Mens East League Division 2 North
Norwich Dragons 1s 4:4 Cambridge City 3s

After a couple of reverses on the road in previous weeks Dragons wanted to get back to winning ways at the Dragons’ Den. Cambridge had the better of the early exchanges, though Dragons were playing at a better pace and intensity than previous weeks. Cambridge scored first, after a quickly taken free hit, overloading the Dragons defence. Dragons were soon back into the game when Matt Knights followed up a penalty corner with a low reverse stick sweep after picking up the rebound (1-1). Dragons scored a second through Ed Smith, picking up the rebound from a penalty corner and slapping home from close range. Half-time 2-1 Dragons.

The game continued to be well matched in the second half. Cambridge scored first, shooting home from close range (2-2). Dragons restored their lead through Matt Knights who, on receiving a long pass calmly rounded the keeper and scored into an open net (3-2 Dragons). Though Dragons cleared one Cambridge penalty corner off the line, they were not able to keep out a well executed drag-flick which went high between the keeper and post man (3-3). With the game looking to be heading for a draw Cambridge scored their 4th with 5 minutes to go: their initial shot was well saved by Robbie Whiting in goal, but Cambridge were first to the rebound and flicked the ball into the roof of the Dragons net (4-3). However, Dragons rallied strongly and after good approach play down the left Matt Knights completed his hat trick, volleying the ball into the Cambridge net at the far post. Final score 4-4.

Dragons man of the match was Matt Knights.

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Mens East League Division 4 North East
Watton 1s 1:3 Norwich Dragons 2s

Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s started their game with a flurry against a strong Watton side. Having all of the possession they played fast attacking hockey and were bearing down on goal for the majority of the first half.  After a series of short corners Dragons finally struck when Dan Cheesman fired home a delightful reverse stick undercut. The second came shortly after an Andy Kelsall shot from the top of the D caught a deflection off an opponent. The high work rate pushing forward cost the Dragons, as a goal was conceded late in the first half, Watton won a couple of scrappy free hits, before the ball was bundled in to make it 2-1 at the break.

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East Men’s Hockey League Division 5NE
Norwich Dragons 3s 2:1 Lowestoft Railway 2s

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East Men’s Hockey League Division 6 North East
Ipswich 3s 6:2 Norwich Dragons 4s

Norwich Dragons travelled to Ipswich for their 4th game of the season, to face a team also unbeaten in Division 6NE, who were looking very strong.

With only a slightly weaker side than normal, Dragons absorbed enormous pressure in the first 10-15 minutes to hold a very well organised Ipswich team and give them probably their toughest test in the league so far.  Despite the pressure Dragons became equal to their opponents and caused Ipswich problems when attacking, this subsequently paid off as Dragons took the lead through a Mike Banham short corner.

Ipswich came back however, with Dragons again holding firm at the back but they equalised through some crisp play, this was followed by 2 more quick goals as Ipswich started to show why they are top of the league. Not to be put back Dragons got themselves back in the game before half time, again through Mike Banham converting another short corner.  Half time was 3-2, with all to play for.

Dragons came out in the second half determined to equalise and played well but just couldn’t put enough pressure on the Ipswich goal, short corners came but could not be converted.

Ipswich were held again for a large period in the second half, but began to breakdown the Dragons defence as they sensed more glory.  By now Dragons were playing to prevent conceding any further goals.

Despite the high work rate Ipswich proved to strong and rounded off the game with 3 further goals, which probably flattered the final score line.  Chris Millar was on fine form pulling off a number of vital saves to prevent the score being any higher, which rightfully earned him Man of the Match.

Dragons will take heart from some very strong work rate and positive attitude which will not doubt mean they will be able to see off other opposition in the league with performances like this.

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East Women’s Hockey League Division 2 North East
Panthers 1s 0:1 Norwich Dragons 1s

Dragons Ladies 1^st team struggled to find their recent good form and only just managed to maintain their unbeaten run by a 1-0 victory over a very determined and relentless Panthers Team.

It was the home side that dominated the first half and certainly unsettled the Dragons who found it difficult to get a foothold in the game. In the first half the Panthers work rate was definitely the greater of the two teams and their game plan was proving to be successful with the Dragons being unable to break down the Panthers defence. There were few goalscoring opportunities for the Dragons and those that they did have were confidently cleared by the Panthers keeper who was in great form.

