to the defenders and mids on the wing.  Working well with Anita and the other defenders, Jo helped to maintain the strong shape of the 8’s defence whilst keeping many shots at bay.

Johanne Steward as right back, made some lovely passes with her free hits and got into some excellent spaces, she called well for the ball and you could see that she had definitely been outing into practice what she had learned in training.

Anna Chapman as left back also took some great hits and continued to push up to support the mids, and drop back when needed, her hockey brain is definitely developing and you can see her increase in confidence in every game.

Tracy Stuart-Sheppard as BOD and also on the wing was her usual strong self.  Quick to reset and determined as ever, Tracy provided integral strength in the middle of the pith and distributed the ball well to the other waiting 8’s.

Newcomer Emma Merryweather started off on the wing but the sideline support soon realised that with her speed, she was versatile enough to swap positions and also play TOD.  This girl has speed!  New to Dragons but you could tell from her performance that she already has a honed hockey brain, made great tackles, got into some good positions and distributed the ball well to the other mids and down to the forwards.

Another newcomer Fern Daly fought hard against the tough magpies, called for the ball well and made some great receipts, managed to end the ball up the other on many an occasion and was another new and great asset the awesome 8’s.

Nic Harrison was again her strong and intelligent playing self.  Nic made some lovely tackles and passed the ball down the line with some brilliantly accurate passes that gave the 8’s several opportunities at getting the ball in the D.  Nic also made some note-worthy injections to the receiver in short corners.

Another newcomer Mehnaz Shammy, she may be quiet but she is not to be messed with. Mehnaz fearlessly tackled the opposition and intercepted the ball several times with such ease and accuracy, another new asset to the team.

Katy as TOD and a new position as BOD, turns she can defend as well as attack!  Again after the sideline support switched some players around, Katy’s speed helped to ensure that the Magpies did not concede more than one extra goal in the second half by vehemently attacking the Magpies fast forwards.

Sadie Jacobs left and right forward, continues to earn her place as a high forward, positioning herself well and pouncing on the ball at the right moment, Sadie made some lovely runs into the D and some great shots at goal.  However, the Magpies titanium defence line was just too hard to crack.

Another newcomer Florrie Beck as left and right forward, tackled well, intercepted many balls and made some grand passes to her fellow forwards to make some great shots on target at the goal.  Another one to watch who fitted in really well to her new team.

Lois Metcalfe as centre forward worked tirelessly to receive the ball from the mids and send it into the D.  Lois tackled well and demonstrated some excellent ball control whilst continuing to communicate brilliantly to the forwards and support them when she could.

All in all, some excellent play and the 8’s should be proud.  They really are coming together well despite often having different players each week, they have put into practice what they have learned at training and most of all they love playing!!!  With 4 games to go, they are itching for that second win and they are oh so close to it happening – onwards and upwards for the awesome 8’s.

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

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s v Ipswich 2s:  P-P

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 3s v Pelicans 1s:  0-1

Dragons men’s 3’s took on Pelicans 2’s on a cold but sunny day at the den. Dragons needed some points from this game after losing to Sudbury the week before. However it was Pelicans that scored first with a decent strike. Dragons worked hard to create chances and had most of the attacking play in the second half, but even with several short corners could not find the goals. The end result was 1-0 to Pelicans. Top of the table IES 3’s next week.

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Men’s East Hockey League Division 4NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s v Lowestoft Railway 1s:  0-5

Another bitterly cold Friday evening has all the clubs teams waiting on Saturday
morning in anticipation for that pitch inspection to see whether they can continue that lay in. No such luck for the Men’s 4s who head to Lowestoft (2nd in league) with the icy Siberian winds blowing from the east. With the normal scurrying around trying to locate goal keeper kit, our convoy embark to the Suffolk coast.

Offering up our captain to officiate the game,  its in the hands of birthday boy Andy Kemp (happy 60th) to captain a youthful team.

The 1st half saw some outstanding teamwork with Dragons on the attack and most of the possession. An unfortunate breakaway and superb finishing from Lowestoft took them to 2-0 at half time. Goal keeping finesse by Joel kept Dragons in the game.

With no glucose overload (lack of jelly babies) at half time and some inspirational tactic analysis we commenced part two awaiting  the arrival of some icy showers.

Game came to end seeing 3 more goals for Lowestoft but I feel the
final score is definitely not a true reflection of the game. Fantastic effort from all . 

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

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 6NE(N)
Norwich Dragons Men’s 6s v UEA 4s:  0-5 

A disappointing performance against UEA 4 who were a beatable side on paper but we were very restricted in availability and I am grateful for the players who were coming back from long term injury and/or are not regular league players, who came along to give us 11 plus one substitute. Once again your captain and scribe played in goal due to lack of keeper availability and our lack of strength in depth showed in open play. We lacked options for keeping possession and allowed UEA too much space to play their own game. They were fortunate to have one or two good strikers of the ball who capitalized when they had the chances close up in the D.

 Their goals were well taken and unfortunately, I am not as flexible as I used to be, so when the ball was heading to the corners of the goal, I was unable to keep them out. I did manage an ‘up and under’ (ask your dad who Eddie Waring was) in a goal mouth clearance which would have taken some poor players head off it had connected, but luckily it sailed off to the half way line and we had a penalty corner awarded against us instead….

 The back four plus one of Mike Banham, Harry Brown, Ray Hansell, Richard Davis and John Butler battled away, along with Sam Nutt, Darryl Robinson, Bobby Stewart-Sheppard and Stephan Holland in midfield but unfortunately it wasn’t our day. There were some bright points shining out of the gloom, with Sam Nutt continuing to impress with his growth as an adult hockey player this year, and new to hockey this season Stephen Holland has also made great strides in getting to grips with the finer points of the game. Especially considering he hadn’t even picked up a hockey stick at the beginning of this seasons campaign.

 Overall, the stand out player and the one receives a deserved Man of the Match was Stephen Holland, who showed the way in effort and application to win everything he could and not give up.

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Norwich Dragons Hockey Club
Dragons Dev Boys A v Dragons Dev Boys B:  9-3 

On Saturday the Dragon A’s played the Dragon’s B’s at home at the Den on a particularly cold afternoon.

The first half of the game was dominated by the stronger A team and by  half time were ahead 6-0, with Mac Beaumont and Kit Scott each scoring goals. .

At half time, to make it a more even game, the coaches decided to mix players from both teams. More goals were scored, one from Edward Cross, and the game ended with a final score of 9-3

A team

Mac Beaumont 4

Kit Scott 2

Tommy Gale

Gabe Overton

Edward Cross

B team

Jake Reynolds

Will Mares

William Sexron

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Norwich Dragons Hockey Club
Dragons Dev Boys B v Dragons Dev Boys A:  3-9

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Norwich Dragons Hockey Club
Dragons Dev Girls v  Watton:  2-0 

Sunday 25th February 

Dev Girls v City:  0-8

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Women’s East Hockey League, Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v West Herts 1s:  2-3

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Women’s East Hockey League, Division 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s v North Norfolk 1s:  3-2

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

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s v – no fixture

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s v Lowestoft Railway 1s:  P-P

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Division 2
Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s v Breckland 1s:  6-0

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

Once upon a time 13 enthusiastic Dragons – including two playing their first and second games for Dragons – agreed to play a match on a very cold and frosty slip date. Sportingly they even agreed to delay the pushback so that the match could take place. Unfortunately, there was to be no happy ever after ending. The collection of individuals doing their best got a bit of a smacking from the well-drilled Magpies on their home ground, thus avenging the 6-0 win the 7s scored earlier in the season.

There were some bright Dragons periods of play from midway in the first half onwards, as players began to find their team mates. This is the advantage of using the Dragons single system – players who attend training regularly have that basic understanding of how to get the ball from defence to attack. They know how to press a defence and understand the importance of passing smartly. However, the Dragons needed to do better in all departments. The defence fluffed more tackles than they usually do, and the nippy Magpies made more progress than they should have been allowed. Emily Roper was as busy as her opposite number and made some strong clearances, The Magpies opened the scoring with a very smart penalty corner – a defender got her stick to it with the keeper beaten, but it was so powerfully struck that it whistled in. That was a model penalty that the Dragons could not emulate at the other end in three attempts. Magpies other two goals were the results of the Magpies running strongly and the defenders not covering.

Joanna Jennings, making her debut and playing left mid was Dragons player of the match. She displayed quick thinking, quick feet and some quick neat passing. Emma Gillard at left back was close in the voting, and made a high percentage of her tackles. Emma North was back outfield for the first time for several games and notably made one lovely clean block followed by a low lift pass as her confidence grew in the game. The defence looked stronger in the second half when Becky Gallagher dropped to bottom of the diamond and encouraged the unit to stop ball watching and leaving the gaps in the middle.

Unfortunately, the midfield had to be virtually completely changed from the dominant unit of last week so it was not surprising that it took some time to rebuild the understanding of passing and control. Dragons scored when Bridget Le Good took a free hit from about half way. Mia McGhee dummied it and it went through to Katy Cole who collected and sent it across the D to Addi Kraemer who played an accurate cross for Mia to sweep home. As the game progressed, Dragons were able to string two or three passes together, but that wasn’t enough. The Magpies defence was too experienced and too wily to be beaten in the D by anything that was not spot on. Helen Mann, another new player, had some nice runs down the right. Tracey Stuart-Shepherd was a strong presence when she moved to the top of the diamond and Sophie James worked hard.

The 7s should have made much more use of Claire Fairhurst, who like Katy, ran her socks off and did a lot of useful collection on the left.  The 7s rely on getting a lot of ball into the circle and then in their percentage game any number of players can score – but again the wily Magpies managed to make the Dragons look slow to shoot.

This result was a dent to Dragons promotion hopes, but all is not lost. It just emphasises the importance of team play and understanding. The game gave a number of players the chance to show what they can do and everyone did her best and at least had the pleasure of getting the game on. The Super Sevens will get back to their super best again soon.

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

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 2N
Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s v St Ives 1s:  2-4

Dragons 1s headed to high flying St Ives with some new faces in the squad.

The game panned out as the league table would suggest as St Ives dominated possession and Dragons looked to soak up the pressure and counter attack. The host’s frustration started to show as wave after wave of attacks were held back by the away team.

The game plan played out perfectly as from two quick counter attacks, Dragons found themselves in front courtesy from goals by veteran Rupert Snelling and a first goal for Josh Wiggins for the men’s 1s.

Dragons went into half time two goals to the good. The half time team talk focused on carrying on the positives from the first half and taking the chances that would come our way.

Unfortunately, St Ives, a team renowned for their strength in short corners, were able to win a succession of them in the second half, scoring four, two of which were unstoppable top corner rockets.

Dragons came away from the game being able hold their heads up high as it a good performance, especially considering there were a few new faces in the team.

Man of the match was Patrick Gordon (who won rock, paper, scissors against Josh Wiggins after a tie) with another powerful display in defence.

The next three games are crucial as the men’s 1s are playing teams all within a few points of us as we look to secure division 2N hockey next year.

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s v Newmarket 1s:  P-P

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

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Men’s East Hockey League Division 4NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s v North Norfolk 2s:  5-0

As we watched the previous game conclude there was a sense of foreboding as the wind picked up and the dark clouds rolled ominously in. Our vigorous warm up was mainly conducted in the dugout where Jones furnished the look of a apprehensive patient awaiting the dentist’s chair. The pre-match huddle was more akin to an attempt to find warmth, like penguins with their backs to the elements, rather than an analysis of any great tactical acumen.

The opposition came at us with vigour and aggression but the defence looked solid, Chris Millar confidently repelling the Northern marauders, with the familiar throaty refrain of the long absent David Pentin commanding and controlling with great effect. Our forward line was as sharp and incisive as a correspondent awaiting the Editor’s stinging knife. Will Ives soon benefiting from a fast, skillful, direct attack which he finished with cool aplomb. As half time approached Dragons had assumed control of the game when our beloved leader Jon Price pounced on a deflection to score a wonder goal at the far post with athleticism the belied his advancing years. Questions were asked whether or not a man wearing a comedy attire should be allowed on a hockey pitch, when it was pointed out that a player calling himself Paul Keating looked as though he had come directly from a low budget remake of Deliverance.

The half time team talk did not contain any Mourinio like pearls of wisdom as one would expect, but centred around the incredulity of witnessing Andy Carver’s sunburnt legs, and his ability to find yet more bizarre ways to fail to score from a short corner. Dragons began the second half in complete control and a fluky goal from the mercurial Adrian Kemp finished the game as a contest. With space opening up, and the opposition starting to fade, Dragons added two further goals from the extraordinarily skillful McCartney Aldous, whose stick;  apparently whittled from the same branch as Potter’s elder wand;  must surely be illegal, and the hard working and dominant Richard Phillis. Man of the Match was unanimously awarded to Neil Shorten, whose form since visiting Trump’s brave new world has been exemplary. Special mention must go to Isaac Diver-Hall whose progress since being forced to play with us has been a pleasure to witness, with his performance today surely deserving praise. Keen to learn about the history of the game he wondered if the game would have gone ahead on a traditional grass pitch. He asked if us older players preferred astro turf  to grass when Kemp who was not paying attention, was heard to mutter that he didn’t know as he had never smoked astro.

Our thanks must go to North Norfolk who played the game with spirit and sportsmanship and especially to the umpires who had to endure terrible conditions, did an excellent job, and without whom we would have been able to enjoy our pizzas and the rugby without having to thaw out first.

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s v Lowestoft Railway 2s:  0-3

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 6NE(N)
Norwich Dragons Men’s 6s v Norwich City 7s:  P-P

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Norwich Dragons Hockey Club
Dragons Dev Boys A – no fixture  

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Tuesday 13th February

Norwich Dragons Hockey Club
Dragons Dev Boys B v Norwich City:  4-4

We scored first with a goal from Ben Panter. The first half was going well, we defended well until Norwich slipped one past us. A short corner saw us come back with a tap from Tommy Gale- 2:1. Dragons were enjoying this game. Finn Pond played a great game and saw off a potential goal in the top corner. Great save Finn. We were 3 :1 up at half time with Charlie Creasy getting it past the Norwich keeper.  The game wasn’t the same after half time. Norwich City changed their tactics and the ball just didn’t seem to flow for us. It was soon 3:3 and after what seemed a long second half and an end to end match, Tommy Gale scored 4:3. The game was back on and Norwich City upped the antic, but again Finn did an amazing save. One minute from the end, Norwich City scored and leveled with a 4:4 draw. Good game.

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Norwich Dragons Hockey Club
Dragons Dev Girls v  – no fixture

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Women’s East Hockey League, Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v Wapping 1s:  1-2

Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s travelled down to the Olympic park to take on Wapping in the East Prem division. With several weeks of good training behind them, and improvements in match-play coming every week, the squad were confident of a good game against third-placed Wapping. In the early stages of the match, the Dragons gave Wapping a little too much space in the middle of the pitch, and with their fast-paced forwards they were able to capitalise and take a number of shots on goal. Player of the match, Siobhan Cleeve, however, continued to display the fine form that has marked her season, making a number of crucial, sliding and diving saves that kept the Dragons in the game.

The visitors became more disciplined as the half went on, and some good distribution from the defensive unit of Lou Murray, Holly Reding and Sophie Thomas, gave the forwards the space to put pressure on the Wapping goal. Unfortunately, shortly before half time the very wet pitch slowed the pace of the ball as the Dragons sought to switch it around the back. Wapping capitalised on the error, making the interception and getting a shot away from the top of the D. After a number of classy saves from Cleeve, and a scramble in front of the goal-mouth, the ball dribbled over the line to put the hosts ahead as the whistle went for half time.

