Mens East League Division 2 North
Norwich Dragons 1s 2-5 Spalding 1
Dragons started the game strongly, playing the ball around well and creating attacking pressure. Steve Woodward opened the scoring for Dragons, following up when the Spalding keeper had made the first save from Rupert Snelling’s shot at a penalty corner (1-0 Dragons). Dragons continued to enjoy good possession and pressure in the Spalding half, but were unable to turn this into goals. Spalding always looked dangerous on the break, some good keeping from Robbie Whiting prevented them for scoring until towards the end of the half when they turned the ball over and moved it quickly for a tap in at the far post. The half-time score was 1-1.
Dragons came out after half-time looking to replicate their effort and commitment from the first half. However, it was Spalding who stepped up their game, pressurising Dragons all over the pitch and generally being first to the ball. They scored two well taken goals from penalty corners and then a further 2 goals from open play to make it 5-1. Dragons rallied, but it was too little too late. Gaining the upper hand in the last 10 minutes Alex Browne scored to make it 5-2, but Dragons could not find any further goals.
Final score 5-2 to Spalding.
Dragons man of the match was Garnett Jones.
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Mens East League Division 4 North East
Norwich Dragons 2s 6-1 Dereham 4
Dragons 2XI had lost form in recent weeks and were in need of a good win to spur themselves on their way to a possible promotion spot. They came up against an experienced Dereham 4 side. The Dragons started off well with strong attacking hockey, Andy Hipper and Adam Sayer working the middle to keep Dereham on their toes. The first goal came early on when Adam Sayer crashed a ball in from the top of the D. However Dereham managed to strike back soon after when they caught the Dragon defence sleeping to make 1-1. More attack from the Dragons especially Ricky Powley lead to the next goal. Where Dereham conceded a short corner for Andy Kelsall to set up Rich Phillis flying in on the right post to make it 2-1 before half time.
The second half prompted the Dragons to push home their one goal advantage as they further pressured the Dereham defence. Dragons captain Cley Hamilton slapped a cross into the near post which caught a deflection into the back of the net making the score 3-1. Further classy passing brought together Dragons fourth goal which Dan Cheesman snaked his way through the Dereham defence to score from close. Dereham started to tire has the half was drawing to a close. But there was enough time for the dragons to poach two more before the end. The first came from Captain Cley Hamilton who scored the rebound from an Adam Sayer shot while the second was another own goal conceded after Cley Hamilton crashed a ball to the goal only to be deflected again by the same player to make it 6-1 at the finish to the dragons.
Simon Nisbet Man of the Match
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East Men’s Hockey League Division 5NE
Norwich Dragons 3s 0:0 Bury SE 3
Norwich Dragons Mens 3s went into this match as league leaders against their closest rivals Bury knowing that if they maintained their unbeaten league record, and that of never having lost a home league match since the Dragons Den had opened in 2011, that they should be crowned as Divison 5NE champions, as Bury would not be able to match their record.
The team started well, taking the match to Bury with a strong firey display from the central midfield partnership of George Walker and Jon Goodson. Dragons began to create chances but were finding the Bury keeper on top form and putting on a great display of shot stopping. The Dragons were sticking to their gameplan of short sharp passing and using the flanks where Chris Wilkinson was playing well this resulted in the team winning short corners but the shots from these could not be got off quickly enough to take advantage of these opportunities. On the one first half ocassion when Bury had a chance Dragons keeper Sam Clark was able to pull off a good save.
A good attack from Dragons saw the ball fired into the D and man of the match Adrian Kemp produced a great deflection to send the ball flying at pace towards the top corner but just as it looked like this was the breakthrough the Bury keeper produced a great reflex save to nudge the ball over the bar. From another attack good approach play by Will Kirby drew the Bury keeper and his pass across the D was swept just wide by Matt Jenkins so the match remained goal-less at half-time.
In the second half, the Dragons continued to dictate the match and their strong defence, led by sweeper Peter Davison, controlled the Bury attacks. Peter was supported by excellent marking by Lawrence Singleton and also by David Pentin showing great commitment and putting his body on the line to stop the Bury centre forward. When Dragons attacked John Ives was making strong dribbling runs down the right flank and getting to the byline and crossing the ball but the final crucial touch could not be applied. On the left flank young Will Ives was having a very determined display both going forward and coming back to win posession with good tackles. Towards the end of the match Bury were awarded a couple of short corners but the Dragons defenders Ben Dures and Dan Ryan were quickly out to snuff out any danger.