After the break the Dragons began to find their rhythm playing some attractive hockey and they began to boss the game enjoying the greater of the possession and increasing the pressure on the Panthers defence.  The Dragons had a number of penalty corners resulting in good efforts on goal but the Panthers keeper seemed unbeatable on the day making several class clearances. The Dragons persistence and discipline paid off after 20 minutes when they finally broke the deadlock. A well rehearsed penalty corner routine was cleverly finished off by in form Laura SHREEVE who saw her effort loop over the Panthers keeper into the corner of the net.

To the Panthers credit they maintained their dogged determination throughout the match limiting goal scoring opportunities for the Dragons and, to the Dragons credit, although they found this a frustrating game the team stuck together, maintained their discipline and grounded out a win.

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East Women’s Hockey League Division 2 North East
Norwich Dragons 2s 9:0 Old Buckenham 1s

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Marshall Motor Group Norfolk Women’s League Division 1
Norwich Dragons 3s 3:0 Evergreens 2s

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Marshall Motor Group Norfolk Women’s League Division 2
Norwich City 6s 1:2 Norwich Dragons 4s

Photos from this game here

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Marshall Motor Group Norfolk Women’s League Division 2
Herlings 5:0 Norwich Dragons 5s

This one and only game on grass was a good one for the 5s to get out of the way. They had a plan to counter the hard-hitting Herlings, and it worked well in the first half when Herlings had the advantage of the slope  but only managed to score once, thanks to Amy Forse being in fine form in goal. Unfortunately, in the second half the Dragons just ran out of steam, and with Herlings determined to get to the ball first, they were rewarded with regular opportunities to score. Abi Cowe got the player of the match vote for her bravery and determination going in for the ball and turning defence into attack, and her fellow defenders Emma Buxton and Beth Elgood also played well. Holly Francis, the club’s great utility player, held the midfield together and relieved a lot of pressure. Fran Clabon brought energy and determination to her debut performance on the left; Kate Goodrum was undaunted by close marking and pressure; Cath Power and Claire Fairhurst also gave their best on their first league game. Ideally, Dragons would not have given debuts to players in this particular game, but on a week where all the other teams needed to call players up, then the 5s know they did their bit for the club by making their players available. They also have a clear view of what they need to concentrate on in training – it’s back to the core skills of passing accurately, passing early, going to the ball. There are times in hockey when the ability to hit the ball hard is useful, but the 5s do not need to over-focus on that. Accuracy will do.

Photos from this game here

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Marshall Motor Group Norfolk Boys Development League
Dereham 1:4 Norwich Dragons

It was a nice sunny day at Dereham and we were unexpectedly pleased to see the arrival of Edward and Henry, which meant that we were only one man short. Each team fielded two adults, and the first twenty minutes was an evenly played, mainly midfield match, with both sides making some good attacking moves. Despite some clean passing between Ben, Connor and Henry we were unable to penetrate into their D.

Dereham pushed up hard, however there was some excellent channelling by Robert and Edward (playing his debut) and some timely block tackles and clearances by Andy. The pressure at times was too much to prevent them shooting, and Sam made a series of brilliant saves, including two shots from short corners, and came out very quickly to block a shot when one of their forwards broke through our defence to a one on one position.

It was 0-0 at half time; and we decided to have a bit more attacking format – though in the first few minutes we were on the defence and Dereham made a good run with some quick short passing and Sam, now with the sun in his eyes, was unable to stop a great hit in the right hand corner.  The Dragons kept persevering with Ben making some great passes for Connor and Henry to push forward; and on one occasion to Henry who then dribbled down the right wing beating four players and followed by a powerful cross, which was deflected by a Dereham defender into their goal to make it one all.

This gave the team sufficient encouragement to more readily pass the Dereham adults and a good ball by Pedro to Ben who had the pace to pass another defender and a clean strike to make it 2:1.

Five minutes later and Ben made another run down the right wing to cross the ball to Robert, who had found space a few metres off the far post and swept the cross into the left hand corner.