The second half saw a return of dominance for the visitors, with some strong play in the midfield from Lucy Ripman and Lara Taylor. The forward line of Emma Tabrett, Issy Wolfe, Hayley Toleman and Stacey Lee continued to put pressure on the Wapping defense, winning a flurry of short corners. Unfortunately, the Dragons just couldn’t find the back of the net, and Wapping managed to put themselves 2-0 up with 10 minutes to go after a breaking play.

The Dragons kept their heads, pulling together and embarking upon a sustained attack in the final stages of the game. A short corner in the last five minutes saw Liv Thomas demonstrate a nice bit of individual skill at the top of the D, beating several defenders before slipping the ball to Sarah Jenkins on the penalty spot.  Despite rarely finding herself so far up the pitch, Jenkins managed to lift the ball over the keeper and clutch a conciliatory goal for the Dragons, making the score 2-1 at full time.

Another very close game and another disappointing loss for the team. However, the strong team spirit and determination shown – as well as the continued improvement week by week – demonstrate that we’re still in the fight. We’ll be back stronger next week.

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Women’s East Hockey League, Division 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s v Colchester 2s:  5-1

With no frost at the Den a full set of league fixtures took place, with the Ladies 2’s welcoming Colchester. Again illness and injury hit the squad with Sarah Borrett likely to be out long term and Ismay Whitaker absent through illness. Sophie Barrow made a welcome return to the team.

Dragons Captain Karen O’Neill Simpson called for the team to take heart from a great team performance the previous week, and take that forward into this game, and that they did with a goal in the first 3 minutes following some fine work by Jess Bennett driving into the D and setting up a relatively straight forward opportunity for Lucy Morton to force the ball home. Dragons piled on the pressure and won a number of short corners, with Jess Bennett and Gail Thomas combining well and coming close on a couple of occasions.

The goals continued to come as Dragons were dominant – Bennett stole the ball from Colchester and drove towards the D, with Lucy Morton making a fine supporting run, however Bennett smashed the ball into the top corner. The third came from some great work by Gail Thomas, smashing the ball into the left corner. The fourth a powerful run down the right by Kiera Goymour, getting to the baseline and passing to Kate McKenna to calmly slot home. Dragons 5th on the stroke of halftime, with a short corner passed back to injector Hannah Hardy, whose shot was saved, but Kate McKenna was once more in the right position to slot the ball home.

A dominant first half by the home team, was followed by a reshuffle by Colchester in the 2nd half to try to calm the storm. This the visitors did well, whilst Dragons ran out of steam a little and whilst they had chances the Colchester keeper did well. Defensively Dragons needed to be strong and that they were – Carmel Windsor-Waite playing out of position was assured as ever, whilst Sophie Barrow looked strong and confident at right defender. Karen O’Neill-Simpson was dominant in the centre and Shelly Seaman earned a deserved Player of the Match for her strong tackling and great distribution.

Colchester earned a fine consolation goal through some good team play, with youngster ‘Holly’ sliding in on her reverse stick to fire home – certainly one for the future!

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s v  Dereham 3s:  9-0

Dragons 3^rd team started as they meant to go on for the rest of the match scoring their first goal in the first 5 minutes that was calmly finished by Natalie Beal. Dragons maintained the pressure on Dereham 3^rd team and were soon rewarded with their second goal this time scored by Maddy Reynolds.

Dragons continued to play an effective passing game throughout the team to put pressure on the Dereham defence. The third goal was a successful lob of the keeper by Natalie Beal, who within the first half an hour of the game scored the fourth goal of the game to complete her hattrick. The fifth goal was driven home by Maddy Reynolds for her second goal and end the first half 5 – 0.

The second half continued with Dragons having the majority of possession, which resulted in a fourth goal for Natalie Beal, the sixth of the game. The seventh goal of the game came from an excellent individual run up the wing and shot to slot the ball home past the keeper for Sam Franklin. The eighth goal came for Hazel Knights from a well-rehearsed short corner and the ninth and final goal of the game, again came from a short corner scored by Hannah Ellis.

Throughout the game the defence of Amy Forse, Esme Potter, Kath Mares and Angela Murgatroyd kept their concentration to deal with the few chances Dereham created and keep another clean sheet. The team all worked hard for each other with notable performances for Lucy Buxton, Ally Windsor Waite and Aditi Naik, which meant the player of the match vote was tight but deservedly taken by Sam Franklin.

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

The game started well with physical battles but it soon calmed down as the game went on and we found our style of play.

Magpies were a very organised team but we broke them down very quickly and we had the ball in their half most of the game.

After a couple of short corners Caroline Wolfe hit a lovely ball ending up in the left corner of the goal. Even though we managed to break down their short corners we couldn’t score again, then the half time whistle blew.

We came out in the 2nd half very strong and organised. Our style of play worked very well and everyone in the team held their position brilliantly.  We held the game again this half preventing Magpies taking charge of their game.

Again we had our chances but unfortunately we weren’t able to score anymore goals. But at least our goalie had a good rest this game.

The game ended 1-0 to us.

MOM was Katie Lister for a fabulous performance playing up from 5’s

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

It was a relatively early start for the ladies 5’s this week, with everyone hoping there would not be a frost overnight and we would get to play some hockey! We were keen to improve on our last result against Evergreens and learn from our last few matches. With a strong pre-match talk about positioning and defending free hits we set out to show Evergreens that this would be far from an easy game.

Evergreens had first pushback and pressed from the very beginning using strong and fast players down the centre of the pitch to push far into our half. Their efforts on goal were slowed by our tenacious defensive line up of Lou Davis , Steph Samson, Ginny Simkin and Esther Jacobs. The defensive unit worked well together with lots of vocal encouragement from each player and good communication about picking up players. Unfortunately Evergreens were persistent and after several attempts successfully scored. Keeping their spirits up and with lots of sideline encouragement the 5’s were determined to have their own chance on goal. Hannah Edwards (POM) worked tirelessly breaking down the play in the middle and distributing balls to Mel Widdows and Niamh Somers on the wings and worked cohesively with Sue Cross at the top of the diamond. This hard work meant that our forwards Jenna Inglis, Lizzy McDonnell, Amy Forse and Lilly Sore had several opportunities to work the ball into the D and start pressing the Evergreen defence.

Eventually this hard work paid off and Amy scored a cracking goal from the right hand side of the D in open play. With the score now 1-1 we were keen for some points and kept up the pressure winning a number of short corners. The game remained equal with both sides hungry for another goal but it was not meant to be for either team. We therefore happily came away with a point and lots of positives to take forward to our next match. The work rate as ever was second to none and it was a pleasure to play with such a positive and hard working team.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Division 2
Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s v North Norfolk 2s:  0-2

Ladies 6s knew they shouldn’t take North Norfolk’s league position for granted – they have not had the luck they deserve this season and have been giving the teams at the top some troublesome games.

The game was end to end from start to finish. The defensive line of Stella Windsor-Waite, Hannah Woods and Jen Buskell dealing with the pressure well but mid-way through the first half North Norfolk had their breakthrough and went 1-0 up.

POM Coco Brown worked tirelessly at bottom of the diamond, a position that’s suits her well. She moved the ball from side to side well.

Gill Walker and Anita Mancini both held the centre of the pitch with command never giving up.

The second half mirrored the first. Dragons were getting the run of play but could not capitalise. Maisie Dearmer and Jess Vernon linking up well.

North Norfolk pressed with a run of short corners, that were defended well – Stella expertly running out and dispatching several wide. However, under so much pressure something had to give. A solid hard strike to the bottom corner could not be stopped.

2-0 to North Norfolk and definitely some things to work on for ladies 6s.

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

This was a comfortable win for the Dragons, with a better goal difference than the 3-1 they achieved against Carrow earlier in the season. Though perhaps to put a cherry on the icing on the cake, they would have liked to have turned even more of their chances into goals in order to keep pace with Loddon at the top of the division. However, this was a very enjoyable match in many respects with all the players making a good contribution.

Captain Claire Fairhurst used her subs very cleverly, giving all the players with ambitions to play forward a chance in the rotation. This helped Dragons to keep up the pressure on the Carrow goal, with the different combinations playing well together. Every player who came on added something to the game. Sophie James scored early, a reward for individual persistence in the circle. The second goal was an absolute cracker from Jane Wells, a true shot taken way out and wide on the right. Jane was POM for plenty of hard work in the circle where her positivity made the defenders back off. She set an excellent example of determination. Alice Bishop was on target just before half time and it looked as though Dragons could cruise to a big score.

In the second half, Carrow came back strongly. The home team showed why they have been an improved side since Christmas with several breakaway moves. Fortunately, Dragons young defenders Hattie Gale and debut player Madeleine Gibbs were very secure at the back, with Louise Brooks also doing some important rescue work. This left Emma Northie North to keep calm and keep out the occasional shots – this was a very nice Northie cleanie sheetie!

In past matches it has been the Dragons defence that has provided the basis for the drive forward and the wins. This time, it was the midfield who shone. Amelia Keitley-Webb played slightly more conservatively on the left this week, and recorded far more clean pick ups and passes completed. Stevie Spencer was a ball of fire at the top of the diamond and distributed well to the left, centre and right. Alice, Sophie and Becky Gallagher kept on forcing the ball through and creating chances.

The pitch had an impact on the game. Dragons couldn’t achieve the ball speed they have managed recently and the surface managed to be both sticky and slippy. It was the same for both sides of course, and the game felt quite slow, although both sides were making every effort.

Dragons took their mission to be first to the ball with great enthusiasm, and frequently found themselves penalised for crossing and stick tackling. They learned to play very carefully. The fourth and final goal was scored by Claire, who has this happy knack of scoring when her side needs it most. Addi Kraemer sent over a beautiful cross and Claire swept in from the left – our only conversion of a sweep, though Addi herself was unlucky a few times. Addi played a most unselfish game, laying on deflections and reverse sweeps throughout the game. As the forwards gain even more understanding of each other, and start chasing the follow-ups, the Dragons will start scoring even more freely again. Again this week, credit to the opposition for defending their circle with determination.

The 7s very strong midfield of Amelia, Sophie, Stevie, Alice and Becky with Brooksy pushing forward, demonstrated in this match that they can play a high press very effectively, especially when the ball moves slowly. But they are aware that this is not a tactic they can use every week against every team! We hope to have a strong squad for next week’s rearranged match against Magpies, and we hope the weather will let us play because the 7s are starting to move up through the gears again.

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Empress Norfolk Women’s League, Division 3
Norwich Dragons Ladies 8s  v Loddon 2s:  0-5

Yet again the #Awesomeeights had another frustrating match, so near yet so far! Silly mistakes and blips in concentration crept in allowing Loddon to get a couple of easy goals.

Goal Keeper Emma North once again gave a stellar performance, with both her experience and confidence growing which clearly shows in her game. Kicks are getting stronger, clearances are getting more inspiring and her guidance is invaluable. (She even managed to keep the cussing under control)! Centre defender Jo Baker continued to hold the defensive lines, offered much needed support and encouragement and hiapped (Hit-slaped) the ball into good spaces created by the Mids. Fellow defenders Jess Lockwood and Johanne Steward provided much needed support on the wings and the line, as a whole, pushed up behind the mids to put much needed pressure on the opposition. A special mention must be given to our first newbie of the match, Maria Millititsky who not only made her debut for Dragons but played in her first ever hockey match! It was a fantastic debut and Maria is a welcome addition to the team with her natural attacking ability and skill in driving the ball clear of the danger zone and up the field.

Bottom of the Diamond was commanded by stalwart Tracy S-S who once again ran fearlessly across the width of the pitch and supported the defence when under attack, we would definitely be lost without her. Bolstering the wall this week was Anna Chapman who stepped up from the defence line and gained herself a share of the MOM award with a performance in both D’s and somehow seemed to never tire! The gazelle that is Captain Katy, once again ran her bottle green socks off in top of the diamond position, distributing the ball to both sides of the pitch and ably supported forwards, mids and defence equally.

Wingers Nic, Shanice and 2^nd debutant Helen Mann proved to be a fantastic, formidable matching, driving the ball tirelessly up and down the pitch. Helen proved to be another great addition to the team and with her pace and quick eye earnt her joint MOM award!

Lois Metcalf was another invaluable player both with support, advice and game-play. When Nic H took a nasty blow to just below the left eye minutes before half time, Lois stepped up to provided much needed cover, so others could catch their breath.

Forwards Emma Young and Sadie Jacobs continue to grow in confidence and soak up any advice given to them which only benefits their games, their positioning is brilliant – surely it won’t be long until the goals will come.

So now we have a couple of slip weeks (Feels like we’ve only just got going again with all the postponements) With 6 matches left we still have time to convert all we have learnt and continue to learn into some much-wanted wins. Eights are a determined bunch, yes we get frustrated (and this can come out in the wrong way occasionally) but its only because we care, we are proud of the players we play with and the club we play for and because we just want to have a dam good game of hockey that every now and again goes our way!

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 2N
Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s v Pelicans 1s:   5-1

As an evil imperial force journeyed deep into the heart of darkness, hellbent on the conquest of our fine city Norwich, only a small yet staunchly fierce force stood to oppose it.

The avaricious conquerors from King’s Lynn were met by the Dragons, and a quick paced showdown began.

Committed to the thorough destruction of the Pelicans, the Dragons remained obdurate in the face of what seemed like interminable defensive pressure. Wave after wave of attacks were soaked up by the back line under the command of Olly ‘King Leonidas’ Buck who, in what was shaping up to be a brutal last stand, held the Hot Gates to deny any prize for the Pelicans.

Some way into the first half, the pitch opened up for Rupert ‘The Silencer’ Snelling to slam home the first goal of the game – an unapologetically ruthless execution. The Silencer, hardly the forgiving type, soon perplexed the enemy defence once again in a hideously skilful exhibition, making space for Oli ‘The Judge’ King to condemn the Pelicans keeper to oblivion. Tom ‘Heavy Artillery’ Vaughn had the final say of the half, by discharging a shot which fizzed into the goal to consolidate the verdict.

The second half was a half of smooth interplay and confidence in both attacking and defensive formations. Whilst the opposition daubed the game with impatience and incompetency, Sam ‘The Artist’ Avery painted a masterpiece of precision, fluidity and composure in the midfield, with many a perfectly-weighted pass to supplement attacking plays. Hungry for destruction and seemingly devoid of empathy, Tom Vaughn also slammed home two more goals to claim a hat-trick of brutal proportions.

Pelicans also scored in the second half; well done!

Final score: a crushing 5-1 victory for the Dragons to repel the invaders back to the hellfire from whence they came.

Special recognition goes to Paddy ‘The Martyr’ Gordon who ended up on the bench following some extreme on-pitch moralising.

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s v IES2s:  0-3

Men’s 2nds recorded only their third but biggest loss of the season 3-0 away to IES2 in a combative match (1-0 HT). Dragons found chances hard to come by against a strong opposition who were quick and incisive. Against the usual pattern of short  corners the home team took the lead from a well finished shot after a home forward found himself free at the top of the D. Some good saves from the dragons keeper plus goal line interventions at short corner dragflicks from Andy Hipper and Glenn Masterson kept the arrears down to the single goal. Unfortunately the IES penalty corner dragflick maestro found his form in the second half converting two, but despite this dragons still took the game to the opposition but were unable to convert and ended the game failing to record a goal for the first time this league season. MOM Richard Gill and DOD Glenn.

