Photos from some of the some fixtures here.
Women’s East Hockey League Premier Division
Norwich Dragons 1s 2-1 Wapping

The opening game of the season in East Premier Division for Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s saw them entertain Wapping Ladies 1s.

Dragons started the game well putting pressure on the Wapping defence. Fast attacking play came from the left and right with both player of the match Sarah Jenkins and her defensive teammate Jess Bennett making good passes inside and up the line. Captain Rachel King, Hayley Toleman and Stacey Lee worked tirelessly in attack driving forwards with the ball, with opportunities being created with almost every attack. Olivia Thomas, Liv Sumpter, Sophie Mullan and Marie James worked the ball neatly around the opposition in midfield.

One such attack resulted in the home side’s first penalty corner. The team were confident of causing problems for the visiting defence given their work on penalty corners in training, however it took individual improvisation from King when the routine didn’t go to plan, the skipper ghosted past the outrunning Wapping defence and calmly flicked the ball over the out-stretched keeper.

Dragons kept gaining confidence but the final ball in the circle ended up on the end of a Wapping stick. After the halftime break, Dragons showed great teamwork from defence, through midfield to forwards, all working well together to snuff out any pressure from Wapping.

The home side were awarded several more penalty corners in the second half from one of these, the Wapping keeper pulled off a number of saves, however after what felt like a lifetime of scuffling, the ball evaded the Wapping defence to find a patiently waiting Olivia Thomas on the back post, Thomas calmly pushed the ball across the line.

Unfortunately, Dragons momentarily lost composure and Wapping scored two minutes later.  This gave Wapping more confidence to press forward and Dragons looked nervous and kept giving away the ball, which meant the defence were under constant pressure. Lou Murray kept guiding the defence of Sophie Thomas, Holly Reding, Bennett and Jenkins to ensure Wapping did not score again.

Wapping won a short corner and the umpire blew her whistle, so the entire Wapping team surrounded the circle but thankfully Dragons keeper, Shiobhan Cleeve and the defensive team were able to keep their cool and prevented Wapping from scoring again.  Final score a 2-1 win for the hosts.

Great positive play from Dragons after hard work in training, strong pressing and movement forward allowed excellent hockey to be played! The home side look forward to building on this hard work and great opening result through the rest of the season!

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Women’s East Hockey League Division 1N
Norwich Dragons 2s 1-3 Cambridge City 2

Norwich Dragons faced their second season in Div 1N, with a few new faces to welcome into the squad. Summer signings Helen Busfield and Danni Garwood joined the team, alongside a welcome return for Sarah Borrett in the heart of the defence. In addition, GK Emma Cleland and young forward Issy Wolfe also took their places in the squad, having played a few games with the 2’s towards the end of the season. Once again, the team were well marshalled by Captain Karen O’Neill Simpson.

Dragons began proceedings confidently, moving the ball at pace, with strong running along the front line particularly from Laura Shreeve and Issy Wolfe. One attack saw Issy Wolfe earning a short corner for her team with some good close skills. The short was delivered at pace to the top of the D by Wolfe, Gail Thomas receiving and quick thinking by her, changed the planned routine, finding Karen O’Neill Simpson in plenty of space at the top, with work still to do the Captain expertly slotted the ball home. A lead Dragons deserved at this stage of the game.

Whilst the visitors had to deal with a lot of pressure from a strong Cambridge City team, they defended well with Player of the Match, Shelly Seaman and Sarah Borrett battling hard in the D. Dragons Keeper Emma Cleland made some fine saves especially from some excellent Cambridge City tomahawks, which were heading into the top corner of the goal! Eventually however, Cambridge equalised before halftime, with their two danger players combining on the right to slot the ball home.

The second half saw Cambridge start to take the ascendancy and whilst Dragons continued to work hard as a team, they didn’t quite get the breaks. Some sharp passing saw Cambridge take the lead mid way through the half and then in the final 5 minutes with Dragons pushing to chase the game, a short corner sealed the points for the home team.

Lots of encouraging signs for the team, however there are areas to work on; with the spirit and work ethic in the team, they will undoubtedly get their rewards as the season progresses.

Empresa Norfolk Women’s Premier Division
Norwich Dragons 4s 0-3 Norwich Dragons 3

This was a very good performance from the fourth team today. We lined up with no less than 8 new faces, many of which had never played in the premier league before.

In the first 15 minutes I believe we were the stronger team, with three chances that we couldn’t convert. This will hopefully improve with more match play. Many of the youngsters made an impressive debut. Esme at right back was calm and solid in defence and certainly looked comfortable playing against the more experienced opposition. Bella as always played well in the centre, and Ella had another good game. Mia stood her ground at bottom of the diamond, and was possibly the most vocal person on the pitch.  Both the Matthews sister had a brilliant game.  Kristina played well despite jet lag, and her appearance 6 hours after coming back from Hawaii was much appreciated.

The most encouraging aspect of today was the girls’ determination and perseverance, never giving up. They were a credit to themselves, and a pleasure to play with.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 1
Norwich Dragons 5s 2-1 Pelicans 2

First game of the league and the Dragons stormed it!  It was going to be a tough game as Pelicans had come down from the league above and the 5’s had just moved up into Division 1.  Lou Davis gave us a thorough warm up and stretch out, to ready us for action.  Pelicans had first push back and in the first 10 minutes it was end to end, whilst the 5’s were judging the oppositions play and settling into their positions.   Pushing the ball out from the defence were Jemima Williams, Lou and welcoming a new player Rowan York-Smith.  These three worked extremely well as a unit quick to cut off the opposition and on a hit out gave each other support to pass the ball around and up the wings.  With Lynne Price moving tirelessly at the top of the diamond picking up the ball the Dragons started to press the Pelican opposition.  Amelia Smith was moving around menacingly in the D, dodging the defenders and created a chance with a short corner.  The Pelicans keeper was nippy and active, goal denied.  A future goal would have to come from working the ball around the side of the goal.  The Pelicans were trying their chances with some strikes through the centre, closed down by Vicky Earley with lightening speed and ability to read the play.  In the midfield Laura Hansell and Chelsea Crawford were running back and forth picking up balls pushed out wide and bringing them up to the D,  putting in strong tackles to stop the Pelicans.  The Pelicans first goal came from a short corner and they managed to crack in a strike.  The Dragons were not downbeat and continued to play passing the ball around the Pelicans and wearing them down.  The next goal was to come from a short corner for the Dragons, clean injection from Lynne to Lisa Harwood who passed it left to Amelia a hard slap into the goal which was kicked out and picked up by Lisa who pushed it to the left post and it was deflected in by the opposition. Score 1 all.

At half time the Dragons were still fired up and knew a win was possible as they had the majority of ball possession.  The Pelicans came out strong and got into the D, Alice Smith in goal threw some karate moves punching and kicking the returning ball.  It was cleared out and Laura ran it up the wing passing square to Megan Farrant who moved it across the D to a waiting Lynne, across the goal, where the keeper kicked it out.  Esme Potter who was having a break from defence and trying out a position in midfield, calmly lifted the ball over the keeper and into the back board.  Much jubilation, 2-1.  For the rest of the second half the Dragons kept moving the ball between them and really pressed the Pelicans who were getting frustrated.  At final whistle everyone felt rewarded with a win, as the Dragons had attacked and threatened the whole game.  Super start.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 2
Norwich Dragons 6s 5-0 Pelicans 3

Norwich Dragons 6s arrived at Pelican’s new pitches with energy and enthusiasm, keen for a win against the newly promoted team.  After a quick team talk and vigorous warm up, newly appointed captain Beth Elgood and her team were raring to go.  Immediately, dragons held possession and managed to pressurise; Pelicans struggled to counter dragon’s confident start. First short corner of the day came 12 minutes in, a confident injection from the ever- accurate Arabella Sabberton, led to a shot on target but was  unfortunately cleared by a strong pelicans defence.

Dragons, now clearly comfortable, found themselves preparing for another attack at goal – after a scrappy fight for control in the D, Arabella Sabberton managed to shepherd the ball over the line. 1-0 Dragons.  From the off, tenacious Sue Brumby showed Dragon’s intentions, running at the opposition and closing down at every opportunity. More attempts at goal… Kelly Mills, Kat Spiers and Ginny Simkin often finding themselves in the right position but just unable to finish.

Dragons’ continued possession centred now on the right, with a powerful Stevie Spencer grinding down pelican’s, now tired, defence. A long corner from Stevie Spencer met the perfectly positioned Sue Brumby, who hit the ball straight at goal, scattering pelican’s defence – 2-0 dragons at half time.

The second half saw some excellent paired passing between Nicola Robinson and Hannah Edwards and still plenty of chances at goal.  As predicted however, Pelicans certainly weren’t losing without a fight. Dragon’s defensive dream-team: Katy Saide, Hannah Reeve, Katie Franks and Ginny Simkin (now returned to her more favoured position!) fought hard to protect the ever- ready Luisa Valentino against some strong Pelicans attacking moves.

Dragons regained control once again though, some excellent passing play and impressive stick skills from Hannah Edwards and Beth Elgood in midfield led to goal number three- a hit from Hannah Edwards into the left corner. 3-0 dragons. More attempts at goal, with a valiant dive from Kelly Mills and a crossbar hit from Arabella Sabberton. Dragons were goal-hungry and not afraid to show it.

Goal number four followed shortly, ‘classic’ Katy Saide’s stick-down  clearance was pushed out straight to Arabella Sabberton, who neatly dribbled the ball into the D, sweeping the ball into the left corner. 4-0 dragons.

The closing minutes of the match were as engaging as the first; proud team captain Beth Elgood repeatedly speeding up and down the pitch, eventually delivering a speedy ball to Stevie Spencer who was denied a goal by the keeper. Kelly Mill’s quick thinking kept the ball in play and a tidy finish from Kat Spiers left the final score at 5-0.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 3
Norwich Dragons 7s: No Fixture

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 3
Norwich Dragons 8s: No Fixture

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Mens East League Division 2N
Norwich Dragons 1s 4-1 Cambridge South

After a very strong preseason campaign,  Dragons entered their first league game in great form, with plenty of optimism for the season ahead.

Dragons got off to a strong start, controlling the play and creating plenty of changes in the first 20 minutes. This pressure was rewarded by 2 early goals from Rupert Snelling and Rohan. As the half drew to a close Cambridge South started to come back into the game. Despite a very strong defensive display,  soaking up a lot of pressure, South eventually scored to take it 2-1 into the break.

After a much needed breather, Dragons approached the second half in a much more composed manner, regaining control and dictating play.  Even when down to 10 men, Dragons worked hard to keep South’s attack from causing any real danger. A  goal was need to secure the 3 points and Henry Laming certainly rose to the occasion.  The keeper was left helpless as Laming’s perfectly executed top D reverse, ripped into the top right hand corner the net. Another goal by Mitch Smith quickly followed, making it 1-4 at the close.

A very strong team performance from the Dragons 1’s, showing real determination and a good work rate.

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Mr Jenkins taking a couple of minutes out, with plenty of sympathy from Mr Simmonds

Mens East League Division 3NE
Norwich Dragons 2s 2-4 Newmarket 1

The fixture between these two sides has been a highly competitive one over recent years, and this one was no different. Dragons started well enough and threatened the visitor’s goal on a number of occasions. On what was destined to become a common pattern during this match, early clear-cut chances weren’t converted until Wolfe went round the keeper and struck a shot which hit a defender’s shin on the line. The resulting penalty stroke was duly converted and the home side lead 1-0. However, this was short-lived and Newmarket bundled home from close range just before half time to keep themselves in the game.

The second half started well for the visitors and sustained pressure and sloppy ball retention gifted two goals whilst Dragons managed to pull one back when another shot was illegally stopped on the line. Gill converted the second penalty stroke and Dragons pressed for an equaliser. Unfortunately further clear chances went begging and it was a strike against the run of play that gave Newmarket a well-deserved victory.

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Men’s East Hockey League Division 4NE
Norwich Dragons 3s 2-2 Newmarket 2

For their first game of the season, the 3s travelled away to Newmarket 2s.  Having suffered heavy losses the previous season to Newmarket 1s, the 3s were not sure what sort of team their 2s would be.

The game started well for Dragons with them scoring in the first 5 minutes from a short corner routine where Lloyd SAYER and Will KIRBY passing the ball between the Newmarket defence, with KIRBY knocking the ball past the keeper.  Newmarket then upped their game and fought back, earning themselves a couple of short corners, leading to nothing, except centre back Peter DAVISON taking a ball to the chest!

Dragons pushed well and kept up the pressure on Newmarket, often cutting out their balls in midfield.  The forwards were unlucky not to extend the lead, with a shot hitting the post and other chances saved by the Newmarket keeper.  Good work down the left by John IVES was complemented by Nick Turner down the right, feeding balls through to the forwards.  Despite the pressure, Dragons took the game 1-0 into halftime.

The first 5 minutes of the second half saw Dragons under pressure but the defence of Rich PHILLIS, Adam SAYER, Joel DENNIS and James GOODSON held strong and Dragons once again led the attack.  Jon GOODSON, Rob GOODSON and Lloyd SAYER controlled the middle and slipped balls through to the attack.  A dangerous ball from Newmarket floored forward George BOWMAN, who admirably returned to the game and scored to take Dragons 2-0.

Unfortunately for Dragons, a Newmarket attack led to a short corner, which they smacked in, and in the last 5 minutes, a hit into the D, led to their forward getting the slightest of touches to deflect the ball past keeper Dim IVES ( who had made some great saves earlier in the game).

So a draw and 1 point from the first game.  Dragons were left feeling frustrated as they knew they should have put more chances away, but will keep this determination going into next week, where they face Lowestoft 2s.

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Dr Jones showing his pace

Men’s East League Division 4NE
Norwich Dragons 4s 1-3 Felixstowe 2

After last weeks heavy defeat a more resolute and gritty performance was need from the team if we were to take a positive result from todays match. With this in mind an unusual 4 -1-4-1 formation was decided upon meaning we probably wouldnt score too many goals but equally we shoudnt concede too many either!

The game started at a frantic pace but Dragons held firm and snuffed out all attacks from a very strong Felixstowe side. Infact as the game progressed we grew into it and started to have a lot of quality possession which ultimately led to a short corner being awarded after good work from Jono Chaney Baxter. Shorty duly slotted the shorty and we moved ahead on the score board. With all the hard work being put in fatigue stared to show and an unfortunate miss communication allowed Felixstowe to equal just before the break.

Undeterred Dragons were determined to carry on the good work and see if they could take the game to ‘Stowe in the second half. Despite battling hard two more goals were conceded but the team left the field justifiably pleased withe game they had all played. Joint Man of the match went to Pedro who absolutely had his defender in his pocket all afternoon and Andy Carver who’s confidence visibly grew as the match progressed and finished off dominating his position on the pitch.

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Captain Howes inspires the team to a superb victory

Men’s East League Division 6NE
Norwich Dragons 5s 8-0 Ipswich 4

Norwich dragons 5ths vs Ipswich 4s. A great start to the season saw an energetic mens 5s put 8 goals past a sluggish Ipswich side. The game started at 14:45 and dragons were on the attack from the off. The first goal coming on 5 minutes from Rob Lee on the right post after some great play from the dragons midfield. Who would go on to dominant the game. From this moment on the Ipswich defence crumbled. On 10 mins dragons had a disallowed goal from a short corner which was hit with true power by Josh Bingham, it missed the top of the back board by a fraction.

Dragons scored two good team goals in the next 10 mins from Paul Kassulke and from Andrew Cross before Josh Bingham smashed home a great short corner. The last goal in the first half came from some more good team play. The ball was passed about well by the midfield just outside the Ipswich D, before being passed to Captain Adrian Howes who flicked it at close rage into the top netting for a stylish goal number 5. Half time score Dragons 5 – 0 Ipswich.

The second half started a little slower from dragons. as after the restart Ipswich had 7 or 8 mins of better play. Producing the only meaningful attempts of the game. Which were all saved by a skilled young keeper or beaten back by a solid defence. Goal number 6 came from another Josh Bingham sort corner on 45 mins. After this dragons slowed a game abit while still maintaining most the possession. Goal number 7 came on 60 mins and was another stylish goal from Adrian Howes. The ball was passed to him with real speed, and he redirect it fantasticly into the bottom left. The final goal came in the 69th min from matt Armstrong who was able to knock the ball into the bottom right after a failed clearance form Ipswich. A fantastic start to the season. We call all improve on this season to. So let’s get out there. And push on from here. Dragons players involved James King, James Hansell, Jordan Hambling, Graham Mull, (Rob Lee 1), (Adrian Howes 2), (Paul Kassuike 1) Andy keys, Ray Hansell, (Matthew Armstrong 1) Owain Hall, (Andrew cross), Sol blazer, (Josh Bingham 2) and Tom Williams. Well done lads!!!!

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Men’s East League Division 7NE
Norwich Dragons 6s: No Fixture

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Boys A and B Teams

Empresa Norfolk Boys Development League
Norwich Dragons A 5-0 Norwich Dragons B

The game started with both teams battling it out quite evenly but then we started to dominate and James scored a goal in the first 15, which settled our nerves. Playing against friends is not always easy but we kept our concentration and viewed it as a normal game. Soon after that Johnny scored a great goal into the side netting and we were beginning to relax and get into the game.

We went into half time two nil up and some sharp passing soon opened up spaces which Johnny capitalised on with his pace laying one across for Isaac to sweep home 3-0. Soon after james picked out Isaac with a pin-point pass to put Isaac one on one with the keeper which he slotted in the corner. Despite Jason’s best efforts, Bobby eventually got past him and got the fifth.
A fantastic start to the season!

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Empresa Norfolk Boys Development League
Norwich Dragons B 0-5 Norwich Dragons A

The Dragons boy’s development B team did themselves proud in their first ever league game. The A team started brightly, but found it difficult to get past a resolute B team midfield and defence. It was always going to be a challenge for the second string, some of whom hadn’t played more than a couple of games of hockey before, but they never gave up at any point and they have laid an excellent foundation on which to build.

As the team started to learn how to pass the ball out more effectively from the back, and confidence grew with their dribbling they were able to hold their senior club-mates out for long periods of time. However, some tired legs in the second half of the match, alongside some excellent attacking play from the A team players, led to some opportunities that were well converted.

The final score of 5-0 is probably a fair reflection, despite the heroics of the B team defence and keeper, and there were even a few visits to the A team circle and good shooting opportunities that bodes well for the future.

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Empresa Norfolk Girls Development League
Norwich Dragons 9-0 Yarmouth

Our very much changed dev girls team started off their season with a fantastic 9-0 win over Great Yarmouth. Firstly thanks go to Rachel and Sophie from the first team for giving up their morning to come and help.

Yarmouth got first pushback but Dragons soon applied the pressure. Maddy Reynolds quickly scored the first of her 3 from the quarter and another goal came from Orla Hardiman. The second quarter saw Dragons extend their lead with another goal, this time from Eleanor Widdows, and some fantastic joined up play from the defence and midfield, releasing the forwards. With a 5-0 half time score line changes had to be made. Maddy Reynolds now trying out some defence, ably supported by Georgia Glenn and Stella Windsor Waite.

Continued strong play in midfield by Sophie Barrow, the captain, Maddie Gibbs, Niamh Somers  and Eleanor Widdows created the space for Fern Daly, Orla Hardiman Zarina Duffield  to press the Yarmouth defence. After some good team work in the semi-circle  Niamh Somers got her first goal for Dragons taking the score to 6-0. In the final quarter Francesca Sabberton came on for Stella Windsor Waite, in the centre forward position. Yarmouth made a couple of good breaks ably dealt with by the defensive unit, preventing the ball getting to Tilly Conners-Beckett, the goal keeper, who was still yet to get her first touch. Niamh Somers scored 2 further goals claiming her first hat-trick and on a day full of firsts Sophie Barrow scored her maiden goal from a short corner, making it 9-0.

A great first result from a team who worked hard for each other throughout. Thanks go to Tracy for managing, Emma and Spike for coaching and Paul for umpiring. We are all looking forward to next week!

Norwich Dragons Hockey Club played host to Radio Norwich reporter Stuart Hodge, as part of the launch of their new Norwich Sport Show.  Stuart interviewed our very own Angela Murgatroyd alongside Sarah Anthony of Norwich City HC for the first feature on the show this Thursday.  Whilst at the Den, Stuart also took the opportunity to interview Charlie Farrow of England Hockey and Norwich Dragon Lara Taylor, their interview will be aired next Thursday at 6.30pm.  To download the first interview, please click on either the logo above or photo below.

A great day at the Den on Saturday for the Norwich Dragons HC Club Day/HockeyFest.  Just under 200 players and excellent numbers in support too.  Existing, uni leavers, new and potentially new players mixing and getting to know each other or saying farewell.

Lots of internal hockey to blow away the Summer cobwebs, results for the external fixtures shown below:

M1s 5-4 win against Pelicans 1s

M2s 5-4 win against City 3/4/5s

M3s 4-2 win against Lowestoft Railway 4s

L1s 6-2 win against City 1s

L2s 1-4 loss against Dereham 1s

No need for penalty shuttles this weekend, as Norwich Dragons came away victorious and unbeaten from the Dutch Dragons Den tournament which included our friends from regular visiting Dutch Club HC IJsseloever, as well as teams from City and an Allsorts team.

A special mention to the Dragons Drinking Team for their tireless work into the early hours being hospitable and ‘warming up’ the Dutch Boys.

Once the formality of the tournament was over, a Mixed Game saw Dragons ladies join a select group of Dragon and IJsseloever Men for a friendly and sociable hockey match.  Photos can be found here.

Massive congratulations to the GB Golden Girls, record makers, inspirational.  Wow what a match!!

BBC Report here.

GB Hockey here.

Another exciting season to look forward to at Norwich Dragons Hockey Club and coaches are starting to plan their pre-season preparations with captains.

Adult Section:

The Ladies started their skills coaching sessions this week, with individual invites being sent to over 160 players across our 8 teams.  Sessions take place on:

• Tuesday 2nd August (7.30pm-9.30pm) invite only or
• Wednesday 3rd August (7.30pm-9.00pm) ladies club session

after a warm up from 7.20pm-7.30pm.

The Ladies also had the last of their fitness training sessions on Monday 8th August.

The Men kick off pre-season skills training on Thursday 18th August with

• 1st to 3rd team training from 7.30pm-9.30pm and
• and the 4th to 6th team from 7.30pm to 9.00pm.

Specialist Adult Keeper Coaching sessions will start in early September and run on a monthly basis throughout the season, with National League and England experienced coaches.

Adult Team Club Day will be on Saturday 3rd September.

Young Dragons Section:

Training Starts:

Great news for existing and new Club Members, Membership Fees (which unlike some clubs includes Training) and Match Fees have been frozen for the 2016/17 season.  This makes Norwich Dragons one of the most competitive hockey clubs on and off the pitch in the area.

Membership Fees (due by 30th September – to avoid late payment penalty):

No additional or hidden training fees….

Full Membership (including all regular weekly training sessions) Fees are set for £100 per annum.

Concession Membership for Under 18s playing Adult Hockey, Fulltime Students and Registered Unemployed £60 per annum.

Development Team Membership £60 per annum.

Under 10s & Under 12s Membership £50 per annum, or £30 for Sept-December and £25 for January-April.

Under 8s just £2 per session.

Match Fees:

Full Match Fees are set for £9 per league match.

Concession Match Fees for Under 18s playing Adult Hockey, Fulltime Students and Registered Unemployed £6 per league match.

Development Team Match Fees £5 per match.

Under 8s, 10s & Under 12s no additional Match Fees for tournaments.

Just under 300 youngsters from Eaton Primary School were given taster sessions in hockey this week by the Norwich Dragons Schools Coaching Programme, with the Infant School Sports Day supported on Tuesday and then the Junior School Sports Day on Thursday.  Lots of potential on display and an enjoyable couple of days.

On Monday a Dragons Schools Coaching Team provided 30 Gifted & Talented Youngsters with a coaching session to help improve their hockey skills.

PE Teacher Karen said “…the girls really enjoyed it even in the tropical temperatures!! It was great to see them progress as the day went on. Hopefully it will encourage some of them to play out of school, a few of them were talking about it on the way home so fingers crossed!”

Lots of Give Hockey a Go sessions at the Den this weekend for under 8s upwards

Norwich Dragons has seen a significant amount of interest from potential new members for next season, as well as our biggest move of Development Girls to Adult and our largest ever group of Get Back Into Ladies.  In the season before our move back to Norwich in 2011, we had dropped to just 3 Ladies Teams, however expected numbers are such that we now need 8 teams to give everyone a chance to play hockey each week, testament to our friendly and welcoming approach to newcomers.