From a 16 yard hit Edward made a fine pass to Pedro who made a good through pass to Henry who dribbled past a couple of defenders and made a cracking shot into the top right corner – however he was fractionally outside the D. The second half was not all attacking and Andy, Robert and Edward proved solid in defence, with Sam making another couple of fine blocks. In the last minute of the game a great run by Ben and Henry, ended with another fine strike by Ben from the edge of the D to make the final score 4:1.

A great result and a well deserved win.

Man of the match: Ben

By Pat Goss

The team: Sam Harvey; Ben Watson; Andy Carver; Connor Adams; Pedro Goss (captain); Robert Chaney-Baxter; Henry Laming; and Edward Murphy; and supported by Peter Davison, John Ives and Henry Eades – all three coming straight after playing in a match at the Den, so many thanks to them!

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Girls Development
Norwich Dragons 2:1 Pelicans 2s (Friendly)

Captain:  Florence Pond

Scorers: Anja Finegan and Sophie James

Player of the Match: Anja Finegan – because of her intelligent movement around the pitch and her individual skill culminating in the first goal for Dragons.

Coaches: Amelia Dawson (pre-match) and Sarah Wagstaff (during match)

Playing adults: Niamh Lowe-Davies, Ruth Willimott and Sophie Cullens

3 Memorable Moments:

–       Anja Finegan’s well-taken goal to open the scoring for Dragons.

–       Sophie James’ unstoppable finish to double the Dragon’s advantage.

–       Great passing from Lotte Korn, Katie Franks and Rachael Matthews.

Thanks to Sarah Wagstaff for coaching the girls, Amelia Dawson for pre-match supervision and Niamh Lowe-Davies, Ruth Willmott and Sophie Cullens for helping the girls out on the pitch.

Mens East League Division 2 North
Ipswich and East Suffolk 1s 4:2 Norwich Dragons 1s

Dragons travelled to newly promoted Ipswich and East Suffolk, hoping to bounce back from the disappointing defeat to Pelicans the week before. However, they found themselves 2 nil down in the first five minutes. Ipswich’s high press lead to a turn over from which they scored and then a second turn over from which they won a penalty corner: Wagstaff on the line was only able to parry the shot into to the net. Dragons struggled to find any fluency in the first half and conceded a 3rd goal making it 3-0 to Ipswich. Dragons finally managed to play to their potential in the final 15 minutes of the half and Sam Parmenter took 2 well taken goals making the half-time score 3-2 to Ipswich and East Suffolk.

Dragons continued to play well in the second half, enjoying much more of the possession and started to create a number of opportunities. The went close when Matt Knights’ pass didn’t quite complete to Snelling as they bore down on the goal keeper. Midway through the half the game was brought to a halt when Chris Simmonds was struck in the top lip by the ball. This resulted in a trip to A&E for him and some stitches; many thanks to the spectator who took him to hospital. This did not disrupt Dragons who continued to look for the equaliser. They managed to win a number of penalty corners, but were unable to beat the Ipswich keeper. By this time it was nearly all Dragons and Matt Knights went close, seeing his deflection just creep over the cross bar. Dragons then lost their captain, Danny Knights, having taken a penalty corner strike directly onto his foot as he ran out. As time began to run out Dragons were caught on the break, Ipswich tapping in at the far post to make the score 4-2 to Ipswich and East Suffolk. This left too much for Dragons to do, final score 4-2 to Ipswich.

Dragons man of the match was Sam Parmenter.
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Mens East League Division 4 North East
Norwich Dragons 2s 4:0 Felixstowe 2s

The Dragons 2s cruised to their 3rd win of the season on their first outing at the Dragons’ Den. A game that was dominated from the off, with the home team playing positive attacking hockey, all in Felixstowe’s territory. Competing with the strict structure and precise passing from the Dragons was a tough task for the away team. It didn’t take long before the opposition’s goal was breached after persistent Dragon pressure. Dan Cheesman’s undercut throwing the keeper completely, to allow the ball to grace the inside of the goal and in the process nearly taking team-mate Piers Gordon-Brown out; if it wasn’t for a swift duck. This was shortly followed up by Mark Flatman slapping in a short corner breakdown at the top of the circle. Ricky Powley was making his presence known by firing several efforts at the goal making the Felixstowe keeper work hard to keep the score at 2-0 going into the interval.