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

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Men’s East Hockey League Division 4NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s v Magpies 4s 0-3

It was a late start for the fours today at 4:30. We drove to Harleston where we faced the Magpies 4’s. We had a very different squad from last week with a new and young player, Issac Diver Hall making his debut. The sky was dark and the flood lights were turned on.

We did not get off to a good start when a hard hit into the D was tapped in by their forward. However, we were working hard and creating some chances and by half time we thought we had a real chance of pulling it back to win the game. Shortly into the second half they scored their second goal which was very unlucky for us since we had been playing good hockey. Ten minutes to go and they slotted away their third goal but we still did not give up. We won a short corner in the dying minutes and Andy Carver narrowly missed the bottom right corner.

The game finished 3-0 to Magpies.

The Man of the Match went to Issac who had a great debut.

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

Men’s 5s lost 2-1 to Dereham 3s. Opposition were very direct and took us a bit of time to adjust. 2-0 down just after half time, we pulled one back through Will Kirby following up Greg Reynolds shot after good work down the right. Dereham were hanging on but we couldn’t find an equaliser.

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 6NE(N)
Norwich Dragons Men’s 6s v Dereham 4s: 4-2

AT LAST, WE WON!!!!!!!

Not much more to say really. Final score 4-2 to Dragons. Top job from all the team who have plugged away all season, never giving up and never doubting themselves. Hats off to our goal scorers Pete Latoy, Dan Orsborne, Darryl Robinson and Sam ‘Man of the match’ Nutt.

 From a proud Captain.

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Norwich Dragons Hockey Club
Dragons Dev Boys A v  Watton: 6-0

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Norwich Dragons Hockey Club
Dragons Dev Boys B v  Dereham: 1-8

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Norwich Dragons Hockey Club
Dragons Dev Girls v  Pelicans:   0-5 

Dev Girls unfortunately had to concede this fixture to Pelicans

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Women’s East Hockey League, Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v Cambridge:  P-P

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Women’s East Hockey League, Division 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s v Dereham 2s:  P-P

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s v  Broadland 1s:  P-P

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

So after a quick warm up we started the match. Loddon clearly thought they have the upper hand after they performed a good warm up and skills practice – but they were so wrong!

We got off to a good start and held Loddon in their place with some good passing and skilled work by our forwards. Unfortunately we underestimated the power of Loddons defensive press and they stopped a lot of our through balls. But we held them off and the half time score was 0-0.

The second half started with even more determination and grit by the Dragons defensive team and Loddon didn’t know how to play after we managed to scupper their plans of breaking through.

Unfortunately on one such occasion that they did break through to score.  We didn’t let that stop us and as the final whistle blew we were awarded a short corner – there was no way we were going let the ball out of the ‘d’ – we had to score!  Low and behold Sarah ran to take the ball from a series of rebounds and ricochets and scored in the far corner – To say the team was elated was an understatement – we were drunk with happiness 🙂

The final score was 1-1
The team had their best match so far this season

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s v Dereham 3s:  0-4

The 5’s were eager to play after an uncertain morning due to the frost. The game against Dereham earlier in the season had been a tough one but had ended 1:0 so Dragons were hopeful that all was to play for in this match. The game begun with some wonderful linking play from Sue Brumby and Elsa Scott (POM) using Hannah Edwards and Katie Lister on the wings to work the ball around, giving Dereham few opportunities to play. Dereham then began to use their speed to intercept our passing play and begun to advance on our defensive line up. Steph Samson was supported well by Grace Brown and Lou Davis who constantly provided options to pass the ball wide from hit outs and create play along the wing to Mel Widdows so that we could go around Dereham’s strong press. Sue Cross and Ginny Simkin tried to put balls into space in the direction of our waiting forwards Amy Forse, Lilly Sore and Niamh Somers. They all worked hard to meet the ball and make the most of these opportunities with several shots on goal saved by Dereham’s experienced keeper. Dereham continued to use their speed and strong central play to press our goal and gain short corner opportunities. Esther Jacobs stopped a number of shots on goal but Dereham were quick to contain these deflections and maximised their chances in the D. There were definitely positives to take away from the game and the work rate of all team members continues to be extremely high every week.

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Division 2
Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s v Broadland 3s:  P-P

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

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Empress Norfolk Women’s League, Division 3
Norwich Dragons Ladies 8s  v UEA 4s:  0-5

POM Maddie Gibbs.

Knowing that this team were the only ones to have beaten top of the league Dragons 7’s, they were well prepared with a bolstered defence.  10 minutes before half time it looked as though it was only going be 1 nil then 2 cheeky goals came from nowhere after short corners were awarded against them.

Seeing how the 8’s had been fairly even against the young students with a couple of really close goals, they decided to changed formation at half time thanks to a fellow non-playing Dragon’s observations and management on the side lines.  There had been several chances of panging the ball up the wing but, with only 2 forwards being marked very closely, it meant that there were not enough Dragons to pass to in the D and take more shots at goal.

The Dragons raised their game in the second half and only conceded 2 goals. It was great to have Emma North back as usual GK, she made some fab saves, was keen to get back into the swing of things with the 8’s. She really does get better each week and is really coming on as a keeper.

Vice Captain Jo Baker, the trusty centre back.  Had some awesome strong and accurate hit outs as per usual, communicated well to balance and support the defenders, continues to put in a hardy performance each week.

Anna Chapman as left back.  Anna made some good tackles and got stuck in, has definitely increased in confidence this season.

Johanne Steward as right back – was determined as ever and took some lovely hit outs resulting in the mids being able to pass the ball up to the other end and gave good opportunities to the attackers to make headway.

Maddie Gibbs, BOD but moved positions in the second half to a forward.  Maddie made some lovely passes up the wing and some fab runs with the ball along the side lines on many occasions – the team were definitely glad to have her as part of the 8s this week, she had a great balance of attacking and defending and complemented Tracy well.

Jess Lockwood – another strong defender who made some accurate passes up the pitch and put in some good tackles against the speedy UEA players.

Tracy Stuart-Sheppard BOD – worked super hard especially when the formation changed in the second half and she was alone as BOD.  Made some lovely note-worthy tackles and distributed the ball well using the width.

Louise ‘Bondy’ Bond – BOD, she was her usual strong performance, whacked the ball from one end to the other several times almost effortlessly.  She got stuck in made some valiant attempts at marking some of the key UEA players (there were lots!)

Olivia Dickson, right mid and second half was a forward.  Great communicator, called for the ball really well and got in to some fabulous spaces, a fast player and another asset to the 8’s.

Nic Harrison, left mid (and also subbed as TOD). Made some good tackles and had a couple of great runs up the wing, was so close to a goal after couple of great passes for the mids to her in the D.  Another great week for her.

Captain Katy Cole – TOD, finally starting to understand the position and getting into it!  Made some great tackles and had lots of good stints running with the ball getting it up to the other end.  Switched to a forward in the second half and had a lovely run with the ball all the way into the D. Had her work out for her marking one of the most dangerous players (the swift UEA Captain.)

Sadie Jacobs – stepped up as a mid, she marked well, got in to some good spaces for passes, ran rings around the opposite with her speed.

Lois Metcalfe – hard worker, communicated well to the team, gave great direction to the other forwards as she always reads the game well and has well-tuned hockey brain, got into some good positions ready to receive the ball and get ready to strike.

Emma Young – proving versatile played as a mid as well as a forward in this game.  Emma worked hard to get in to a space and make herself available to other players, she was hanging high ready to be passed to, had good movement to confuse the opposition defenders.

All in all, another great game who’s score line does not reflect the quality of play.  A continuation of the back to basics for the 8’s who are improving each week but not quite fast enough for the likes of the top league team.  They must continue to keep their sticks down but their heads held high!  Better communication is needed from all players to call when being passed to or once they have secured a good space.  Don’t be afraid to attack, go to the player, not wait for the ball to come to them.  Defence to trust each other more and continue to listen to the GK who can see what they can’t!

Onwards and upwards for the awesome 8’s.

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 2N
Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s v Horncastle 1s:  P-P

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s v City 4s:  P-P

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 3s v Sudbury 2s:  P-P

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Men’s East Hockey League Division 4NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s v Pelicans 3s:  4-1

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s v Watton 1s:  0-6

Dragons lost a tough game six nil to a strong Watton team.    Thanks to the sterling work of the defensive team the score remained respectable.

Will Bloom was named as man of the match.

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 6NE(N)
Norwich Dragons Men’s 6s v North Norfolk 3s:  2-4

Another tough game in a tough season. Without a recognised keeper available, Graham Muff stepped forward to go between the sticks. Unfortunately, NN 3 started strongly and went ahead 10 minutes into the first half. This was quickly followed by a second NN 3 goal. Dragons didn’t give up and through a combination of dogged determination and skill managed to pull two goals back by half time. These scored firstly by Tommy Chapman and then Darryl Robinson.

 The second half was much more even with more action at both ends with Dragons missing at least three good chances to take the lead of the match, but NN 3 continued to press forward and in the end scored two more goals to take control of the game. At full time the final score was 4 -2 to North Norfolk 3.

 The team voted the man of the match to Graham Muff for efforts in goal.

Norwich Dragons Hockey Club
Dragons Dev Boys A v Magpies: P-P

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Norwich Dragons Hockey Club
Dragons Dev Boys B v  Watton: 2-4

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Norwich Dragons Hockey Club
Dragons Dev Girls v  Dereham:  2-0

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Women’s East Hockey League, Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v City of Peterborough 1s:  1-2

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Women’s East Hockey League, Division 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s v Norwich City 2s:  1-3

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

This week saw Norwich Dragons 3’s host Norwich City 3’s at the Den, which promised to be a close encounter if the previous match was to go by. The game started with both teams creating opportunities, however it was City who capitalised on the early chances and scored both the first and second goals from open play for a 2 – 0 lead. Dragons also took another blow as they were down to 11 players following an injury to Ally Windsor Waite half way through the first half.

However, Dragons showed great team spirit and determination and Debs Smith converted their first short corner to bring the score back to 1 – 2 at half time.

The defence of Kat Speirs, Sophie Barrow, Kath Mares and Angela Murgatroyd combined well to stop further attacking opportunities and short corners from the young and skilful City attack. The midfield of Catherine Matthews, Debs Smith, Hannah Ellis and Katie Hale worked tirelessly to support the defence and forward combination of Lucy Buxton, Jess Haw and Hazel Knights who continued to create chances but unfortunately without success. City confirmed the 3 points with their best goal of the game with a clean strike on goal from an attack down their left side with ten minutes of the game remaining.

Dragons continued to put pressure on the City defence up to the final whistle, but the 14 strong squad of Norwich City 3’s proved too strong this week for Norwich Dragons 3’s leading to their first defeat of the season. Player of the match was awarded to Lucy Buxton.

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

After having a game iced off the previous week the 4s were in need of a run out and Lou Davis gave us her left leg in left leg out warm up.  Last game against the 5s, the 4s couldn’t seem to get the ball in the goal.  But we had been putting into action tips from training getting the ball out wide and pressing the ball.  The 5s took first push back and the 4s set off for the chase.  At bottom of the diamond speedy Vicki Earley was ready to halt any advancing movement, and linked the ball up with Lynne Price who threaded the ball up the pitch.  Trish Hagan and Aditi Naik were on the wings looking for free play and the opportunity to pass the ball into the D.  The 4s were pressing the opposition D and forced a short corner, injected quickly by Fiona Fletcher into Caroline Wolfe who struck the ball, which rebounded off the keepers pads into the path of Lisa Harwood who swept it into left corner.  The 4s kept up this pressure for the next 20mins.  The 5s began to read our game and were quick to intercept the ball and got the ball out to their forwards.  With Sarah Wagstaff controlling the centre of defence, she linked up well with Jemima Williams and Lou, to clear the ball and protect newly kitted out Kat Speirs.  The second goal was from Gina Hunt lurking in the D, picked up a ball in from Caroline and popped into right post.

At half time and with Rob Wagstaff’s words of wisdom in our ears, the 4s needed to regain the pace they had the start of the game and increase the pressure.  The 4s play linked up well in the second half through the pitch and they continued to press the D.  The third goal came from a scrabble in the D with Trish finally slotting the ball in.  There was a wide range of votes for POM and winner was Aditi for her continued effort throughout the game.

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

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Division 2
Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s v Norwich City 6s:  2-0 

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Division 3
Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s  v Dragons Ladies 8s:  6-0

The Super 7s despatched the Awesome 8s quite comfortably, with both teams pleased to get into a match after the long Christmas break. Unfortunately, the trickle-down impact of availability throughout Dragons’ Ladies meant that the 8s lost three players, but they can be very pleased with the way they organised their defence to keep the score down and proud of Lois Metcalfe’s brave effort in goal with no recent practice. She saved loads of shots.

For the 7s, the high points were the increasingly positive play from Stevie Spencer, who scored two goals – one a very nicely-placed conversion of a penalty corner. She carefully lifted the ball past the keeper and into the corner. Stevie shared the player of the match vote with debut player Sophie James, who grew in confidence during the game and distributed the ball well in midfield. Claire Stuart also hit a double, typically working persistently at close range to force the ball home. Perhaps the most valuable goal was the first one, scored by Claire Fairhurst from that classic poacher’s position just off the near post. It was valuable because it came after three consecutive passes pushed with good ball speed, and its effect was to settle the whole team who then had some very good passages of play. Adelice Kraemar completed the scoring and was notable in the later stages of the game for some very neat bunts across the circle, which were not picked up today but will be in the future.

The 7s were pleased that they were able to put some of their training into practice. They mostly kept the width and took every opportunity to win penalty corners. The mids, who included Louise Brooks, Lily Crew and Becky Gallagher as well as Stevie and Sophie, were full of running and bold tackles and dominated the opposing attack. In defence, goalkeeper Emma North was very pleased to have kept a clean sheet, even though she was not actually required to touch the ball during the match. The defenders were Louise, Hattie Gale, Emma Dyer and Bridget Le Good (with Lily also taking a turn on rotation) and they did what was required of them. They also did a few cheeky high presses in the opposing half, reminding themselves they won’t necessarily have the same luxury next week.

An enjoyable game for both teams, very sporting and with plenty of encouraging aspects of play to take forward to next week.

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Empress Norfolk Women’s League, Division 3
Norwich Dragons Ladies 8s  v Dragons Ladies 7s:  0-6

The score line really does not reflect the play of this game.  The 8’s played their absolute hearts out and proved that they CAN play the top of the league team well, suffer a loss against them and still maintain a positive attitude. Having lost 2 of their key players AND their normal goal keeper to their opposition, they were keen to give the 7’s a run for their money and to improve on their last game with them, despite the odds being stacked against them.

Lois Metcalfe as Goal Keeper – what a performance!  A well-earned Player of the Match winner, she proved that as well as being a  feisty forward, she can also defend excellently.  Not having donned the kit for over three years, she made some cracking saves and managed to stop numerous goals from going in with her determination and grit. Once she ditched the stick in the second half, and made the most of her kicks, she really came in to her own, her confidence grew and the 8’s only conceded 2 goals.

Jo Baker had another fabulous performance as centre back with some excellent and accurate hit outs, lovely core defensive leadership and pivotal see-saw movement.

Johanne Steward as right back, continues to grow in confidence, had some head-strong tackles and made some lovely passes along the wing and up to the mid fielders.