The 8th Team has been confirmed by the Norfolk League and the structure of the Norfolk Divisions for next season is shown below.

Norfolk Divisions:

Premier
Broadland 1
Carrow 1
Dereham 3
Evergreens 1
Harleston Magpies 4
Loddon 1
Norwich City 2
Norwich City 3
Norwich City 4
Norwich Dragons 3
Norwich Dragons 4
UEA 2

Division 1
Beccles
Broadland 2
Dereham 4
Diss
Harleston Magpies 5
Lowestoft Railway 1
Norwich Dragons 5
Pelicans 2
Reepham
Thetford
UEA 3
Watton 2

Division 2
Breckland
Evergreens 2
Harleston Magpies 6
Herlings
Lowestoft Railway 2
North Norfolk 2
Norwich City 5
Norwich City 6
Norwich Dragons 6
Pelicans 3
Watton 3
Yarmouth 2

Division 3
Broadland 3
Carrow 2
Dereham 5
Harleston Magpies 7
Hornets
Loddon 2
Norwich City 7
Norwich Dragons 7
Norwich Dragons 8
UEA 4

Our very own England Masters International Marie James represented her country this weekend in the Home Nations Tournament in Edinburgh playing against Wales, Ireland and Scotland.

Following trials, for the initial 21 player core squad for the England Ladies Over 45s, the squad played two practice matches, one in February and one in May before the final 18 players were selected for this Tournament.

The squad came away with the trophy having won all three matches, Wales 4-2, Ireland 4-2 and Scotland 4-0, including an England Tournament debut goal for Marie in the final match against Scotland. Great work Ladies!!

We love mixed hockey at Norwich Dragons, that’s why we run the Adult Friendly Mixed Summer League with a record 26 teams taking part this season.  Our first two batches of fixtures are complete, so we are four weeks in, the next batch of fixtures has been published here.

We are very saddened to hear that today a great Hockey Man of Norfolk, Vaughn Dearling, has passed away following his stroke earlier this week.  Vaughn was a great hockey player, see below for his appearance for Norfolk in 1975, he was also an inspirational teacher to many and was responsible for bringing many young players to the sport of hockey.  In more recent years, many of you will have seen Vaughn on the umpiring circuit, always smiling.  Our condolences go out to his family and friends, he will be missed.

Back to back EH Men’s Masters Over 40s Shield Finals is a fantastic achievement for the Norwich Dragons squad under the leadership of Jon Price. Unfortunately the gold medal still eludes the group.

This season they managed to go one better than last by finishing all square with opponents Wisbech.  Rob Wagstaff fired Dragons ahead on 19 minutes from a rebound off the keeper after his original short corner shot.  14 minutes later Wisbech were level after a reverse stick strike was deflected beyond the out-stretched Giles Brooks. 1-1 at halftime.

14 minutes into the second half and Wisbech were claiming a deflected short corner, which the nearest umpire gave as a goal, however he was unsighted to the ball hitting the Wisbech attacker in the body.  The umpires consulted and the goal was correctly disallowed.

With just under 10 minutes to go Wisbech found the net with a legitimate strike fired beyond the approaching Brooks.

Tense times ahead for Dragons and their huge travelling support, however with just 2 minutes left on the clock they were awarded a short corner, up stepped Rupert Snelling to fire a drag-flick home to level the score at 2-2.  Adding to the tension, from the pushback Wisbech won a short corner, however Brooks made another great save to keep them out.  The final whistle blew to signal penalty shuttles.

Shuttle 1 Dragons = Rupert Snelling a diving save by the keeper.

Shuttle 1 Wisbech = Resulted in a penalty flick which was converted.

Shuttle 2 Dragons = Rob Wagstaff beat the keeper only to see his shot hit the post.

Shuttle 2 Wisbech = scored

Shuttle 3 Dragons = Jason Wolfe’s attempted lob over the keeper was saved.

Shuttle 3 Wisbech = Saved, however Wisbech slotted the rebound a split second after the hooter, no goal.

Shuttle 4 Dragons = Pete Thomas took the keeper one way and then scored on the reverse.

Shuttle 4 Wisbech = Saved by Giles.

Shuttle 5 Dragons = Tom Rutledge took a quick shot and fired into the back of the net.

Shuttle 5 Wisbech = Drove wide and slotted away to win 3-2 on shuttles.

Photos from the day available here and here or the Walkon video here.

England Hockey write up:

Mens Over 40s Shield

Wisbech Town (1) 2
Brad Apted FG
Brad Apted FG

Norwich Dragons (1) 2
Rob Wagstaff PC
Robert Snelling PC

The local Norwich derby didn’t disappoint as Wisbech came away crowned O40 shield winners after a dramatic shootout win.

The game was end to end with neither side having much luck in the circle. Norwich Dragons were first to break deadlock with a well worked penalty corner routine finished off by Rob Wagstaff to give them the lead. The Red shirted side drew level as Brad Apted scored a great solo effort tricking the defence as he drove into the circle on his reverse for Wisbech Town just before half time.

In the second half Wisbech thought they had taken the lead through Sam Markillie however after a brief umpire discussion the goal was disallowed due to the ball going in off his body. A great interception from Apted from a defensive error led him to drive along the baseline to knock it under the keeper to give the reds their second goal. In the last minutes of the game Dragons pulled one back as Robert Snelling’s drag flick rocketed into the netting making it 2-2.

Neither side looked overly happy that it had gone to a shoot out but they stepped up with some interesting techniques on show. Nick Osborne clinched the winner on the fifth attempt with the final score 3-2 to Wisbech Town.

Nick Osborn captain of Wisbech Town HC
‘That was a relief! It was a good game, we have played these guys a couple times before so it was a real local derby. They knew about us and we knew about them but the guys did really well to come back from 1-0 down, 2-1 then obviously conceding the goal so it was nervous times. We have been had two runners up before so third time luck for me. We are wearing black arm bands after our ex first team manager Ian Bradshaw who passed away a few weeks ago.’

Link to EH Reports here.

2014/15 Season

Runners up last season to Taunton Vale, for a trip down memory lane click here for last year’s final details.

At least 10 Young Dragons that attend Notre Dame High School were given a real treat yesterday, as they attended a Hockey Masterclass with GB & England International David Ames.  On David’s first ever trip to Norwich he was very impressed with the youngsters that have been encouraged to take up the sport by Notre Dame PE Teacher Rachel King.  The Young Dragons in the group have extended their enthusiasm and skill levels by attending weekly training sessions at Norwich Dragons and have started to take part in school hockey matches, as well as for the Club.

The EDP attended the session and their report is shown here.

Photos from a few matches here.

Women’s East Hockey League Prem

Norwich Dragons 1s 1-2 St Albans 2

In Dragons penultimate game of the season, St Albans 2s visited the Den to contest for 5^th place in the league.

The home side started brightly, some good passing, especially down both wings didn’t result in many clear cut chances but did give the Dragons hope for the rest of the match. Olivia Thomas was working tirelessly in midfield and linking play well with the forwards.  However it was the travelling side who scored first, hitting Dragons on the break and clinically finishing to go 1-0 up. As always Dragons weren’t deterred and pushed forward. They were rewarded when some good forward play was finished by Rachel King, scoring her 11^th league goal of the season.

The second half saw Dragons enjoy some good spells of pressure resulting in numerous short corners, but found the St Albans’ keeper in inspiring form, saving anything that was sent goal wards. Maddie Denman, player of the match for Dragons, was having her best game of the season. Her tackling and tenacity helped limit St Albans to very few chances.

With 10 minutes to go, a rare mistake from Dragons allowed the visitors a two on one opportunity which they were able to squeeze in at the far post. Dragons were deflated but carried on pushing forward but unfortunately could not beat the St Albans’ defence and GK.

You could not fault the effort from the Dragons squad today. They gave their all in what has been the most successful seasons in the East Premier League. The fact that the squad were so disappointed in the result shows how far they have come and high their expectations are. With the final match of the season on Tuesday Night at the Den against Dereham, Dragons look to finish the season on a high.

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Women’s East Hockey League Division 1N
Norwich Dragons 2s 3-0 Spalding 1

Dragons headed West for their final league game of the season, with the ‘job done’ last week, having secured their Div 1N status with a fine win against Saffron Walden. The squad were however, keen to banish their away blues, having struggled a little on the road. The squad welcomed back Lauren Lawrie and were also delighted to retain the services of Hollie Limmer and Aoife Lowe-Davies.

Dragons started brightly, however were quickly given a warning that Spalding had some pace on the break, so defensively Rowie York-Smith, Angela Murgatroyd, Shelly Seaman and Keeper Amy Forse had to be alert to the danger. The spine of the team was looking strong, Jess Bennett and Gail Thomas again combining in the middle to break up play and move the ball on quickly to the ever willing forward line.

For their early spell of pressure, the visitors were rewarded with a goal. Marcy Windsor-Waite picking up the ball on the left, beat a couple of players, drove into the centre and fired the ball into the D, finding Laura Shreeve in space who opened the scoring with a smart finish – her 18th goal of the campaign.

Dragons then sat back a little and allowed Spalding back into the game, with some sharp attacks. Off the ball Dragons were working extremely hard to break down play, with Lauren Lawrie battling hard upfront, Hollie Limmer pressing forward down the right and Aoife Lowe-Davies being a willing runner both in attack and when required defensively.

One nil up at the break, Dragons talked about the need to play their triangles and cut out the opposition doing the same to them! They listened and were rewarded for their efforts. Earning a short corner quite early in the half, Dragons Player of the Match Gail Thomas and Jess Bennett were both lined up for the strike, but it was Bennett who took the strike and fired past the Spalding defence, taking a slight deflection as it flew into the goal. Not long after this, the deadly trio of Windsor-Waite, Lowe Davies and Shreeve combined once again, with Shreeve picking up the ball on the right and firing goalwards…..did the ball cross the line for the 19th of the season from Shreeve, or did it need that assured touch from young Lowe-Davies. The jury is out, humbly Alfie agreed ‘Shreeve can have it’, the youngster knowing how grumpy her ‘elder’ would be ;-D. Regardless the visitors were 3-0 to the good!

Spalding never gave up. Captain Karen O’Neill Simpson was having a real tussle at left midfield. Spalding earned a number for short corners, which Amy Forse dealt with strongly, from one Spalding short, Dragons had a good break – the ball falling to Hannah Hardy on the defensive 25, who turned and found new centre forward Angela Murgatroyd in space beyond the halfway line (how did that happen the team and sideline cried?!), her pass finding Shreeve who was eventually fouled just before reaching the D.

Final score 3-0 to Dragons, who finished a commendable 7th in this new league. The team were grateful to Captain Karen for all her hard work, leadership, support and encouragement over what was always going to be a tough season. In turn, Karen was grateful to the whole squad, who had shown great commitment at training and throughout the whole season, with a number of ‘ever presents’ both on a Saturday and on a Tuesday night. Also to another ever present in ‘Mike sideline Man’, who has travelled with the team each week, to manage, support and occasionally get angry!! Time to rest and recuperate and rebuild for next season.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Premier Division
Norwich Dragons 3s 4-1 UEA 2

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 1
Norwich Dragons 4s 3-0 UEA 3 (UEA Conceded)

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 2
Norwich Dragons 5s: No Fixture

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 2
Norwich Dragons 6s 0-1 Norwich City 6

After two good games, 6s were hoping to maintain their form in their last match of the season, but this was a very disappointing finale. Both teams agreed the match was ‘a bit rubbish’ with far too many feet, back of sticks and misplaced passes, and from the Dragons a boring return to the despairing reverse stick poke tackle with no chance of success. In fairness, City were good value for their win, having more clearcut chances and only brilliant goalkeeping by POM Alice Smith keeping the score down. The only goal came midway through the first half when some slack marking left a player free on the near post to pick her spot. After the goal, the defence tightened up considerably.

Jo Eke, captaining the side for the last time, gave the team a good talking to at half time and players responded by being far more positive. Sarah Norman, playing her last game before heading for University was particularly noteworthy for her tackling and Rosie Skipp continued her improving play with some good runs and determination to win the ball. But overall this was a game best forgotten and instead the 6s can look back on a satisfactory season. consolidating their position after last season’s promotion. Their strengths included new confidence in playing different positions and at times a very smart passing game. Roll on September, with plenty of summer hockey to keep us happy in the meantime.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 3
Norwich Dragons 7s 0-11 Breckland

Dragons 7s knew they had a tough match ahead of them facing Breckland, who are unbeaten in all matches that they have played this season. Undaunted, Dragons went out with their usual determination, planning on not letting Breckland have a completely easy ride.

Breckland had first push back and dominated from the start, making the midfield of Beth Coates, Brooke Simmons, Tracy Stuart Sheppard, Emma North and Amy Hunter work hard to intercept the big, strong hits. The defence of Frankie Paul, Jo Baker, Becky Gallagher and Johanne Steward had a lot to do to help goalkeeper Alessandra Pellegrini get the ball out of the D. Breckland managed to score twice within the first 10 minutes. Dragons defence had a lot of short corner practice, although they were mostly successful in defending them and Breckland didn’t manage to capitalise on all of these opportunities. Dragons did succeed in breaking through Breckland and got the ball up to forwards Claire Fairhurst, Mia Amiss and Katie Moulson, however Breckland’s defence were always ready to pounce and smack the ball up the pitch. The first half ended with Breckland up 0:5.

Dragons were lucky enough to have Rich Moulson on the sidelines for this match, and he gave an encouraging half time team talk. He suggested the formation change slightly to have just two forwards so Katie Moulson moved into midfield to give it more strength. Unfortunately Dragons were still unable to put a stop to Breckland’s attack although they tried hard. Dragons had some breaks and got into the D, but still Breckland fought them off. The match ended with Breckland achieving 6 more goals, giving them a win of 0:11. Dragons Player of the Match with shared by Brooke and Emma.

Dragons 7 end the season with a placement of 6^th in the league, one place up on last year. They may not have had many wins but their team spirit is one of the best. Now for some summer hockey in readiness for next season!

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Mens East League Division 2N
Norwich Dragons 1s v Ipswich 2

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Mens East League Division 3NE
Norwich Dragons 2s 2-1 Dragons 3

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Men’s East Hockey League Division 3NE
Norwich Dragons 3s 1-2 Dragons 2

The last game of the season for the Men’s 3s was against fellow club team, the Men’s 2s. After losing 1-0 last time, the men’s 3s were determined to get a better result.

The 2s started strong and soon scored their first goal within the first 5 minutes, this was swiftly followed by a penalty flick after defender Peter DAVISON stopped a rocket of a shot with his chest.

It took the 3s around 10 minutes to get into the game, and from that point they started to play some good, passing hockey.  Solid work from keeper Dim IVES, DAVISON, James GOODSON and Adam SAYER meant the 2s didn’t score another, whilst the 3s managed to get their own goal via Laurie HUMPHREY.

The second half was a good game where play became more spread out.  The 3s worked well off the ball and this created a few chances which they were unlucky not to put in.  John IVES, Rich PHILLIS and Will MAIN provided the legs on the wings, backed up by Stu KELLY, Jon GOODSON and Rob GOODSON in midfield.

The 3s came close to levelling the scores when Will MAIN smacked the ball in the goal, however this goal was disallowed, which left the 3s trailing by one goal still.

The game ended and despite losing, the 3s were pleased with their overall performance.  A tough season for the 3s, who next season will look forward to another club derby, when they face the 4s in Div 4NE.  Captains John IVES and Adam SAYER would like to thank all their players for their hard work this season.

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Men’s East League Division 4NE
Norwich Dragons 4s 0-9 Ipswich 3

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Men’s East League Division 6NE
Norwich Dragons 5s 1-3 Ipswich 4

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Men’s East League Division 7NE
Norwich Dragons 6s 3-1 Bury 6

No one spotted Dragons 6’s coming up on the rails this week as first Dereham got removed from the league for offering Felixstowe a 6pm start last week, UEA conceding to Watton to take them out of the frame & the final icing on the cake for M6 youngsters was victory at Bury to take them above Watton into 3^rd place. Over the last 3 weeks this group of youngsters have been rewarded for their attacking style & today the back line of Chris Miller & Mike Banham were grateful Bury did not offer too many breakaway as most of the game was played in the Bury half.

After a delayed start waiting for 3 Dragons to arrive, Bury settled early with a short corner conversion. After that it was almost all Dragons. Sol Blazer showed how to turn a quick free hit into the first goal for George Bowman. Connor Adams started the move to put Pedro Goss in for the second & a short variation saw Joel Lawrence make it 3 by half time. In defense James Hansell had his hands full from a cack-handed winger, Shiv Kapur switched to centre back & was a rock while McCartney Aldous again was able to join the midfield attacks. Rob Lee was tireless in drawing the Bury defense wide & with the rest of the 2^nd half attacks was unlucky not to see Dragons double their score.

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Empresa Norfolk Boys Development League
Norwich Dragons 4-3 Pelicans

Dragons development side finished their  season with a win at Pelicans  early on Saturday morning.  Dragons started well and created a number of chances before finally Jose broke the deadlock with a deft reverse flick over the Pelicans keeper. The remainder of the first half saw the Dragons pressing hard and it was no surprise when James C scored the 2nd goal finishing a well worked short corner routine. Pelicans replied after a bit of a defensive mix up, however Jose restored the 2 goal advantage just before half time. The 2nd half saw Dragons create and squander several good chances with the goal frame being hit twice. Josh then scored the Dragons fourth goal and the game seemed settled. Pelicans had other ideas and bravely fought back scoring two quick goals.

The dragons were delighted to hear the umpires final whistle bringing to an end a fantastic season with the Boys team winning the Development league for the first time in the Dragons history.
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Empresa Norfolk Girls Development League
Norwich Dragons 4-1 Magpies

Congratulations to the Norfolk under 17 squad of girls that managed to beat Essex, Suffolk, Beds, Herts and Cambs, and narrowly lost 1-0 to Lincs to be crowned Eastern Counties Champions.  Young Dragons Aoife Lowe-Davies and Pip Howes are in the squad.

Photos from home fixtures shown here.

Women’s East Hockey League Prem
Norwich Dragons 1s 5-2 Tunbridge Wells 1

Dragons set off on their last away match of the season, a 300 mile round trip, in search of 3 points. After last week’s unfortunate abandonment and a previous defeat, the team were keen to play and return to winning ways. The team welcomed Goal Keeper, Kristina Smyth for her first team debut.

Dragons got off to an unbelievable start. With less than a minute on the clock, the team passed the ball decisively from the left across to Holly Reding on the right, who coolly slotted the ball past the goal keeper for her first goal of the season and to give Dragons the lead. This settled the Dragons, who were able to contain the forwards of the home side and limit any clear chances they had on goal. The home side did win a series of short corners but solid defending from Maddie Denman, Sophie Thomas and Louise Murray kept the ball out. Dragons always looked threating on the break. With the pace of Rachel King, Stacey Lee and Emma Tabrett leading the forward line, Dragons won their own number of short corners and were unfortunate not to score after some good defending from the home side and their goal keeper. Shortly before half time, the home side did make the score sheet, when their captain struck a fierce short corner which the Dragons defensive could do nothing about.

The second half started identically to the first, with Reding doubling her tally for the season and putting Dragons back in front. This time her shot coming from the left was initially saved by the goalkeeper but she reacted quickly to the rebound and was able to force the ball home. Dragons didn’t hold back and continued to press forward. Rachel King driving forward as always was able to draw the keeper out. She passed to Stacey Lee whose shot, was saved but King was able to react quickly and fire the rebound home.  At 3-1, the home side battled on and were rewarded once again from a short corner strike. Trying to avoid relegation Tunbridge Wells, who had been unbeaten since Christmas, continued to push forward in search of an equaliser but some great clearances on her debut form Kristina Smyth left the home side frustrated.  Reding, putting in another player of match performance, was able to score Dragon’s fourth and complete her hat-trick, when once again from the left, her shot nestled in the corner giving the home keeper no chance.  Dragons completed the scoring from a short corner when Stacey Lee was able to reverse stick strike the ball home.

This was a fantastic all round team performance, with every player working hard and deserving to travel home with the 3 points.

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Women’s East Hockey League Division 1N
Norwich Dragons 2s 3-1 Saffron Walden 1

Dragons knew they needed to bounce back following a poor team performance against Blueharts the week before. With a few changes seeing Aoife Lowe-Davies and Hollie Limmer return to the team and Donna Vaughan back for her first league game, following a couple of run outs for the Masters, the squad went out with confidence knowing where they needed to improve. Emma Cleland was playing in goal once again, covering for the poorly Amy Forse – get well soon Amy.

From the pushback the team looked as if they meant business, on the front foot with plenty of energy and sharpness in the tackle. With Gail Thomas and Jess Bennett holding the middle any early threats from the visitors were quickly snuffed out. The Dragons forwards of Laura Shreeve, Aoife Lowe-Davies and Marcy Windsor-Waite were linking up together really well and caused problems to the Walden defence from the outset. An early goal looked inevitable and this came following some fine work by Jess Bennett, beating two or three players to get into the D and then unleashing a strike past the goalkeeper.

This spurred Dragons on and chances kept coming, however the defensive unit needed to be on their toes as the strong Saffron Walden always threatened to break quickly. The defensive line of Donna Vaughan, Rowie York-Smith, Shelly Seaman and Angela Murgatroyd, worked extremely well as a unit and cleared any danger wide. In addition, Emma Cleland in goal made a number of smart saves to ensure Dragons held a lead they deserved.

With the midfield winning every 50/50 ball, particularly through the sharp tackling of Hollie Limmer, Karen O’Neill Simpson and Pip Howes, the home team were back to some of the best hockey they had played this season. Deservedly a second goal came before half-time, Laura Shreeve showing composure in the D and having restored her partnership with Alfie Lowe-Davies, found her at the back post to neatly slot past the Keeper on her return to the squad.

The team were pleased with their efforts at halftime, but knew they had a hard 35 mins ahead of them. Defensively Player of the Match, Donna Vaughan was showing her class, through her strong clearances bypassing the Saffron Walden press or through her calm talking to the defensive unit. Every player was giving their all, knowing that they needed to remain tight. The team kept possession so much better than they had in previous weeks and when the 3rd goal came, it was nothing more than they deserved. The goal was another excellent effort from Jess Bennett, who worked her way into the D, and found herself a yard of space to unleash a powerful reverse stick strike through the keeper’s legs, giving Dragons a 3-0 lead.

Saffron Walden were not going to lay down quietly and found a great strike of their own from the top of the D, which just beat the impressive Cleland. This inspired the visitors and Emma Cleland was called into action again, as were the impressive defensive line, but there was a steely side to the Dragons, who were determined to make this their day.

The final whistle went and the 3 points were secured, but more importantly earned in some style. Every single Dragon should take huge credit from this performance, as this absolutely showed the Dragons Ladies 2’s very much deserve to be in this league and have worked extremely hard to achieve what they set out to at the beginning of the season. Credit and thanks go to many people, notably ‘Captain Karen’, ‘Sideline Mike’, all who have played their part in this year’s 2nd team squad and of course, to all our great supporters – so good to see many ‘old’ faces cheering us on this week. One game to go, League status secured, good times :-D.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Premier Division
Norwich Dragons 3s 3-0 Dereham 3

With only two games left of the season and no threat of demotion or promotion Dragons Ladies 3’s decided to go out and have fun for their last games. Visiting Dereham with yet another change of personnel – keeper Kristina Smyth having been taken by the 1s for a trip to Tunbridge Wells, left a vacancy between the posts. PoM Geo Beckwith, with her football skills, stepped up to the mark. Once she figured out which bit of kit was worn where, the warm up showed the potential for the match to come.

From the offset Dragons kept possession and worked together passing around the whole pitch and building towards goal. Receiving the ball at top D Issy Wolfe carried it in through several Dereham players, slipping it to Caroline Wolfe who pushed it wide of the keeper’s left foot and into the goal.

Other opportunities followed throughout the first half, however Dragons were unable to capitalise on these chances with shots going wide of goal or straight into the Dereham pads.

Half time score 1:0 to Dragons.

The second half started much like the first with Dragons maintaining the majority of possession. Recycling the ball well through midfield, and fast pace switching through defenders Carmel Windsor-Wait, Sarah Wagstaff and Laura Goodbun. Dragons showed great patience this week, waiting for the opportune moment to drive forward. The second goal came from a side-line hit taken by Goodbun. Driving up the line, weaving through Dereham players and working seamlessly with Hazel Sumner and Sam Franklin the Dragons were on the attack with lightening pace. Switched back through Lauren Lawrie in midfield and out to Lara Taylor who drove towards the D. Crossing the ball to a waiting Natasha Blyth the Dragon hit the ball through the keeper from 5 yards out.