Dragons started the second half as they had done the first, maintaining their positive attacking pressure and structure. The home side’s defence had slightly more to deal with in the half as Felixstowe tried to catch the Dragons on the break, only to be quelled by the inspiring unit at the back. Further attacking pressure lead to more opportunities upfront with Dan Cheesman squandering a couple of chances before slotting home from close range and then finishing off his hat trick with a coolly taken effort, giving the Dragons a 4-0 victory.

Man of the Match: Dan Cheesman.

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East Men’s Hockey League Division 5NE
UEA 4s 0:2 Norwich Dragons 3s
Dragons Scorers: Will Kirby and George Walker.

Dragons Mens 3rd team started this match positively and soon had the young students on the back foot. The pressure soon resulted in the team being awarded a short corner which was capitalised on when Will Kirby’s effort from the top of the D arrowed into the bottom corner of the goal to give the Dragons a 1-0 lead. Attacks continued to be created and some good saves from the UEA keeper ensured his team remained in the match. Peter Davison was having a commanding performance at sweeper for the Dragons and also acting as a support for the Dragons midfield and would be duly rewarded after the match by being nominated as player of the match. The half ended 1-0 with UEA failing to trouble the Dragons keeper.

Early in the second half the Dragons increased their lead when a good cross from Will Kirby enabled George Walker to score a rare open play goal. This two goal cushion helped to ease any anxiety in the Dragons players minds. The Dragons continued to create chances and win short corners but continued good play by the UEA keeper ensured they could not score the goals that would have reflected the dominance of their performance.

A good performance playing at times in both defence and midfield was witnessed from Jon Goodson.

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East Men’s Hockey League Division 6 North East
Norwich Dragons 4s 4:3 Bury St Edmunds 4s

Bury St Edmunds 4s travelled to the Dragons’ Den with only 10 men, despite this they put up a valiant effort. The visitors scored 2 goals in quick succession with fast runs through the middle. Dragons pulled 2 back to reach the halfway stage all square.  Bury scored another early in the second half but with no subs they were eventually overcome by Dragons dogged persistence who finished stronger and finished the game 4-3 victors. Dragons scorers: Dave Thornton, Henry Laming, Paul Keating and Michael Whitmore with Henry Laming just pipping Rob Jenkins to the Player of the Match, thanks to his top of the corner reverse stick strike.

Photos from this match here

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East Women’s Hockey League Division 2 North East
Norwich Dragons 1s 8:0 Ipswich & East Suffolk 1s

Dragons Ladies 1^st team played host to IES on Saturday and romped to a convincing victory.

The home side started with a high tempo immediately testing the IES defence before Dragons Captain Marie JAMES opened the scoring with a diving effort diverting a cross beyond the keepers reach. The second was soon to follow; some excellent work by Laura SHREEVE allowed Shelly SEAMAN to open her account for the season. The Dragons got a third before half time this time SEAMAN the provider for SHREEVE to neatly slot home from close range.

Having leaked goals in the first two matches of the season and allowing teams back in the game the Dragons were determined to keep a clean sheet and to their credit the defensive back four maintained their discipline and controlled the game giving the team a strong platform to build their attacks.

The home side continued to push forward dominating the game and hungry for more goals. The youngest Dragon Lizzie CHEESMAN started the scoring in the second half smartly deflecting a cross which gave the keeper no chance. The fifth was as a result of a good run by CHEESMAN dribbling past the IES defence before sliding the ball through for SHREEVE who neatly slotted the ball past the keeper. After wave after wave of attacks player of the match CHEESMAN scored a second. SHREEVE full of confidence now was rewarded for her endless running by scoring another two goals and completing her hat- trick for the second consecutive week.

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East Women’s Hockey League Division 2 North East
Panthers 1s 1:1 Norwich Dragons 2s

Dragons travelled to sunny Sheringham with a changed team, due to unavailability. After a slow start, not helped by a sloppy warm-up, Dragons gradually got into the game, forcing a number of short corners. Despite good efforts from Claire Baker and Sophie Cullens, Dragons couldn’t get past a Panthers GK on top form.

Panthers had a spell of pressure, but were thwarted by some solid defending, most notably from Sarah Wagstaff and Player of the Match, Maddie Denman. Panthers scored from a smartly taken short corner.