The final whistle arrived to secure the all important draw for Dragons.
Unfortunately, because this team are in a Division based on percentages, the league won’t declare the Champions until the end of the season, however, some of the best mathematical brains in Norfolk have advised that Dragons cannot now be caught and the celebration of back-to-back titles can begin.
This achievement is down to the great spirit of the squad which has been relatively unchanged for the majority of the season. When players have been needed to step in and help out both experienced and youthful they have bought into the game plan of the team, so well devised by captain George Walker and helped the team to power on. The regular attendance at training led by Men’s Club Coach Rob Wagstaff has been vital in the team’s success and the team would like to pass on their thanks to him for these sessions.
The achievement of the title was especially apt on captain George Walker’s birthday and the birthday cake enjoyed by the team after the match tasted doubly sweet.
The team now must set their sights on finishing the season with their unbeaten record intact as they face their last three matches.
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East Men’s Hockey League Division 6 North East
Norwich Dragons 4s 1-2 Norwich Exiles
Dragons headed into a decisive match after a run of wins with good confidence to continue their promotion push.
On the tricky bouncy Taverham pitch, Dragons struggled to adopt in the opening stages and found it difficult to string together a good set of passes and keep some convincing possession, Exiles were able to take advantage with their experience and looked the more likely to score keeping the ball well.
Dragons started to find their feet a little and got the ball into the oppositions 23 area but failed to create clear cut chances as the experienced Exiles defence intercepted many passes into the area.
Exiles had more of the game through the first half and took the lead after about 25 minutes when their right winger drove almost to the back line and fired home from a very tight angle. From there it remained 1-0 until half time.
Half time talk was to maintain composure and make the opposition work, as they would tire. Dragons came out in the second half and immediately looked a better side getting the ball into the area and winning short corners, however none were really able to test the keeper.
With the continued pressure Dragons got their equaliser when Jake Hardesty picked up the ball just outside the area and struck from the top of the ‘D’ to leave the keeper with no chance. With renewed confidence Dragons at this point in the game looked more likely to score again. Exiles broke through on a few occasions but the defence held well as it became an end to end encounter.
The game became more heated and intense, typical of what was at stake, which led to a yellow card for the Exiles forward for dissent. Dragons again pressed with the extra man but could not take advantage.
As the game fell into the last few minutes, Exiles stole the victory with a powerful shot from just inside the ‘D’ in a packed area, Robbie Bell did well to get a touch only for the ball to still hit the backboard. At the restart and with just a minute remaining even a surging run down the left from the Captain could not find a red shirt in the area and the whistle went.
It was a cruel blow to Dragons who deserved a draw at the very least. Promotion is a tough task now, being joint 3rd with 2 other teams but sadly on a worse goal difference by some margin. It will require winning the remaining 4 games and hoping other results go their way.
Ollie King was voted man of the match who, at times, took on the Exiles defence single handily to create chances.
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East Women’s Hockey League Division 2 North East
Norwich Dragons 1s 0-1 Sprowston 1
The Dragons lost only their second game of the season when they visited Sprowston.
The Dragons started spritely and shared much of the possession troubling the Sprowston defence and having numerous opportunities to take the lead. There was limited space in the Sprowston circle due to the numbers of the Sprowston players who defended well and this led to the Dragons being awarded numerous penalty corners which they were unable to capitalise from and as they went into the break it was deadlocked.
As the second half got underway the Dragons were caught off guard as the Sprowston team broke into their half. A cross found Trish HAGAN who slotted the ball past the Dragons keeper.
The frustration in the Dragons game began to show and although much of the game was played in the Sprowston half they could not found the net and some fine saves from the Sprowston keeper kept them at bay. As the half wore on Dragons lost their shape as they became more and more impatient and frustrated. They began to give possession away cheaply and lost the rhythm of their play. Again in the second half they were awarded numerous short corners but the Sprowston defence were out quickly and well drilled preventing the Dragons from getting the much needed goal.