Emma “no fear” Fielding as left back.  Despite still being very new to the game, Emma used her great speed to push up the pitch and ‘attack’ the forwards and drop back when required.  She was a real asset during the many short corners awarded against them as she went straight out to the opposition without hesitation.

Louise ‘Bondy’ Bond played right bottom of the diamond, (also covered left BOD and TOD.)  A formidable force, back from several weeks of not playing but you couldn’t tell from her performance.  Bondy got stuck in, she clearly loves playing, tackled frequently, managed some great hits down the middle as wells out to the wing.  Bondy worked very well with Tracy Stuart-Sheppard, a winning combo!  A similar player to Bondy, Tracy worked really hard to stop the 7’s entering the danger zone, got to the ball quickly, marked players well and was an excellent communicator under pressure.

Shanice Claxton stepped up and played a different position during this match as a right midfielder.  She grew in confidence throughout the match, got into some good spaces and tackled well.

Nic Harrison – possibly the most enthusiastic player in the club!  She played right and left mid and a short spot covering BOD.  Tackled with confidence, had endless energy, made some lovely passes to players in appropriate spaces and took some great free hits.

Kim Brenchley as left and right mid field.  Kim has had quite a long break from hockey but this did not affect her enthusiasm and desire to win.  Kim was quick to the ball, tackled well and worked hard to pass the ball to her fellow 8’s.

Katy Cole – top of the diamond.  Got stuck in and tackled, marked a few of the most dangerous players on the pitch with the help of the other core midfielders.   Katy got very excited when she had to do an old fashioned bully-off against Claire Stuart to win possession, which disappointingly resulted in a draw, immediately after, it was all systems go again!

Sadie Jacobs worked as hard as she could as right forward but the game was very defensive and both her and fellow forward Emma Young did not get as much a chance to shine in this game.  Sadie made some accurate, strong push back passes, and worked really well with newbie Emma, communicating with each other well and sticking together as there were only two of them in this game.  Emma showed great promise in the 8’s as a wiling and dedicated team member and pounced on the ball when given the opportunity.

Moving forward, the 8’s will maintain their love of the game and dedication to playing, and always remember to incorporate their learning from training including getting low to the ground and keeping their sticks down so the opposition do not win possession.  Their marking has improved but they must not get complacent with this and continue to stick to the more dangerous players.  To refine the basics such as getting into a space, pre-scanning before passing and communicating better.  They are always improving and this game demonstrated that they were able to prove to the 7’s they would not go down without a fight!  Onwards and upwards for the awesome 8’s.

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 2N
Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s v Bury St Edmunds 1s:  0-4

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

Dragons started the first half brightly dominating with possession and creating several chances. Unfortunately, conversion of these chances was proving difficult with the Sudbury keeper making some good saves. The game then settled down, with an evenly fought mid pitch battle. It seemed like Sudbury were happy to park the bus and go away with the single point. After a motivational speech at half time from skipper and vice, it managed to focus the team into creating more chances in the 2^nd half. The breakthrough came with a deflected shot into the roof of the net from Johnny Taylor in his debut game. This settled the team and were soon on the attack again and two converted short corners from Alex Browne and Ed Gould made the 3 points certain.

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 3s v Ipswich 2s:  1-4

Norwich Dragons men’s 3’s travelled to Ipswich to take on Ipswich men’s 2’s. Ipswich looked particularly strong from the start and capitalised early with a goal. They then added to this with a fairly unstoppable  reverse strike. Dragons worked hard and creating a break, Jono Chaney Baxter drove into the d and then slipped it left to Andy Saunders to pull a goal back although by half time the score was 3-1 in Ipswich favour.  Positive half time chat resulted in better passing and more chances were created in the 2nd half, everyone worked hard but unfortunately it was not to be and dragons lost 4-1 to what on the day was one of the strongest opposition they have faced all season.

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Men’s East Hockey League Division 4NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s v Thetford Town 1s:  0-3

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s v UEA 3s:  0-0

Dragons 5’s played probably their most organised and disciplined game of the season.  Knowing that we were giving away 20-30 years to the opposition in some positions, players realised they needed to stay in place & not make extra runs forward.   With Ali Smyth keeping the left sown up & James Cross & Lloyd Wade patrolling the middle UEA were restricted to very few clear cut chances & I don’t recall any short corners being conceded.

Dragons game was based on soaking up the UEA pressure and trying to catch them on the break.  Through Owain Hall down the right & Rob Chaney Baxter & Connor Adams up front we managed to create a number of chances.  Short corners looked dangerous through a James flick or an Ali strike – sadly UEA defence held firm.  Overall a draw was probably about the right result.

MOM:  Chris Orme

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 6NE(N)
Norwich Dragons Men’s 6s v Norwich City 6s:  2-2

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Norwich Dragons Hockey Club
Dragons Dev Boys A v Dereham:  9-1

Dragons started the first half strongly passing the ball well and applying pressure in the D earning an early short corner, Ed Cross shooting just wide.  Dereham were set up and trained to hit long to their fast forwards but their first attempt to counter-attack was blocked by Tom Jackson in defence and the attacking continued.  Again Dragons broke into the D, and with a sensible pass across the goal, Casper Lind tapped in at the far post for the opening goal.  Very soon after the Dereham pushback, Dragons found themselves back in the D and with another short corner.  This time Ed Cross’s shot was on target but saved.  Pressure continued, and with another clean pass in the D across the goal, Casper Lind scored a second.  Dereham then came back into the game but the Dragon’s defence refused to let the ball past with Tom Jackson, Will Mares, Ben Panter and Alex Marjoram blocking, passing wide and clearing to ease the pressure. One of the last attacks saw the opportunity to pressure the Dereham goal and when Kit Scott’s shot was saved, Tommy Gale quickly picked up the loose ball to score.  End of first Half, 3-0 to Dragons.

The second half saw Dereham start quickly out of the blocks, and with the Dragons back pedalling, Dereham slotted home their first goal.  Dragons then reacted and started some relentless pressure on the Dereham goal, with 3 hard shots saved by the goalie (our very own Alex Wolfe), one short corner saved, one shot over the bar and another saved by the goalies helmet.  Finally a reverse stick shot from Kit took the Dragon’s tally to 4.  There followed a period of end to end hockey with chances for both sides but shots and passes missing their targets.  Finally the Dragon’s passing game returned and in the last 15 minutes sustained pressure saw Tommy Gale score two goals, a screamer of a short corner from Ed Cross, a tap-in from Kit and the last goal from Freddie Royall.  Final score 9-1 to Dragons.

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Norwich Dragons Hockey Club
Dragons Dev Boys B v  Norwich City:  P-P

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Norwich Dragons Hockey Club
Dragons Dev Girls v  Norwich City:  1-5

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Many congratulations to Jose San Millan for helping his new school, Whitgift, to win the National Indoor Schools Under 16 Boys Championships.

After a successful programme of Get Back Into coaching for Ladies and Girls keen to get back into their hockey or start playing at Norwich Dragons, it has been great to see those Ladies and Girls joining in our regular club coaching for ladies.

All were given the usual Dragon welcome and enjoyed their first experience of the weekly coaching sessions.

#thesegirlscan

Men’s East Hockey League, Division 3NE

Men’s 3s v Newmarket 1s: 3-1

Twas the night night before Christmas, when all hockey players were resting.

apart from the men’s third team ready for a Newmarket testing

the pre-match warmup hopping

was much better than family Christmas shopping

Newmarket look like they were up for festive cheer

Joel Dennis meanwhile looked like he needed a beer

When what to my wondering eyes did appear

But an Elven like John Ives and 10 men, who could have eaten reindeer

Two early goals from Jono CB did the trick

I knew in the moment he could be St Nick

more rapid than eagles the attacks on their goal came

the Elven whistled and shouted and called them by name

now Kelly, now Goodson, now Ali, now Pedro

to the top of the D! To the edge of the goal as they face a brick wall

now smash away! Smash away! Smash away all

the second half began, they all fancied a jolly ride

James Goodson floated in the air and clattered a player in a graceful dive

A smash and grab from Eddie Gould

the midfield of ed and bob did marshalled and mauled

Newmarket players lost a bit of festive cheer

unfortunately, in front of umpires that could hear

with numbers reduced, Newmarket slumped

with only Ali being sent off , third’s got gazumped

they scored from a short

did the third team have a report

no, but they held on all right

but heard Ives exclaim, as he ran out of sight

happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

Women’s East Hockey League, Premier Division

Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v Cambridge City 2s:  P-P 

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Women’s East Hockey League, Division 2NE

Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s v Christchurch 1s:  P-P

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Premier Division

Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s v Evergreens 1s:  5-0

A freezing but not frozen Saturday morning in Holt meant that Dragons Ladies 3^rd team were called at the last minute to make the journey. Following a fragmented arrival and warm up, the game started in much the same manner with uncharacteristic errors all over the pitch but with Dragons still remaining the dominant team.

The first goal was scored by Ally Windsor Waite from a short corner and the second goal also came from a short corner finished by Hannah Ellis. The third and final goal of the first half came from open play down the left-hand side of the pitch, to be taken from the air on the baseline by Lucy Buxton and passed back to the centre of the goal for Lauren Lawrie to put over the line.

The second half continued to see a dominant performance from Dragons, however Evergreens proved difficult to break down. Dragons increased the score line with a second goal for Ally Windsor Waite and the final goal came from Jess Haw calmly slotting the ball past the keeper. A couple of notable performances during the game included a confident debut in the 3^rd team for Catherine Matthews and Lucy Buxton was unanimously voted plater of the match.

A great first half of the season for the ladies 3^rd team, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Premier Division

Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s v UEA 2s:

The match started late due to an umpire arriving late which gave us an opportunity to practice some skills/routines. What with these skills/routines, and the help of Rob Wagstaff, as our manager it all helped to give us the confidence in the game.

We started very strong against a very youthful UEA team, with some very strong passing along the left from Sarah Wagstaff to Katie Franks then Fiona Fletcher, unfortunately the opposition didn’t pick this up throughout the whole game so we used this to our advantage each time we had a 16 yard hit out.

Although the defense didn’t have too much to do, the trio Sarah, Bella, Katie F managed their area superbly, great communication and wise tactful movements between the three, each covering their area and each other. Katie managed her own space and was always ready for the next stage for the defense to pass out to.

Up front with Lisa Harwood, Caroline Wolfe, Trish Hagan, Gina Hunt was a force to be reckoned with. They worked tirelessly to create 4 goals between them and all of them deserved a medal for their perseverance.

The second half however became much more organized between the mid field, we lost our way and positions slightly in the first half and our castle because under threat at times. But with the help of Robs wise words and with us willing to comply the mids gave a big change to the second half.

Trish and Vicki Earley worked together backwards and forwards so the area was covered at all times, cutting out anything in our way. It was very difficult for the youthful UEA girls to pass us. Aditi Naik was superb on the right in all the right places backing up enabling her to receive or pass the ball at all the correct times.

And we can’t forget our wonderful goalie Amy Forse, who gives us so much confidence, and she completes our wonderful 4’s team.
Gina Hunt 1 goal
Caroline Wolfe 1 goal
MOM Trish Hagan2 goals

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s v Lowestoft Railway 1s:  P-P

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On a cold and frosty morning Dragons 2s moved back into promotion contention with a 2-0 victory over UEA.

Christmas is a time of tradition and in the spirit of this Dragons took an early lead via a Wolfe drag back and an Alex Browne sweep into the bottom corner. The rest of the 1st half was as bleak as any midwinter with very few chances.

The second half became open and more exciting with a festive festival of end to end hockey. Dragons extended their lead with a close range effort from Josh Wiggins.

With no more incidents, other than a Simmo landmine that secured him DOD on his birthday, the game ended and the Christmas celebrations could begin. Jason Wolfe deservedly won man of the match narrowly beating Garnett and Katy Moulson.

Merry Christmas one and all.

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Women’s East Hockey League, Premier Division

Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v Cambridge Uni 1s:  0-2

Cambridge Uni sat just 1 point ahead of the Dragons ladies 1s going into the match on Saturday, and a win for the Norwich team would see them catch up with the middle group in the table and set them up well for the second half of the season. It was an important match but with numbers depleted yet again, it was going to be a tough battle.

Despite Dragons keen start, Cambridge quickly gained possession and early on in the first half, the defence faced a sustained period of attack. Sarah Jenkins and Lucy Ripman in the centre commanded the Dragons though and they were able to repel Cambridge’s efforts. Kiera Goymour, coming up from the 2s, looked solid in defence too and looked comfortable in this league.

Dragons welcomed back Stacey Lee after a period of injury this week and after 15 minutes, she came on to give the Dragons a burst of her trademark skill. Issy Wolfe made some surging runs in the first half, driving at the opposition goal, but unfortunately, she couldn’t quite convert. The midfield line up of Olivia Thomas, Lara Taylor and Hannah Philips looked strong throughout and all three worked hard throughout the game to close down the opposition and create chances for the Dragons.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be Dragons’ day. Early on in the second half, a loss of possession in our defensive 23’ allowed a Cambridge player to drive into the D and pelt a great shot past Cleeve in goal to take the opposition to 1-0. The Dragons defence continued to face a barrage of attacks and it was often Captain Jenkins, who went on to win Player of the Match, who cleared the lines and helped the team to regain its composure.

A period of attacking play from Dragons looked like it might bear fruit, with some great combination play from Issy Wolfe, Hannah Philips and Lara Taylor, but when the ball found its way to Lee in front of goal, she was taken out by the keeper and Cambridge cleared their line.

A counter-attack down the right-hand side of the pitch and a cross in found the Cambridge players in front of Cleeve and the Dragons’ defence and they put the ball away neatly to move to 2-0.

A dejected Dragons team regathered after the match and focused on the areas we need to work on in training in the forthcoming weeks.

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Women’s East Hockey League, Division 2NE

Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s v Bury St Edmunds 1s:  1-1

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Premier Division

Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s v Norwich City 4s:  6-0

An early push back at the Den on a fresh December morning saw Dragons Ladies 3^rd team host Norwich City Ladies 4^th team. Dragons began the game strongly, pressing City high up the pitch, which created the first goal within the first 5 minutes of the game, Ally Windsor Waite intercepting a city hit out and striking a strong clean shot from the top of the D, which nearly broke the backboard.

Unfortunately, Dragons were down to only 11 players after 15 minutes of the first half due to a stick in the face to Jess Haw. However, Dragons maintained the pressure on City and soon created a tap in second goal for Ally Windsor Waite from a floating cross along the baseline.

Dragons continued to keep City in their own half with some confident patient transfers across the pitch between Ismay Whitaker, Sophie Barrow and Esme Potter, creating more space for the team to attack the opposition circle. The third goal came on the stroke of half time from an aerial shot at goal by Hazel Knights that was reverse stick deflected by Lauren Lawrie across the front of goal for Sam Franklin to push home from close range.