Not to be down hearted Dragons continued to battle, and finally beat the Panthers keeper following a broken down short corner, smartly tucked away by Claire Baker.

The second half saw Dragons continue to put pressure, with some good work by Klara Moolman and Niamh Lowe Davies, however they couldn’t turn this pressure into goals. Amy Forse was required to make a couple of smart clearances near the end of the game, to keep the score at 1-1. Plenty to build on for the Dragons.

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Marshall Motor Group Norfolk Women’s League Division 1
Dereham 4s 0:8 Norwich Dragons 3s

Dragons came out strong from the start and scored within the opening five minutes. A powerful cross from the right by Caroline Wolfe was skillfully picked up by Pollyanna Watson, who placed the ball neatly in the net.

The second came soon after when a broken down penalty corner was pushed home by Wolfe.

Two more came before the halftime break; Amy Brown scored during free play then Flora Gregorie successfully beat the Dereham keeper one-on-one.

Dragons continued their dominance in the second half, with further goals from Gregorie, Wolfe, and Watson, who completed her hat trick. This earned her player of the match.

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Marshall Motor Group Norfolk Women’s League Division 2
Norwich City 4s 0:4 Norwich Dragons 4s

Norwich Dragons 4s looked to continue their 100% record and did so in emphatic style. Led well by captain Kate Atkins the Dragons dominated possession but were unable to break through the City defence until the dying seconds of the first half when Holly Francis deservedly put the Dragons ahead.

The second half saw Dragons continue the on slaught. Again credit to the City defense who were proving to be very strong.However after lots of possession and patience Dragons were rewarded when Lynne Price put the Dragons 2.0 up. A further 2 goals by Debbie Santa Clara and a cracking shot by Megan Harvey saw the Dragons end the match with a well deserved 4.0 victory and another clean sheet.

Player of the match Catherine Bourassa worked tirelessly as did the entire team. Great effort ladies.

Photos from this game here

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Marshall Motor Group Norfolk Women’s League Division 2
Breckland 0:3 Norwich Dragons 5s

Dragons enjoyed a comfortable win over a weakened Breckland side, who put their strongest outfield player in goal in order to keep the score to a respectable level. She performed heroics, and her fellow defenders bravely withstood a barrage of shots from the Dragons.

However, it was the young Dragons’ players who caught the eye, with Izzy Woodcock making her debut at senior level and opening the scoring. Marcy Windsor-Waite, a product of the Development League Team, was player of the match for some determined runs down the right. She scored an excellent goal by cutting into the circle and lifting the ball through a maze of players. Rosie Korn completed the scoring, picking a ball out of midfield and powering through.

Abi Cowe had an excellent game in the centre of the defence, and ensured Breckland only had occasional forays over the halfway line.  Emma and Katie Buxton have continued to improve their core skills and will not look back this season. Ciara Wilmott and Chiara Bond also look very comfortable at his level, and Beth Elgood and Lisa Harwood enjoyed their Dragons’ debut. Lois McGregor, Laura Goodbun and Bridget Le Good also showed sufficient form to make the point that even at 5s level, Dragons have a strong squad and competition for places this season will be strong. Regular attendance at training is essential; the senior players in particular must look to take responsibility for the fitness levels. The players also need to work on their ‘first touch’ and early decisions.

East Hockey League Division 2 North
Pelicans Mens 1s 3:1 Norwich Dragons Mens 1s

Dragons put in their poorest performance so far of the season, losing 3-1 away to Pelicans. Dragons had high hopes of building on their 7-0 win from the previous week but struggled to come to terms with the pitch and the pace of the game. Despite being on the back foot for the first 10 minutes of the game, Dragons were unlucky when their first penalty corner strike was deflected into the roof of the net by a defender, but was then disallowed by the umpire. Dragons continued to defend for much of the half, conceeding a number of corners. It was from one of these corners that Pelicans scored with a well taken drag flick, low to the keepers left. Pelicans scored their second from a broken down corner, the follow-up strike being deflected by the closing defender past the goalkeeper into the roof of the net. Half-time score 2-0 to Pelicans.