This was a very one sided game but the Sprowston defence were disciplined and they worked tirelessly to protect their lead and were rewarded by taking all three points. The Dragons were punished for failing to covert numerous penalty corners that were awarded throughout the game.
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East Women’s Hockey League Division 2 North East
Norwich Dragons 2s: 3-1 North Walsham 1
With restricted availability, Dragons were forced to call up a number of players from lower teams and others back early from injury break. Despite the different line-up, Dragons started the game the brighter of the two teams, with Kerri White playing some neat hockey on the right hand side of midfield, and Captain Debs Smith and Lynne Price dominating the middle.
Dragons managed to force a number of short corners through the attacking threat and hard work of Claire Baker, Sarah Radley and Lizzie Cheesman. Midway though the half a well worked short corner routine was smartly finished by Debs Smith. Dragons continued to cause problems, with both Niamh Lowe-Davies and joint Player of the Match, Olivia Thomas beginning to influence the game in the wide areas, however the score remained 1-0 at halftime.
North Walsham began to put pressure on Dragons in the second half, with ex-Dragon Rachel Miles showing her usual class and tenacity, however the Dragons defence were in outstanding form, with Lizzie Moulton mopping up anything that came her way and the trio of Sarah Wagstaff, Ally Windsor-Waite and Angela Murgatroyd looking an extremely solid defensive unit. On the few occassions when the ball penetrated the defence, goalkeeper Laura Tuck (the other Player of the Match) made some fine saves, coming out smartly to deny Walsham’s forwards.
Dragons continued to work hard and were rewarded with a second goal, an excellent strike from a short corner to give Debs Smith her second of the game. Walsham continued to put pressure on and clawed back a goal from a well worked short corner.
Dragons showed how far they have come as a Team, showing the maturity not to ‘sink too deep’ to try and defend their lead. Instead they continued to play their neat, passing, attacking hockey, which earnt them a third goal, following some great build up play from Lizzie Moulton and Olivia Thomas on the left, finding Sarah Radley in the D, who slotted away neatly, sealing the 3 pts.
Possibly the best overall team performance of the season by the Dragons 2’s, against a good North Walsham side. Well played and thanks to everyone for their efforts!
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Marshall Motor Group Norfolk Women’s League Division 1
Norwich Dragons 3s 5-0 Norwich City 5
Dragons’ 3s, this season, have had a tendency to not really get going until the second half. However, this week the team seemed to get going from the starting whistle, with smart passing and possession of the ball. Subsequently their first goal came within ten minutes with Dragons’ Pollyanna Watson converting a short corner. Caroline Wolfe added a second when she dribbled the ball diagonally to the baseline and then turned towards the goal to put the ball passed the City keeper.
In the second half, Dragons got a third goal when a shot by Sophie Cullens from a short corner move took a deflection from a City defender. City continued to battle and on several occasions penetrated into the Dragon’s half. City had some young players with good stick skills which caused Dragons some difficulty as they took on a series of defenders. City also made a quick break which looked like the Dragons’ keeper, Amy Forse, was going to be drawn off her line, but Dragons’ defender Mel Widdows sprinted back to put in a timely tackle.
With only ten minutes to go, Dragons added two more goals to the score sheet. Caroline Wolfe was instrumental in both from open play. Amy Brown finished the first move by converting a slip from the right and the second Caroline struck from the edge of the ‘D’.
Dragons had a number of substitutes which required players to be flexible playing several positions, notably Mel Widdows, Sophie Thomas and Hazel Sumner. Marcy Windsor-Waite, playing up from the fourth team, fitted in well by reading the game well.
Dragons’ player of the match was Caroline Wolfe.
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Marshall Motor Group Norfolk Women’s League Division 2
Norwich Dragons 4s 1-1 Hornets
This game was yet another lesson in how Dragons 4s need to play their own game and not allow the opposition to dictate the pace and style of the match. It also showed just how much the on again, off again nature of this year’s season has impacted on our ability to play as a cohesive and strong team. The first half seemed like a bit of a preseason warm up game, where we were getting used to each other and the game of hockey all over again.