Dereham took their 10 minutes and used it well, closing in on the Dragon D. A foot resulted in a short corner being awarded to the home side and they were determined to capitalise on it. A straight strike to the keepers left post was seen away by the sure foot of keeper Beckwith. With lightening reactions she pelted the ball clear along the line and away from danger.

In retaliation to the shot Dragons gained possession and assaulted the Dereham defending half again, picked up by Captain Natasha Falzon and distributed well out through the midfield. Once in the D Dereham fouled gifting a short corner to the Dragon side. Injected by Wolfe Jr to Snr, slipped to Blyth and back to Wolfe Snr around the 1 runner Wolfe hit towards the left post. A waiting Wolfe Jr sent the ball across the mouth of the goal, and was seen in by a waiting Franklin on the far side.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 1
Norwich Dragons 4s 3-2 Dereham 4

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 2
Norwich Dragons 5s 0-0 Beccles

The team started with a great positive mindset of which showed in our play from the beginning.
It was obvious how much we wanted this match and the forwards made it their job to try and make this happen, with an array of short corners they tried their best to convert into a goal but the opposition were just too strong for us to finish, but the efforts were there.

The midfield worked hard to keep the ball from travelling down the pitch, their determination and constant pressure prevented Beccles from being able to travel towards our goalkeeper.

Our defence worked well to back up our midfield and forward players. Beccles were determined to test our defence but they didn’t realise they were up against such strong opposition, the defensive skills were a force to be reckoned with, and with a strong save off the line, our defence and our goalie were definitely the saving grace for dragons 5’s.

Both halves were much the same but it was obvious we wanted it more and we were the better team. Even though Dragons 5 had already been promoted they did not give up at all throughout this match, they wanted to be champions!

It is hard to pick out a player that was more outstanding than the other, all girls played their hearts out and greatly deserved to be happy with their performance.

Final score 0-0

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 2
Norwich Dragons 6s 1-1 North Norfolk 2

The 6s agreed this thrilling home draw was their ‘best match of the season so far’ and a fitting end to their home programme. It represented a considerable improvement from their 2-4 defeat in the away fixture. Of course, this being the 6s there had to be some ups and downs – the downs were conceding a very soft goal through the middle in the first 10 minutes, and then squandering a penalty flick threequarters of the way through the game after they had been pressing hard for the equaliser. But it all came right in the end when Catherine Matthews scored with a fine shot from the edge of the circle which went through a forest of players to reach the nearside corner.

The absence of captain Jo Eke , and learning from the last match, gave the 6s the opportunity to use their flexibility once again and resulted in some praiseworthy performances for players trying different positions.. Katy Saide had probably her strongest game of the season when she had two spells at the bottom of the diamond. Rosie Skipp, usually a left forward, switched to the right and turned in a POM performance. Always known for her determined running and tackling back, in this match her footwork was faultless!

Ginny Simkin returned and demonstrated her best position is in defence, whilst Ilona Motyer showed once again how much she has improved from her ‘Get back into’ status by playing in defence, bottom of the diamond and in midfield. Praise, also, to our ‘big’ little players – Katie Franks at left defence and Esme Potter on the right – were calm and collected and never let the visitos’ forwards get their crosses in. Katie is very experienced at this level, and Esme, in only her second adult game, matched her for confidence and ability to read the game. When North Norfolk threatened, it was from their favourite move, the hard pass through the centre, and there were half a dozen measured saves and powerful clearances from Alice Smith in the second half which kept Dragons in the game.

Dragons’ passing game was working really well, with the defences outletting to the mids who were finding Rosie and Izzy Ferguson on the wings, both of them capable of burning the astro.  Izzy is very quick and skilful, but unfortunately also in demand for school commitments. It made a big difference to the Dragons to have speed on both wings, giving Gill Walker a choice for her distribution from the top of the diamond where she put in her usual strong performance. Catherine and Sarah Norman played a traditional ‘inner’ type role and were particularly impressive when moving up front, cutting inside and bursting into the circle. Catherine had several shots on target, and Sarah sent several sweeps through that were saved. Kat Speirs held her high forward position well and also had shots on target. The team was completed by Bridget Le Good. The best part of her game was the reverse passes through to Izzy who made some very telling runs.The worst was undoubtedly the feeble penalty flick, which was a reminder (after reading about other Dragons) about our need to take responsibility for practising flicks and pen corners. One match to go, it is still worth it!

This game was packed with end-to-end moves and incidents, played in a good spirit, and a draw was a fair result. Thanks to Sue Cullum for stepping up and running the subs and skilfully adapting The Plan to meet what we were discovering about our players’ potential. So late in the season. Who knew! Just one more match to go – a little trip up the road to Taverham, where the 6s, based on this performance, hope to finish safe in Division 2 with a flourish.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 3
Norwich Dragons 7s 0-7 Pelicans 3

Dragons 7 made the drive to King’s Lynn to face Pelicans 3, a match that Dragons expected to be tough.

Dragons changed the usual formation slightly, aware that they would need to be more defensive against a strong, young Pelicans side. Alessandra Pellegrini in goal was supported by Jo Baker, Frankie Paul and Johanne Steward in defence. The deviation from the usual formation had two players at bottom of the diamond, Emily Roper and Ruth Barton. Beth Coates was in her usual position of top of the diamond, with Becky Gallagher and Emma North on the wings. Mia Amiss and Claire Fairhurst were the forwards.

The change in formation worked to a certain extent in the first half. Although Pelicans were dominating play from the start, Dragons made several interceptions and tackling Pelicans. The defence worked hard to keep Pelicans out of the D, with Alessandra making some great saves. Pelicans managed to score once in the first half, and Dragons were buoyed by this going into half time.

The second half wasn’t as encouraging for Dragons. Without the benefit of any subs to give players a break, tiredness obviously set in. Dragons battled as hard as they could, defending several short corners, one of which resulted in Pelicans being awarded a penalty flick. Dragons nervously looked on as Alessandra faced Pelicans’ captain. Alessandra successfully saved the shot, resulting in whoops of delight from the rest of the team. Unfortunately the umpire ruled that the shot had to be re-done as Alessandra had moved off her line too early. Dragons nervously looked on, wondering if she could repeat the save. To their delight she did! The match continued with Alessandra making some more good saves, obviously encouraged by the penalty save and earning her Player of the Match. Unfortunately Dragons couldn’t stop Pelicans and who managed to get six more goals.

The match ended with a 0:7 win for Pelicans. Despite the loss, Dragons weren’t too despondent and look forward to their last match of the season.

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Mens East League Division 2N
Norwich Dragons 1s 1-3 St Ives 1

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Mens East League Division 3NE
Norwich Dragons 2s 4-1 Pelicans 2

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Men’s East Hockey League Division 3NE
Norwich Dragons 3s 1-7 Newmarket 1

The Men’s 3s travelled to Newmarket in their penultimate game of their season.  The team were grateful to Adrian HOWES for stepping in at the last minute to take the team to 11.

Newmarket pressed high and were trying to get the ball through to their forwards.  Dragons stuck to their formation and this created lots of space and some lovely passing.  Stu KELLY distributed the ball in the middle to the forwards and wingers, allowing for some chances for Dragons.  Will MAIN and Adrian HOWES were unlucky not to score in this first half, with the Newmarket defence acting solid.

A succession of short corners led to Newmarket getting their first goal, despite the effects of keeper Dim IVES.  The defence worked hard, with Piers GORDON-BROWN and Adam SAYER keeping their men quiet.  Peter DAVISON was at hand to pick up anything that came through, then calmly moving the ball on.

In a move aimed at confusing the Newmarket midfield, Rob and James GOODSON joined KELLY in the middle, keeping the attacks at bay.

After a ball was deflected from a short corner strike into DAVISON’S shoulder, Newmarket were awarded a penalty flick which they scored.  Despite trailing 2-0 at halftime, Dragons were happy with the way they had played.

The second half was frustrating for Dragons as the game became drawn out.  Wingers John IVES and Rich PHILLIS provided good attacks for Dragons, and linked up well with Will MAIN.  The Newmarket defence and keeper managed to counter these attacks.  At the other end, the Newmarket forwards won some more short corners, scoring again, and another penalty flick awarded, from which they scored.  They also managed to bag a couple of goals from open play.

There was a glimmer of hope when Adrian HOWES slammed the ball in the goal to give Dragons their goal.  However, the game ended and Dragons had lost 7-1.  A very frustrating game where Dragons felt that on a another day this game could have been theirs.

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Men’s East League Division 4NE
Norwich Dragons 4s 2-1 Newmarket 2

The mens 4^th team went in to the game with a win ensuring safety in a very tight but competitive division. Newmarket 2’s started brightly and put the Dragons under pressure from the first minute but the defence helped out by Alberto and Ali in midfield contained there attack. Unfortunately just before half time Newmarket won a short corner and scored with a speedy shot to the corner. The Dragons roared into life after half time with everyone working hard to create an opening,  after missing a couple of reasonable chances Adie Kemp steps in to score twice and gain a deserved win. The whole team played well but big performances from Alberto and Ali in the middle and hard work from RCB and Ben Harvey helped to swing the game with Alberto winning man of the match. Well done Dragon s 4^th Team.

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Men’s East League Division 6NE
Norwich Dragons 5s 3-3 IES 5

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Men’s East League Division 7NE
Norwich Dragons 6s 1-3 UEA 4

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Empresa Norfolk Boys Development League
Norwich Dragons 4-3 Magpies

On Saturday 12th march, dragons dev boys faced magpies who, at the start of the game, were only one point behind us. Magpies went one up but Ed Taylor equalised shortly after.  Magpies went 2-1 up in the second half but two consecutive goals from dragons meant we were 3-2 up going into the last few minutes. to make it a nervous end magpies equalised but we hit back shortly after making the game finish 4-3. So with one game remaining, dragons are champions, 4 points clear at the top. POM was Tom Bailey.
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Empresa Norfolk Girls Development League
Norwich Dragons 1-4 Norwich City

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Empresa Norfolk Girls Development League (13/03/2016)
Norwich Dragons 2-1 Magpies 

We started off strong and kept putting pressure on their defence with some close goals. Magpies made it very hard for us but about half way through a goal was finally scored, by Blanca making a beautiful run and passing it to Charlotte who scored. Magpies made a couple of nippy break throughs and without a goalie this was very hard. Unfortunately they scored from one, making it 1-1 with about ten minutes to spare. We kept on giving the opposition lots of pressure leading to a short corner where Blanca did an incredible reverse hit into the back of the goal. Unfortunately Magpies made another break through but thanks to Sophia who stopped the ball nearly on the line, no goal was scored! The whistle blew and we had a 2-1 victory!!! The joint players of the match were Blanca and Willow. Well done to everyone who played.

Sunday 6th March saw just under 400 children descend on the Dragons Den for the annual Dragons under 10s and under 12s boys and girls tournament hosted by Norwich Dragons Hockey Club.  Tournament Director Angela Murgatroyd and her team ensured everything ran smoothly throughout the day.
With 21 Girl’s teams in the morning and 17 Boy’s teams in the afternoon, the girls had to endure hail, sleet and rain to keep a grip on their sticks and take on the opposition, whilst the weather improved for the boys in the afternoon.  Some great hockey was on display all day with teams from across Norfolk taking part.

Final placings were:

U10 Girls Gold pool
1st – Magpies
2nd – Norwich City A
3rd – Dereham
4th – Dragons A
5th – Watton

U10 Girls Silver pool
1st – Norwich City B
2nd – Watton
3rd – Magpies B
4th – Pelicans
5th – Dragons B
6th – Dragons C

U12 Girls Gold pool
1st – Magpies A
2nd – Pelicans
3rd – Norwich City A
4th – Dragons A
5th – Magpies B

U12 Girls Silver pool
1st – Norwich City B
2nd – Dereham
3rd – Norwich City C
4th – Dragons B
5th – Magpies C

U10 Boys Gold pool
1st – Dragons A
2nd – Magpies A
3rd – Norwich City A
4th – Dereham

U10 Boys Silver pool
1st – Dragons B
2nd – Magpies B
3rd – Norwich City B
4th – Dragons C
5th – Watton

U12 Boys Gold pool
1st – Dragons A
2nd – Magpies A
3rd – Dragons B
4th – Norwich City A

U12 Boys Silver pool
1st – Dereham
2nd – Magpies B
3rd – Norwich City B
4th – Dragons C

Under 10 Boys A Team Winners

Under 10 Boys B Team Winners

The semi final of the England Hockey Men’s Masters over 40s Shield took place at the University of Bath between Team Bath Buccaneers and Norwich Dragons.

u12 Boys crowned County Champions

u10 Boys crowned County Champions

U10 girls third
U12 girls fourth

Tournament Report here.

Great performances also from the B Teams in the tournament at Harleston:

Tournament Report here.

u10 Boys B Team

Women’s East Hockey League Prem
Norwich Dragons 1s 0-2 Old Loughts 1

Dragons travelled to Old Loughts after a week’s break in order to add to their points tally for the season.

The game started evenly with both sides enjoying some good spells of possession. Mid way through the half the home side stepped up the pressure and with some good work down their right, they opened the scoring.  Dragons were slow to react to a few decisions and this led to a quick second goal. Dragons did create some good chances and a smart short corner strike from Rachel King was well saved by the home GK.

Dragons were not happy about their first half performance and set out to make amends in the second half. Great defensive work from joint player of the match Louise Murray, along with Sophie Thomas and Maddie Denman meant the home side had very few clear attacking opportunities in the whole of the second half. Dragons work rate could not be faulted and they pushed hard to score. Joint player of the match Holly Reding worked tirelessly, whether in defence or in midfield and was instrumental in a team move which somehow did not result in a goal. The ball was moved well inside the attacking circle but shot  after shot was cleared and it proved not to be Dragons’ day.

The team know that the first half performance was simply not good enough and although the second half was much improved, they will be working hard in training and will expect to play to the high standards they have set this season when they welcome Dereham for a local derby game next Saturday.

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Women’s East Hockey League Division 1N
Norwich Dragons 2s 6-3 Letchworth 1

The League got back underway at the Den for Dragons Ladies 2’s following the half term break. Dragons welcomed back Gail Thomas from injury and ‘deadline day transfer’ Jessica Bennett for her Dragons League debut. Dragons were keen to secure the points against a team who they had beaten away from home, but who had some different faces in their squad this time round.

Keen to learn from their mistakes at Lindum, having got off to a slow start, the talk was to keep things tight, however it was Letchworth who drew first blood, with a well worked goal from their stand-out South African player. A wake up for Dragons however there was no panic, it was early days and the equaliser came quickly, following a smart pass from Gail Thomas, which saw Lauren Lawrie and Laura Shreeve combine well, with Shreeve slotting home. The second followed soon after, a break on the left saw Shreeve turn provider, move the ball early to Hannah Hardy, who rounded the keeper and fired in from a tight angle.

Dragons consolidated and had the lions-share of possession; Jessica Bennett was settling in well with strong tackles and good firm early passes in the middle. Pip Howes was working hard on the right, again getting in some good low tackles and feeding the ever willing runs of Marcy Windsor-Waite. Lara Taylor too was playing well in her 2nd game for the 2’s and with growing confidence was driving at pace down the right, putting the Letchworth defence under pressure.

Defensively though Dragons needed to be on their toes, as Letchworth carried a threat with some strong forward players. Before halftime their play-maker picked up the ball outside the D, drove in with strength and pace and unleashed a shot which flew into the top corner, drawing the visitors level, just before the break.

Dragons regrouped at halftime and knew they needed to work harder to seal the points in this end to end game. No sooner had the game restarted the home team moved into the lead once more, Gail Thomas picking up the ball at the top of the D and unleashing a firm strike to beat the keeper. The hope was this would settle Dragons, however Letchworth were still up for the fight and great work down their left saw the ball fired high into the goal once again to bring the scores all square. Letchworth continued to press and Amy Forse was called into action with an outstanding double save. The defence was well marshalled by Shelly Seaman and Karen O’Neill Simpson in the centre, supported well by Ally Winsdor-Waite and Angela Murgatroyd, allowing Dragons to get on the front foot and push forward.

The fourth came from a good period of pressure, with Dragons earning a number of short corners; from one corner Dragons debutant Jessica Bennett decided to take the early strike, which flew smartly into the corner, for a deserved lead. From here the home team pushed on, with Laura Shreeve showing her usual flair and pace combining well with Marcy Windsor Waite and Lauren Lawrie to pressure the Letchworth defence. Player of the Match Laura Shreeve, added her second rounding the keeper to slot into the goal following a strong pass from Jess Bennett. The sixth and hat-trick goal for Shreeve again saw good work again from Bennett, find Shreeve in the D, who, with the Keeper to beat, miraculously lifted the ball into the left hand corner.

In the end, a reasonably comfortable victory for Dragons, who wore down their strong opponents, who to their credit are not going down without a fight. Three games remain and points still required, but the desire, spirit and work-rate is there and Dragons move on to their next match, full of belief that they will achieve their goals.

More photos from the game here.
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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Premier Division
Norwich Dragons 3s 0-0 Evergreens 1

On a crisp but sunny morning, Dragons traveled to Holt for an early morning match against Evergreens.

Dragons were a little slow off the starting blocks before getting into the swing of match. Well connected passes from Sian Laurie and Sam Franklin helped moved the ball up the pitch into the attacking D, however Evergreens were not going to give in easily. Dragons dominated the play and continued to attack, with defenders Laura Bruce and Carmel Windsor-Waite quick to return any balls which entered their paths. Laura Goodbun made timed runs weaving between the Evergreens defense, however their strong goalkeeper did not allow any balls to pass into the net.

At half time, the score remained 0-0. Dragons began the second half well, with Natasha Falzon taking on a winger position and storming up the pitch at pace. Caroline and Izzy Wolfe helped to create key chances at goal, unfortunately however they were not rewarded with any goals. Sarah Wagstaff stayed strong and solid at the back of the team, not allowing any breaks from Evergreens, with only one clearance needed from keeper Kristina Smyth who was prepared for any attacks. Hazel Sumner and Geo Beckwith helped create width on the pitch to provide space for Debs Smith to charge through, however as tensions rose and time ticked away, Dragons were not able to convert any chances into goals. Dragons finished with a 0-0 draw.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 1
Norwich Dragons 4s 1-1 Reepham

More photos from the game here.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 2
Norwich Dragons 5s 13-1 Watton 3

All season Captain Harwood has been dreaming of a double figure game and at last it happened!! It is impossible to write a match report detailing all, the main goal remembered was Lucy Morton’s, first goal of the game and the slow motion one that trickled over the line but started the back board thumping. Goals tally

Georgie Manly 6

Megan Farrant 2

Chiara Bond 2

Vicky Earley 1

Lucy Morton 1

Clare Moylan 1

Watton had a robust and loud player [family joke] in the middle who tried to hold us up but the fitness and team work was continued til the end. Great effort from all at passing the ball round, supporting each other and taking chances in the D. Final score 13-1

More photos from the game here.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 2
Norwich Dragons 6s 0-3 Norwich City 5

Once again the 6s lack of a sharp shooter probably cost them a match, but for once this does not detract from a thoroughly enjoyable game in which every one of the 14 players did themselves credit. Dragons’ plan was to go out to contain a strong City 5s side and absorb the pressure before making their passing game tell. In fact, it was the Dragons who had the best of the opening exchanges with Izzy Ferguson and Catherine Matthews winning the ball from City and raiding down the left. Dragons knew they had speed to burn on the right hand side, but working the ball across to Zara Howes and Sarah Norman was not easy – but once they got going, Dragons were strong down both channels.

All the goals came in the first half. Two were ‘in offs’ the posts and hard to read, and at half time Dragons did not really feel that they were potentially in for a thrashing. POM Ilona Moyter was playing outstandingly well in defence, making some excellent tackles and with her hard accurate clearances gaining valuable territory for the Dragons. Rotating the defenders – Ilona, Alice McNeile, Katy Saide  and Ginny Simkin – was working well. The midfield – Zara, Sarah, Izzie and Jess Vernon all looked comfortable on the ball whether attacking or defending. The 6s central core of Jo Eke and Gill Walker were the glue that held the side together, though they were far from glue-like as they worked every inch of the pitch at pace. Up front, Kat Speirs and Bridget Le Good (who both did some good work fetching and carrying) were in the mix and the chances were coming, but not going, with Izzie, Catherine, Sarah and Jess also having shots.

Two things that the 6s could improve would be to convert more chances into penalty corners where they have been practising some useful looking routines. They also need to work out how to get a player at the top of the circle AND one on the post to take advantage of the crosses that are starting to flow.

Dragons can take lots of encouragement from the second half which was goalless. The defence refused to let City dominate, and Alice Smith dealt brilliantly with some hard shots from distance. And some close little nippers from her own team! Every Dragon gave it everything she had, with the result that there was a higher than usual number of throbbing knuckles and the odd bruised jaw, but not so many banged feet and shins – again an indication that the 6s are starting to improve their footwork.

Finally, a big thank you to Amy Forse who ran the subs, an essential task in a 14-player squad. Her ability to adapt the Plan and deal with situations as they occurred added immeasurably to the pleasure of the game. As did the excellent umpiring from both ends – ours was Jess Tye-Leech.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 3
Norwich Dragons 7s 0-8 Hornets

Dragons 7 were raring to get out on the hockey pitch again after the two week break. They were aware that Hornets wouldn’t be easy to swat.

Dragons went out fighting from the start, making Hornets work hard. The midfield of Emma North, Anja Wimmer, Sophie Thurtell, Brooke Simmons and Beth Coates worked hard, tackling Hornets and intercepting their strong hits. The forwards of Mia Amiss, Lottie Kearsey and Claire Fairhurst were ready to receive the ball from the midfield, and had a few shots in the D. Unfortunately Hornets were too strong and gave Dragons defence a lot of work to do. Frankie Paul earnt herself Player of the Match for her strong tackles, aided by Jo Baker, Johanne Steward, Emily Roper and Ruth Barton. Alessandra Pelligrini in goal made numerous saves, kicking the ball wide, however Hornets got 4 goals by half time.

Dragons regrouped during the interval, keen to make a mark on the score sheet. Dragons couldn’t get past Hornets and they went on to score a further 4 goals, with the result at full time 0:8 to Hornets. The score didn’t reflect the effort put in by all.

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Mens East League Division 2N
Norwich Dragons 1s 1-2 Sudbury 1

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He’s a Dragon in disguise!!

Mens East League Division 3NE
Norwich Dragons 2s 3-1 North Norfolk 1

More photos from the game here.

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Men’s East Hockey League Division 3NE
Norwich Dragons 3s 0-5 Sudbury 2

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Men’s East League Division 4NE
Norwich Dragons 4s 0-5 Bury 2

On a bright but chilly Norfolk morning the Dragons welcomed a side in good form and who were already promoted to the Den for a game which, if it went our way, would ease our relegation fears.

With only one sub, who turned up just in time and a lucky mascot the Dragons started brightly and held out for a good 15 minutes or so but the relentless pressing and constant turnover ball resulted in BSE scoring three golas in the first half making the result safe..Undeterred the Dragons set a target to win the second half but unfortunately as well as shipping two goals we lost the influential Paul Kassulke to a nasty finger injury.

Man of the Match was our Spanish international Alberto ‘Jimenez’ Embardo who worked tirelessly and special mention must go to Ben in Goal who seems to be growing in confidence and size with every game!

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Men’s East League Division 6NE
Norwich Dragons 5s 1-2 Magpies 6

T’was a crisp sunny mid afternoon. Dragons got off to a cracking start with a striking goal from Josh “Rifleman” Bingham within the first 5 minutes. We clung onto our slender lead until half time. But alas it was not meant to be as we conceded twice in the second half. Through no fault and of Pete’s incredible keeping, which earned him man of the match. Final score 1:2

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Men’s East League Division 7NE
Norwich Dragons 6s 1-2 Dereham 5

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Empresa Norfolk Boys Development League
Norwich Dragons: No Fixture

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Empresa Norfolk Girls Development League
Norwich Dragons 2-1 Dereham

We had a good first quarter with great work from the attacking team. Maddy Reynolds scored a goal by forcing the ball through the goalies kickers giving us a 1-0 lead. In the second quarter it was very exciting as the ball was traveling rapidly from D to D. Dereham soon equalised with an unfortunate break through. This fired us up and within minutes we scored again with a cross by Maddy Reynolds passing it to Sophia Haehnelt who scored! Even though we kept bashing on at the Dereham defence unfortunately no goals were scored leaving the end score a 2-1 win. The player of the match was Maddy Reynolds.