After a strong team talk at half-time Dragons picked up the pace of their game and started to pose more of a threat to the Pelicans defence as well as reducing their attacking opportunities. Dragons pulled a goal back when Garnett Jones’ forceful cross was deflected by a Pelicans defender into his own net (2-1 Pelicans). Dragons continued to push forward looking for the equaliser; the Pelicans keeper pulling off a fine save, deflecting Rupert Snelling’s drag flicked corner onto the post. Dragons were finally undone when a long pass from Pelicans into the Dragons’ defending circle was deflected by a defender into his own net.

Dragons man of the match was Robbie Whiting.

Final score 3-1 to Pelicans.

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East Men’s Hockey League Division 4 North East
Thetford Town 1s 0:2 Norwich Dragons 2s

Norwich Dragons Men’s 2nd XI had a very strong first half, with swift passing and a disciplined structure.  The early pressure resulted in the opposition giving away a series of short corners, however the first goal came from Andy Kelsall who managed to find the back of the net with a first time shot from a crossed ball.  Dragons continued to surge forward with an attacking formation and were awarded a penalty flick late in the first half, duly converted by the experienced Ricky Powley.

The second half brought more of the same pressure from Dragons in Thetford’s half but to no avail needing Damien Ives to pull off some great saves when needed.  The visitors became frustrated that they couldn’t extend their lead and received two yellow cards for misdemeanours, however they managed to hold to their two goal lead to claim all three points.  Neil Shorten received his second consecutive player of the match award for a very solid performance at the back.

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East Men’s Hockey League Division 5 North East
Norwich Dragons 3s 5:0 Harleston Magpies 7s

Dragons Scorers: Adrian Kemp X2,Matt Jenkins,John Ives,Will Kirby.

Dragons 3rd Team played their first match in Division 5NE after last season’s championship winning season. On a glorious Autumn Day against an under strength opposition the Dragons started slowly and couldn’t get their normal passing game working.

The Dragons were woken into life by a Magpies short corner which hit the outside of the post and bounced safely behind. The breakthrough finally came when the ball was moved out of defence and switched to the right before the ball was crossed into the D for Matt Jenkins to score his first goal for the team from close range.The half finished with Dragons leading 1-0.

A half-time team talk stressed the importance of composure and calmness. This was swiftly put into practise with the ball being played to the flanks and taken to the baseline before being cut back for the forwards to have time to shoot. Goals were scored by John Ives with a bouncing shot and by Will Kirby and a double from Adrian Kemp. The Dragons defence was untroubled in the second half dealing well with any danger.

A good performance by young Will Ives on both wings using his pace to good effect deservedly earned him the player of the match award.

Photos of the Game

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East Women’s Hockey League Division 2 North East
Norwich Dragons 1s 4:2 Norwich Dragons 2s

Dragons 1st team started the game at a very high pace, passing the ball around effortlessly forcing an early goal through 1st Team Player of the Match Laura Sheeve. Whilst the 2s worked extremely hard, particularly in defence, Dragons 1s were clinical, with a goal set up by Gail Thomas, finished coolly by Natalie Beal, and another from Laura Shreeve, to make it 3-0 at halftime.

Dragons 2s started the 2nd half extremely positively, playing some great hockey and putting the 1s under pressure. Excellent work from Ally Windsor-Waite on the right, Sarah Wagstaff and Alice Guest in the centre of defence, and some tireless running from 2nd team debutant Klara Moolman, saw the 2s force a couple of short corners, which were both well dispatched by Saskia Delacave, to bring the game back to 3-2.

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Marshall Motor Group Norfolk Women’s League Division 1
Norwich Dragons 3s 4:0 Broadland 2s

Despite the Dragons dominating the play, the score at half time was 0:0 due to Broadland’s solid defence and sharp goal keeping.

The second half saw the homeside change tactics and instead of trying to drive through the Broadland defence, they played more of a possession game.  After several penalty corners, the stalemate was finally broken by Amy Brown converting one from a pass slipped left to her.  This boosted Dragon’s confidence and a second penalty corner saw Caroline Wolfe and Amelia Dawson play a one two move at the top of the ‘D’ with Wolfe putting the ball in the back of the net.