That said, Dragons certainly dominated the match, with the ball staying in Hornets half for the majority of the match. Forwards and midfields surrounded hit outs well and stopped changes in play, Holly Francis, Gemma Rump, Megan Harvey and Felicia Roberts all worked well pushing the ball up into the oppositions’ 23, while Beth Bygrave and Sue Cross made numerous attempts to get passed the Hornets defense, only to be denied on every occasion.
Hornets only had a couple of opportunities in the first half but solid defending from Freya Clogan, Laura Bruce and Amy Forse stopped all balls from passing the goal line.
The second half started more encouragingly with greater use of the width and neater, tighter passing, however a quick break in play saw Hornets taking advantage and smashing a ball past the keeper to take the lead. Dragons fought back immediately and it must be said had complete control on the pitch for the rest of the match, there must have been 10 plus attempts on goal, with the post being hit twice, but that equalizing goal was just not to come. In the last 2 minutes a short corner was awarded and after a slip of the ball to Catherine Bourassa (Player of the Match) the ball finally hit the back board. It looked like another goal might be on the way but the whistle was blown and a draw was achieved.
Next Steps – We have got to make a little bit more of the goal opportunities that present themselves, especially early shots in the D.
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Marshall Motor Group Norfolk Women’s League Division 2
Norwich Dragons 5s 0:1 Loddon 2
The exasperating thing for those who love the 5s is that you are never sure which team is going to turn up. There is a side that practises fast, accurate passing from the back to the front, creating plenty of opportunities and winning the ball all over the pitch. Then there is the team that can’t quite manage to get first to the ball, misjudges the weight of passes, but nevertheless keeps running and never gives up. Unfortunately, it was this second version that turned up to play Loddon 2s, and consequently lost a game they could have won.
In a game of small margins, you also need a little luck, and certainly Puff was not looking after his own. Dragons were awarded a penalty flick seconds after Bridget Le Good had left the pitch, so she lost her chance to shine and the opportunity went begging. A super shot from Sophie Farrow rebounded from the post with the keeper beaten, and then the Dragons were denied what they thought was a fair shout for a penalty corner when a Loddon player was left hobbling around the D.
But if you make your own luck, then perhaps Dragons did not deserve much more from this very scrappy game. Abi Cowe, joint player of the match with Sophie, performed heroically at the back with Emma Buxton alongside. Beth Elgood and Nicky King shared left defence until the evident strength of Nicky’s play earned her a move to midfield where she could force the ball forward. Sophie Farrow, with her tireless running and excellent reading of the game, has now made a position at the top of the diamond her own. Sophie can and will develop her ability to control the ball and shoot – and switched with Rosie Korn, who played both right and left forward. Rosie has the control and power, and needs to rediscover her ‘buzz’ to return to her best form.
Dragons had several players returning after breaks of various lengths, so perhaps it was not surprising that their touch was a little ‘off’, but it was disappointing that we did not bring more of the defensive drills we had practiced in training into the game. Loddon scored the only goal through a defensive misunderstanding that left goalkeeper Laura Tuck stranded, and we all need to develop our understanding of where team members are on the pitch so that we can get back to making accurate passes.
Another plus point was the form of Jade Blanchflower, a tireless runner with strength and speed, whose is working on her understanding of when to drive and when to pass – and is definitely a player with bags of potential.
The 5s have several more squad members back next week, so attendance at training is essential because competition for places will be intense.
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Marshall Motor Group Norfolk Boys Development League
Norwich Dragons: No Fixture
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Marshall Motor Group Norfolk Girls Development League
Norwich Dragons : No Fixture
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The hoof table as it currently stands
| 1 | Ladies 3s | 4.68 |
| 2 | Ladies 4s | 4.29 |
| 3 | Ladies 1s | 4.05 |
| 4 | Mens 3s | 3.68 |
| 5 | Mens 2s | 3.63 |
| 6 | Mens 4s | 2.47 |
| 7 | Ladies 2s | 2.39 |
| 8 | Mens 1s | 2.10 |
| 9 | Ladies 5s | 1.63 |
| 10 | Girls Development | 1.36 |
| 11 | Boys Development | 1.33 |