***NEWS UPDATE ***

On 21st February, the delayed Quarter Final match between Bath Buccaneers and Milton Keynes took place and resulted in a 4-2 win to the homeside, so Norwich Dragons have an away tie in Bath on Sunday 6th March.

Match Report – 15th February

Men’s Over 40s Masters travelled to Leicester Westleigh yesterday and progressed to the Semi Finals following a 4-2 win, with goals from Rupert Snelling x 2, Chris Simmonds and Andy Hipper.  Player of the Match and winner of the Dragon Flagon was Giles Brooks.

England Hockey’s draw for the semi final took place this afternoon and the only unplayed QF between Team Bath Buccaneers and Milton Keynes was drawn at home against Norwich Dragons.  So the Masters have to wait until after 21st February to see who they will be playing in the Semi, either way it is an away trip for them.  The other Semi Final sees Wisbech (who had their QF conceded to them by Leeds Adel) at home to Aldershot & Farnham HC.

Women’s East Hockey League Prem
Norwich Dragons 1s 4-2 Broxboune 1

Dragons were determined to bounce back from two consecutive defeats against a team fighting for their Premier League status.

It was Dragons who started brightly, moving the ball well and when they won an early short corner they took the lead through Stacey Lee after good work from Emma Tabrett.  This gave the Dragons some confidence and their second goal quickly followed. A delightful move starting with left back Holly Reding, involving Olivia Thomas, Aoife Lowe-Davies and Hayley Toleman was calmly finished by Marie James. Dragons continued to push forward and were denied by some excellent saves from the Broxbourne keeper. Just before the half time whistle, Dragons switched off momentarily and were punished by the Broxbourne attack. This was a wakeup call for Dragons who knew in the second half they needed to retain their focus and keep up their passing game.

The home side didn’t disappoint their growing home crowd (including some who had travelled from Northern Ireland) and were soon on the score sheet again. This time youngster Aoife Lowe Davies was on hand to drill the ball home at the back post after another fine passing move.  Dragons were able to create further chances but were once again thwarted by the travelling goal keeper or some slightly way ward passing with the final ball. Player of the match, Stacey Lee was able to add to hers and the team’s tally when she was put through one on one. She was able to move the ball around the GK and push the ball home to score her 6^th goal in four games. Credit to the Broxbourne who manged to score a second, but the result was never really in doubt.

Dragons, although extremely pleased with the result felt that they still weren’t playing to their full potential. Such high standards they have set this season means they have already reached last season’s points tally with four matches remaining. They will look forward to pushing on in the final games of the season, starting away at Old Loughtonians on Feb 27^th.

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Women’s East Hockey League Division 1N
Norwich Dragons 2s 1-4 Lindum 1

An early start for Dragons to head up the A17 for the long away trip to Lincoln. Availability issues across the Club and injury to Gail Thomas, meant Dragons travelled with just 12 but were able to give a fully deserved 2nd Team debut for 13 year old Lara Taylor. Good time was made on the journey by the travelling team, so a refreshment break at Sleaford Services was the order of the day.

It was unfortunate, however, that the team seem to have ‘mentally’ stayed in Sleaford for the first 5 minutes of the game, as they found themselves 3 goals down with just 5 minutes on the clock. The initial goal was from open play, Ally Windsor-Waite having miraculously taken an initial shot off the line, before the rebound was followed up by a more alert Lindum forward. The next two goals were clinical short corner strikes.

Dragons tried to regain some composure, with the game effectively taken out of their hands before they had got themselves settled on the bouncy pitch. One Dragons attack down the right, saw Hannah Hardy get round the back of the defender and square to Laura Shreeve, whose goal bound effort was parried by a defender. Shelly Seaman got on the end of the rising rebound but couldn’t quite force the ball home. Dragons settled the ship for around 15 minutes but their passing and possession of the ball was generally poor by their normal standards. Before half time, Lindum made it four to seal their domination of the half.

Dragons Captain Karen O’Neill Simpson called for the team not to dwell on the first half……to a person, the team knew it simply wasn’t good enough. The call was for a bit more pride and to show what they were made of. Dragon’s heeded these strong words and from the off they were the better team. Shelly Seaman battled hard on the left to snuff out any Lindum attacks, Pip Howes was competing well in the middle, whilst Lara Taylor on the right was growing into the game, tackling strongly and initiating opportunities, linking up well with Marcy Windsor-Waite.

Laura Shreeve was full of running as always and was beginning to link up well with Lauren Lawrie, who was making intelligent runs. At this stage, the game was being played much more in Lindum’s half, however Dragons couldn’t turn this pressure into clear cut chances. Eventually Dragons earned a couple of short corners, the second of which saw them execute a routine they had practised in training, work to perfection, with Dragons Player of the Match Marcy Windsor-Waite deflecting the ball high into the net – her second goal in two games.

The final whistle went – a small amount of pride restored, with Dragons having competed as they know they can in the 2nd half. With a weeks break to help heal some niggling injuries, Dragons can regroup, work hard in training and look forward to the final four game of the season, knowing that if they perform as they did in the 2nd half, they will achieve their goals.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Premier Division
Norwich Dragons 3s 0-1 Magpies 3

Returning to the Den for the rearranged game following the earlier frozen pitch postponement both Dragons and Magpies were ready for a tough match. With many of their usual players unavailable for the game the 3s welcomed Charlotte Pounder, Kate McKenna and PoM Claire Canning from the 4s. All of them played extremely well, fitting into the team as if they had always been part of it.

From the offset both sides locked horns and battled back and forth for possession. Debs Smith and Natasha Falzon held the centre well, with the fast legs of Sam Franklin picking up stray balls out wide and driving along the side line. Any through balls were neatly returned by the Dragon defenders Carmel Windsor-Waite, Sarah Wagstaff, Hazel Sumner and Issy Wolfe.

Chances came several times for both sides, sadly a deflection from a defender’s stick sent the Magpies shot in a different direction to the anticipated trajectory of keeper Kristina Smyth, giving Magpies the lead.

Dragons fought back hard, forwards Kate McKenna, Caroline Wolfe, Laura Goodbun and Natasha Blyth trying to capitalise on every opportunity, sadly each was rebuffed by the Magpies. Undeterred every player on the pitch gave it their all and fought till the very end, with the final shot of the game from Sumner glancing off of the cross bar narrowly denying dragons the much needed point. Spectacular diving saves from keeper Kristina Smyth kept Dragons in the game, but sadly although continuing to gain momentum they ran out of time to get the equaliser.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 1
Norwich Dragons 4s: Slip Date

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 2
Norwich Dragons 5s 4-0 Magpies 6

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 2
Norwich Dragons 6s 2-0 Evergreens 2

6s know they have got to battle all the way to the end of the season, and it was a very determined squad of 13 who set off early to Greshams to get the job done  13 going away on the 13th – what could possibly go wrong? Actually, not much did go wrong, with the team having a Plan and being able to stick to it. Once again the 7s (no game) came to the rescue providing Beth Coates, who worked hard at right mid; Kat Speirs taking up good positions up front and going close, and Arabella Sabberton (POM) who had an excellent all-round game. She mopped up all the balls that came her way in defence; was strong enough to charge up the pitch and make several telling passes to get the forwards away; and she was so unlucky when a great shot from a pen corner was ruled out.

The defenders set their press high up with pitch, with Alice McNeile, Ginny Simkin and Katy Saide all showing great composure in cutting out the Evergreens’ forays and alongside Ara once again making good use of the rotation. In this game, Jo Eke was able to step up and play in attack, and with Gilly Walker making a twin centre mid pairing, the midfield of Jo, Gill, Beth Coates and Jess Vernon looked very strong indeed.

The forwards too were revelling in the unfamiliar amount of space. Jess, Rosie Skipp and Sarah Norman were all running hard in the wide positions and taking it in turns to take a shot in the circle or push the ball to Kat. Both goals were a reward for Sarah’s persistence. The first came from a pass from Bridget to Gill who almost got the ball past the onrushing keeper, for Sarah to continue her move and get the ball over the line. The second was similar, with Bridget’s pass finding Kat who nearly beat the keeper  and for Sarah to follow up and sweep the ball home.

It was nice to have a ‘proper’ goalie between the sticks, even if Laura ‘Tucky’ Tuck had nothing more adventurous to do than pick the ball up from the baseline. Laura, who looked very confident in the warm up, was on her toes throughout and can celebrate another clean sheet for the 6s! Yeay!!

Dragons felt they were always in control in this match, but are very sorry to hear Evergreens talking about going down to one team next season. We hope they don’t. They have a long tradition in Norfolk hockey and the 2s always play in very good sporting spirit with their heads up (and a nice tea afterwards).

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 3
Norwich Dragons 7s: Slip Date

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Mens East League Division 2N
Norwich Dragons 1s 5-2 Shefford & Sandy 1

Norwich Dragons 1 faced league leaders Shefford and Sandy 1, who needed only a point to clinch the league having been promoted to Division 2N last season.

Whilst the Dragons are known as hospitable hosts, they weren’t over keen on letting Shefford pop the champagne corks on their pitch, so decided to play some scintillating, energetic and exciting hockey, that proved too much for the team who still sit at the top of the pile.

Two goals apiece from the youngster Ben Watson and the…not so youngster Rupert Snelling who both stretched the Shefford defence, on numerous occasions.  The opening goal however was scored by another youngster who has happily fulfilled his potential, Jonty Gosling.  A powerful, direct run from Ben Watson, probably beating a couple of defenders as is his wont, lead to a squared pass to Gosling, who was able to finish neatly from close range.

At the other end, the entire back 4 made breaching their defences particularly difficult, even for a team who have scored on average 4 goals a game.  Rich Smith, Olly Buck, Tom Harris and Man of the Match Ed Smith all worked particularly hard to keep their opponents outside of their D.  Ed Smith in particular battled hard, with moments of exquisite skill, to show the visitors how hockey is played in Norfolk.

The second half opened with a Rich Smith trademark cross, converted expertly by Rupert Snelling, scorer of goals. Extending the lead to 4-1, so soon after half-time, gave Dragons the confidence they needed to further stretch the Champions Elect.  Henry Laming, crashed numerous passes cross field, with expert skill and as the gaps further opened Harris was able to exploit his pace down he right hand flank.

As the final whistle blew, the Dragons looked forward to the next 4 fixtures that will prove significant to the way in which the league shakes down come the end of the season.

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Mens East League Division 3NE
Norwich Dragons 2s 0-3 Magpies 3

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Men’s East Hockey League Division 3NE
Norwich Dragons 3s 3-4 Lowestoft Railway 1

This week the Mens 3s welcomed Lowestoft 1s to the Den.  Having beaten Dragons 4-0 in the first half of the season, Dragons were determined to get some points this time.

Both teams started well, but it was Lowestoft who were first off the mark, putting a goal away to take the lead.  Dragons got their act together and constructed some strong attacks.  Some great distribution from Dom SAMWAYS at the back, led to attacks down the left and right by Ali SMYTH and Nick TURNER.  They fed the balls through to forwards Will MAIN and Oli BROWNE who worried the Lowestoft defence.  Once such attack led to a SMYTH reverse stick strike which slammed into the goal, taking the score level.

Not long after this the Lowestoft keeper had to retire due to an arm injury making a diving save.  This then led to a period when Dragons were clearly on top, dominating possession.  A short corner was rewarded and Adam SAYER smacked the ball into the back corner, giving Dragons the lead into the end of the first half.

Dragons started the second half well and once again came close to extending their lead.  Stu KELLY and Rob GOODSON worked hard in the middle as the game became more drawn out.  James GOODSON and Jon GOODSON kept the back tight, and provided good outlets for the ball down the wings.

However, it was Lowestoft who had the breakthrough.  Keeper Dim IVES made some key saves throughout the game, but a shot from Lowestoft got through.  They equalised, then scored another after a penalty flick was awarded.  Dragons were not happy and started their attacks again, but nothing seemed to click.  Frustrations showed and a couple of the Dragons players had a little rest on the naughty bench.

Lowestoft took the score to 4-2 after a skilful run by one of their players, saw a shot bounce and bobble through to a waiting player at the back.  Dragons kept on fighting and were rewarded by a last minute goal when a slip past the keeper from SAYER was slotted in by Will MAIN.

Dragons lost the match 4-3, having had the lead, and possession for much of the game.  Dragons have to keep their composure and positivity in future games, as this is the second game in a row where a lead has been lost.

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Men’s East League Division 4NE
Norwich Dragons 4s 3-1 Magpies 4

Dragons eased their relegation worries and went above their opponents in the table with an excellent 3-1 win at Magpies.  With just four matches left including games against the bottom two in the division, Dragons’ destiny is in their own hands.

Dragons welcomed back some of the younger players into their squad and after some late withdrawals, were delighted that Garnet Jones made his return after a season decimated by injury.

The game started at a high tempo, with players working hard to keep warm in the cold conditions.  From the start, Dragons moved the ball well to the wings and were able to hold the ball up in attack, the experienced Adrian Kemp and Andy Cross aided by the nimble skills of Charlie Nunn.

10 minutes in Rob Chaney-Baxter opened the scoring, latching on to Cross’s pass across the keeper.

Just a few minutes later, despite having moved to right back after a knock to Max Laming, skipper Rob Jenkins made a marauding run through the middle, playing a sublime one-two with Cross and slotting the ball past the Magpies keeper.

The two goal margin didn’t last long however as the game continued at a frenetic pace and Magpies pulled one back with a tap in after some pinball in the Dragons’ D.

Dragons continued to play the more threatening hockey, Ed Murphy and Alberto Embarba bossing the centre of midfield, whilst the defence of Jon Price, Andy Hipper, Dave Pentin and Max Laming limited the attacking play of Magpies.  In the Dragons goal, Giles Brooks sported some sparkly new pads and used them effectively to make some smart clearances.

Towards the end of the half, Dragons restored their two goal advantage when Chaney-Baxter was on hand to put home the rebound from a Hipper short corner strike.

The second half saw Dragons continue to play some of their best hockey of the season and despite no further goals, maintained control of the game and ran out comfortable 3-1 winners.

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Men’s East League Division 6NE
Norwich Dragons 5s 4-1 Nomads 1

After a week of player shuffling between teams we were still not sure how many would turn up for the game and the Captain was fairly worried before push back with only 8 players with 1 minute to go but somehow 3 more crept out of the car park to enable us to start with a strong 11.

The home side started very strongly and went 1 up with Paul Poacher Kassulke finding the gap between the keeper and the right hand post. Nomads responded very strongly with our fantastic Keeper Peter the panther making some extraordinary saves with a MOM performance. Soon after, a direct ball from our 16 with some quick passing saw Josh the pistol  Bingham in space calmly slap the ball home for goal number 2. Nomads had a few more runs in the Dragon’s half but the play was mainly all Dragons in the first half. Just before half time a ball was hit hard into the D which found the slightest of touches from the back of George the power wright’s stick and ended up in the goal. Nomads were not happy with the umpires decision to award a goal but as we all know, they are always right. 3-0 going into the break.

The game was quite physical with the Nomads making good use of their size and aggression which involved both captains being called over to discipline our players in the first half and then yet again at half time! The Dragons captain suggested to the umpires that if it was an issue they should get their cards out and get on with it. And indeed they did in the second half with half our team being sent to the naughty bench at various times in the 35minutes with some early valentines cards. Note to captain – keep mouth shut. Love was definitely in the air with all the cards and also with Matt Sat nav walking onto the pitch hand in hand with his girlfriend and then informing the captain he felt stiff…..and even stiffer in the second half….

Second half was more of the same but slightly more even and with the Dragons only having 9 men on the pitch for some of the game the Nomads managed to get a goal back from a sat nav misfunction. The last 10 minutes saw continued pressure in the Nomads half which resulted in some short corners. Pistol Bingham managed to hit the post with an excellent strike and then Andy big hitter Carver smashed a straight strike into the post man’s leg which resulted in Andy so solid Keys converting the flick.

A great team performance

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Men’s East League Division 7NE
Norwich Dragons 6s 1-2 IES 6

This was one of Dragons 6’s best away performances against a top team in the league, which all involved said a draw would have been a fair result. Dragons did not start well when they allowed IES to find their forwards with innocuous through balls which gave keeper Chris Miller little chance. Dragons were attacking with purpose & when the IES keeper sat on Club Captain Tom Vaughan, the same player stepped up to take the flick which the keeper pushed on to the bar & then prevented the falling ball from creeping over the line. Debutant Fred Sargent made a confident start in defence & was later seen throwing aerials in support of the attack. The family Hansell’s, Ray & James were similarly solid in defence.

The second half was again end to end from both sides. Skipper Mike Banham saw his short corner followed up by a Williams (was it Harry or Tom) who flicked in the Dragon’s reply. With Owain Hall, holding the middle of the park, Connor Adams revealed his vision with cutting passes to Joel, Tom V & Tom W who all had shots on target but good keeping prevented an equaliser whilst Chris in the Dragon’s goal was doing the same thing with some full length saves.

MOM was Connor, who while in his words was disappointed not to be more involved, must realise how pivotal his passing game is to setting up many Dragon attacks of substance.

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Empresa Norfolk Boys Development League
Norwich Dragons 4-2 Norwich City

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Empresa Norfolk Girls Development League
Norwich Dragons 1-4 Lowestoft Railway

Women’s East Hockey League Prem
Norwich Dragons 1s 2-4 West Herts 1

Norwich Dragons Ladies 1st team fielded the youngest team in history against league leaders West Herts. With regular squad players unavailable the young Dragons stepped up to the challenge in this high intensity match.

The Dragons team battled hard when put under immense pressure from the home team in the early stages of the match. Young Pollyanna Watson, Olivia Thomas, Sophie Thomas, Niamh Lowe- Davies and Aoife Lowe-Davies all fought hard in the middle of the park. Although the back line, marshalled by Louise Murray with Maddie Denman and Holly Reding either side, sustained early pressure from a strong West Herts team they held strong making a number of clearances to keep the home team at bay and were unfortunate to find themselves 1-0 down when West Herts intercepted a lose ball in the centre of the pitch and broke at pace to punish the visitors.

The Dragons remained positive and found the net through Rachel King, who worked tirelessly as always in midfield, only for the goal to be disallowed as deemed too high from a short corner. At half time the team talk was only positive with the coach Pete Thomas asking for more of the same.

As the match got under way the Dragons maintained the intensity and got their reward; a quick free pass from player of the match, Marie James, into the feet of Stacey Lee who skilfully turned her marker on the top of the circle and played the ball through to Emma Tabrett who found the net.

West Herts retaliated and showed why they are league leaders as Emma Clarke drove the ball to the byline displaying some great stick skills before finding her team mate in front of the Dragons keeper who coolly deflected the ball into the net leaving Siobhan Cleeve between the sticks no chance.

The Dragons continued to work hard and went close a number of times but as legs tired the home side mounted an attack to increase their lead further. With 2 minutes left on the clock the Dragons were not to be defeated easily and pulled a goal back; a brilliant move by the Dragons attacking line; Rachel King breaking at pace slipping the ball into the circle to Aoife Lowe-Davies who as the keeper closed her down played a smart mature square pass to Stacey Lee who who timed her run to perfection to score at the far post. As the Dragons pushed hard to find the equaliser they were unfortunate to lose the game 4-2 conceding a goal in the dying seconds of the game. West Herts were a strong team and arguably deserved their victory albeit the scoreline in the end flattered them.

This was a superb performance from a young team including newcomer Sophie Thomas and what they lacked in experience made up for in their work rate and effort against an experienced well drilled team that may well play National League next year.

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Women’s East Hockey League Division 1N
Norwich Dragons 2s 1-0 Royston 1

It was a ‘cold wind that doth blow’ at the Den but the ‘circle of friends’ were out in force, ensuring the team were thoroughly warmed up before the start! Having lost to Royston in the earlier fixture of the season, Dragons were keen to go out and prove they were worthy of their higher league position.

The home team started well with the midfield of Pip Howes, Lizzie Moulton, Karen O’Neill Simpson and Gail Thomas pushing up high and feeding the willing forward runners who were getting in behind the Royston defence from the start. Dragons forced a few short corners, a straight strike by Gail Thomas was well saved, and a one – two effort just didn’t quite come off. Thomas was having a particularly strong start with some sharp tackles and good through balls, however unfortunately she was forced off through injury early on, which meant she could play no further part in the game.

Dragons had the lions share of possession and limited Royston to counter attacks, particularly looking to overload down their right meaning Rowan York Smith, Angela Murgatroyd and Ally Windsor-Waite needed to be on their toes. Amy Forse in goal, dealt well with anything that came her way.

Dragons had a good chance following smart work down the right by Pip Howes, combining well with Marcy Windsor-Waite, who fired a strong ball across the D for Shelly Seaman who made perfect contact at the far post, but saw her shot go agonisingly wide. Another quick break saw Pip Howes driving from right mid into the D and unleashing a powerful shot from the top, only to be well saved by the strong Royston GK. Laura Shreeve too was constantly putting the Royston defence under pressure with some fine runs on goal however, her tackling back was slightly less ‘fine’!

Eventually, with 30 seconds of the half remaining, Dragons got their reward for their pressure, with Lauren Lawrie showing some expert skills in the D, beating a couple of defenders, before laying the ball off to Marcy Windsor-Waite, who with a strong push / flick, placed the ball perfectly into the corner beyond the GK’s reach.

This changed the half time team-talk a little – however, the call remained for the team to look to keep possession better and continue to push forward and take the game to Royston. This they did and probably were unfortunate not to further trouble the scoring. Royston remained very much in the game, playing some very neat hockey, working the balls in triangles around the pitch and determined to claw their way back into the game, but they had few clear cut chances.

Dragons youngsters and joint Players of the Match Pip Howes and Marcy Windsor-Waite continued to move the ball at pace down the right and linked up well, helping earn a number of short corners which Royston defended well. The final whistle blew, securing a valuable and well earned 3 points for the home team. Whilst not necessarily their slickest display, the win was key and the team should take great confidence from this, into their remaining games.
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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Premier Division
Norwich Dragons 3s 8-0 Pelicans 2

Norwich Dragons took the evening journey to Kingsland to face Pelican 2s. Despite the wind they were in high spirits and warmed up with the same intensity that they played the game.

From the offset Dragons went on the attack, the first goal of the game coming only minutes after the first whistle. Swift passing between Pom Geo Beckwith abd Debs Smith allowed for a clean onward deflection from Caroline Wolfe to Issy Wolge on the 25 who took the ball into the D and slotted it bottom right.

Intercepting Pelican passes the defenders Sarah Wagstaff, Carmel Windsor Waite and Natasha Falzon kept the ball quickly recycling and Dragons back on the attack. The second goal came when Wolfe Senior pushed from the top of the D underneath the keeper and  just had enough pace to reach the line (with Wolfe junior waiting on the line tempted to poach!)

Several goal line scrambles came in the following play, with commendadtion coming from all of the Dragon side to the young Pelicans keeper who was so nimble. A broken down short corner was capitalised on by a waiting Sian Lawrie, close on the right post she gained the third goal.

The last goal of the half was earned by a composed Sam Franklin. Driving the ball into the D and finishing with a push from the right hand side of the D she found the backboard and celebrated in style.

Following half time Dragons new what they had to do, and they delivered everything their captain Natasha Falzon asked of them.

Poaching the ball expertly from a 16 yrd hit Lawrie took on the keeper 1 on 1. Drawing the keeper to the ground Lawrie expertly slotted it under her to get the Dragons 5th.

The 6th goal came from a crash ball into the D by Hazel Sumner, deflected into the air by a Pelicans player and volleyed in on he line by Debs Smith.

Pelicans never giving up changed tactics and played a forward ball from the restart of play, Kristina Smyth eager to get involved easily saw the threat away.

Quickly on the break another goal mouth scramble ensued at the opposite end of the pitch resulting in Wolfe Junior scoring the 7th.

With composure beyond her years Lara Taylor slotted the ball back to a waiting Smith who scored the 8th and final goal of the game.

Final score Dragons 8:0 Pelicans

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 1
Norwich Dragons 4s 2-3 Watton 2

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 2
Norwich Dragons 5s 3-1 Yarmouth 2

After some last minute action drumming up defenders and thanks to Alice McNeile and Helen Marsh for filling the spaces either side of Jemima Williams.  Dragons had a strong and speedy defence ready for action.  To stay top of the league table they needed to maintain our team fighting spirit and get another win.