The next Dragon’s goal came from open play, with Isi Christophers sweeping a ball into the ‘D’ for Amy Brown to add her name to the scoresheet a second time.  The final goal came from a Caroline Wolfe straight strike from another penalty corner.

Dragons’ player of the match was Amy Brown, who not only scored two key goals but also showed good movement on and off the ball and supporting team play.

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Marshall Motor Group Norfolk Women’s League Division 2
Norwich Dragons 4s 6:0 Norwich Dragons 5s

What a great start to the season for the Dragons 4s, though it felt a bit strange playing against fellow Dragons, with a 5th team being established this year.

While being a new team, the Dragon’s 5s certainly made a strong start, keeping the 4s on their toes. After the first ten minutes the 4s settled down and began to make some lovely passes and the goals soon began to appear. Lynne Price kept the team working together and also scored the first goal. This was soon followed by Lucy Campbell making a fantastic sweep in the D which slipped past the goalies feet.

Dragons 5s had some good breaks in the play with some excellent runs down the left side which resulted in 2 short corners; their player of the match was Jihanna Bonilla-Allard, who fought furiously for every ball on her debut.  There were excellent saves by both keepers, notably Sue Cullum who saved a lifted ball and the score at half time was 3:0.

The second half saw a cracking goal from a short corner by Sue Cross, Catherine Bourassa continued to be strong on the right, driving the ball, before making some excellent crosses into the D which were received by new member Scarlett Brown (4s player of the match) who is definitely a most welcome asset to the team, scoring 3 of our goals. Although she did not see much action Karolina Blažytė made some excellent saves in goal to keep the oppositions score down. Overall the Dragons worked well as a team and are looking forward to the rest of the season.

Ladies 4s & 5s photos of the Day

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Marshall Motor Group Norfolk Girl’s Development League
Watton 1:1 Norwich Dragons

Dragons started the game well with Aoife Lowe-Davies moving the ball quickly up the pitch and they soon had the game under control. Not long after, Harriet Bracey took the ball up the pitch and hit it into the goal. The game stayed pretty even for the rest of that half. Only letting the ball slip a couple of times. Half time score 1-0 Dragons.

During the second half Dragons still had control but Watton got through and scored with about 5 minutes left of playing time.

Jess Tye Leech did a great job helping the team by playing in goal and the 1^st Team Ladies Team players of Emily Rolls and Marie James were great with the girls, who learnt a lot from them.

The game ended with a 1-1 draw, but was played in a great atmosphere and in the spirit of how the development league should be played, so well done to both teams.

Player of the Match was Aoife Lowe-Davies.

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Marshall Motor Group Norfolk Boy’s Development League
Norwich Dragons 1:6 Norwich City

Dragons scorer – Henry Laming.

Captain – Connor Adams.

Player of Match – Jonty Gosling for making lots of good tackles, passes and runs.

Coach – Dave Pentin

Adult Players – Dave Pentin and Ben Dures.

3 Memorable Moments – Henry Laming’s goal, lots of possession in the opposition half and big improvement on last season.

Match report by Connor Adams.

East Men’s Hockey League Division 2 North
Norwich Dragons 1s 7 : 0 UEA 1s

With a new lineup for this season, Dragons started slowly in their opening league game. UEA enjoyed the majority of possession in the opening minutes of the game, but were unable to create any chances to trouble the Dragons keeper. After the opening 10 minutes Dragons started to play their way into the game, enjoying more of the ball. Robert Wagstaff opened the scoring with a dipping penalty corner strike (1-0 Dragons). This seemed to settle Dragons who established their passing game, creating a number of chances in front of goal and pressing the UEA defence. However, Dragons still needed a good save from Jim Woodruff to keep the score at 1-0. Steve Woodward made it 2-0 to Dragons, sweeping in a pass from the marauding Ali Smyth. Smyth continued to enjoy attacking into the space afforded him and made it 3-0, finishing from close in on goal. Following in on Sam Parmenter’s fierce strike, Rupert Snelling made the score 4-0. Garnett Jones finished the half off for Dragons, smashing the ball into the back of the net from the top of the circle. Half -time score 5-0 Dragons.