The second half saw Dragons score their fourth goal from a short corner routine calmly completed by Ally Windsor Waite, player of the match, to gain her hattrick. The fifth goal also from a short corner routine scored by Debs Smith for the best ever chuckle brother! The sixth goal was scored from a short corner awarded on the stroke of full time deflected into the goal by Lauren Lawrie. Another strong team performance together with another clean sheet for a composed defence.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Premier Division

Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s v Lowestoft Railway 1s:  0-4

Off we toodled for chips and ice cream.  But first some hockey on the green carpet, Lowestoft won first push back and weaved their way through us and we quickly saw their agility.  Katie Franks was on hand to stop the approach and passed the ball back through to Trish Hagan, who found Lynne Price in space in the middle.  The Lowestoft whipper snappers were quick to close us down on the ball and space became limited.  Catherine Matthews and Lucy Buxton were working tirelessly up and down the wings moving the ball on and then often chasing back.  Defenders were a rare breed for us this week and Fiona Fletcher stepped into the breech under the watchful eye of Sarah Wagstaff.  Lowestoft were putting a lot of pressure on our defence and they were on full alert, tracking back, intercepting and preventing the ball from reaching Esther Jacobs.  After a lot of to and fro-ing Lowestoft took a chance with a strike across the D which pinged off Sarah’s toe up and over Esther into the goal.  Undeterred the 4s reset and with a pass out wide to Catherine and then up to Gina Hunt, Caroline Wolfe and Lisa Harwood moved the opposition defence around to get a chance on goal.  A short corner was forced with an injection from Lucy to Caroline a strike in but intercepted by the opposition and cleared.

After half time we came out with more grit and determination to get the ball first and pass it on before we got intercepted.  Vicki Earley was keeping the pace of Lowestoft players and pushed them wide into the path of the defenders. Lowestoft gained more short corners and increased the score to 4-0.  Unfortunately goals were not forthcoming for the Dragons even though they put in a last surge on goal.  Man of the match was Fiona who managed to stretched out go go gadget arms to catch the ball on the line and prevent another goal.

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

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Ladies 8’s Match Report .02/12/2017 – Vs Watton

Ladies 8’s player of the match – Sophie James

Best way to describe this match? MASSIVELY FUSTRATING!

The entire team exited the pitch knowing and feeling that they had given it their all! The half time Haribo and post-match sandwiches, chips and cake were gratefully received and much needed to revive energy levels and post-match mood!

From the outset the #awesomeeights knew they had a job on their hands with Watton joining the league from the one above at the beginning of last season. From the first to the last whistle the eights dug their heels in, fought hard and gave the home team an end to end, side to side match.  The dynamic defence fought hard and continually cleared the record breaking number of short corners awarded against them (over twenty but we lost count so can’t confirm the exact number).  The midfield team of Nic Harrison, Sophie James, Emma Fielding and Katy Cole used every ounce of energy including any reserves they had driving the ball wide and high up the pitch and then pulling back to battle with the defenders.

Goal keeper Emma North showed once again that she has benefitted from the specialist goal keeping sessions with some fantastic long clearances and dives to clear the ball away from the danger zone. Her support and guidance proved invaluable throughout the match.

Left defender Anna Chapman continues to thrive as the “silent achiever” a fantastic, enthusiastic player who just keeps getting better and better. Centre defender and Vice-Captain Jo Baker once again belted out some cracking (literally, poor stick) hits to the waiting wingers or into clear spaces allowing them to run onto them. Her vocal chords also got a good airing with Jo providing some much-needed encouragement, guidance and instruction throughout the match. Fellow defenders Jess Lockwood and Johanne Steward both battled hard tirelessly moving out to provide the width and coming in to protect the D.

Following a strategic pre-match decision bottom of the diamond stalwart Tracy Stewart-Sheppard teamed up with visiting #awesomeeights Louise “Brooksy” Brooks to provide a concrete core to the midfield. Brooksy proved to be an awesome last-minute addition to the team who tackled bravely and effortlessly passed the ball up the pitch to the waiting mids Tracy continues to be quick to the ball and a real fighter who just doesn’t give up, her enthusiasm is infectious! Last but by no means least the ferocious forwards courageously lead by Lois Metcalf whose experience and great communication was invaluable. She worked tirelessly to drive the ball towards the D whilst supporting the other players alongside her. Sadie Jacobs grows in confidence and is nearly un-recognisable to the beginning of the season, Sadie listens and takes direction brilliantly. Her passes are getting stronger and more accurate with every match she plays. The last mention must go to our debutant Emma Young who has finally been rewarded for her training efforts since the beginning of the season and proved she had earnt her place in the team. Emma proved to be the perfect goal-hanger, her resilient performance showed that she had soaked up every piece of advice given to her, is a natural at meeting the ball and stayed high to separate the Watton defenders away from their midfielders.

So summing this game up, well a lot could be said but we are true Dragons who are gracious in defeat. We learn from what didn’t quite work for us and will be back next week fighting once again. It is very frustrating that we fight as hard as we do, and the results really don’t reflect the play on the pitch, but all are confident that the wins will come we just have to dig our stubborn little feet in and keep battling on!

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Good King Moulson looked out
On the pitch of Ipswich East Suffolk leaven
When the pitch lay round about
Blue and Pink and even
Brightly shone the pitch that day
Though the low sun was cruel
When the Dragons came in sight
Spectators began to dro’oo’ol

“Hither, page, and stand by me
If thou know’st it, telling
Yonder Dragons, fight with me
Play our game, true beguiling!”
“We are, in a good league hence
We must use our metal
Passing against the pitches fence
The win should be ele’men’tal”

Two goals lost in no good time
Dragons on the back foot
Ed Gould striking quite sublime
Scoring a short corner crash bandicoot
Goss and Hull charged up the flanks
Forth they went together
Through the IES defensive ranks
Half time comes to stir the we’ea’ther

“Team, the night is darker now
And the game won’t last much longer
We must try much harder now,
And come out the stronger”
Dragons started with guile, and gaze
Passing the much brazenly
Chances came with floundering haze
Goalmouth frenzies became the go’oo’dly.”

IES were next to strike
Dragon’s Gould followed gamely
End to end the contest strived
Fulltime approaching hastily
In the end, the Dragons lost
Three – two to their victors
Bring on Bury in next weeks fight
Ed Gould Dragons Match Cham’pi’on

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Unfortunately the 6s suffered from a combination of player injuries prior to the match, players being called up at the last minute to higher mens teams and a no show on the day which meant we started with a bare 11 lineup. This led to a number of people having to play seriously out of their normal position. From the start Nomads imposed themselves by playing to their strengths and within 10 minutes were 2-0 ahead. Both of their goals coming from balls driven in from the edge of our D and picked up on the far post by a loose player. Although this really wasn’t the start we wanted, the team made the best of it and there were some brighter moments, notably Tommy Chapman hitting the Nomads post and Bobby Sheppard being blocked close in by the experienced Nomads keeper.

Because of the lack of substitutes there was no real chance to make any changes at half time and it was more a case of digging in to minimise the goals against, which our defence made a sterling effort at. The work rate was kept up by the whole team but the lack of substitutes and options told in the end, when Nomads scored a third goal. Stephen Holland had been metaphorically thrown in the deep end for his first ever full hockey match and credit goes to him for giving it his all. Try as we might we couldn’t make the breakthrough and the game ended a disappointing 0-3 loss.

For his efforts in attack and perseverance Tommy Chapman was awarded Man of the Match A big thinks also to Freddie Roques for doubling up in goal for the 6s and 5s at late notice. All in all, I think these days are called ‘learning experiences’ in modern parlance…..

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Dev Girls have their first win of the season beating Watton 8-0 Goals from Piper Hempsall x 2 Amy Beadman x 1 Hattie Stuart x1 Honey Wells x 2 Isabelle Harris x 2. POM for a dominant display in midfield goes to Piper Hempsall. Onwards and upwards!!

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Our Ladies 1s play their annual East Indoor Tournament at UEA Sportspark on Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th December, the full schedule can be found here.

2017 Ladies 1s Indoor Squad

East Indoor Division 1 Champions 2015

Women’s East Hockey League, Premier Division

Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v Caterbury 2s:  P-P

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Women’s East Hockey League, Division 2NE

Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s v Christchurch 1s:  P-P

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Premier Division

Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s v Evergreens 1s:  P-P

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Premier Division

Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s v UEA 2s:  P-P

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s v Broadland 1s:  

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The 7s have got their mojo back! They scored a solid 4-1 win over City at Taverham with two goals in each half on a pitch that was hard but definitely safe for play. The 7s were well fired up for this game and from the push back Alice Bishop scored the first of her three goals inside the first two minutes. This smart start settled any nerves Dragons may have had, and the result shows how much they have improved from their friendly draw against the same team at the start of the season.

Dragons as usual built a lot of their attacks from the back, but there were some critical differences in their play this week. Jane Wells proved to be a cracking crosser of the ball from the right, and can claim two assists to Alice. Alice herself, player of the match, is developing into a deadly finisher, very brave in front of goal. The whole team is starting to improve their ball speed and just as importantly, is able to pick up hard passes and make more use of the ball on the pitch.

So in the first half, the Dragons were attacking freely and using their nice passing game to work the ball into the circle. Charlotte Knight, Amelia Keitley-Webb and Alice Bishop ghosting in from midfield gave City plenty to think about. Adelice Kraemer again did some lovely flick ons, and her goals will come. Jane was taking no prisoners in front of goal, and when she gets one, she will get a hatful.

The Dragons plan was starting to work. Addi and Claire Fairhurst were always available and in the second half Claire scored a beauty from that little space off the near post that she works so well. The Dragons young and nippy mids (Charlotte, Amelia and Alice) were doing an excellent job carrying the ball and getting back to intercept or tackle when needed. But, special praise for top of the diamond Stevie Spence and bottom of diamond Louise Brooks who are developing a fine understanding of each other’s play and position. They both distribute the ball well to either side and will run all day and are as solid defending as they are in attack.

The defenders, Stella Windsor Waite, Bridget Le Good, Katy Saide, Lily Crew and Emma Dyer dealt with the City raids well. Louise, Bridget and Stella did some good intercepts to restrict the City forwards, but City showed what they could do with a sloppy hit out by ramming the ball past Emily Roper. Emily was more than equal to everything else, and one of her great assets is the increasing confidence with which she is marshalling her defence. If Emily says get back and mark, you do it.

The 7s thoroughly enjoyed their win as a team, and the subbing routine coped well with 14, with several players taking up more than one position to fox the opposition. The post-match analysis over a yummy City lunch was all about how we can push on and challenge ourselves to do even better. Undoubtedly the sweets were essential!

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Women’s East Hockey League, Premier Division

Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v West Herts:  3-2

Norwich Dragons ladies 1s travelled down to North London in search of a much-needed win to improve their position in the league.  The team knew that 100% effort and focus would be needed to take the three points from former national league side West Herts.

The game was relatively evenly matched for the opening 10 minutes, with both sides seeing attacking opportunities. But it was the Dragons who took advantage of their possession early on, and after a great interception and mazy run from Holly Reding in the defence, the ball was moved beautifully through Liv Thomas in the middle of the pitch to Hayley Toleman on the left. Toleman drove into the D and after forcing a deflection from the keeper, slotted the ball in the back of the net to put the Dragons ahead.

The team held onto this one-goal lead for much of the first half, absorbing plenty of pressure from the home side. Player of the match Siobhan Cleeve made some crucial saves, calmly dealing with a couple of 3 on 1 situations and short corner drag flicks. However, as the first half drew to a close, West Herts took advantage of a break in the Dragons’ concentration, and after a series of long corners, managed to thread the ball into the D to an unmarked player, who made the most of the opportunity and levelled the score.

The intensity of play continued into the second half, and the Dragons were forced to defend a flurry of short corners. One of these led to the opposition being awarded and scoring a penalty stroke, leaving the visitors to face an uphill struggle in the last twenty minutes. But the Dragons did not give up, and continued to push high up the pitch and pressure the West Herts defence. After a shot on goal was deflected high, Katy Hands brought the ball under control and drew the goalkeeper off her line.  She passed the ball to Hayley Toleman on the right post, who leveled the score.

Nerves were high in the final 5 minutes, seeing the Dragons need to defend a number of attacks, culminating in a final short corner. But a good step in front of the attacker by Holly Reding saw the corner break down and the Dragons take the opportunity to go on the attack quickly. The ball found Issy Wolfe on the  right hand side of midfield, who then made great use of her pace, driving into the D and getting a reverse stick shot off. ‘Hat trick hero’ Hayley Toleman was once again on hand to put the Dragons ahead with just a few minutes to go.

The visitors kept their heads for the final few minutes, staying tight in defence and maintaining possession of the ball. The final whistle brought much relief and celebration. Through hard graft, teamwork and perseverance the team brought an end to a series of frustrating losses and are ready to take this winning momentum forward into next week’s game.

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Women’s East Hockey League, Division 2NE

Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s v North Norfolk 1s:  3-3

Goalscorers:  Edward Cross x2, Casper Lind x2, Arjuna Puvanachandra

MOM:  Casper Lind

see above

Women’s East Hockey League, Premier Division

Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v Wapping 1s:  0-2

MOM Sarah Jenkins

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Women’s East Hockey League, Division 2NE

Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s v Colchester 2s:  2-1

Women’s East Hockey League, Premier Division

Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v St Albans 2s:  2-4

Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s vs St Albans Ladies 2s

The Ladies 1s travelled down to St Albans this weekend, keen to secure 3 points after a frustrating couple of matches where the Norwich ladies deserved more than they came away with.

Saturday saw the return of Issy Wolfe and Jess Bennett, both looking to make their mark up front! In the face of Storm Brian, Dragons started strongly and maintained the majority of possession in the first 10 minutes of the game.

Unfortunately, this would turn out to be a game won and lost on the quality of short corners and Dragons conceded a short corner to St Albans. The shot was blasted into the back of the goal, with very little the defence or Cleeve in goal could have done to stop it.

Dragons fought back and after some great connecting play between the midfield and forwards, Katy Hands managed to find the back of the net to take Dragons equal. Hands continued her attacking play with runs along the back line and some excellent passes across the face of the goal.

The midfield of Liv Thomas, Lucy Ripman, Lara Taylor and Hannah Philips continued to show their strength and determination. Thomas, who went on to win Player of the Match, was skilful in attack and resilient in defence and the award was very well deserved.

Another short corner was awarded to the home team and an almost identical goal was scored, to take St Albans to 2-1 at half time.

Dragons restarted after the break and came out strongly. Holly Reding and Sarah Jenkins were efficient and calm at the back, dealing with some tricky forwards in their usual controlled way. Cleeve pulled out some excellent saves too, to keep Dragons in the running.

After a break down the middle of the pitch that came initially from Hannah Philips, the ball found Katy Hands who drove into the D and drew the keeper who swiftly took her out. Luckily, Hayley Toleman was on hand to make sure that the Dragons got the goal and we moved to 2-2.

What followed was the deciding 10 minutes of the match. We enjoyed a period of excellent play, with Issy Wolfe and Jess Bennet looking strong and dangerous in attack. Despite several opportunities and control of the play, the goal just didn’t come and unfortunately, on a break by St Albans, the ball was raised towards Cleeve and became stuck in her pads. Cleeve quickly rectified the situation and what should have been called as a dead ball was awarded as a short corner. St Albans yet again scored from the top of the D and we went 3-2 behind.

With nothing to lose, Dragons pushed another player up to midfield, but despite some outstanding individual efforts and team determination, no goal came. In the dying minutes of the game, the opposition were awarded another short and again, scored from it.

Final score: St Albans 4: Dragons 2.

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Women’s East Hockey League, Division 2NE

Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s v Ipswich 2s:  1-3

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Premier Division

Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s v Dereham 3s:  2-2

Norwich Dragons Ladies 3^rd Team welcomed Dereham Ladies 3^rd Team to the Den for only their 2^nd home league game of the season. The game started with free-flowing hockey being played by both teams all around the pitch, with both teams being awarded short corners early in the game but unable to convert chances.