On a breezy pitch the Dragons had first push back, Chiara Bond received the ball and passed it out wide to Rachael Matthews.  The first 10 minutes was a battle of the wills both teams strong, the play up and down the pitch.  Then the 5’s found their stride making the ball do the work. Catherine Matthews picking up the ball at speed and working her way around the opposition, finding Chiara Bond and then onto Den Howes ever ready for a goal up front.  Howes finding several opposition in the way in the D could not get a shot in.  Vicky Earley was on her usual form, soon to intercept and hussle the opposition.  Megan Farrant came on up front to pair Lucy Morton and use their speed and skills to feed balls into Den, waiting high to pounce.

The first goal came from this setup, Howes picked up the ball dodged a couple of opposition and fired the ball in, bosh. This gave the 5’s a lift, it had been difficult to get around the opposition in the D, one goal in and more to come.  The defensive powers were working well, they were pushing quite high as they hadn’t seen much action in the D.  Neither had Alice Smith who was entertaining herself in the goal.  Jemima was in control and was soon to close down the opposition, she has a good vision of where players are and where to feed the ball.  The next goal was to come from Farrant luring the keeper out and passing across to Lisa Harwood waiting on the post to pass the ball in behind the keeper.  Yarmouth held strong they were continuing to battle and making it hard work for us.  In particular their captain was quick to the ball and at getting the ball into the D, on one short corner she struck toward the post and it was deflected in by another player, score at half time 2-1.

The majority of ball possession was the 5’s and they were ready for round 2.  Laura Hansell who had been plagued with some knee pain, seemed to not let this hold her back and charged up the pitch, driving the ball up the wing and onto Lucy, who already had attempts on goal, foiled by the keeper or post.  The ball was pinging in and out of the D, the Dragons had a short corner, struck in by Den and Helen ready in position deflected it in.  3-1.  The game was a good battle for all and Yarmouth kept us busy!

Photos from this game can be found here.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 2
Norwich Dragons 6s 0-6 Beccles

Change five members of the squad and add a first time goalkeeper to the mix and there was only one way this match was going to go against battle-hardened Beccles who must be one of the favourites for promotion. However, after being smashed for 5 in the first 25 minutes Dragons really got their stuff together and with only one more goal against them in the second half it felt, well, nearly as good as good as a win.

Several members of the Dragons team reached significant milestones in this match. First up on the roll of honour has to be POM Esme Potter from the development team who was outstanding in defence. Confident, assured not a ball went past her. Lilly Sore was also called up from the dev team and made some good runs down the right wing. Anja Wimmer came up from the 7s  and looked very useful upfront and in midfield, and we welcomed back our forward  friend Kat Speirs who worked hard but was not rewarded. Beth Coates also made her debut for the 6s and did well as a hard-working and speedy top of the diamond.  Ginny Simkin, who put the keeper kit on for the first time at training during the week stood up bravely to the barrage and as well stopping loads of shots got very close to some well-placed ‘bombs’ into the corners.

Well done Sarah Norman who made a tremendous effort to tackle back and slow down the Beccles forwards, and captain Jo Eke who gave her usual 100 per cent at the bottom of the diamond. Rosie Skipp, Katie Franks, Katy Saide and Bridget Le Good all had their moments though Bridget must learn not to take both hands of her stick to make the subbing gesture at the very moment that Esme chooses to make a swinging cross-pitch pass.

So many thanks to everyone who came to fill in the holes that appeared after the team sheet was published. Plenty of work to be done at training including better ball speed, improving tackling technique and above all shooting, shooting, shooting.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 3
Norwich Dragons 7s 1-6 Lowestoft Railway 2

Dragons 7 faced this match knowing that it would be a tough fight against league leaders Lowestoft Railway 2.Railway scored soon after the match got under way. Dragons were unperturbed, keen to make their mark with forward Mia Amiss making numerous attempts at goal. Dragons were awarded a short corner, with Mia injecting to Amy Forse, who was making a rare appearance out of goal. After some tussling, Amy made a firm strike which hit the back board.

The match was end to end, with both sides eager to score.Goalkeeper Alessandra Pelligrini was worked hard, having to make numerous saves of Railways attacks. She was aided by the defence of Emma North, Emily Roper, Ginny Simkin and Jo Baker. Tracy Stuart-Sheppard and Amy at top and bottom of the diamond made a strong central core, distributing out to Katy Cole and Becky Gallagher, both of whom are improving with each match. Lottie Kearsey made her debut for Dragons up front, with Claire Fairhurst and the tireless running of Mia Amiss. Despite Dragons best efforts, Railway scored twice more before half time.

The half time break gave Dragons time to regroup, focussing on ways to stop Railway in its tracks! Unfortunately their efforts were to no avail, with Railway steaming ahead and scoring another three goals. Dragons made every effort to score but were thwarted at every turn. The match ended with a 1:6 loss to Dragons, but their heads were held high knowing they fought as best as they could against a well organised team.

Photos from this game can be found here.

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Mens East League Division 2N
Norwich Dragons 1s 1-4 Dereham 2

Dragons 1st team traveled to Dereham, once again full of hope for what might prove to be a crunch fixture, come the end of the season.

Both teams started strongly, with the opening exchanges fast-paced and full of energy.  Dereham took the lead from a well-worked short corner.  Showing grit and determination, the Dragons p[persisted with their game plan, forcing a series of short corners.  Winning a short-corner on the stroke of half-time, Matt Knights drew the teams level, with a calm finish from an Alex Browne thunderbolt.

With the commencement of the second half, the two teams reverted to their own styles of play.  Both teams were able to create chances, however it was Dereham who were able to take advantage of the chances they created.   Two well worked short corners and a further well taken goal from Dereham on the break, with Dragons pushing to try and get something from the game, meant the Dragons cam away 4-1 down at the end, despite feeling they were in the game for large parts.

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Mens East League Division 3NE
Norwich Dragons 2s 1-2 IES 2

Sometimes you play really well against a good opposition, dominate the game and still come away on the wrong side of the result. That’s pretty much what happened in this Division 3NE game between Norwich Dragons 2nd team and their counterparts from Ipswich & East Suffolk.

Dragons began the game in slight disarray after a couple of their younger members reported injured and a reshuffle was needed (alongside a cameo return to the bench of Jones) to ensure 11 fit players on the pitch. That didn’t seem to inhibit the home side’s hockey though, and some fluid passing moves along with dynamic running attacks from Watson and Gosling suggested that goals would soon flow.

That wasn’t to be the case though, and resolute defending from the IES players continued to frustrate Dragons until a sudden counter-attack allowed the visitors to take the lead just before half time.

This clearly unsettled the home side as they continued to press for a second half equaliser, and the game began to get a little scrappy, with IES having more say in the end to end exchanges. It was Dragons that continued to press the IES goal however, and it was again a surprise when another rare counter-attack set them 2 goals down.

As time ran out a consolation short corner goal from Watson at least showed that it was possible to breach the visitors’ defence, but in truth too little, too late. Good performances from a large number of Dragons players, but the need to take the chances created was again the lesson from the day.

Photos from this game can be found here.

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Men’s East Hockey League Division 3NE
Norwich Dragons 3s 3-3 Norwich City 4

After last week’s tough game, the Mens 3s were looking to get back on track and secure some valuable points.  This week saw them face fellow promoted side Norwich City 4s.

City started strong and won a couple of short corners within the first few minutes and took an early lead.  It wasn’t long until Dragons equalised through a solo run by Lloyd SAYER from midway in City’s half.  SAYER neatly slotted the ball past the City keeper to take it level.

City kept pushing forward and it was Dragon’s defence and midfield who saw most of the ball.  Dragons worked the ball up through the field and got the ball to forward Will MAIN.  MAIN slipped the ball left to L SAYER who crossed the ball back to the top of the D, where MAIN slapped the ball in the back corner.  Dragons took the lead going into the break.

Not long into the second half, Dragons scored another goal through some good work down the left by John IVES and Will MAIN, with L SAYER putting the ball away again.

However, it was this half where City stepped it up a gear.  They worked hard and kept up their press which gave them numerous  short corners.  It is testament to the stalwart Dragon defence of Peter DAVISON, Rich PHILLIS, Jon GOODSON and Dim IVES, that City didn’t convert these many chances.  Despite the efforts, the law of averages played a part and Dragons conceded two goals, to take the scores level.

A frustrating game for Dragons, who saw a 3-1 lead turn into a 3-3 draw.  A valuable point though, as this means Dragons are no longer bottom of the league, but still in the danger zone.

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Men’s East League Division 4NE
Norwich Dragons 4s 1-1 IES 4

Following some good results in the latest weeks, Dragons 4s seemed to be heading their way out of the wrong end of the league table. Before the 11:30 push back Dragons were just one place off drop positions, with their opponents I-ES 4s only one point above, missing a match though. So it was a perfect opportunity for Dragons to swap positions with a direct rival.

On that chilly morning Dragons saw their unavailable habitual youngsters replaced by a bunch of experienced players, who had previously been described by some as a ´firmament of stars´. Among them, Richard Moulson, Rob Wagstaff, Dan Ryan and Chris Simmons shined accordingly.

At the very beginning of the first half I-ES 4s played explosively and showed their will to take control of the match by approaching the goal several times but Dragons managed to put out their flame shortly after the start. A remarkably reliable defence has become a proved asset in the last few matches, with Paul Keating, Andy Hipper, Neil Shorten and Jon Price playing key roles from the starting line-up.

Dragons managed to break the balance between both teams several times either with brilliant quick triangles on the wings or with amazing rockets accurately launched by Andy Hipper, who seems to have ability to spot the gaps in the midfield and link straight to the forwards. One of these balls was collected by Rob Wagstaff right outside the D, who seeing himself attacking on his own, quickly turned around to face the last defender and managed to pass the ball inside the area on the left of the opponent and himself on the right, beating the goalkeeper with a stunning hit to the board. This jaw-dropping action in the middle of the first half put Dragons ahead on the scoreboard, allowing them to play more comfortably in the midfield. Captain Rob Jenkins had the ball flowing nicely from side to side and performed some good tackles. Unfortunately, Rob had a slight miscalculation in one of his courageous defensive actions, having his opponent involuntarily knocked down and getting the first yellow card of the match. Unfortunately, in the heat of the moment not only did the other player refuse to accept Rob’s apologies but also went too far with words, action that was also awarded with another yellow card. It was a tough match for umpires Joel Lawrence and David Rose, who had to do their best to lower some tensions back to acceptable levels.

Still in the first half, Dragons had a number of clear opportunities to score, with Adie Kemp wisely moving aside off his marker and cracking balls into the I-ES area.

The windy second half started in a similar way, with both teams pressing and having to do their best in defence. I-ES guys started to get upfront more frequently on the sides, but couldn´t break the Dragons defence. Man of the match Paul Kassulke along with Man of the previous week’s match Lee Keeler played amazingly well, stopping absolutely every attacks on the left wing, either with their stick or with their legs, as they were constantly hit with lifted balls. Dan Ryan specialised at spotting the gap in the midfield and managed to take the ball from the sides and pass it across to the front, creating good opportunities. The forwards counted on the help of a well-positioned Chris Simmonds, who played a key role driving the ball upfront.

As time went by, I-ES midfielders kept testing the Dragons defence. Following a long corner, they managed to send a quick ball through the defence and Dragons keeper Giles Brooks had to stretch his right hand to deflect it away with his stick while two strikers waited just behind him to smash it. Giles played very well the few opportunities he had but unfortunately, a few minutes later I-ES midfielders successfully sent across another quick ball from their left wing into the D, being luckily deflected by one of their strikers into the goal.

A few minutes later, Dan Ryan got badly hit with on his knee and had to leave the pitch prematurely. A great Neil Shorten got hit too, with a stick on his head this time, but managed to finish the game with a bleeding wound below his lips.

In the last 15 minutes both teams kept pushing bravely but their strengths seemed to be levelled. 1-1 seems to be a fair result for a high level match which made us all be proud to be Dragons.

Photos from this game can be found here.

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Men’s East League Division 6NE
Norwich Dragons 5s 5-3 Norwich City 6

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Men’s East League Division 7NE
Norwich Dragons 6s 2-5 Sudbury 4

M6’s were grateful to Adrian Howes stepping into the centre of defence after 3 call offs. The first half was even against the league leaders with Dragons scoring first as Dave Pentin got his first ever League goal after a satnav malfunction directed him into the opposition D. Sudbury replied from their first short corner. After half time Dragons lost a bit of shape & were fatigued in getting back so Sudbury were able to mount attacks through mid-field. 2 more goals from Sudbury saw Tom Vaughan slot home from a well-earned cross from George Bowman. In the last 5 minutes Dragons conceded 2 more in their chase of another goal.

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Empresa Norfolk Boys Development League
Norwich Dragons P-P Norwich City

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Empresa Norfolk Girls Development League
Norwich Dragons 9-1 Watton

Photos from this game can be found here.

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England Hockey Boys Under 14s
Norwich Dragons 0-5 City

The U14 Boys travelled to the other side of Norwich for their game against Norwich City. City started strongly and soon took the lead when one of their forwards managed to sneak around the back of the Dragon defence, allowing City to slip the ball through. A hard press from City saw them get another goal soon after. Dragons settled into the game and started to get a few attacks. Raunaq and Jose in the middle of the pitch showed off their skills by neatly taking the ball around several City players. Jono CB was unlucky not to put a couple of goals away, and Dragons only managed to secure one short corner this half, which saw Raunaq’s shot saved by City’s keeper. City kept their attack up and were rewarded with another goal from a short corner strike. This took the score to 3-0 to City going into half time.

City continued much the same in the second half as the first, with their strong midfield pushing through, and attacking high. Sterling work by George Wright and Harry Brown in the centre, made things easier for Angus in goal, who made some superb saves to keep the score down. William Pank, Joe Beadman and Blue Hempsall also made some crucial tackles throughout the game. Despite these efforts, City scored another 2 goals, but it was pleasing to see that Dragons kept their heads up and kept working at getting a goal.

The game ended 5-0 to City, but Dragons should be proud of their performance, having made City work hard for their win. Player of the match George Wright for some solid defending.

NDHC Under 10 Boys A Team

NDHC Under 12 Girls A Team

NDHC Under 10 Girls C Team

Summary of today’s u10 and u12 girls and boys tournament:
u10 girls a: 4th (gold tournament)
u10 girls b: 6th (goldtournament)
u10 girls c: 2nd (silver tournament)

Women’s East Hockey League Prem
Norwich Dragons 1s 3-6 Cambridge Uni 1s

After such a good result and performance last week, Dragons were keen to continue in this manner against Cambridge University.

However, it was the University side who dominated the early passage of play and despite some good defensive work from Maddie Denman and Lou Murray, they found themselves 2-0 up early on. Dragons grew into the game and were able to create some chances of their own but these were snuffed out by the well organised defence and ex dragon player, GK Freddie Briscoe. Before half time, Cambridge were able to increase their lead through a well worked short corner.

Dragons started the second half much brighter and after some good work down the left from player of the match Rachel King, Emma Tabrett was able to coolly slot the ball home. This should have spurred the Dragons on but it was Cambridge who scored shortly after the retain their 3 goal cushion. Despite this Dragons showed some real grit and determination and were able to take the ball forwards. Some good interlinking play from Aoife Lowe Davis and Hayley Toleman saw Stacey Lee at the back post to sweep the ball over the line. This end to end game continued, both teams attacking and after Cambridge added a fifth, Dragons quickly pulled another back, this time Marie James ensuring the ball crossed the line. The away side had the final say, finishing in style and deservedly earning the 3 points.

The second half was much more pleasing from the Dragon’s point of view, but a sloppy start gave the well organised University team a head start which the dragons couldn’t pull back. Away to league leaders West Herts next week, Dragons will need to be at it from the off.

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Women’s East Hockey League Division 1N
Norwich Dragons 2s 1-2 Wisbech 1

Dragons Ladies 2’s arrived at sunny Wisbech bright and early with the ‘Fun-Bus’ making a welcome return! Dragons once again were taking on lofty opposition, with Wisbech sitting in 2nd place. Captain O’Neill-Simpson asked for the team to give all they had in what was going to be a tough game. The warm-up was a little subdued, so Captain Karen asked for a bit more ‘fire in bellies’ right from the outset………one team member clearly took this too far, with Hannah Hardy earning a green card within 10 secs, directly from the pushback.

Early proceedings were quite even, Wisbech had their attacks but the defence and midfield were battling well to limit Wisbech’s chances. Sophie Thomas, playing in a new position showed calmness and maturity in her tackling and good positional sense. Going forward, once again blessed with the pace of Laura Shreeve and Marcy Windsor-Waite, meant Dragons always threatened on the break, but their opportunities were limited to counter attacks.

Wisbech threatened and forced a number of short corners, however joint Players of the Match Rowie York-Smith and Angela Murgatroyd were literally laying their bodies on the line for the cause, supported as always by Ally Windsor-Waite, who expertly took another short corner off the line and Amy Forse who was ‘Forsed’ into many a strong save!! Eventually however, the Wisbech pressure told with a player getting through down the right and forcing a cross in from the baseline, which was slotted home by Charlie Paine.

Dragons were very much in the game and as the 2nd half started, they created opportunities again largely on the break, but with some good work, especially through Gail Thomas, who was having a fine game at left midfield and Pip Howes on the right, Dragons always threatened. Lauren Lawrie was making some intelligent runs, putting the Wisbech defence under pressure.

Having soaked up another spell of Wisbech pressure, Dragons pushed up the field. Sophie Thomas made a strong run into the attacking 25 and with some calm stick skills, moved into the D where she was fouled, earning Dragons 2nd short corner. Marcy Windsor-Waite dragged out firmly and accurately and Gail Thomas unleashed a bullet into the left corner, giving the keeper no chance.

The remainder of the half continued in the same vein – defensively Dragons were working extremely well. Geo Beckwith, Karen O’Neill Simpson battling for every ball and a draw seemed like it was going to be the final outcome. Unfortunately however, with less than a minute on the clock, Wisbech earned a long corner, the ball was played and was closed down quickly by Dragons and cleared up field, however the far umpire blew and conferred with the other umpire and gave a short corner for an earlier infringement……. from here, a mis-hit effort trickled over the line, much to the elation of the Wisbech players and sideline.

For the 2nd week in 3, Dragons had succumbed to a very late goal robbing them of what would have been a well earned draw. Clearly there was disappointment, but the team had given all they had. In the last 3 weeks, they have taken all top 3 teams down to the wire and should be proud of their efforts. Strong team spirit and hard graft, will see the team get the results they deserve.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Premier Division
Norwich Dragons 3s 0-1 Norwich City 2

Dragons Ladies 3rd team knew this was going one of the harder tests of the season so far. Both teams in contention for the top spot in the table.

Although City took the first push back, Dragons started with a high intensity and took the game to City playing some attractive attacking hockey and enjoying a lot of the possession. Lara Taylor and Sian Lawrie created space with great linking play and the City defence were definitely the busier but they showed great resilience and limited the Dragon side to few goal scoring opportunities. City 2’s proved to be quick on the counter attack and it was the home side who had the first clear cut chance when they broke through the Dragons midfield. With the well drilled defensive line up of Sarah Wagstaff, Laura Bruce and Carmel Windsor-Waite along with the Dragons keeper Kristina Smyth to beat, the away side were determined not to make it easy for the City team. Smyth was quick to spot the danger players early and with great communication to her defenders they made a superb clearance at the top of the D sweeping the ball to safety. The Dragons continued to push forward and Wagstaff often found space through the tight City press smashing the ball up field. Forwards Natasha Blyth and Caroline Wolfe sprinting to catch the ball, sadly the end of the pitch came too soon.

The second half was similar to the first. The Dragons maintained their discipline, Laura Goodbun holding her own up front and Natasha Falzon giving support on the left, skipping over the City press with an aerial to Issy Wolfe. City matched the well drilled passing game working in groups to assault the Dragons side. It was clear that this would not be a high scoring game. Consistently end to end it was the City side that broke the deadlock scoring the only goal of the game from a miss hit reverse that dinked into the goal leaving even the City player surprised of the direction it took. Undeterred the Dragons, with great ferocity, went in search a goal and although they did look the more likely of the two teams to score City continued to prove dangerous on the counter attack as they had speed and ability in their forwards which kept the Dragons defence on their toes.

Several corners, both long and short, gave the Dragon side opportunities which sadly they were unable to capitalise on. Despite the slick stick skills of Issy Wolfe and PoM Lara Taylor, as well as the clean distribution of Debs Smith, the speedy wings Hazel Sumner and Sam Franklin were unable to find a clean Dragon stick on their frequent crosses into the D.

The final score 1:0 to the City side could easily have been in the opposite favour, but sadly it wasn’t the day for the Dragons side. Continuing the keep their heads high and play with intensity Dragons are eager to try and get back to their winning ways next week.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 1
Norwich Dragons 4s 1-1 Norwich City 4

This was billed as possibly the match of our season. Norwich city were top of the league with an amazing goal difference. The Dragon ladies were sitting fourth but it was very tight at the top of the table, and we were desperate for a win.

The majority of the matches this season we have had to fight back form a goal down. This was not going to be one of those games when Dragons took the lead half way through the first half.

The ball was worked out of defence by some confident play by Louise Davis. It was then moved around the midfield by Gemma Rump and Megan Williams who found Kate Mc Kenna wide. Kate drove it in to the D slipped it back to Megan, then on to Sue Cross who had just arrived at the post.

The defence played well against a young pacey opposition. Kate Atkins made a number of timely tackles, and also worked hard to channel the attackers along the line.

Louise had an excellent game, and was very unlucky when the ball caught her foot in the D. The umpire originally signalled for a short corner  then changed his mind after discussion with the other umpire  and awarded a flick. This was converted and city had equalised.

Harriet Green was awarded man of the match, for a determined play in midfield. Dragons were able to keep possession with Debbie Santa Clara, Megan Williams, Charlotte Poundle and Kate McKenna linking well.

The forwards struggled to penetrate the city defence with individual direct runs at goal, although we did have a number of shots that were saved.

The game became more exciting when first City and then Dragons had a goal disallowed for no contact in the D, Harriet watched in dismay as Kenny just couldn’t get her stick to the ball in the dying minutes.

A draw was a fair result but both teams will be left thinking what if……

POM : Harriet Green
Scorer :  Sue Cross

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 2

Norwich Dragons 5s 3-1 Herlings

After a lot of rainfall overnight the Ladies 5’s were prepared for the grass game with studded wellies and snorkels. Spirits were very high and we arrived early to practise striking the ball and not the turf. As history goes the Ladies 5 had not won a game against Herlings on grass. A plan was struck if the toss was won the 5’s would start the game going downhill to give an extra edge, fitness levels were high and we could still maintain pace going uphill in the second half.

Herlings had first push back, the ball was intercepted by Vicky Earley at bottom of the diamond and distributed out to Rachael Matthews who weaved through the opposition to pass the ball onto the forwards. Herlings defence would not let us pass that easily and were solid. On her debut for Dragons and the 5’s, Georgie Manly picked up the ball and struck a solid strike across the D, Lucy Morton in a great position saw it flash past, no goal this time. Mel Widdows was doing a fantastic job at top of the diamond retrieving any balls and injecting them back into the D. For the first 10 minutes the Herlings were pressed into the D, trying to stop our advances. One hard strike and Herlings cleared the ball out. Jemima Williams was quick to chase and hold back the charge, passing the ball through to Ellie James who still managed to squeeze in some stick skills around the opposition. The forwards again were looking dangerous in the D. Lisa Harwood stuck the post, luckily Mel was on hand to push it behind the keeper. Jubilation all round! Herlings pushed back again and was soon intercepted by Jess Tye-Leech who also had several charges forward to move the ball. The defence were working really well, pressing forward, chasing down making it extremely difficult for the Herlings to even make it into the D. Freya Clogan used her wallop to best advantage down the wing, bouncing it over the oppositions sticks and down to our waiting midfield. The 5’s again charged down hill, Holly Bailey moving the ball at speed into D, Lisa battling her way around the opposition defence, passed the ball across the goal to a waiting Megan Farrant who eased it in behind the keeper. The whole team were elated with the score 2-0 up at half time, and still full of energy ready for round 2.

Alice Smith at this point was getting bored and a sore throat from extremely loud shouting! The 5’s knew that Herlings would be trying to come back strong and had the down hill advantage. But the 5’s were still hungry for more goals, Vicky used her speed and competitive nature to pick off the Herlings attempts to pass through. Herlings were trying more hard strikes to clear through the pitch, one pass was charged down by Jess, one cleared with Alice’s muddy hoof, one ball unfortunately made it through and was struck hard into the goal. Still we were 2-1 up, and Georgie was testing out all the moves to crack a goal off. The final goal of the game came from Lucy who reads play well to get herself into positions for goal scoring, strike! The whole team played incredibly well and were determined until the end, plenty of turf was dug and some comedy misses. Great game and still on top.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 2
Norwich Dragons 6s 1-2 Yarmouth 2

The games between these two teams have proved close tussles in recent seasons, with the higher placed Yarmouth having a slight edge. This match was no exception, but circumstances conspired to stack the deck slightly against Dragons and they went down to two second half goals.