In the second half Dragons surged forward looking for more goals. Though they were able to contain the UEA attacks, they were unable to play with the same fluency of the first half. Rupert Snelling scored his second goal following up from Matt Knight’s shot which had hit the post (6-0 Dragons). Matt Knights finally got just reward for his tireless work, scoring at the far post.

Photos click here

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East Women’s Hockey League Division 2 North East
Norwich Dragons 1s 3 : 2 Broadland 1s

Dragons Ladies 1^st team visited Broadland for their opening game of the season.

The home side started the better of the two teams threatening the Dragons goalmouth before the visitors had time to settle. As the Dragons grew into the game it was them who took the early lead by some good work by the Dragons youngest player Lizzie CHEESEMAN which led to the first short corner of the game being awarded. Player of the match, Shelly SEAMAN, slipped the ball through to Marie JAMES who placed it in the corner beyond the goalkeepers reach.

As the Dragons pushed forward looking for a second goal Broadland worked hard to win possession and on the counter attack levelled the match from some neat hockey. The Dragons retaliated immediately regaining the lead; Laura SHREEVE playing an accurate through ball to Marie JAMES who struck the ball from the top of the circle into the left hand corner of the goal. As the half wore on Dragons began to dominate and scored a third through Debs SMITH striking the ball sweetly from the top of the circle past the Broadland keeper. It was Broadland who retaliated on this occasion pulling a goal back and reducing the deficit to 2-3.

The second half was evenly contested but proved goalless. Broadland worked tirelessly to get something from the game. There was some entertaining end to end hockey for the neutral supports with both teams having opportunities to score but it was the visitors who managed to hold on taking all three points.

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East Women’s Hockey League Division 2 North East
Norwich Dragons 2s 0 : 4 Yarmouth 1s

A newly formed Norwich Dragons 2’s saw much of the possession in this Div 2NE league opener, but lacked the ‘killer instinct’ in the final quarter.

Dragons went a goal down early, to a deflected short corner strike. Player of the Match Maddie Denman, gave a typically tenacious performance at left defender, despite strong Yarmouth pressure. Before the break, Yarmouth scored a second, however Dragons kept battling through Ruth Wilmott and Lucy Hopgood, linking up well in midfield.

The 2nd half saw Dragons concede a sloppy goal early on, but to their credit, Dragons kept trying to play the right way with Ally Windsor-Waite and Laura Bailey playing some good hockey on the right. A fourth for Yarmouth, a penalty flick almost saved by Freddie Briscoe, saw Yarmouth secure 3 points.

Dragons need to continue to work hard and play their quicker passing hockey game; their rewards will come.

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East Men’s Hockey League Division 6 North East
Norwich Dragons 4s 3 : 2 Dereham 5s

Dragons started the game very strongly, with good runs down the wings and through the middle with some excellent breaks into the D.

The Home Team kept applying the pressure to the Dereham defence which eventually paid off.  Henry Laming fired a cross in from outside the D, which was deflected into the goal from a Dereham stick.  Under the new ‘own goal’ rule that put Dragons 1-0 up.

Dragons were soon two goals to the good thanks to a Mike Banham short corner, which was slotted past the keeper from a rebound to put Dragons 2 goals ahead.

As expected, the second half was a bit tougher with Dereham mounting solid attacks that led to a penalty flick being powerfully converted, giving Chris Millar no chance.

Dragons did not let their heads drop and had continued to build up play from the defence working through midfield to take control of the game.  Following a good passage of play, the high speed Dave Thornton showed he also has the skill to deceive the keeper and popped the ball in the net to make it 3-1 to the home side.

Dereham managed to convert a short corner to make the final score 3 -2.

Photos click here

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Ladies 3s photos click here

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Dragons Hoof Intra Club League
As decided at the AGM this season will see us running an 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.

Since the Hoof includes friendlies as well as leagues, results from Saturday 8th September have already been taken into account. The only information that we do not have is if players are carded so we will need to rely on captains passing on this information. Hopefully cards will be an exception…ahem!

It is run as a league table for all the teams in the club (including the dev teams). 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 (e.g. total number of points / number of games)
Games included are friendlies and league games played between Saturday 8th September 2012 and the Awards Night.
Games not included are tournaments or those outside of the allotted season or those conceded by either team.
It was also decided to take into account Green (-1) Yellow (-5) and Red (-10) cards by deducting points