Dereham managed to open the scoring with a shot that bobbled its way into the goal at the far post. But dragons soon equalised from a good short corner routine, calmly struck across goal by Sam Franklin for Hannah Ellis to volley in on the line.

Again, Dereham managed to score first in the second half, this time from a short corner after the defence were reduced for breaking early. However, like the first half Dragons soon pulled a goal back from another short corner, confidently finished by Jess Haw with a rebound from the top of the circle.

Despite Dragons receiving both a green and yellow card with the score at 2-2, the defence and midfield held strong. Dragons finished the game the stronger team, with the attack creating plenty of open play and short corner chances which were narrowly missed. Ismay Whitaker and Hannah Ellis shared player of the match, but another great team performance to remain undefeated so far.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Premier Division

Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s v Magpies 4s:  3-1

The Ladies 4s were glad of Lou Davis’s hokey cokey warm up, making sure we were all feeling ready for action.  The game started briskly with Magpies taking first push back and not given much room for movement by the charging dragons.  Fiona Fletcher was quick to pick up the ball and send it out wide to Lucy Buxton running up the wing using her speed and skill to bypass the opposition.  The forward line up of Caroline Wolfe, Harriet Marlee and Gina Hunt were moving the opposition defence around to give opportunity to a goal.  For the first 15 minutes the Dragons had a few chances on goal, the Magpies keeper pretty quick to fend off straight strikes.  Trish (Terminator) Hagan picked off many Magpies forward moves and linked up well with Ellie James and Aditi Naik on the wing.  The first goal came from a pass in from the right, deflected by Caroline into Harriet who tapped into the goal behind the keeper.  Magpies still on for the challenge tried to pick up and connect with their forward but Katie Franks closed off this option, so they tried breaking through the middle, where Bella Capps was waiting.  Dragons had the majority of play and were still dangerous in the opposition D.  Magpies took their chances and managed to break through into the D forcing a short corner, which they slotted home on the right post.  Trish linking up with Ellie on the wing and up to Lucy outplayed Magpies and with several challenges on goal, picking up the rebound Lucy pushed it onto the backboard.  It was half time, and time for (Sarah) Waggys words of wisdom, playing to the oppositions weaker side, pre scanning and thinking ahead.

Kat Speirs our keeper had been called into action a few times in the first half and the battle call of MINE was heard before she hoofed the ball up the pitch.  In the second half she had a little less to do but at least the sun was shining!  The Dragons were still keen to up the score and Lou Davis was pushing the ball up the wing to Aditi, the play was linking well through to Fiona who injected several balls into the D.  The final goal came from a ball played across the goal, keeper going right and slotted in by Caroline.  Final score 3-1.  Excellent team effort for whole game, thanks to shouty Sarah on the sidelines for guidance.  Trish was man of the match for constant badgering of the opposition and silky skills up the midfield.

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

This was a game of two halves. In the first half Evergreens pressed quickly with strong attacking play and gaining a number of short corners. These were defended well but unfortunately Evergreens were able to convert 2 of these. They scored another goal from open play using their skills and speed to navigate into the D. Our defence of Sophia Haenhelt, Beth Elgood and Grace Brown (MOM) were determined that this would not be the tone of the game and worked incredibly hard to stop their advances. This was supported by some great saves from Esther Jacobs and lots of direction and encouragement from her. The first half ended 3:0.

In the second half dragons were ready to go and from the start began advancing towards the Evergreens goal. There was good linking play with many passes from Lizzy McDonnell meeting Sue Brumby and Lilly Sore to provide opportunities to get into their D. Passes from Ginny Simkin and Mel Widdows provided Niamh Somers with some great opportunities to run the ball into their D making some great tackles when challenged for the ball. Flora Gregorie used her skills to help us have more opportunities in the D and resulted in us winning a number of short corners in a row. Hannah Edwards worked tirelessly to ensure the clearances made by Evergreens were picked up so we could continue the attack and intercepted many of their balls in midfield to slow their play.
The second half provided Evergreens with few chances to play in our half of the pitch and saw the goal hungry dragons team begin to dominate the game. Sadly we were unable to convert our chances but take away a lot of positives from the attacking play in the second half. The work rate and positive attitude of the team was a pleasure.

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Division 2
Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s v North Norfolk 2:  3-0

North Norfolk Conceded this fixture

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Division 3

Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s & 8s no league fixture so played a friendly instead

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 2N

Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s v Magpies 3s:  2-4 

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 3NE

Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s v Pelicans 2s:  2-0

A valiant undefeated band of Dragons marched due west from the ‘Mighty Den’ across the scenic Norfolk corridor to the Pelicans’ stronghold known as Lynnsport. The mood was shaped by the promised Atlantic weather bomb; blustery with dancing leaves twirling into small devilish spirals.

Sir Rich Moulson rallied his regiment with conviction and guile, inspiring the troop to capitalize on its courageous start of the new season currently sitting pretty at height of 3NE. Knowing of the oppositions tendency to play a strong long ball game with plentiful aerials; vigilance and positional discipline were highlighted as keys to unlock the victory.

As expected, a hotly contested battle for possession ensued with an aerial bombardment from the opposition. Sir Moulson, Esquire George Walker and Varlet Max Laming showing their teeth in the tackle and eye on distribution. Veteran Archers Ali Smyth, Andy Hipper and Glen Masterson, using the nature of the battleground to provide the Dragons their own style of cannon fodder bouncing balls deep into dangerous territory; allowing the three horseman Jason Wolfe, Garnett Jones and Cley Hamilton to take siege on the Pelicans goal. The tactic eventually resulting in a series of short corners for Hipper and Laming to try their metal against an alert stopper. Dragons Headsman Ben Nkrumah had some stopping off his own to fulfil showcasing his mesmeric reaction saves on several occasions.

The deadlock was broken late on in the first half after further pressure was applied in the wide channels by skirmishers Jack O’Meera and Josh Wiggins, allowing Laming space above the circle to direct a reverse hit into Wolfe to add a deft touch, wrong footing the resilient Pelicans stopper. Drawing close to a fiery half with Sir Moulson’s men with the advantage. During the interval, Sir Moulson ushered further words of encouragement to continue the display, but paying greater attention to discipline with the umpires.

As the second half unfolded, the battle intensified. An accomplished show of sparring by young archer George Wright providing relentless rear guard action stopping any opposition attacking on the Dragons right flank. In the midst of battle Wiggins took punishment from both sides with raised passes battling with his knees and received a green for his troubles. Play was halted for captains to bring the intensity to a manageable level as tempers were gradually boiling over. To settle tensions further, a fine dribble and passing move from Laming and Wolfe allowed Hamilton to break free in the circle before unleashing a powerful strike across goal to extend Dragons advantage. This would be final straw as the game wound down to a close with Dragons victorious once again.

Ben Nkrumah Man of the Match for keeping Dragons firmly in the game with impressive reaction saves.

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 3NE

Norwich Dragons Men’s 3s v Norwich City 3s:  2-5

It was Derby day at the den Saturday with Dragons Men’s 3’s playing Norwich city Men’s 3’s. It was a tough game, with City pushing high and countering on the break. It was from one of these breaks that City scored and a well taken drag flick from a short corner made the score 2-0 to City. Some great work from Dragons resulted on a goal from Pedro Goss to make the score 2-1 to City at half time. 2nd half the Dragons felt they were getting back into the game, but again were caught on the counter attack. Pedro Goss scored another goal and the team all worked very hard to the finish but the end result was a 5-2 loss. MOM was Pedro Goss.

Men’s East Hockey League Division 4NE

Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s v Norwich City 5s:  1-2

Norwich Dragons 4 welcomed Norwich City 5 to the Den for the local derby.  With City top of the table it promised to be a tough game.  Dragons’ mix of youth and experience proved effective though and they took the lead midway through the first half, with McCartney Aldous slotting home after a well worked attack.  The game was very competitive with end to end hockey, though clear cut chances were rare.  Dragons maintained their lead until the final quarter when City equalised with a scrappy goal, a shot from the edge of the D missed by both attack and defence and creeping past the keeper.  Shortly after, Dragons were very disappointed to find themselves behind after City went 2-1 up with a well taken flick after an unfortunate deflection onto a foot on the line.  Dragons worked hard to try and find an equaliser, but it wasn’t to be and City ended up relieved to take the points.  Man of the Match was Will Ives who did fantastic work in defence and also inspired a number of attacking moves.

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 5NE

Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s v Norwich Exiles 1s: 0-7

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 6NE(N)

Norwich Dragons Men’s 6s v Norwich City 6s:  0-4

With selection being tight this week, Dragons 6s went into the match with 12 players and one returning from injury who needed to get some match time on the road to recovery. The Norwich City 6 team had made an unbeaten start to the season so another tough game was in order. Right from the start City played with two strikers high into the Dragons half which meant that we had to man mark to keep things in some sort of control. Within a few minutes of the start Ed Crosier was hit hard with a ball on the inside of the knee which relegated him to the side line for the rest of the match. Although it looked, and was reported by Ed as being very painful, hopefully he will be fit soon.

Unfortunately, City struck first shortly after with a goal at the far post, quickly followed by a second, contested, goal that was a deflection from something. It might have been a stick last or first but it all happened at such pace that it was difficult to say. The Dragons kept their spirits up and the midfield of Owain Hall, Issac Diver-Hall, Josh Bingham and Bobby Sheppard continued to press when they could, against seasoned, experienced opposition. Dragons came closest to scoring half way through the first half when Darryl Robinson hit the left post and the ball trickled along the goal line for the width of the goal until being cleared away by the City defence.City quickly scored a goal on the break with a well struck shot at an acute angle, just inside the Dragons D. Unfortunately James King, who was having a good game and made some excellent saves under pressure from City, was unable to reach it and Dragons went into the half time break 0-3 down.

The second half produced much of the same but Dragons kept working hard with the defence of Mike Banham, Harry Brown, Rich Davis and the returning John Butler kept busy man marking the City strikers. After another period of pressure City managed to get clear on the far post again and slotted in a 4th goal. The Dragons 6s didn’t cave in and kept fighting to the final whistle to keep the score at 0-4 to City 6s.

So, another tough game but more experience for our players coming up from Dev boys and another example of the 6s working together to reduce the loosing margin to the minimum possible in the circumstances.

Final score Norwich City 6 (4-0) Norwich Dragons 6

For some excellent saves and good all round work Man of the Match went to James King in goal.

Dragons Dev Boys A 

no fixture

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Dragons Dev Boys B 

no fixture

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Dragons Dev Girls 

no fixture

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Women’s East Hockey League, Premier Division

Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v Ipswich 1s: 1-3

After a frustrating loss to City of Peterborough the week before, Dragons Ladies 1s were keen to make amends and take something from the visiting Ipswich team. Unfortunately, with a last-minute injury to star striker Stacey Lee, the team was down to 12 players against the visitors’ 15. In the warm autumn sun, it was going to be a tough match.

Dragons started strongly, moving the ball well around the pitch and especially round the defensive line up of Lou Murray, Sarah Jenkins, Holly Reding and Sophie Thomas. Whereas last season, Ipswich had found space in the midfield, Liv Thomas, Lara Taylor, Lucy Ripman and Hannah Philips worked tirelessly in the first half to ensure that the opposition could not open up any room down the middle of the pitch. Dragons fought hard but couldn’t quite break into the opposition D.

A loss of possession in the middle of the pitch led to an Ipswich break just before half time. The Ipswich forward ran along the base line and slipped the ball past Siobhan Cleeve in goal to take the them 1-0 up at half time.

Dragons continued to look strong on the ball and their passing game was looking sharp in the early part of the second half. The defence picked out any marauding attackers and Holly Reding and Sarah Jenkins looked strong in the centre of the pitch, picking out the pass before it could reach the Ipswich forwards. Cleeve pulled out some brilliant saves as well, denying Ipswich the opportunity of extending their lead. Unfortunately, Ipswich won a short corner and despite a strong first save from the Dragons’ keeper, we couldn’t keep out the shot that came from the second phase and Ipswich moved 2-0 up.

The forward line of Hayley Toleman, Katie Taubman and Katy Hands, who had been putting in a lot of leg work throughout the game, penetrated the Ipswich defence on several occasions in the second half. Some excellent Dragons passing found Hannah Philips in the middle of the pitch, who slipped it left to Taubman. Taubman drove hard along the base line and won a penalty corner. The initial strike was saved by the Ipswich keeper but Taubman managed to follow up and slipped it into the back of the net, moving the score to 2-1.

Dragons kept their fighting spirit alive and some fierce performances from Lara Taylor, Liv Thomas, Hannah Philips and Lou Murray (who went on to win player of the match) in midfield ensured the Norwich team stayed in the game. Unfortunately, tired legs got the better of us and Ipswich again drove along the base line, this time passing it back to a waiting forward, who scored to take the final score to 3-1.

Dragons battled throughout this game and there are a lot of positives to be taken from their performance. Next week, the ladies will be looking to capitalise on these strengths and take 3 points from St. Albans.

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Women’s East Hockey League, Division 2NE

Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s v Dereham 2s:  1-2

Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Premier Division

Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s v Loddon 1s:  2-1

Norwich Dragons Ladies 3^rd Team travelled away for the third week running, this week to the very hot climate of Loddon, knowing this fixture is always a tricky and tough encounter. Dragons started strongly creating many early attempts at goal, which resulted in a flick being awarded for a foot clearance on the line. Lucy Morton calmly stepped up and converted the penalty flick with great confidence, 1-0 to Dragons. Dragons relentless attack was held at bay by Loddon packing the D and opportunities were squandered, including hitting the crossbar, so the score remained 1-0 to Dragons at half time.

Dragons began the second half again dominating play with a very good high press, created by good communication throughout the team. However, Loddon managed to gain a short corner in one of a handful of times that the ball entered the Dragons half, which they managed to convert levelling the score to 1 – 1.

The Loddon goal ignited dragons fire to attack with more aggression resulting in a second goal from some great quick passing from the left to the top of the D, onto Katie Mckenna who made a brilliant layoff for Katie Hale, player of the match, to step in and put the ball away into the Loddon goal. More opportunities were still further created but not converted by Dragons, so the game finished with a 2-1 win for Dragons.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Premier Division

Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s v Dereham 3s:  1-2

Dragons started brightly on an unexpectedly summery game at the Den. Several forays into the Dereham circle, a result of the width demanded by coach Wolfe, produced some saves from the keeper and asked questions of the Dereham defence. In particular, Dragons held such a tight press that Dereham couldn’t help but give the ball back. From one of these turnovers Caroline Wolfe converted with a direct strike.

 The Dragons midfield, the experienced Lynne Price and  Trish Hagan blended with the youthful exuberance of Catherine Matthews and Aditi Naik, backed up by the free ranging force of nature Vicky Earley, worked to close down Dereham and create the space to play through. Lisa Harwood, Lucy Buxton, Caroline Wolfe and Gina Hunt worked tirelessly into the channels and combining well but though chances were numerous, further goals were elusive.

 Dereham did have their moments and the defensive cover held with smart interceptions and timely tackles from Bella Capps, Jemima Williams, Amelia Smith and Sarah Wagstaff. This was not to remain the case as Dereham won a short, which was slickly converted. Moments later Dereham broke again but could not beat the impressive Kat Spiers who made a couple of smart saves.

 Half-time – Dragons 1 Dereham 1

 The second half was played in a similar vein to the first, Dragons moved the ball well, all units combining and Dereham playing a counter attacking game. Despite their pressure Dragons couldn’t convert and were very unlucky on several occasions. It took a well taken reverse strike from Dereham to break the deadlock and ultimately all three points.