It was clear from the off that if Dragons were to get anything out of this game they would have to do it the ugly way, and for the first half their tactics worked. Stand-in goalkeeper Bridget Le Good (POM) somehow kept everything out. Defenders and mids tackled like their lives depended on it and all the players made every effort to be first to the ball. After about 20 minutes of very shabby passing and what seemed like a determined effort to give the ball away at every opportunity, Dragons began to press. Jo Eke had another outstanding game at the bottom of the diamond, and Jade Blanchflower (welcome back after glandular fever), Gill Walker top of the diamond and Beth Elgood raiding down the right began to push Yarmouth back, and from one scrimmage in the circle Jasmine Mansfield (who does take up some excellent positions) forced the ball home.

The same old same old 6s problem of failing to get shots away was possibly at its worst this week, with the pinball wizards hitting every buffer and foot available. Gill, Beth, Jade, Jasmine, Catherine Matthews, Rosie Skipp and Jess Vernon all made every effort, but the lessons practised in training did not come off for the 6s this week. The penalty corners also need major attention.

Yarmouth came out in the second half determined to make Dragons pay for failing to take their chances. Bridget was unable to maintain the focus of the first half and was beaten by a penalty corner drilled straight down the middle and by a lifted shot minutes later.  The defence – Katie Franks, Ilona Motyer, Alice MacNeile and Ginny Simkin and Jo maintained the timely tackles, but the clearances lacked consistency  and we did not get our attack going.

Rosie is commended as one player who did continue to track back and make herself available. Jade, unsurprisingly, faded with her efforts and was not helped by catching a stick to the neck! Unfortunately, towards the end of the second half when the equaliser failed to come Dragons lost their shape. The accuracy and timing of the passes went off again – the biggest criticism being that that were made far too l-a-t-e and were open invitation .to the home side to nip in and intercept.

The 6s have even tougher opposition next week and it is to be hoped that players don’t let their heads drop, just because some tough comments have had to be made. If there is one thing the whole squad could take away from this match it is that sometimes sheer effort is not enough and does not get a reward. Game play and the techniques have to be there as well.

Photos from most home matches today here.

Women’s East Hockey League East Prem

Norwich Dragons 1s 6-2 Maidstone 1s

Leaving bright and early, Dragons set off to Maidstone with high hopes of returning with all 3 points after a disappointing defeat last week and the previous encounter resulting in a 3-3 draw.

Within five minutes, Dragons had taken the lead. Their quick pace up front saw the ball move swiftly between Rachel King, Emma Tabrett and Hayley Toleman, who was able to fire home. Maidstone tried to gain possession of the ball and grow into the match, but the pressure from the Dragon’s forward line forced errors. Excellent defensive work from Siobhan Cleeve, Holly Reding and Maddie Denman meant any Maidstone attack was soon overturned. It was the away side who gained control when another fine run and shot from King, was deflected home from Toleman giving the Maidstone Keeper no chance and doubling the lead.

Although happy with the 2 goal lead at half time, coach Pete Thomas called for more quick passing in the second half and the team did not disappoint. Minutes from the restart, Olivia Thomas found Louise Murray who drove forward playing a pinpoint pass to Stacey Lee who calmly took the ball around the GK to slot in. The fourth goal quickly followed when Rachel King was rewarded for her persistent hard work. Riding through some tough challenges and the umpires allowing some good advantage, she fired home with a reverse stick shot. Dragons didn’t sit back and continued to push forward, and another fine move saw a fine Niamh Lowe-Davies effort well saved by the arm of Maidstone GK causing a stoppage in the match.

This still didn’t stop the Dragons pushing forward and 15 year old Aoife Lowe-Davies scored her first goal for the team.  Marie James squared a free hit to Lizzie Moulton who fired the ball into the D and Lowe-Davies was able to beat both the defender and the GK to the ball to deflect the ball home.  A sixth soon followed when Player of the Match Emma Tabrett saw her drag shot blocked by the goalkeeper and Stacey Lee adder her second of the game when she coolly slotted it home.  Credit to Maidstone who in the last ten minutes attacked and were able to cause the dragons some defensive problems winning some short corners. Maidstone scored from one at the back post which gave them some slight hope and a confusion in the defence allowed the home side to score a second minutes later.  With only a few minutes to go Dragons were able to take back control of the game and see out a fine team performance and away victory.

The 3 points moves Dragons up to joint 3^rd and they look forward to the visit of two former players and  5^th placed Cambridge University next week.

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Women’s East Hockey League Division 1N

Norwich Dragons 2s 0-2 Cambridge City 2

Dragons welcomed Cambridge City to the sunny Den for another tough fixture against a strong looking Cambridge City team. Having somewhat fortuitously beaten City 1-0 at Perse School, Dragons knew Cambridge would be looking to put the record straight!

The game started at a frenetic pace with chances both ends – Dragons had an early chance following a good cross from Marcy Windsor-Waite, however no-one could get on the end of it as it whipped across the D. At the other end Emma Cleland and her defence needed to be on their toes, as a very different looking Cambridge City team demonstrated some fine stick skills, tricking their way into the D on a number of occasions.

Cambridge took the lead mid way through the half, one of their strong and skillful midfielders picked up the ball in the centre and drove into the D; unleashing a fine reverse stick strike neatly into the corner. Dragons were not downhearted though, and had a number of chances of their own, Laura Shreeve, Lauren Lawrie and Shelly Seaman forced the Keeper into some good saves. The home team also earned an number of short corners, Gail Thomas and Pip Howes struck well, forcing the Cambridge City defence and Keeper to battle hard to clear the ball.

Dragons were still very much in this game as the 2nd half got underway, but knew they were up against a strong team. For the best part of the half, honours were even, however once again Dragons Player of the Match Emma Cleland was forced into making some fine saves and was well supported by her defensive unit.

Eventually, with around 6 minutes left in the game, the visitors sealed the points with a 2nd goal, following an attack down their left, winning a short corner, which was well finished, again into the corner. Dragons continued to force the play, but it was clear that today they were up against a stronger team, who ran out deserved winners.

Work to be done, but the home team are not down hearted, having probably played better in this game than they did in the previous fixture against Cambridge City, despite coming away with nothing on this occasion – that’s hockey!! The Dragons will undoubtedly put the efforts in in training this week and look forward to their next challenge away against Wisbech.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Premier Division

Norwich Dragons 3s 5-1 Norwich City 3

With the weather warming up again there was no frozen pitch call off for the Dragons 3s this week. In fact it was a pleasantly warm, dry day and Dragons intended to make the most if it.

Winning the toss Dragons took the push back and were intent on making everything count. Immediately on the attack the drove up the field. Utilising space, and staying strong in the challenge the players carved their way through the City side. Driving the ball to the top of the D Natasha Falzon found the waiting stick of Sian Lawrie who put the first goal away, neatly on the right post.

Now it as City’s turn to attack. Playing a different formation to that of the Dragons they looked to overload their opposition. Good talking from the midfield (Hazel Sumner and Lara Taylor) ensured that players were able to close down the opposition and once again turn play. This time, with a lightening turnover ball hammered down the pitch from Sarah Wagstaff in centre back, Dragons used their silk passing to beat the remaining City defenders. Geo Beckwith picking up the pass, moving it to Caroline wolf who in turn moved it on to Issy Wolfe who with a reverse pass across the mouth of the goal found Kate McKenna waiting on the right post to get the second goal.

Not deterred City came stronger on the attack, this time the overload working. Defenders Laura Bruce and Carmel Windsor Waite picking up players and intercepting passes. Unfortunately the spare City player managed to see the ball home despite the best efforts of Kristina Smyth and bring the score line to 2:1 to the Dragon side.

Straight off from the start of the second half Dragons were determined to bring more of the same. Maintaining shape and evolving passes, Natasha Blyth delivering some fantastic play across the pitch giving Dragons acres of space. Sam Franklin got on the end of one of these passes and with plenty of time wound up a huge strike to close the 3^rd goal. Her first goal of the season was done in style, and falling to her knees was celebrated with tears from the first time scorer.

The 4 goal came from a short corner. Stick stopped by Hazel Sumner for Caroline to return at great speed to the injector (Wolfe Junior) to tuck in on the left post.

Again the 5^th came from a broken down short corner. Some messy tackles from the City side in the D didn’t stop the Dragons. The maintained possession with some little passes finally finding Issy Wolfe who lifted the ball neatly in on the right hand post.

Final Score Norwich Dragons 3’s 5:1 Norwich City 3’s.

A great performance from the Dragon side who are eager to face the tougher City opponents next week. This result brings them joint top of the table with Magpies 4’s and 3’s. With only goal difference between them there is still all to play for this season.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 1

Norwich Dragons 4s 4-1 Thetford

This week the Ladies 4 ventured down the A11 to Thetford. At home we had had lost 1 – 0 not having an answer to their physical style of play.

Under Captain Kates orders we had a new game plan : ring the ball to stop the big hits, and to stay strong and not to allow ourselves to be pushed off the ball.

This tactic worked well for the first 15 minutes until Thetford scored. Thetford played well, and moved the ball around the D confusing our defence, until the ball landed on the stick of an unmarked player who was able to slot the ball past Tucky.

Dragons 4 have fought back from 1 – 0 many times this season. Today was another one of those days. The girls in attack and midfield kept ringing the ball, stopping the Thetford attack. Louise Davis, Bella and Kate were on hand to sweep up any straggling balls that creped past.

Gemma Rump and Megan Williams played exceptionally well dictating play, and switching the ball from one side of the pitch to the other. This created space for the younger girls with pace, Charlotte Pounder, Sophie Wood, Sophie Farrow and Holly Francis to really put the Thetford defence under pressure.

Thetford did defend well and it took a while to for Dragons to gain the advantage, however in the last 10 minutes Dragons were putting Thetford under a lot of pressure and scored two goals in close succession.

Holly Francis scored two good goals.  She picked up the ball on the wing and drove it into the D, although support had arrived she struck the ball from an amazing angle near the back line to score at the near post. The other three goals were more of a team effort with the balls being passed between the forwards and top of the diamond  moving the Thetford  defence, until a space appeared to score.

Charlotte Pounder had an excellent game and was not unsettled by the more physical style of play. She troubled the Thetford ladies by receiving the ball and really driving it towards goal. Sophie Farrow also was very industrious in midfield running to defend and attack. Claire Canning put in a very determined performance.

Dragons welcomed back Harriet from a long term injury. She quickly got back into the swing of it and was definitely an asset to the team.

Next week will be an important game when we play top of the league Norwich city at home.

Scores : Holly Francis (2), Charlotte Pounder 1, Sophie Farrow

POM : Charlotte Pounder.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 2

Norwich Dragons 5s 4-0 Evergreens 2

Using Mike’s cartography skills the 5’s navigated their way to the Hewett changing facilities. The sun was shining down and we were ready for a good run out after the previous cancelled game.

Dragons 5’s had first push back, Den Howes slotted the ball back to Mel Widdows and away to the wingers, lovely passing right down into the opposition D. Striking a foot Dragons were awarded a short corner. Mel injected a clean ball to Den and a lightening fast strike toward the left post where Mel was ready to deflect straight into the goal. Great start from the team. The Evergreens stepped up to intercept the play. Vicky Earley showed her usual strength at the bottom of the diamond to pick up any balls from the opposition sweeping them out wide to Laura Hansell and Rachael Matthews. Both of these wingers picked up the ball at speed and gained ground weaving their way around the opposition who could not catch up. Lucy Morton flexing her leg muscles into space up front read play well to work her way into a space and support the wingers. The second goal was from Den, another short corner and a lovely strike in in past the keeper. The third goal was to come from Sarah Norman who had stepped up to help the 5’s fill the forward line. Working herself into prime positions in the D, stealth mode on the post, a pass in from Lisa Harwood, picked up by Den, stopped by the opposition goalie and then pushed in by Sarah.

Alice Smith who has been practising her outdoor voice was giving encouragement from the back as she had little to do. Likewise the defending squad of Jess Tye-Leech, Freya Clogan and Emma Buxton were pushing high to support the midfield, quick to close down any opposition play. Mostly enjoying the sunshine. At half time the score was 3-0 and the mission was to increase the pace back to where it was at the start of the game. In this half Ellie James showed the team her skills at reverse hits, with great strikes into the D. Unfortunately Lisa had a touch of couldn’t hit a barn door. The Dragons were pushing high and Emma stepping in as top of the diamond was quick to collect the ball and inject it back into the D. Helen Marsh showed her versatility from a stint in midfield then trying her muscle in a forward position was on hand to collect up balls injected into the D from Rachael. The final goal of the half came from a strike across the D from Den, who had weaved herself through the opposition defenders and in her usual style smashed the fourth goal in before the keeper even saw it. The end of the game seemed to happen quickly, very enjoyable game with professional friendly opposition.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 2

Norwich Dragons 6s 1-2 Herlings

Dragons can consider themselves unlucky not to have taken a point from the match. They had a game plan which worked really well, and it was frustrating to be undone by a couple of silly mistakes, But, the whole squad can be pleased with the way they played, particularly in they way in which they matched Herlings going for the ball, with some excellent umpiring ensuring that the match stayed on the tasty side of feisty with no cards..

Dragons played their best flowing hockey in the first half, with their mad moment coming after abut 30 minutes. They failed to pick up the Herlings forwards running through the middle, and allowed their opponents to overload and score. Dragons started the second half with the one rotation that didn’t work for them, and Herlings capitalised with a penalty corner that was not well defended. Some quick adjustments brought Jo Eke (POM) back to the bottom of the diamond, where she played a true captain’s game, setting a great example in determined tackling back and energetic driving forward. Gill Walker returned to the top of the diamond and the passes began to flow again. Dragons kept pressing and a pass from Catherine Mathews found Beth Elgood who swept home to score in characteristic fashion.  Herlings began to use their power and speed, but Dragons held firm with no intention of letting the visitors make a big score. They set up several scoring chances but lacked the final touch. Several Dragons earned POM votes – Alice Smith looked very secure in goal. Ilona Moyter made an encouraging debut in defence, with a strong hit which is a welcome addition to the defensive skills set. Alice McNeile and Ginny Simkin continue to improve match by match.  Kat Speirs and Jasmine Mansfield worked hard and took up good positions up front without having any luck..

Norwich Dragons 7s 0-4 Loddon 2

Women’s East Hockey League East Prem
Norwich Dragons 1s 0-4 Bromley & Beckenham 1

Dragons suffered their first defeat in 8 games, dating back to October 2015 when they came up against 2^nd placed Bromley and Beckenham.

Bright sunshine in London meant there was no doubt that this game could go ahead despite the cooler temperature. Dragons knew they would be in for a tough match but for most of the first half Dragons matched the home side’s attack. It was the home side who had most of the possession but thanks to strong defending from Holly Reding, Lou Murray and Sophie Thomas , GK Siobhan Cleeve had little to do. Tireless running upfront from Hayley Toleman Emma Tabrett and Aoife Lowe Davies, pressurised the home sides defence and combining with Rachel King were able to create chances.  It was from one of Dragons’ attacks that the home side opened the scoring. A contentious decision in the Dragons’ attacking half saw the home side break at pace and were able to go into half time with a 1 -0 lead.

Dragons remained positive at half time and went into the second half in search for an equaliser. However, it was the home side who scored next following a well worked short corner which deflected high into the goal.   With Marie James and Pollyanna Watson working hard in the middle of the pitch for Dragons, they began to see a little more possession of the ball. Olivia Thomas and Niamh Lowe-Davies causing problems on either wing created a goal mouth scramble where the Bromley and Beckenham GK managed to keep the ball from the crossing the line. This gave the away side some hope but unfortunately this was soon squashed when despite some more good defending from the away side and player of the match, Lizzie Moulton, another short corner from the home side which was going wide deflected into the goal. This was soon followed by another well worked short corner to slighter flatter the home side with a final 4-0 score line.

Credit to Bromley and Beckenham who were a well drilled and organised side showing  why they are 2^nd in the league. Dragons will take a lot form this defeat as they travel to Maidstone next Saturday to make amends.

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Women’s East Hockey League Division 1N
Norwich Dragons 2s 0-1 Norwich City 1

With the clouds clearing and the sun burning away the last of the frost, the match was given the go ahead by Captains Karen O’Neill-Simpson and Debs Painter. In fact conditions were perfect for hockey, all be it cold for the hardy spectators. Dragons welcomed Natalie Beal back to the team and Emma Cleland making her debut against the league leaders.

Whilst disappointed to come away with nothing, the team had done what was asked, given their all and shown they can more than compete with the top teams in this league. The team remain strong and know they have to continue to work hard to reach their target, but they undoubtedly have the players and spirit to do this. Thanks to the sideline support for braving the colder climes!

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Premier Division
Norwich Dragons 3s P-P Magpies 3

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 1
Norwich Dragons 4s P-P Magpies 5

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 2
Norwich Dragons 5s P-P Magpies 6

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 2
Norwich Dragons 6s P-P Evergreens 2

Sadly there wasn’t enough Dragon heat in the pitch this morning to keep the frost, ice and snow at bay, so despite getting six games on at the Den yesterday, including three moved from UEA Sportspark, we have reluctantly had to postpone the Men’s Master last 16 match today.

The Zimmer frames just won’t function in these conditions!!

The Ladies of the 6s and 7s (with a few 5s guests) got together for a morning of fun, frolics and food.

Merry Christmas!!

A quick look at how the Norwich Dragons Hockey Club teams are doing at the halfway stage in the season for most teams……

Ladies 1s

Men’s 1s

Ladies’ 2s

Men’s 2s

Ladies’ 3s

Men’s 3s

Ladies’ 4s

Men’s 4s

Ladies’ 5s

Men’s 5s

Ladies’ 6s

Men’s 6s

Ladies’ 7s

Girls Development

Boys Development

A number of photos from the day here.

Women’s East Hockey League East Prem
Norwich Dragons 1s 1-1 St.Albans 2

Dragons set off for their later start in high hopes of continuing their recent run of good form.  With 4 wins from 4 games, Dragons knew this was going to be a tough match playing against a team level on points with them in the league table.

Dragons started well, confidently playing the ball around and making St Albans work hard to gain any possession. Dragons’ forward line continuously caused problems and when Emma Tabrett found Hayley Toleman on the base line, her pull back was confidently struck home by player of the match Rachel King to put the away side deservedly ahead. St Albans came into the game as the half came to a close and were denied an equaliser when Olivia Thomas was able to clear off her own goal line.

The second half saw the home team continue to press forward and despite the best efforts of the Dragons defence, equalised only minutes after the restart. This didn’t deter the Dragons who continued to play the ball confidently and create some good chances. Aoife Lowe-Davies went on a good run. Drawing the keeper out, she slotted the ball to Stacey Lee who saw her sweeping shot somehow saved by the stick of the diving St Albans GK. The home GK was in fine form and denied Dragons of another good opportunity before the final whistle went.

A good away point was taken by the Dragons who are now unbeaten in 5 games. Next week they travel the short distance to Harleston, which promises to be an enthralling local derby, especially after the Dragons 8-0 win in the first league game of the season.

Women’s East Hockey League East Prem
Norwich Dragons 1s 6-2 Tunbridge Wells 1

On an extremely cold and windy day, Dragons welcomed Tunbridge Wells to the Den looking for their 4th consecutive win.

It was the home side who started the most positively in the conditions and soon found themselves 2 goals up through two short corners. The first came from Hayley Toleman who, under extreme pressure from the defence, managed to coolly slot the ball past the keeper. The second minutes later from a superb Stacey Lee deflection.

Dragons didn’t sit back and played some really attractive hockey, creating some good chances.  They were rightfully rewarded when the ball moved from one end of the pitch to the other and Rachel King was able to pick out Olivia Thomas who finished in style to put the home side three up going into half time.

Dragons started the second half where they left off, passing the ball round the pitch and scored another team goal, this time through Nat Beal, who was at the back post to slot the ball home.

Credit to Tunbridge Wells who didn’t give in and pushed forward and were rewarded with 2 quick goals, one through a short corner and the other via a penalty flick where GK Siobhan Cleeve was unlucky to not to keep out after she got a strong hand to it.

Dragons could have easily faulted here, but learning from previous performances and buoyed by well deserved player of the match Niamh Lowe Davis, who worked tirelessly in defence and attack, they pushed forward and scored their 5th through Emma Tabrett who calmly finished another short corner with a great drag shot. The home side were still not finished and neither was Hayley Toleman who scored another, making it her 4th goal in two games, and Dragons comfortable and deserved winners.

Next week sees Dragons travel to St Albans who are equal on points in the the top of the table.

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Women’s East Hockey League Division 1N
Norwich Dragons 2s 2-2 Saffron Walden 1

Dragons Ladies 2’s visited League leaders Saffron Walden hoping the forecast of 50+mph freezing winds wasn’t going to come to fruition – it is fair to say it was probably worse conditions than were forecast! The team knew it was going to be a tough game, however the positivity in the changing room was excellent and Captain Karen O’Neill Simpson made sure the team went out full of belief and in no doubt what they needed to do, to get a result.

Early encounters saw Saffron Walden start strongly, moving the ball around at pace and playing some nice triangles, putting pressure on the Dragons defence, however marshalled well by GK Amy Forse, the back line of Ally Windsor-Waite, Angela Murgatroyd and Rowan York-Smith battled hard and kept the home team at bay. Somewhat against the run of play Dragons had some pressure of their own and opened the scoring. From a long corner, Sophie Thomas found Gail Thomas, who smartly drilled the ball into Marcy Windsor-Waite in the D, with confidence Windsor-Waite turned sharply and slotted the ball into the corner beyond the GK.

Dragons had further opportunities – Laura Goodbun showed her great pace and skill on a couple of occasions to get down the right and fire in a cross, one of which Laura Shreeve was just inches away from. The midfield were working hard to keep the league leaders at bay, with Karen O’Neill Simpson, Gail Thomas and Pollyanna Watson keeping strong in the middle to prevent a well drilled team getting through, whilst the wide midfielders of Pip Howes and Sophie Thomas were working tirelessly up and down the flanks. Eventually however, there was a break down the right, which lead to a smart ball across the D which was dispatched at the far post to make it 1-1 at halftime.

The team gathered for the half-time teamtalk which was quite a different to their usual tactical discussion. There was some hilarity from the girls who had become slightly delirious, given most were barely able to hold their sticks or feel their legs! The call was to simply try to thaw out a little, in the tiny wooden dug-out!

Walden started the 2nd half brightly again and Dragons were under pressure. Short corner defence practise for Dragons had clearly paid off, with the defence looking really strong, but if the ball did get through Amy Forse was in inspired form. Eventually however, a bit of individual brilliance from a Saffron Walden player saw her beat 2 or 3 players and then dispatch a tomahawk reverse strike into the bottom corner to take the lead.

The wind continued to blow and a few comedy moments resulted, one seeing Ally Windsor-Waite lose control of her stick to see it fly behind her, nearly going over the back fence ;-)! The home team always threatened however, as did Dragons on the break and it was during this spell that Dragons had a free hit just outside the D. Pip Howes moved around the circle, then fired in a great ball which was eventually put into the goal, following a bit of a scramble in the D. Sadly however, on appeal by a Walden player, the umpire furthest from the D decided that the ball hadn’t gone the required 5 metres, despite the closest umpire confirming to the Dragons that it had. After discussion, the goal was somewhat surprisingly disallowed.

This understandably unsettled Dragons and they possibly lost their concentration a little and were rewarded with a couple of cards. It is fair to say however, Dragons rode the storm and ended the game very much the more determined of the two teams. Marcy Windsor-Waite picked up the ball on the right from a strong defensive clearance by Rowan York-Smith. Windsor-Waite looked up and placed a perfectly weighted ball into Laura Shreeve, who continued to be full of running, even with 2 minutes to go. Shreeve took on the defender and entered the D and unleashed a rocket, which smashed the back board with some venom!

The result felt like justice for Dragons, given the disallowed goal. The team celebrated, possibly just through sheer relief to be retreating indoors from the biting wind. Player of the Match was run-away between Amy Forse and Rowan York-Smith, with GK Amy Forse just edging it, however the whole team should be proud of their performance in tough conditions.

Our thanks go to our brave sideline support who endured the elements to cheer us on!

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Premier Division
Norwich Dragons 3s 1-0 Dereham 3

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 1
Norwich Dragons 4s 0-1 Dereham 4

The Dragon ladies were very pleased with their victory against Diss ladies last week. On paper this week’s challenge should have been a much easier affair. The conditions were testing, with the two teams duelling each other through the wind, rain and hail.

Dragons had the lion share of the possession. Louise Davis had an exceptional game this week with a very determined performance. Chelsie Crawford was also impressive. Megan Williams, Sophie Farrow and Holly Francis covered a great deal of ground in the midfield. Gemma Rump was very committed in every tackle.

Dragons won five short corners, however failed to hit the target with any. This is an area that Dragons will need to improve on if they wish to remain competitive.

The Home team had three shots on goal, which all sailed past the far post.

Dereham had one opportunity to score, but they took it well and after 25 minutes were leading by a goal.

In the second half Dragons lost their shape and became ill disciplined in a frantic attempt to find an equaliser. Dereham defended their lead well  until the final whistle.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 2
Norwich Dragons 5s P-P Beccles

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 2
Norwich Dragons 6s 0-2 North Norfolk 2

Another game which the 6s thoroughly enjoyed, despite losing to a very strong North Norfolk team and getting soaked to the skin. More last minute changes – very many thanks to everyone who made sure we got a team out. The 6s still need to learn to put the ball away, and to start each half hard and with intent, because that was when North Norfolk got their goals, but for the rest of the match the 6s matched the home team for possession and certainly for skills. Kat Speirs made her debut in goal and was POM for some very brave saves and some phenomenal clearances – one of which almost reached the half way line. She also showed excellent judgement when choosing which balls to swoop on, and which to leave alone.

In front of Kat, Katy Saide had a strong game in the middle, with Ginny Simkin and Katie Franks on either side. These three were very solid, and initiated plenty of attacks from the back. The mids flexed around during the course of the match. Emma Buxton calmly commanded from the bottom of the diamond and made some outstanding interceptions. Rachel Matthews is a formidable left mid, who is fast and tenacious and added real strength to the 6s midfield play. Sophie Thurtell continues to improve every game, and she rotated with Sarah Norman who was equally determined when she had the chance to move further forward. Birthday girl Gill Walker had her hands full at the top of the diamond against a very powerful pair of rushing forwards, but Gill also showed her value by taking a stint in defence, enabling Dragons to stay sold at the back when they had their best attacking spells.

Beth Elgood  played a total forward role this week. Hard to believe less than a month ago she was considered to be key in defence. She has genuine speed and determination to get onto the post, but this week she was not lucky; the North Norfolk keeper was a brave shot stopper. Catherine Matthews and Lucy Morton are getting to grips with the inner positions and did a lot of skilful ball carrying and passing. Jess Vernon joined the 6s this week and played well on either wing.

This was a game in which the entire squad played well, earning six penalty corners which must be our best tally this season so far. Catherine nearly got what might be considered a fair reward when her powerful sweep was cleared at the last second. Rachel had two excellent strikes from the top of the D, and Lucy’s injection was consistent and accurate.

So another defeat recorded, but the 6s agreed that this defeat felt as good as a win against high-flying opposition. The 6s, unit by unit, are stronger than they were at this time last season. If the entire squad can continue to improve, and enjoy their hockey, they should be able to achieve their ambition of consolidation in this division. And let’s not forget, the 6s don’t start to ‘play’ until after Christmas!

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 3
Norwich Dragons 7s 2-3 Pelicans 3

Dragons 7 gritted their teeth and prepared themselves for their first match of the season in wintery weather conditions against Pelicans 3, who had made the arduous journey down from Kings Lynn.Pelicans dominated the first half from the start, managing to score 2 goals in the first 20 minutes. Dragons defenders Emily Roper, Ruth Barton, Jemima Williams and Jo Baker all had their work cut out fighting off the attack, with goalkeeper Alessandra Pelligrini making a great number of saves. Bottom of the diamond Emma North aided the defence and kept trying to push the ball up to the midfield. Nikki Moulson made great interceptions, getting the ball past Pelicans and trying to get it up to Pelicans goal. Brooke Simmons on the left and Sophia Gilbert on the right kept making great runs up each wing, trying to get the ball over to forwards Katie Moulson, Mia McGhee, Amy Hunter or Claire Fairhurst.

After a motivating team talk from sideline helper Rich Moulson, where they were reminded to look up before hitting the ball, Dragons started the second half keen to find the backboard. Pelicans managed to score again, but it didn’t stop Dragons, and their persistence was rewarded. Dragon’s first goal was scored by Nikki, with a great strong hit from the top of the D. Their second goal was scored by Mia, who made a break for it and despite the talents of the Pelicans keeper, managed to hit a lovely firm shot straight into the back of the goal. Dragons kept on fighting until the last second, but had to settle for a 2:3 loss.

Jemima earned herself POM for her great defending in her debut match for Dragons.Dragons finished the match knowing that they played so much better in the second half and with a few minutes more may have scored more.

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Mens East League Division 2N
Norwich Dragons 1s 4-3 St Ives 1

Clear and crisp moments with patches of stormy uncertainty. Words that could be used to describe both the weather and hockey on show during the mens 1st team game against St Ives this weekend. The Dragons claimed three well earned points and continue to build on a sense of positivity that is  spreading through the team.We thought we’d give St Ives a fighting chance by gifting them a short corner less than 5 mins into the game. An astute deflection form the resulting corner provided us with the required vigor to realise the task in hand.

Shortly after conceding the first goal, Robbie ‘not in my D’ Bell came charging off his line to make an important sliding save to prevent Dragons going 2-0 within the first 15mins of the game. Whilst the previously plucky St Ives forward lay on the ground contemplating; ‘Maybe if I hadn’t read the entire Harry Potter book series… this would never had happened’ Norwich Dragons began stamping their authority on the game.Captain George Walker leveled the scores after a maisey and somewhat lumbered run into the opposition D ended up with a wild swing which left the ball rolling round the top corner of the St Ives goal. The goal visibly provided the team with a lift, if George just beat 2 players and lifted the ball in the top corner…. anything felt possible.Unfortunately the delusions were short lived as St Ives went 2-1 up following another soft short corner giveaway.

The Dragons were not fazed. Mark ‘flat sticks’ Clubman and Henry Shumacher denied the St Ives midfield any time on the ball and eventually their hard work paid off. Mark robbed St Ives’s play maker of the ball and led a purposeful charge towards the baseline. Mark pulled the ball back for super sub Lewis Jackson to place the ball neatly into the bottom corner of the St Ives goal. 2-2 Game On!

Shortly before half time Mary Berry Smith provided Dragons with the lead. His drag flick thumped against the back board from a short corner. ‘Low for scorey… high for glory’ he said at half time. Never has a truer word been said.

The second half of the game was stretched with both teams desperate to claim the three points. St Ives scored on the break and some lumberjack esk tackling from Nick Deayton reduced Dragons to 10.

Up steps the bearded wildling. After playing a cleverly thought out one two with the St Ives goal keeper he calmly pushed the ball into the bottom corner of the opposition’s goal to secure three desperately needed points for the first team.

Plenty of positives to build on and next weeks game at Ipswich provides the perfect opportunity to maintain momentum.

DRAGONS!

RB – MOM
ND – DOD
# OllieKing

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Mens East League Division 3NE
Norwich Dragons 2s 1-2 Pelicans 2

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Men’s East Hockey League Division 3NE
Norwich Dragons 3s 0-5 Newmarket 1

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Men’s East League Division 4NE
Norwich Dragons 4s 1-3 Newmarket 2

Dragons travelled to a Newmarket team one place above them on the league.  Despite the loss of a few regulars due to a clash with the Postwick WI cookery demonstration (A Casserole dish special) Dragons more than matched their opponents in the early exchanges.  R Rai , C Nunn & Bangers. proved a constant threat from midfield. Against the run of play Newmarket took the lead with a quick counter attack following a Dragons attack.

Dragons edged their way back into the game, bustling Captain Rob and our dashing spaniard Alberto, help blunt the Newmarket threat a allow the teams young players to roam forward.  One such break into the D by Charlie end with a fine shot, Charlie beat the keeper but not the post…luckily Cross was on hand to put away the rebound.  Dragons continued to have good spells of possession leading up to half time but sadly the ball never quite broke kindly.  Newmarket had the perfect chance to add a 2nd before half time when Dragons conceded a flick. The cat in goal, Chris Millar, used all his guile to stop the flick and keep the scores level.

In the 2nd half Newmarket resorted to crashing the ball forward at pace, this eventually worked as a hard shot from the 25 was deflected passed Chris Millar , Chris had no chance.  As Dragons pushed forward gaps started to appear and Newmarket were able add a 3rd goal to seal the game. Keeper Miller made a number of fine saves to keep the score respectable.

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Men’s East League Division 6NE
Norwich Dragons 5s 5-0 IES 5

Thanks to the inclement weather the team were already cold and wet before this epic match began. We were about to start with bare 11 when luckily Ray Hansell arrived to lend a hand. Who was to know he would be needed within the first few minutes as Joel pulled a muscle and had to be subbed off. George Bowman also appeared and subbed on for us later. To say the conditions were appalling is an understatement. With high winds beating the cold rain into our faces we battled to 3 goals up in the first half with Rob Wagstaff hitting the ball as hard as I have ever seen him hit it (and scoring a goal).

With jaws that hurt from clamping against the cold, there was some beautiful passing between the forwards who made the most of the open space they were given. Tim and Daryl did some nice tackles and the youngsters Tom Williams and George Wright did amazing runs down the wings (Tim and George W both scored). It was a tough battle in defence but Robbie Bell did an amazing save from a scorching shot. Joel came back on and scored two in the second half for us to finish the game 5-0. Man of the match was Hamish Packham whose energy in the midfield and total commitment to the ball regardless of personal safety was inspiring.

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Men’s East League Division 7NE
Norwich Dragons 6s P-P Watton 2

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Empresa Norfolk Boys Development League
Norwich Dragons 11-2 Dereham

On the 21^st November the boys development team played against Dereham in their 11^th game of the season. From the beginning of the match morale was up, as we were expecting a good game. Once the warmup was finished, the boys got ready for the game ahead. Pushing off first, we passed the ball around for the best part of 5 minutes until we slipped into their D, and Jono was the first to knock a goal in. After barely a minute had passed, Jono slipped yet another one in behind the Dereham goalkeeper.

At the beginning of the second quarter, hail started to rain down, but the boys kept on fighting as Jono slipped in yet another two, and Johnny got his first of the game all in rapid succession.  Unfortunately, we couldn’t score anymore in that quarter though unfortunately as the ever raining down hail became stronger and stronger, leaving the pitch looking as if snow had fallen on it. Half-time score, 5-0.

After deciding to play a straight half, we begun with Jose using some great 3d skills to push into their D, and with some help from the rest of the players, scored another. It was at this time Dragons would be punished, as strikers from the opposition managed to sneak past our defence in such a way that could only be described as us relying too heavily on our keeper to save every shot. After they scored a goal, the midfielders quickly passed the ball forwards for Jose to neatly whip around the opposition, passing the ball off to Johnny who delivered another punishing goal to the Dereham side. Once again, both Jose and Jono scored another. It was at this point when it would be the time for Dereham to score an excellent goal, leaving the defenders hopeless to protect the goal from the quick skill and powerful shot Dereham executed with somewhat ease. Not wanting to give them anything else more, the dragons side finished off the game with Jono and Jose scoring one more each.

Final score: Dragons 11, Dereham 2

Man of the match: Jose San Millan.

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Empresa Norfolk Girls Development League
Norwich Dragons P-P Pelicans

Women’s East Hockey League East Prem
Norwich Dragons 1s 3-2 Dereham 1

Dragons took the short trip west to play Dereham in a hotly contested local derby game. It was dragons who started the brighter, showing why they were the higher placed team in the league standings.  Dragons won a short corner early on and it was clinically dispatched by Marie James after a good strike from Emma Tabrett. The lead was soon doubled when Hayley Toleman scored her first of the game with a super strike from a very tight angle after her first attempt was saved by the Dereham GK. Dragons still pushed forwards and a great solo run from Stacey Lee rounded the goalkeeper and Toleman was there to ensure it over the line to get her second of the match.

The second half saw Dereham on the front foot and they scored through a well worked short corner of their own. This gave the home team confidence and they pushed forward but were thwarted by some good saves from GK Siobhan Cleeve and player of the match Lizzie Moulton. Dragons struggled to find their rhythm in the second half and although had some useful attacks spent most of the half on the back foot leading to an edgy final period of the match. Dereham in the last attack of the game were awarded a flick which they converted and the match finished 3:2 to Dragons.

Although the dragons squad were pleased with the 3 points, they were very disappointed with their performance and look to make amends with a home game next week.

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Women’s East Hockey League Division 1N
Norwich Dragons 2s 3-2 Blueharts 1

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Premier Division
Norwich Dragons 3s 0-3 Magpies 4

Traveling to Harleston to face the Magpies 4s team Dragons were aware from previous league games that this was to be their biggest test yet. With unrelenting rain and a November chill to match Dragons took to the pitch with great enthusiasm. Taking the first push back they were hard on the attack. Pushing up field with great passing between PoM Lauren Lawrie and mother-daughter duo Caroline and Issy Wolfe Dragons battled towards the Magpies. Intercepting the ball the opposition turned play and hammered the ball back into the Dragons half to the waiting stick of a fellow team mate. Adept skills from many of the Magpies forwards and midfield were far superior to those seen in any of the Dragons previous games. Undeterred young defenders Carmel Windsor-Waite and Laura Bruce hunted down the opposition and thwarted their initial endeavours towards goal. Again Magpies attacked, drawing defenders and keeper alike, neatly lifting the ball and scoring their first well battled goal.

Dragons continued, trying to keep possession and looking for the forward pass. Magpies again seized the small opportunity that Dragons gave them and were again on the attack. Drawing keeper Kristina Smyth to ground and forcing a foul the umpire awarded a flick. Both Magpie and Dragon eyed each other up. The Magpie player fired the ball to the bottom left corner, with bullet like reflexes Smyth denied the goal forcing the ball wide and keeping Dragons in the game.

Sarah Wagstaff took the hit out for re-set of play. Magpies again pushing the Dragons back into their 25. A fumble on the back line was capitalised on by the Magpie forwards seeing their second goal.

Half Time Score 0:2

The second half saw both sides continue with unremitting determination. Back into the foray each team determined to never give up. A strong ball across the mouth of Dragons goal, almost stopped on the line by Hazel Sumner gave Mapies their third and final goal of the game. Never giving up Dragons battled on. Relentless runs from Sam Franklin, Lara Taylor and Natasha Falzon and expert balls from Sian Lawrie gave Dragons their 10 minutes. Finally forcing Magpies back into their final quarter with only minutes of the game remaining. Packing the D with defenders Dragons were unable to find their way through. In spite of the weather and score line not one player relented until the final whistle.

Final score: Norwich Dragon 3 0:3 Magpies 4
Although the result sees Dragons drop the 3^rd place in the League, all involved should be proud of their performance. An enjoyable and well battled game, Dragons look forward to meeting the Harleston side again in the home leg.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 1
Norwich Dragons 4s 4-2 Diss

Diss have had an excellent start to the season. Following Dragons defeat last week, Diss were leading Dragons in the league. This was a game we desperately wanted to win. Previous encounters at Eye had always been a close affair. We knew that they had a number of very quick skilful players, and were exceptionally quick on the break.

Diss started well, and their tactics of leaving a man high and closing down the Dragon midfield caused the Dragons defence some concern. It was a relief then when against the run of play Dragons scored their first goal. Denise Howes herself lingering high received the ball from midfield, beat of a challenge from Diss defence and struck the ball soundly into the right hand corner.

Dragons lead was short lived when Diss equalised within five minutes. An unmarked man in the area managed to beat the defence and Dragons keeper.

Dragons keeper Laura Tuck (Player of the match) made a number of crucial saves during the match.  Time and time again she found herself one on one with the Diss striker, to keep Dragons in the game.

Dragons were pleased to welcome Zara Howes from the Dragons 5 team, who played an excellent second half after finding her feet. Megan Willams and Gemma Rump as always were quick to intercept and were on hand to chase back and assist the defence when required.

Denise Howes got her name on the score sheet a second time. Sopfie Farrow injected the ball from a corner and Denise Howes received the ball and took a quick shot.  Kate McKenna also added to her seasons goal tally when she collected the ball after a rebound off the keepers pads and nudged it past the keeper. Sophie made it four when she was on the end of a pass from Holly Francis, and took the most of the opportunity.

With two minutes left on the clock, Diss were awarded a flick. A Dragon foot deflected the ball on the goal line. Laura Tuck was unable to stop the ball this time.

Dragons were relieved to come away victorious and look forward to welcoming Dereham to the Den next week.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 2
Norwich Dragons 5s 1-2 North Norfolk 2

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 2
Norwich Dragons 6s 1-0 Magpies 6

Even though the 6s’ second win of the season was not secure until the final whistle, it was somehow more comprehensive than the score suggests. And if that sounds like a nonsense, it’s all down to the to the fact that the 6s are, well, different. First off, they did play very, very well. Some of their passing sparkled and they wound themselves up to tackle back in a most determined manner, which is not always their strength.  However, they could have been undone if they had to play all five scheduled changes, but in the end a late call-off meant they had a squad of 13, which seems to be their optimum number.

So it was almost a settled defence, with Alice McNeile coming in to play on the right, with Katy Saide and Katie Franks alongside and the whole unit looking tight. Ginny Simkin grows in confidence in the bottom of the diamond, and the team’s confidence in her was indicated by the decision to play Jo Eke at the top of the diamond from the beginning, in an attempt to generate more attacks. Jo had an outstanding game, full of running and tackling. She took the POM and also created the only goal when she hammered the ball from the top of the D. It took a wicked deflection and looked as though it was going into the net. Beth Elgood popped up in her poacher’s position on the near post to make sure that it did. The goal led to a frantic last five minutes, when Magpies redoubled their efforts to score and Alice Smith came under real pressure for the first time, but she kept her cool and kicked her way out of trouble.

Having said the win was reasonably comfortable, much of this was down to Frank (Katie Franks) who had a flawless game at left defence and pushed Squeaky close for POM. As usual, Frank made some great tackles, but this week showed off her stick skills so that all the attacks down the right were snuffed out and then she sent Dragons away again, either through Beth or through Rosie Skipp depending on who was on duty to make great runs down the left.

Also worthy of praise was Norman (Sarah Norman)  who probably would not say that right mid is her favourite position. But after a few weeks away, she was slotted into this berth and again ran and tackled throughout the game. Sophie Thurtell also impressed with her ability to play flexibly in the midfield or up front.

The unselfishness from Norman and Sophie left Catherine Matthews and Lucy Morton to play inner-like roles. The 6s have great belief in this pairing – fast  determined and hard runners, they are going to get goals galore soon. The ‘inners’ role may well be the right one, if only Bridget Le Good can be persuaded to stay higher. Her ears should be ringing if Christina and Mikki have anything to do with it. Once again their sideline encouragement to all players and expertise on calling play positions had a most beneficial effect on the 6s. The game really flowed in the second half when Jo set up the moves and Bridget’s passes found Beth and Lucy, with Beth in particular showing the determination in the circle that the 6s need. The approach play is coming on, but the finishing still needs attention.

We have three things to learn at training on Wednesday, one of which may be the names Mikki thinks we are called. The other two have gone into our little red book. But a very happy roar of Dragons made their way back up the A140, with progressive play having been achieved for the second week in a row.

Young Dragons Mima Watson, Sophia Kazimierczak and Amy Beadman represented Town Close at The Independent Association of Prep Schools U11 hockey National Finals on Friday and came a very creditable 16th out of 24 schools.  Hosted by Repton School in Derbyshire, Old Reptonians Georgie Twigg and Susie Gilbert were in attendance and Mima took the opportunity to get a photo and her stick signed, a very happy Young Dragon!  Well done Mima, Sophia and Amy!!

Great to see six Young Dragons representing Norwich High School for Girls at Oxford Hawks HC in the under 15s GDST Tournament on Wednesday.  Esme, Lucy, Zara, Rachel, Arabella and Anja all played extremely well and congratulations to Rachel for being voted player of the tournament by the coaches.

The girls narrowly missed out on a place in the semi finals, having a slow start in their first game (understandable with such an early start leaving Norwich at 5.30am) losing 1-0 to a strong Newcastle side, the eventual winners of the Group.  The girls then woke up and won all games after that, beating Sutton 1-0 with the goal from Rachel.  Norwich then took on hosts Oxford winning 2-0 with both goals extremely well taken by Lucy.  The girls saved their best until last, with a 4-0 victory over Blackheath with two goals from Grace, one from Issy and one from Anja, however Newcastle, having won 3 games a drawn 1, went through ahead of Norwich.

Women’s East Hockey League East Prem
Norwich Dragons 1s 1-0 Old Loughts 1

Norwich Dragons welcomed Old Loughts to the Den determined to make it two wins in a row and start to build a run of good results before the Christmas break. Having been beaten by the visitors on both encounters last season the Dragons knew this was going to be no mean feat and would need to be at their best.

Dragons started strong playing some great hockey dominating the first half and created a number of goal scoring opportunities to take the lead but a combination of good saves by the Old Loughts keeper and the Dragons not being clinical in The attacking D resulted in a goalless first half which left the home side dejected as all their hard work, possession and creative play had not been capitalised on.

Dragons went into the second half confident that a goal would come and within 5 minutes of the restart Rachel KING had a great effort from a short corner saved on the line only for Niamh Lowe-Davies to be on hand to convert the rebound.

The visitors started to find their rythum and began to enjoy more possession. They put the home team and the defence under some intense pressure winning a number of short corners and creating a number of chances to equalise from open play and had it not been for the Dragons keeper, and player of the match, Siobhan Cleeve making a number of superb saves the Dragons would have been ruing the chances that went begging in the first half.

This was a really good performance by the Dragons who demonstrated some great passing from the back through midfield getting the ball in areas where they threatened and penetrated Old  Loughts achieving a great victory which has put them ahead of the visitors in the league. There are areas in the final third for the team to improve on which hopefully they will work on and punish their opponents next week.

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Women’s East Hockey League Division 1N
Norwich Dragons 2s 4-0 Letchworth 1

A wet, windy miserable journey down the A11 was faced head on by the steamy ‘fun bus’ and the Dragons girls arrived at Letchworth in high spirits! With a full ‘cabinet’ of medical supplies provided, any thoughts of niggling injuries were soon put aside, as the visitors looked forward to this important league clash. With Aoife Lowe-Davies coming back into the team and Geo Beckwith returning from injury, the squad were ready and raring to go.As forecast, the sun came out early into the game and shone on Dragons, as they started the game at a good pace, dominating possession and having some excellent early chances, however they quickly realised they were up against a Letchworth Keeper who was in inspired form. Dragons needed to bide their time, keep patient and take their opportunities as the came. Laura Shreeve who amazingly once again played for the team following working a night shift, was causing all sorts of problems to the Letchworth defence, coming close on a couple of occasions. Even a blow to the face would not put Shreeve down, who continued on regardless.

Eventually the deadlock was broken, a great team goal with the ball being moved swiftly from right ot left, Gail Thomas finding Pip Howes on the left, who controlled and passed in one sweeping move, finding Hannah Hardy wide left, who made her way into the circle, firing the ball across the D to Aoife Lowe-Davies, who expertly deflected the ball home. Other chances came and went with the post being hit on at least a couple of occasions.

A 1-0 scoreline at half-time didn’t reflect the domination, however the team were buoyed by their performance and knew further chances would come, by keeping patient and continuing to build play from the back through Amy Forse, Ally Windsor-Waite, Rowan York-Smith, Sophie Thomas and Karen O’Neill Simpson, who as a unit always looked strong and in control.

Further opportunities were created, through great build up play from the midfield of Pip Howes, Pollyanna Watson, Gail Thomas and Marcy Windsor Waite. Eventually the goals came – Shreeve working really hard on the right to square for Hannah Hardy to make it 2 -0. An opportunity to make it 3 was squandered by Hardy who missed a penalty flick.

Gail Thomas and Shreeve then linked up well, with the ball falling to Pollyanna Watson, who had held her position well, to sweep the ball home confidently for the 3rd. The 4th was probably the goal of the game (and was too quick for some to see), a move down the left saw Geo Beckwith play a great ball across to Laura Shreeve, who nipped infront of the Keeper to glance home for the 4th.