 It is still early days for this newly formed Dragons team. Each game the teamwork is getting better and the resilience is amazing. There is a lovely mix of youth, experience, skill and determination. The leadership of coach Monsieur Wolfe and Captain Harwood and a little bit of the elusive luck with ensure we start getting the points we deserve.

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

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

Ladies 6s travelled to Hornets for an early morning fixture. With lots of change to the team – new captain Hannah Woods outlined the plans for the game. A lot of emphasis was put on defending the castle as we knew that Hornets would have some strong hits from dead ball situations.

With lots of support and encouragement on the sidelines from Mike, Anita, Jemima, Gill and the Walker twin the 6s started well. They dominated possession from the off, the mid-field quartet of Hannah Edwards, Jade Blanchflower, Beth Elgood and Sue Brumby worked tirelessly to pick up loose balls and drive at the hornets defence. However, they were solid, stepping out of the D and making crucial tackles to stop the Dragons drive.

The introduction of debutant Floss Andrews and Louise Brooks to the mid added a lot of intensity to the press with some very clean and precise passing – something that has been growing in the 6s all season.

The forward line of Gemma Ballard, Harriett Rant, Jane Wells and Jess Vernon worked hard to move the hornets defence but the first half ended goalless.

Mike offered some great words of wisdom at halftime to help us move an in-form hornets keeper to create some shooting angles. Beth Elgood took one of these opportunity early in the second half after some tireless midfield work from POM Sue Brumby, Beth drove off the ball into the D to sweep home the baseline cross from Harriet Rant. Fantastic works and a much deserved goal for Beth.

The press continued – the Gemma Ballard finding herself with time and space in the D to fire in a slightly lift strike at goal wrong-footing the keeper 2-0!

Hornets fought to come back, with the defensive line of Jen Buskell, Kate Atkins, Hannah Woods and keeper Tilly Connors-Beckett seeing more action in the second half. Tilly making some crucial saves. However, hornets took their chance after splitting the defence clawed back a goal to bring the score to 2-1.

Dragons dug deep. With Beth Elgood, Jade Blanchflower, Hannah Edwards and Sue Brumby all supporting the defence to maintain their 2-1 lead.

Another win secured and another promising performance from a versatile ladies 6s team!

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Division 3

Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s v Carrow 2s:  3-1

Dragons recorded their fourth consecutive win to stay on top of the division. They can be pleased with a fact that it was an improved performance from last week, with multiple raids on the Carrow goal and dozens of shots. But, even paying tribute to Johanne Barker, who had an excellent game in the Carrow goal, it has to be said that too many shots were weak or off target, and no first time sweeps or deflections were executed.

Dragons started quietly, even tentatively, as they absorbed the impact of players in new positions and players returning. The mids were pressing strongly, and in their keenness to get into the D they often tended to carry the ball too far and were picked off in the circle before they could get a shot away. So it was a big relief when the ball was collected by Adelice Kraemer at the top of the circle and she forced the ball home.

Minutes later, Carrow were awarded a penalty corner and although the first shot was intercepted, Carrow showed the greater desire to get to the ball first and rocketed the goal into the top corner. It was the first goal the Dragons had conceded this season, and keeper Emily Roper made sure there were no more.  Carrow 2s perform far better than their lowly league position suggests, with two or three players combining physicality with good stick skills – enough to keep the 7s defence on their toes. The 7s defence are pretty reliable, perming three from four players, with Katy Saide, Emma Dyer and Hattie Gale sweeping up all threats from wide player. Moving Stella Windsor Waite to the bottom of the diamond gave this young player the opportunity to show just how well she reads the game and she distributed the ball beautifully as she initiated attacks – and then had the speed to get back to defend. Stella got the player of the match vote for the second game running.

At centre back, Bridget Le Good’s strong hits were firing accurately and gave the 7s a lot of territory  when they found Maisie Dearmer, Sophie Drew and Stevie Spencer in right or left mid half way up the pitch, or Esme McKinnon-Evans at the top of the diamond. This midfield has plenty of pace, and picking up the ball cleanly mounted waves of attacks. Esme was awarded the second goal. She had taken a snap shot at the top of the circle which took a couple of bounces and a Carrow stick on the way in. Despite some polite protests, Esme was definitely in the circle. The third was scored by Sophie Drew who carried the ball across the circle and deceived the keeper. Adelice was playing on the right, Claire Fairhurst in the centre and Alice Bishop on the left, and all three of them had several shots well saved.

So, the lessons learned were that the 7s must not take their territorial superiority and possession for granted. More practice at shooting skills, particularly with defenders in place is needed to increase the determination to get to the ball first. In training we don’t want to be putting our players at risk, but the attack (whether the forwards or mids) need to be a lot more positive in the circle.

We need to introduce variety in our play, sometimes forcing hard crosses into the circle from just over the 23, where Claire, Alice and Adelice will pick them off. Then at other times, a more patient build up looking to work in the ball in – Stevie and Claire set great examples of unselfish running, getting ahead into good positions. Yes, sometimes they do this to draw defenders out, but they need to be used too for shooting. Adelice is at her tricksy best when she moves into the middle in front of the keeper and can fool anyone with her stick skills. Claire is a master at threading the ball through, and more goals will come from this combination with practice.

The 7s, with their blend of youth with speed and experience with guile, can go into the break quietly pleased with themselves but not complacent. In fact, we don’t want a two week break because we are concerned about losing the momentum as we try to sharpen our cutting edge. Every player in the squad knows she did her best this week and the Dragons’ tails are up ready for some tougher teams in the second quarter.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Division 3

Norwich Dragons Ladies 8s v Loddon 2s:  0-8

Ladies 8’s player of the match – Tenacious-N (Nic Harrison)

Well we always knew that this was going to be a tough one! Even prior to the match Captain Katy and Vice-Captain Jo strategized to tweak the usual formation to a 3-2-2.5-2.5 to make the eights defence heavy instead of the usual central diamond formation. Doubling the bottom of the diamond position, Tracy Shepard-Stuart and Becky Gallagher worked tirelessly to drive the ball wide and out of the danger zone. Communication between them was fantastic as was their accuracy and speed to re-set. Goalkeeper Emma North gains in confidence with each practice and game and made some spectacular saves and on occasions sliding tackles which went a long way to keeping the score in single figures. Yet again her directions from the goal mouth proved valuable to all in the pitch especially when a sneaky attacker slipped nearer the goal-line.

The defence team lead by Jo Baker who continues to make some amazing hit outs to the waiting wingers, also provides great vocals and advice and drove them to keep the see-saw line, apparently 8’s would be lost without her (thanks Captain Katy for the compliment)! Right defender Johanne Steward continues to gain in confidence and speed and produced some fantastic tackles. Jess Lockwood swapped effortlessly to provide cover for both defence and bottom of the diamond players she is also gaining in confidence with tackling and is learning to read the game well. Anna Chapman utilised her long legs and speed to push up higher to successfully tackle and apply pressure on the on-coming Loddon attack. Development graduate Maddie gave an energetic, enthusiastic and speedy performance all match confirming what a fantastic addition to the team she is.

Player of the match Nic “Tenacious-N” Harrison earnt her numerous nominations by just not giving up! Once again Nic made some fantastic drives up the wings and tackled brilliantly which resulted in us being awarded some short corners! Nic has also proved that she is No. 1 choice for short corner injecting, where are accuracy improves week on week. Fellow wingers Sophie and Emma Fielding provided additional pace and energy and both players have continued to grow in confidence, you really can’t tell that one has just come from the development squad and the other hadn’t picked up a hockey stick before the beginning of the season! Captain Katy once again proved to be a stalwart in the top of the diamond position, successfully tackling the opposition and driving the ball to the waiting forwards or out to the wingers.

Forwards Sadie Jacobs and Lois Metcalf had a bit of a thankless task this week but both made sure they were fully involved in the game. Lois feistily received the ball during short corners, reads the game brilliantly and tackles well. Lois also showed how communication can benefit a player’s game. Sadie worked well to find the space unfortunately there weren’t many opportunities when she could optimise this skill (SO close with that goal, it will happen).

So what’s next for this band of #awesomeeights? Well important things first we are deciding when and where the Christmas social is going to be! Due to the size of the league we now have two slip weeks (dam, we’ve only just got going)! BUT! WE WILL NOT GIVE UP! The marking has improved drastically but still requires some improvement as does the communication and vocalisation. We need to continue to “press” the opposition and practice short corners so we can hopefully convert them and get that annoying spherical thing called a ball across the white line!

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 2N

Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s v Horncastle 1s:  7-4

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 3NE

Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s v Norwich City 4s:  4-3

Top of the table with a 100% record, Dragons 2s returned home for the first of their four games against local rivals Norwich City.

With the sun shining it wasn’t long before the game too heated up. After a solid if unspectacular start Dragons fell behind to a disputed penalty corner. Was there an attacking foot, no said the unpires after a meeting in the D. Dragons are too long in the tooth to let this sort of thing get to them and soon they were back on level terms after the worst 16 in the history of hockey saw the city centre back pass to Cley Hamilton on the p-spot. With City in disarray Dragons took the lead through Max Laming from the narrowest of angles. Seeing the keeper covering the near post he hit it at the nearest City defender who kindly dispatched it into his own net.

Shortly after the resumption Dragons extended their lead through Brown with a trademark howitzer from a short corner. The second half saw temperatures continue to rise both on and off the pitch, and as the mercury reached 25^oC a flurry of cards appeared. Chris Simmonds was sent for a coll down for disputing one too many decisions, swiftly followed by a city player for the same offense. City then down to 9 as another player failed to retreat 5 as wolf powered towards the D. Dragons fourth and decisive goal came from a penalty stroke dispatched by the ever reliable Rich Gill after a mazy run from Alex Brown once more beffuddled the City defense with only a large size 11 on the line stopping Simmonds from finishing it off.

City scored a consolation flick in the last minute after Gill was harshly adjudged to have fouled deliberatly at a short corner, but it made no difference to the inevitable outcome.

Dragons march on played 4 won 4 after giving city 4s what for.

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 3NE

Norwich Dragons Men’s 3s v Sudbury 2s:  5-2

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Men’s East Hockey League Division 4NE

Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s v Pelicans 3s:  4-4

Norwich Dragons men’s 4^th team set off in the sunshine to play Pelicans 3^rd team in what turned out to be an 8 goal thriller. Dragons were pleased to have 13 players travelling to play as it was clear at the start of the game that Pelicans had fielded a strong team with a good combination of youth and experience. The Dragons with a similar mix of players made a slow start with Pelicans scoring an excellent goal after about 10 minutes. Dragons then settled into the game better with some hard work up front.  Rob Chaney Baxter (RCB) dribbled into the D and slotted a delightful reverse flick to beat the goal keeper and draw level at half time. Both teams stated the 2^nd half with lots of endeavour to try and get the lead with Pelicans putting a lot of pressure on the Dragons goal with some great saves from Tom Mclean and the rock solid defending from the experienced Paul Keating, Jon Price, Peter Davison and debutant Lloyd Wade. Pellies went ahead, but Dragons soon rallied with an amazing top left corner drag flick from McCartney Aldous from a short corner. The youngsters in the midfield and upfront carried on working tirelessly trying to get in front and Jordan Hambling, also playing his first game for the 4s was brave to challenge a crossed ball and put it in the back of the net before their keeper could react. Pelicans pressed and pressed sending their influential players higher up the pitch and equalised shortly after despite some resolute defending. They went 4-3 in front with about 5 minutes left in a well contested game. Johnny Taylor, Sol Blazer and RCB working hard to regain possession with RCB running into the D and heading towards goal before he was fouled. Dragons wanted a penalty flick but were awarded a short corner which was blocked and came out to Johnny on the edge of the D. Johnny took aim and smacked the ball towards goal to keep up his 100% scoring record since joining the team. 4-4 was the final result.

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 5NE

Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s v Watton 1s:  0-11

Dragons started brightly and competed with Watton for the first 20 minutes, unfortunately once Watton got the lead they didnt look back and kicked on. Harry Williams worked hard up front, putting in a great shift in the 2^nd Half to earn him the MOM award.  Thanks to Matt for stepping into gaol following Joel’s injury, other notable performances were Dan Ryan for trying to stem the flow through the middle of the pitch & Shiv who never stopped running, until he got a stick round his ankles!

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 6NE(N)

Norwich Dragons Men’s 6s v Pelicans 4s:  1-2

Dragons Dev Boys A v   :  6-4

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Dragons Dev Boys B v

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Dragons Dev Girls v :0-2

Women’s East Hockey League, Premier Division

Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v City of Peterborough 1s: 1-3

The 1^st team travelled to Peterborough on Saturday, strengthened in numbers and ready to take 3 points from a team that had beaten them in the pre-season.

Perhaps struggling to get the journey out of their legs, Dragons started slowly and Peterborough looked the dominant team for the first 10 minutes. The Norwich ladies found their form though and were starting to play some good hockey, passing the ball around nicely and maintaining possession. Unfortunately, we were caught napping about 15 minutes in and despite having had most of the possession, Peterborough capitalised on a break and slipped the ball past keeper Siobhan Cleeve.

Dragons again took control and some slick passing between Marie James, who went on to take the well-deserved Player of the Match title, Lou Murray and Lucy Ripman relentlessly pushed back the Peterborough sttack. The forward line of Hayley Toleman, Stacey Lee, Katie Taubman and Katy Hands found space and drove at the D, skilfully winding their way past the defence, but just could not convert. Dragons won 6 short corners in the first half, but in part due to the excellent keeping of the CoP goalkeeper and in part due to some pretty bad luck, the goal just wouldn’t come.

After losing possession in midfield, Peterborough drove at the D and again, they managed to score on the break, to move the score to 2-0 at half time.

Determined to fight back, Dragons started positively, with excellent linking play from Marie James, Lara Taylor and Hannah Philips, who all fought hard throughout the game. Together, they threaded the ball through to Stacey Lee just outside of the D. Lee, looking like she was just headed for the back line, took the ball in and out of nowhere, fired off a reverse stick shot that the rest of us could only dream of. Such was the speed of the shot, no-one even saw it go. But go it did – 2-1 and our spirits were revived!

In the 20 minutes that remained, Peterborough counter attacked and if it weren’t for the lightning reflexes of Cleeve in goal, the score would have been higher. It was end to end for this period, and just as in the first half, Dragons created several chances on goal, won 4 more short corners, but the goal just would not come. It was not going to be our day. Around 5 minutes before the final whistle, Peterborough wound their way down the back line and from an impossible angle, managed to slip the ball into the goal to take the score to 3-1 at the final whistle.

Player of the match Marie James for ‘majestic’ distribution.

A frustrating game for the Dragons, who deserved more.

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Women’s East Hockey League, Division 2NE

Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s v City 2s: 4-3

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Premier Division

Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s v Broadland 1s:  2-1

Norwich Dragons Ladies 3^rd Team made their second journey to Taverham in as many weeks to play Broadland Ladies 1^st Team. With both teams unbeaten before the fixture, the Dragons were prepared for a tough and close battle on the pitch. The game started with both teams creating opportunities from both open play and short corners.

The first and only goal of the first half came from Norwich Dragons, with the ball being switched quickly and efficiently from defence to attack down the right of the pitch to be slotted into the goal by Hannah Ellis. All attacking chances generated by Broadland were competently dealt with by the defence of Kristina Smyth, Carmel Windsor Waite, Kath Mares and Angela Murgatroyd.