A game played in great spirits, extremely well umpired and some strong play from both teams. Players of the match for Dragons were Laura Shreeve and Pip Howes and mention once more should go to the Letchworth Keeper! Dragons were pleased to head home with 3 points and a much improved performance by the whole team. Thanks also go to our sideline supporters who had made the journey to cheer the team on.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Premier Division
Norwich Dragons 3s 3-1 Evergreens 1

Dragons welcomed Evergreens to the Den hoping to maintain their top of the table position. The first half was a stalemate with Dragons dominating the Evergreens twenty-five creating plenty of chances but Evergreens were very resilient and effectively kept Dragons at bay. It took a Caroline Wolfe short corner strike of power and precision in the last play of the half to break the deadlock.

Half-time Norwich Dragons III  1 v Evergreens 0

The second half looked to be a continuation of the first half, with Evergreens withstanding a barrage of Dragons attempts with little opportunity to break out and form their own opportinities. When Dragons did stretch the play the quality of their hockey was really good and their set-up and cover defending was of such a high standard that any half attempt to break out by Evergreens was quickly smothered and converted to another Dragons attack. Issy Wolfe scored Dragons second, with neat passing up the field and capitalising on a keepers rebound. Dragons saved the best until last with their third goal, where the ball was fed into the top of the circle by Carmel Windsor-Waite and several passes were exchanged in and out of the circle moving the Evergreens defence and Debs Smith slotted the ball home. In the final play of the game Evergreens caught the Dragons napping and scored a consolation goal.

Full-time score Norwich Dragons 3 v Evergreens 1

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 1
Norwich Dragons 4s 0-1 Reepham

Dragons Ladies 4 suffered their second defeat of an otherwise successful campaign. This week we visited Reepham at Taverham  and were fortunate that the heavy downpour had stopped before our 4.45 start time.

Dragons at times played some exciting hockey .Gemma Rump made some very decisive runs from her position as bottom of the diamond. Kate McKenna also managed to trouble Reepham on a number of occasions.

Kate Atkins, Bella Capp and Louise Davis had to be on their game. Reepham’s main tactic was to leave a couple of men high as targets for some big hits out of defence.

The majority of the time the midfield trio of Debbie Santa Clara, Megan Williams and Claire Canning did their very best to intercept the majority of these hard hits.

Hollie Francis, Anja Finnegan and Sophie Woods tried to get the ball in the back of the Reepham goal, but some solid defending meant that there were few opportunities to challenge the keeper.

Claire Canning played an exceptional final ten minutes and Sophie Farrow also had another impressive game.

After Reepham scored Dragons began to lose their shape a little in a desperate attempt to equalise.

Dragons will need to review their game plan against the big hitting teams. Hopefully we will return victorious from our trip to Diss this Saturday.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 2
Norwich Dragons 5s p-p Watton 3

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 2
Norwich Dragons 6s 2-4 Norwich City 5

This was a closer match than the score suggests, with the 6s taking the opportunity to try players in different positions and in the second half ending up with a combination that could really take the game to a strong and well-drilled City side. Dragons ended up with 12 players, but this actually helped them to bed in some of their new ideas. Dani Winteringham played very well at right back, particularly when it came to channelling the left sided players out of the game. Ginny Simkin was enthusiastic in both defence and in midfield.  Katie Franks returned at left back and put in a great shift in her role as the ‘little big player’ charged with keeping some talented City forwards quiet. Jo Eke did stints at the bottom and top of the diamond, and is a great asset to the team when her distribution skills can be used to get the ball out wide to Lucy Morton, Catherine Matthews or Rosie Skipp. However, she was much in demand at the top of the defensive D!

The score in each half was 2-1, and City were able to score when the 6s were caught ball watching and leaving players unmarked. But this is a basic error that can be soon corrected as the players get used to playing with each other. In each half, if was the way in which the 6s fought back that was the most impressive, with Beth Elgood (POM) scoring twice, her first goals of the season. She set a fine example from left mid, bursting into the D and getting onto the nearside post. Her first goal was a super deflection from a ball hit hard and true into the D. Her second was a well-worked effort in which she took responsibility for sweeping the ball home through a thicket of players.

Catherine Matthews switched to high forward in the second half and looked very comfortable there, definitely giving the 6s quicker penetration into the attacking circle. Gill Walker was again outstanding for her work rate throughout the game. Katy Saide had a good second half, particularly at the top of the D, and Alice Smith had another good game in goal, particularly with her powerful clearances.

The 6s would like to give a massive shout to Christina and Nikki who gave excellent advice and guidance to us whilst running the sideline. They can come again! Also, a word of praise to the two experienced umpires who kept this tough but good-spirited game flowing with never a hint of a need to reach for a card. They demonstrated an understanding of the game at this level where sometimes things happen through a lack of skill, not through an intent to infringe. So well done Dragons, well played City, we look forward to maintaining our progress and meeting you again.

Women’s East Hockey League East Prem
Norwich Dragons 1s 4-2 Broxbourne 1

Norwich Dragons travelled to Broxbourne determined to bounce back from a disappointing result last week against league leaders West Herts.

The team welcomed 15 year old  Aofie LOWE-DAVIES for her well deserved debut for the first team after some outstanding performances for the second team.

Dragons started the more spritely of the two teams putting Broxbourne defence under some early pressure. Some great attacking play and passing from right defender Holly REDING and central defender Louise MURRAY caused Broxbourne some difficulties but the play broke down in the attacking 25 as the Dragons failed to find that final pass to capitalise on their possession.

After penetrating the home side for long periods the breakthrough finally came, a through ball by MURRAY finding Rachel KING who dribbled the ball from the half way line and great movement by the forwards Hayley TOLEMAN, Stacey LEE and LOWE-DAVIES taking the defenders wide afforded her the space to drive all the way and finishing in style from the top of the circle scoring a great individual goal.

Credit to Broxbourne who battled well throughout and did not let their heads go down retaliating just before halftime to bring the scoreline level.

The second half the Dragons took the lead again some good link up play between Marie JAMES and MURRAY  found LEE on the top of the circle who took the ball to the baseline pulling it back for TOLEMAN to finish. Dragons then switched off momentarily and were immediately punished from a break away by the home side who once again pulled the match level.

Dragons continued to work hard and a second goal from KING and fourth from young dragon Olivia THOMAS gave the visitors all three points.

This  wasn’t the Dragons best team performance but their work rate, determination and team spirit, as always, was never in question. LOWE-DAVIES had a strong first team debut with  a faultless performance and is an exciting talent for the future of this team. REDING too didn’t put a foot wrong and Louise MURRAY continues to put strong performances in week in week out being invincible at the centre of defence and was awarded player of the match for the second week running.

The team look forward to taking on Old Loughts at the Den next week who they have yet to take points from at this level.

Women’s East Hockey League East Prem
Norwich Dragons 1s 1-3 West Herts 1

Dragons played host to the league leaders this week aiming to stop their 100% winning streak.

Dragons started brightly enjoying some good possession, moving the ball around well and keeping the visitors attack at bay.  Olivia Thomas and Niamh Lowe Davis worked tirelessly on both wings, supported by Marie James and Hayley Toleman, created some early opportunities.  At the other end, superb defending from Player of the Match Louise Murray, along with Holly Reding, Hollie Limmer and GK Siobhan Cleeve enabled the home side to keep the scores level at the break.

The second half followed the same path as the first and with the scores still at 0-0, Dragons were unfortunate to see several chances not reach the net with the ball striking the post and the West Herts GK making some fine saves.

Photos from a few of the day’s matches here.

Women’s East Hockey League East Prem
Norwich Dragons 1s 3-1 Cambridge University 1

Women’s East Hockey League East Prem
Norwich Dragons 1s 3-3 Maidstone

On a very wet Saturday morning, Dragons welcomed Maidstone to the Den, which on form, looked like it was going to be a very close encounter.

Luckily for the few spectators the rain dried up and the game began with Dragons on the front foot. The team, determined to learn from last week’s performance, were sharp from the off thanks to a good warm up from the NI girls. However, it was the visitors who made the breakthrough first through a powerful short corner strike. Dragons were not deterred and pushed forward, player of the match for the second week running, Rachel King, was instrumental   in attack and it was her run to the baseline and pull back which allowed Hayley Toleman to sweep the ball goal wards and for Marie James to tap in at the post to equalize. Nothing more than the Dragons deserved.  The home side continued to push forwards and went ahead thanks to a short corner of their own.  King dispatching a clever reverse stick shot through the keeper’s legs to give the Dragons the lead at the half time break.

The second half saw Maidstone inevitably push forward looking for an equalizer but strong defending from Niamh Lowe Davis and Hollie Limmer kept them at bay. The travelling side did find the net after another well worked short corner to level the game again. Credit to Dragons as once again they stayed focused and a great interchanging of passes resulted in another short corner. Great play from Emma Tabrett and Rachel King allowed Marie James to sweep in her second of the game and put the Dragons in front. In this end to end game, the visitors still didn’t give up and after a short corner was awarded, they levelled the game again with just a few minutes to spare.

The Dragons performance was much improved after last weeks and although disappointed with a draw, will head to Cambridge in search for their next 3 points.

Many congratulations for some great successes for our Partnership Schools over the last week, great to see Norwich Dragons’ players playing a pivotal role in each team.

Norwich High School for Girls under 19 team won the Girls’ Day School Trust championship. Captain Niamh Lowe-Davies alongside sister Aoife, Pollyanna Watson, Maddie Denman, Emma Buxton, Pip Howes and Laura Bruce represented Norwich Dragons HC in the team, a fantastic achievement by all the girls!!

Last Tuesday the U16 Hockey squad travelled to Gresham’s for the County round of the National Schools’ Hockey Competition, having won the Area tournament beating Langley and Norwich School.  The Girls took the County Title for the second successive season with a 10-0 win over Litcham, a 3-0 victory over Wymondham College to secure a semi-final place against hosts Gresham’s a well-deserved  3-0 victory ensured the girls booked their place at the Regional Finals to be held in November at the UEA.  The final against Langley needed a special goal from Aoife to split the sides.

Well done to Dragons Aoife, Pip, Rachel and Chelsea!

and last but by no means least, on Friday Town Close under 11 Girls made it through to the Independent Schools’ National Finals in November at Repton School, well done to our Young Dragons Jemima W, Sophia K and Amy B and good luck for the National Finals!!

Yes, it’s that time of the season when the Dragons Hoof competition gets under way, with last season’s holders, the Ladies 2s, desparate to defend their title and retain the most sought after trophy in the Dragons’ Trophy Cabinet.

The Hoof is designed to provide a bit of intra Club competition/fun regardless of the level each team plays at and also an additional incentive on Saturday over and above the actual fixture.

It is run as a league table for all the teams in the Club.

Points are awarded as follows:

3 points for a win
1 point for a draw
1 point for a clean sheet
1 point for every 3 goals the team scores in a game

The league table positions are based on a team’s game average (eg total number of points / number of games).

Games included are friendlies and league games played between the start of the season and the awards night.

Games not included are tournaments or those outside of the allotted season or those conceded by either team.

The table will be published on the HomePage

Lots of new kit on display from the ladies with the return of skills training this week, the Men’s Club Day training starts on 20th August as all teams prepare to hit the ground running for the new season with two pitches in place at the Den.  #excitingtimetobeaDragon

Many congratulations to another International Dragon, Tabba proudly pulled on the England shirt this weekend to play for England Lions Mixed team to play a strong Royal Air Force side.  A 3-1 win on the Saturday meant that the RAF side had to come out and attack the Lions in the second game of the weekend on Sunday.  The RAF team came away with a 2-1 win, however that wasn’t enough to win overall and so England Lions took the honours and the Cup!

Tabba was voted Ladies Player of the Match.

#proudofourDragons

No wedding would be complete without a lovely dress, plenty of confetti, a hockey ball, a hockey stick each for the Bride and Groom and a Guard of Honour from Norwich Dragons HC! Many congratulations to Emily Rolls and Sam Matthews on their wedding today, a (hockey) match made in heaven!!  Adam Sayer and Sylvia Hunter also tied the knot today, so plenty of Dragon matrimony on a perfect Summer’s day.

Norwich Dragons HC has now qualified to be a Learning Destination for the Norfolk Children’s University.

Norfolk’s Children’s University offers 5 to 14 year olds exciting, high-quality learning activities and experiences outside normal school hours.

Their aims are to develop young people who make full use of the breadth of learning opportunities outside of the school day, to help children become life-long learners, and to increase their skills, knowledge and self-confidence.

Norwich Dragons Hockey Club is extremely proud to be part of this fantastic initiative.

Passport to Learning

Through the Passport to Learning, the scheme aims to encourage children to take part in extra learning in their schools, in out of school clubs, and also to enjoy everything on offer across the county in places like our museums, libraries and outside venues.

As children show that they want to learn by choosing to do these extra things, Norfolk’s Children’s University celebrate the children’s achievements with certificates and special Graduation Days at the University of East Anglia.

We look forward to seeing lots of Young Dragons graduating in the years to come!

Well done to Rachel and her Ulster team-mates for being selected to play against England Under 23s at Bisham Abbey.

Full squad here.

Photos from the 2nd and 3rd games in the 3 match series here.

Following the success of the Norwich Dragons Hockey Club’s yoga classes, today has been declared the United Nations International Day of Yoga!

Worried that the Dragons were going to become the Kings & Queens of Yoga, the home of yoga, India, today had to try to compete by arranging for 35,000 people to take part in a 35-minute yoga session, aimed at setting a new Guinness World Record for the largest yoga class at a single venue.

Come on Dragons, we can match that!!

Download (PDF, 1.77MB)

What a Week – What a Club!! 

Picked up the Norwich City Council Club of the Year Award from Lord Mayor and Sheriff of Norwich on Wednesday, won the UEA Tournament yesterday and today collected the Championship Trophies for Ladies 2s and Men’s 4s.  Oh and found out that in the DRAFT East Men’s Divisions, the Men’s 3s have been promoted to East Division 3NE, that’s 2 Championships and a Promotion for that team in just 4 seasons, very impressive.

How long until we re-start the season??

An extremely proud evening with many of this Club’s finest ambassadors receiving the Sports Club of the Year 2015 Award from the Lord Mayor of Norwich and the Sheriff of Norwich at Norwich City Hall.

Thank you to the many stars that make this such a fantastic Club to be associated with. Great to see several more Dragons representing Norwich High School for Girls, who picked up the Sports School of the Year for 2015.

Turns out the Lord Mayor and Sheriff are former hockey girls, so we are looking to get them down to the pitch in all their robes, to help us celebrate the award!!

During the Awards Ceremony, the Sports Development Team at Norwich City Council, said:

“With the closure of Pinebanks in 2008, this Club could very easily have disappeared, however, thanks to a small group of members, passionate about the sport of hockey, survival plans were developed.  Renamed as Norwich Dragons Hockey Club, reflecting the strong links between our Fine City of Norwich and Dragons, the foundations for a great Club were put in place.

In 2009 there were very few adult players and a small Junior section, with Friday night training sessions sometimes seeing 3 youngsters coached by 3 dedicated coaches!

After years of planning, fundraising and project management a new hockey pitch was opened in 2011 on the Hewett School site, in partnership with the Hewett and Town Close schools.

A second pitch is now complete on the site thanks to a great partnership with Sports School of the Year, Norwich High School for Girls.

Thanks to its volunteers, the Club now provides the opportunity for well over 400 Club Members to take part in hockey and provide voluntary coaching for many more local school children.

A major success for this year has been the ‘Get Back Into’ sessions that have welcomed members to the Club having not played for many years, if at all.

To finish, a recent quote from a parent “My son only joined the Dragons half way through this season, having never played hockey before.  I have been so impressed by the organisation of the club, the coaching, the ethos, the excellent communication – I don’t think any of my kids have been involved in such a well run organisation before, and I’ve been a parent for 15 years!  The second pitch must have been a massive project to get off the ground.  So just thought I’d pass on a really big thumbs up to all of you.” “

With so much ‘Summer’ hockey on offer at Norwich Dragons Hockey Club and the weather being so ‘Summery’ it is no wonder we have so many current and potential Club Members getting involved.

Our extremely successful Mixed Summer league with over 20 teams from across Norfolk and North Suffolk has seen record numbers of Dragons ladies wanting to get involved, almost 60 ladies registered to play in our 4 Dragon Mixed teams.  We are also taking part in the Broadland 7s with one Men’s team and five Ladies’ teams.

One of our big successes has been the Dragons 7-a-side games on a Monday night, a great chance for existing and those potential new members that want to give hockey a go or get back into a sport they enjoyed or endured as a youngster!  On a cold and blustery night last night we saw 25 ladies and girls having a great time on the hockey pitch.

Still to come in our Summer Programme are the specialist skills sessions, when you have a chance to try something different under the guidance of players that have mastered a particular specialist skill and we also have Give it a Go in Goal and our pre-season fitness training, which is always good fun.

Dragon Yoga, UEA Tournament and much more is also coming up.

It would just be nice to see a bit more sunshine!!

If you are interested in sampling what Norwich Dragons Hockey Club has to offer, we are keen to hear from you, whether you have aspirations for National League hockey, or just want to have some fun with new friends, please get in touch here.

#proudtobeaDragon #wherelastingfriendshipsaremade

Empresa Norfolk Women’s Premier Division
Norwich Dragons 3s 4-1 UEA 2

Silz Mixed Tour 2015

Friday 28^th August – Monday 31^st August

Are you (still) over 18?
Do you enjoy playing mixed hockey?
Have you always wanted to visit Solihull?

If so then this is the tour for you!

The tour is an incredibly priced £380 per team of 20 people, and for that you get…

• Camping and car parking space (access to showers and changing facilities)
• BBQ on the Friday night
• Entertainment – of the musical variety
• The chance to win a Fancy Dress competition (more important than the hockey!)
• There is a fully stocked bar on site
• Lots of hockey matches!

The majority of food is not provided though there are facilities on site to buy food if cooking over a gas stove isn’t your thing!

The competition is for mixed teams only. We are looking to put together a team, possibly even two if numbers are good. We need a reasonable balance of men and women as sides must field at least 5 players of each gender.

Team spaces are filling up fast so we need to send of a deposit as soon as possible. If you are interested the please contact either Kate Atkins ([email protected]) or Natasha Falzon ([email protected])

To find out more visit: http://www.silz.co.uk/index.html

Women’s East Hockey League East Prem – Final Table

Norwich Dragons 1s 2-2 Broxbourne

The Dragons travelled to Broxbourne for their last match of the season and with their hosts fighting for survival in the league this was always going to be a tough fixture.

The Dragons unfortunately we’re forced to travel with a bare eleven but were pleased to welcome young defender Sophie Thomas for her first team debut.

The Dragons struggled to find their rhythm at the start of the game with the physical tactics of their opponents clearly unsettlling the visitors resulting in what can only be described as a very feisty match which the umpires had to work hard to control.

The host’s determination to survive forced an early goal which was against the run of play.  The Dragons responded quickly; a short corner with Kate TRELAWNY-GOWER finishing in style with a drag flick.
Broxbourne replied again taking the lead but the Dragons continued with their style of hockey and were rewarded by another fine finish by Trelwany -GOWER to draw the game level.

The match was not enjoyable for the Dragons who were trying to play attractive hockey which Broxbourne broke down one way or another.  The umpires demanded a clean game and a yellow card soon followed for Broxbourne. It was a tense end to the match but neither side could find the winner.

This was a real test for the Dragons and in particular Sophie Thomas who certainly would not have experienced a more physical game before but she and the players can be proud of how the conducted themselves on the pitch and towards the umpires.  This was a good away point which has left the Dragons a respectable joint 6th in the league with Harleston with only goal difference separating them.

This has been a fantastic season for the Dragons who survived their first year in this very tough league.

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Women’s East Hockey League Division 2NE

Norwich Dragons 2s 2-1 UEA 1

Download (PDF, 1.07MB)

Another highly successful South Norfolk SSP Quicksticks Tournament at the Dragons’ Den this week with over 100 youngsters in 17 teams representing schools across South Norfolk.  NDHC provided the usual support to the event, with free facility use and umpires galore.

Congratulations to Hillside for winning and being runners up in the event, great to see so many Young Dragons in the Hillside teams and several others too!

1^st – Hillside 1

2^nd – Hillside 2

3^rd – Trowse

4^th – Seething and Mundham 1

5^th – Newton Flotman 1

Women’s East Hockey League East Prem
Norwich Dragons 1s 0-0 Wapping

Norwich Ladies Dragons were excited to travel to Wapping on Saturday to play on the 2012 Olympic Park hockey pitch.  On a beautiful sunny day the scene was set for a memorable occasion for all those involved in this fixture.

Wapping had pushed the Dragons to the wire when they played them at the Den earlier in the season with Dragons being victorious by one goal but now Wapping had the home advantage on a water based pitch so the Dragons were taking nothing for granted knowing there are no easy fixtures in this league especially when playing away from home.

A draw would be enough for the visitors as this would mean that Wapping would not have enough games left to be able to  leap frog them in the league so the onus was on the home team to do enough to take all three points.

The Dragons enjoyed some early possession and played some attractive attacking hockey but were closed down quickly in the final third of the pitch which prevented them from creating too many chances to really test the Wapping keeper. That said the visitors weren’t troubled by Wapping as the spine of their team was strong throughout with  Donna VAUGHAN and Lizzie MOULTON at the heart of the defence supported by the inform Sarah RICHARDS and player of the match Sophie MULLEN.

This is an exciting league for the Dragons to compete in and,  having had back to back promotions, the objective from the start of the season was to consolidate, finish mid table and survive this very tough league which had yet to be achieved by previous squads and, historically, also other clubs.

With the finishing line in sight and two matches left the Dragons are in a comfortable and respectable position in the league and now their focus is  on making themselves, mathematically, safe from relegation. As the sun, unusually for March, beamed down on the ‘surf turf’ and the match was drawing to an end it was clear that the energy was being sapped from the Dragons, and their coach, Pete THOMAS, identified this and was spot on tactically as he tightened the Dragons backline line and settled for a draw. A well-deserved point,  away from home, could prove crucial as the season draws to an end.

The Dragons are now looking ahead and are preparing for their next fixture, and their last game at the Den this season, against local rivals Harleston Magpies who sit just below them in the table.

Friday 22^nd May – Monday 25^th May 2015

Are you over 18?
Do you enjoying playing mixed hockey?
Have you always wanted to visit Essex?
If so, then this is the tour for you!

Yes people it’s our annual trip to Old Loughtonians to participate in 3 days of fabulous hockey.

The tour is an incredibly priced £65 per person and for that you get…

• Food: Breakfast & lunch each day and in the evenings – Pizza, Hog Roast, Curry.
• Camping and car parking space.
• Entertainment – Discos every night!
• The chance to win a Fancy Dress competition (more important than the hockey!)
• Fully stocked bar on site
• Lots of hockey matches!

This year the competition is for mixed teams only.  We are looking to put together a team, possibly even two if numbers are good.  We need a reasonable balance of men and women as sides must field at least 5 players of each gender.

If you are interested in coming we will be holding an initial meeting on Friday 13th March at The Eagle Pub, Newmarket Road, Norwich at 7pm.   In order to secure our team(s) places we need to pay our money up front this year so please come either with £65 cash or your cheque book!

If you are unable to come to the meeting but are still interest in coming on tour please contact either Kate Atkins ([email protected]) or Natasha Falzon ([email protected])

Women’s East Hockey League East Prem
Norwich Dragons 1s 2-3 West Herts

Women’s East Hockey League East Prem
Norwich Dragons 1s 1-6 Cambridge City 2

Having played bottom of the league ipswich last week the Dragons faced the toughest opponents yet, top of the table Cambridge City, away from home.

Cambridge demonstrated why they were sitting pretty in this league; they played the ball around with ease and when not in possession of the ball they closed the Dragons down quickly giving the visitors little time on the ball. The dragons were put under continuous pressure but defended strongly with Player of the Match, Donna VAUGHAN being in the thick of it in the centre of defence and making some timely important tackles Time after time. City were persistent and finally broke the deadlock from open play and two more goals followed before half time.

The Dragons played better in the second half and were equal to Cambs for the majority of the half.  Cambs scored a fourth but the Dragons replied with a fantastic drag flick by Kate TRELAWNY-GOWER from a short corner. The half was well balanced but CIty always looked in control. Two late goals by City as the Dragons tired saw the scoreline finish at 6-1, perhaps not a fair reflection of the match although City were worthy winners.

Women’s East Hockey League East Prem
Norwich Dragons 1s 2-0 Ipswich 2

For three nights only the Men are going indoors to take part in the Norfolk Indoor League that is taking place at the UEA Sportspark.

Fixtures shown here:

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