The second half continued with Dragons making more goal scoring chances, Ally Windsor Waite passed the keeper for a Broadland defender to clear the line and Harriet Green supported by player of the match Lucy Morton forced the Broadland keeper to make a first class save. The second goal for Dragons eventually came from a short corner patiently worked through a few Dragons players for Harriet Green to calmly push the ball across the line.

Following the second goal by Dragons, Broadland pressed forward and managed to score from a short corner with only 5 minutes left on the clock. Both teams continued to play attacking hockey right up to the final whistle to create a tense finish for the spectators, thank you to the 6^th team for their support.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Premier Division

Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s v Loddon 1s:  0-3

The Ladies 4s were feeling in a buoyant mood and looking forward to a physical tussle with Loddon. Trish Hagan gave us her insider knowledge of who to watch and their style of game play. With Lynne (Neeps) Price still recovering from a table injury! She came to give direction and run the sidelines. Loddon won the toss with first push back and tried to weave through the middle of the field before being picked off my Vicki Earley. Aditi Naik and Ismay Whitaker were holding space out on the wings ready for the pick up. In the first 10 minutes there was an end to end tussle with both teams jossling for the ball. The 4s found their feet and the ball passed up the pitch from Vicki out wide to Aditi, Ismay and Catherine Matthews, eager for the ball and using their pace to pass the opposition. Trish was central offering support and used her skill to feed the ball into the D, where Caroline Wolfe, Lisa Harwood and Ellie James were looking for the pick up. The Loddon defence were quick to close down any advance on the goal. The 4s pressed the Loddon free hits to try and hold play and sometimes they smashed the ball through us to a high waiting forward. The defence commanded at the back by Sarah Wagstaff were responsive and with Ella Kassulke and Amelia Smith on the wing they picked off any advances. Although we had to be wary of the high forward and her position on the pitch. Caroline forced a short corner and Ismay stepped up, fired in and just wide of the charging Caroline waiting for the tap in on post. Loddon smashed the ball out wide and ran the line, with some nice passing around us, finding themselves in the D, the defenders quickly tried to clear the ball but a short was given. Kat Speirs our keeper was at the ready but a well-practised drill slotted the ball into the back of the goal. 0-1 at half time.

The 4s were still raring to go and score some goals, the midfield worked tirelessly to move the ball and create opportunities, Lisa passed the ball through to the D just wide of Caroline, Lucy Buxton at lightning speed surged forward to pick up the ball just before it went off the pitch and went for goal, the keeper dived in and made the save. The 4s continued to press the D but the goal remained elusive, Loddon’s second goal came from what looked like a tennis match in the D, luckily no one was injured! Final score 0-3 to Loddon. An improved performance from the 4s with more linked play and chances on goal.

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

Thanks to illness, late school match call ups and calls to work, the 5s found themselves bringing up players from the 6s and still travelling to fourth placed Dereham 3s with the bare 11 players.

After a quiet warm up, captain for the day Louise Davis fired up the team to go out and let the ball do the work to conserve energy.

Within a few minutes, the visitors found themselves a goal down to a fortunate deflection from a hit into the D. However, from this moment on, Dragons battled hard and worked their socks off making sure that every player gave there all for the team.

Some solid defending and the creation of a few chances meant that Dragons held Dereham at bay and at times had the home side concerned for the points.

Sadly the final whistle came before Dragons could make one of their chances count and the final result was a very respectable 1-0 loss.

The spread of Player of the Match votes showed how well the team worked for each other.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Division 2
Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s v Broadland 3s:  2-0

Ladies 6s had a late fixture away to Broadland 3s. Knowing it was a top of the table clash, dragons ahead on goal difference, and that Broadland were yet to concede a goal, a tough game was expected. 

Dragons were out in force with a strong team of supporters containing the injured Gemma Ballard and “goal a game” Jemima Dorman. The sideline, subbing and all-round tic-tacs being managed to Anita Mancini who was faultless in their ability to guide Dragons through the game. 

From the first pushback it was tough – Broadland proved why they were the other top of the table team – pressing Dragons hard. But the Dragons kept cool heads under pressure and moved the ball well. The midfield team of Jade Blanchflower, Beth Elgood, POM Hannah Edwards, Emma Gillard and Louise Brooks held the centre of the pitch well. Distributing some great balls and working up the pitch as a unit. Hannah Edwards working tirelessly for the POM votes! This gave the forward line of Sue Brumby, Harriet Rant, Jane Wells and Amy Forse the ability to make some great runs in the D. The Broadland defence were solid and looked like a team yet to concede.

However they were yet to come up against a centre forward like Amy Forse! She didn’t give up – every hit out she was there faced up to them, pressuring them and making some great interceptions. Her patience prevailed when she collected the ball on the 25, driving into the D and setting herself 1-1 with the keeper striking hard and low making the save impossible. 1-0 at half time but a far from done deal.

Broadland were out fast – wanting to pressure the strong Dragons defence line of Hannah Woods, Kate Atkins and Jen Buskell being expertly led by keeper Kat Speirs. Broadland had their chances but crucial tackles and supportive defence work from Beth Elgood, Emma Gillard and Jade Blanchflower meant the clean sheet was kept.

At the other end of the pitch, the forwards were working hard for another goal. Amy Forse again led the press on the Broadland defence, taking a strike from just inside the D hitting the backboard to the keepers right side. 2-0 and 3 points clear at the top of the table! 

#super6s

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Division 3

Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s v Watton 3s:  2-0

Dragons dominated the game but it wasn’t a comfortable win, thanks largely to the Watton keeper who was an excellent shot stopper. The victory takes the 7s to the top of the table, but they are all too aware that they did not ‘sparkle’ like they did the week before. A few changes and a last minute call off through illness meant they started tentatively, and were rather quiet, but then the mids and forwards began to fire. Mia McGhee was battering away on the left, fed with a string of passes by the tenacious Stevie Spencer making her seasonal debut. Maisie Dearmer was equally lively on the right and built a good understanding with Claire Stuart, Hattie Gale and Anja Wimmer.

Dragons were relieved to score towards the end of the first half, when Jess Vernon drove hard in the circle and the Watton keeper was a little unlucky to lose the ball between her kickers. But it was no more than Jess deserved for her direct play. Centre forward Claire Fairhurst set the captain’s example by placing her shots into the corners, and she was twice unlucky when the centre back snapped them up with the keeper beaten.

Meanwhile, Watton threatened with breakaways. At times the 7s were not quite on their marking, but Stella Windsor-Waite had another super game at left defence and earned the player of the match vote for a cool display under pressure. Emma Bell at right defence tamed her left wing, and there was some good tackling by Hattie. Keeper Emily Roper marshalled her defence and was called on to make several good saves. Bridget Le Good’s powerful 16s and frees gave the 7s a lot of territorial advantage, and when Anja moved into midfield in the second half, Dragons were constantly pressing and looked as though they just had to score. The second goal was a worthy match winner, and came towards the end. Claire Fairhurst took a free hit quickly and found Anja on the right. One touch and she slammed the ball across the circle, with Mia stepping in front of her marker to touch the ball home. The move had speed, power and precision and was the 7s at their super best. The goal gave Dragons a cushion, and they saw the game out without managing to produce any more quality moves.

The 7s have got the appetite for winning, and are setting their sights higher to improve their game. The marking needs attention; the penalty corners lacked ‘bite’ and too many scoring chances were wasted trying to go through the defenders. But the team might conclude that any time you can grab a win without playing at your best, you take it and move on.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Division 3

Norwich Dragons Ladies 8s v Carrow 2s:  2-1

Final score – 2:1 to Dragons. Goals by Shaniece Claxton and Charlotte Knight.

Player of the match – Charlotte Knight

The awesome eights continue to thrive each week as they put into practice what they have learned in their training. Determined to improve upon last week’s valiant effort despite losing 4:1 against the UEA, they fought even harder than before and their efforts paid off. 14 eager players including more new faces again this week. Debuts from Charlotte Knight and Sophie James who have progressed from the Devs and from Clara Carrott from Get Back Into ladies.

Initially it took the first 15 minutes or so for the 8’s to ‘gel’ in new positions with new team members. The defence had it tough but it didn’t deter Vice Captain Jo Baker from her solid position as centre back with her timely and accurate hit outs to the side lines. GK Emma ‘Northy’ North continues to get stronger each week and made many solid saves in this time. Jess Lockwood also grows in confidence and took some fabulous side line hits up the wing to the mid fielders. Johanne Steward kept many Carrow attackers at a safe distance with her tackles and short, sharp passes to the likes of Becky ‘the flexi-player’ Gallagher and Clara Carrott who had some great drives up the wing getting the ball across to the forwards.

Aftter the 8’s established their dynamic, it was full steam ahead with the team fighting fit and determined to win. Lois Metcalfe made many fierce tackles within the D and managed to get the ball within a few feet of the goal line. Several deflections later with Sadie Jacobs on the left ready to give it her best shot and Shaniece Claxton on the right, Shaniece scored her first league match goal!

However, literally minutes later whist the Dragons were still on a high from scoring, Carrow had a couple of lucky, long passes straight down the middle of the pitch and before the Dragons knew it, the ball had made it past the defenders, straight past the fabulous keeper Emma ‘Northy’ North and equalized!

This only made the Dragons come back stronger than ever being awarded several short corners. It was 1 all at half time but the Dragons dominated the game in the second half with the ball barely making it past the half way line. The strong mid field section of Nic Harrison, Becky and Clara Carrot on the wing, made some lovely tenacious tackles and kept the opposition at bay. On the odd occasion that the ball got past the Dragons, bottom of the diamond position shared by both Tracy Stuart-Sheppard who always has a keen eye and Sophie James (who was not feeling 100% but was determined to play in her first adult match) made sure that it was not in the danger zone for long.

Captain Katy Cole as top of the diamond assisted the attackers keeping the ball in the 25 zone and made some good tackles passing the ball to the likes of Shaniece, Sadie, Lois and Charlotte Knight who relentlessly drove the ball around the opposition (fully earning her player of the match award) until she finally scored a goal making it 2 all. This increased the Dragons confidence further and there was literally no stopping them at this point. The last 15 minutes of the game the Dragons were all over it and totally owned the game. The game play barely moved away from the 25m line and time after time the ball entered the D and Dragons were awarded more and more short corners. Carrow, now tired and worn out from the seemingly ever-lasting energy of the 8’s, could barely keep up. Finally the whistle blew and this was a well deserved win for the awesome 8’s.

Points so to remember for future games:

• Always keep 5 metres – green card was awarded and a Dragon player was sent off for 2 minutes because of this
• Keep using the width
• Keep practicing short corners
• Players need to be more aware of their feet, many free hits were given to the opposition because of this
• Continue to have fun!

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 2N

Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s v Bury St Edmund 1s:  2-1

Men’s 1s make it two wins in a row, battling back from 1-0 down at half time to beat Bury 1s 2-1. An impressive second half performance was rewarded with goals from golden boy Tom Vaughan and Robin van Patrick (Gordon). 

Man of the match was Peter Dickerson who kept the visitors in the game with some crucial saves and Dragon of the Day was George Bowman – the team look forward to his treats next week.

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 3NE

Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s v Sudbury 2s: 3-1

Men’s 2s win 3-1 at Sudbury. All 3 goals via short corner rockets by Rich Gill. MoM Garnett Jones. Started with 10 men (and no keeper), but all good in the end.

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 3NE

Norwich Dragons Men’s 3s v Ipswich 2s:  2-2

Having conceded 4 goals in the opening ten minutes of their first league game and then 5 goals in the opening ten minutes of the second, the Men’s 3s pre match WhatsApp conversations were largely based on the need for a proper pre match warm up and a focussed start.

As ever, it was all talk. The oldsters shuffled round the pitch in their carpet slippers, allegedly warming up their stiff backs and hamstrings, but generally just chewing the fat on key topics such as our wives social lives, Grant Holt and the mysterious disappearance of defender’s face masks.

Meanwhile the youngsters were supposed to be warming up Giles Brooks but were instead showing off their undercutting skills, which did little for Giles, but did petrify the Birthday party in goals and a passing light aircraft.

Once the game started, Dragons started off like a train with both Matt Jenkins and Digger (Jonno Chaney-Baxter….JCB….geddit?…..bet no one thought of that before….oh, they have….rats) going close. However, the veneer of competence couldn’t last and Ipswich slotted a goal after a ‘minor’ defensive mixup – i.e. we passed it to their centre forward on the edge of the D.

However, having only conceded once in the opening minutes, Dragons were full of confidence and pinned Ipswich back in their 22 for long periods although without creating many clear cut chances. The defence of Stu Kelly, Phil Good, Joel Dennis, James Goodson repelled the majority of attacks, with PC Gordon-Brown patrolling his right wing beat to good effect, slapping away any miscreants with a waft of his truncheon.

Halftime came and went (again without any Haribo – this never happened in the Sayer or Walker years) with the match continuing in the same vein during the opening 15 minutes of the second half. 

Ed Smith then unfortunately lost a contact lens and with the team’s focus (excuse the pun) momentarily distracted, Ipswich scored a second goal against the run of play. 

Lesser teams would have crumbled but not our brave boys in red. A Goodson Neopolitan sundae special was served up with Jim Goodson passing to his twin brother Rob who worked it into the D for their younger, fitter and more handsome brother Jon Goodson to poke home.

Time was ticking away and Dragons pressed on with increasing urgency. Pedro Goss and Jon Goodson linked together well on the right hand side for George Wright, on his first league start for the 3s, to sweep home powerfully from around the penalty spot for a thoroughly deserved equaliser.

The final whistle blew shortly afterwards and the Dragons had their first league point of the season.

Paul was yet again an absolute star, quietly and almost invisibly being involved in all the team’s best passages of play. Only his lack of training is getting in the way of a call up to the higher teams.

Jonno Chaney Baxter was the young player of the match, with Jon Goodson replacing Tom Vaughan as oldster MOTM, with Tom winning the popular vote but being disqualified on the technicality that he didn’t actually play for us (at the moment, he’ll be back soon).

Dragons 3s 2 – Ipswich 2 2 (Desmond)

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Men’s East Hockey League Division 4NE

Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s v Thetford 1s:  6-2

Dragons secured their first points of the season in a well deserved win over Thetford.  Tom McLean in goal and Johnny Taylor made their debuts for the team whilst Andrew Saunders scored his first 2 league goals.  The first half saw Dragons take the lead through a Saunders penalty corner strike whilst his forward partner Taylor (MoM) settled quickly into adult hockey, causing the Thetford defence plenty of problems.  Thetford equalised with a scrappy goal and at half time the score was 1-1.

Dragons became increasingly dominant during the second half as Thetford tired and added 3 further goals through Taylor, Saunders and Jon Price.  Will Ives neutralised Thetford’s most dangerous player with tight man marking and Pete Davison plucked numerous speculative aerial balls out of the sky.  In central midfield, Sol Blazer continued his impressive form this season and the pace and tenacity of Connor Adams was notable.  Thetford pulled one goal back but never truly threatened a comeback and Dragons could have had further goals with Phil York-Smith hitting the post from a tight angle and the keeper’s pads from close range.

Every Dragons player contributed to a solid team performance and satisfying win, which provided a welcome confidence boost before next week’s trip to Pelicans.

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 5NE

Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s v UEA 3s:  6-2

Men’s 5s lost 6-2 to UEA, goal scorers Matt Hull and Eddie Gould whilst  MoM was Shiv Kapur.

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 6NE(N)

Norwich Dragons Men’s 6s v Watton 2s:  0-1