Mens East League Division 2 North
Norwich Dragons 1s 3:2 Bourne 1
Despite a convincing home win against Bourne Deeping earlier in the season, Dragons travelled to the 2nd place team in the league knowing that they were going to face a strong test. Unusually for this league Bourne Deeping played a half-court press from the off, allowing Dragons unopposed possession in their own half. Unfamiliar with playing against this set up, Dragons had a lot of possession of the ball, but struggled to string together any fluid attacking play. Bourne Deeping looked to play on the break, feeding off a quick through ball or aerial into the space left by their press. Bourne Deeping opened the scoring when Dragons failed to field a long aerial ball and the Bourne Deeping forward was able to gather the ball and calmly slot into the net (1-0 Bourne Deeping). Though Bourne Deeping continued to create a number of break aways they failed to create many open play opportunities, though their penalty corner count steadily mounted as the half moved on. However, they were unable to find a way past Dragons ‘keeper Robbie Whiting who was in fine form. Dragons continued to look for opportunities and were able to win a couple of penalty corners for themselves, but were unable to test the Bourne Deeping goalkeeper. The score at half-time was 1-0.
Dragons made a number of tactical changes at half-time, looking to find ways to exploit the possession that the Bourne Deeping half-court game was allowing them. Though Dragons started to make some inroads they still continued to give away penalty corners and Bourne Deeping finally scored from one of these, their forward firing the ball into the net from close range (2-0 Bourne Deeping). This seemed to spur an extra impetus out of Dragons who quickly scored from a deft deflection from Garnett Jones (2-1 Bourne Deeping). Dragons continued to attack and Lewis Wilkins calmly scored from close range at the far post (2-2). Despite Bourne Deeping still having the some break outs Dragons were having their best period of the game and scored their third through Rupert Snelling (3-2 Dragons) with 8 minutes to go. Dragons adapted their formation again and, with their defence holding strong, they were able to calmly see out most of the remaining minutes with the ball deep in the Bourne Deeping half.
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Mens East League Division 4 North East
Norwich Dragons 2s 1:3 IES 2
Dragons faced a top of the table IES side who had yet to lose a game. They knew it would be a tough game and that they would have to give it all of their effort if they were to get a result.
Dragons started very strong and put pressure on IES for the first 15 minutes of the game. The midfield were cutting out any through balls from IES and linking up nicely with the Dragon attack. Strong runs by Captain Cley Hamilton and Simon Nesbitt kept the pressure on IES. Dragons best chance in this period was a ball into the IES D from Rob Panter, deflected onto goal by Adam Sayer which was narrowly saved the IES keeper.
Midway through the half, the pace slackened and IES started to string together some attacks. Captain Cley Hamilton sustained a hamstring injury and was ruled out of the rest of the game. His pace and determination was missed as IES got themselves back into the game. A counterattack from IES led to them taking the lead. Not long later, another goal arrived just before half time.
Halftime had Dragons discussing ways in which they could step up their game to resume the earlier spell of attacking hockey.
The first 10 minutes of the second half saw an improved performance by Dragons, but it couldn’t be sustained and IES managed to get another goal. Dragons fought back and with some excellent runs from Simon Nesbitt were able to worry the IES defence. A Dan Cheesman goal gave Dragons inspiration and they stepped up the attack. Keeper Sam Clark made some confident saves and Neil Shorten was quick to the ball, giving IES attackers something to think about.
Dragons were awarded 3 short corners, but sadly couldn’t convert them into goals. Nevertheless, IES were starting to feel the pressure and were relieved when the final whistle blew. 3-1 to IES.
A tough, but rewarding game for Dragons, who have only lost to IES in their league this season. If dragons take this performance into the remaining games this season they won’t lose another.
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East Men’s Hockey League Division 5NE
Norwich Dragons 3s 2:1 Lowestoft Railway 2
Dragons faced a tough challenge as they travelled to face Railway a team who have always raise their performance in past matchs between the teams and Railway had a strong team available. Dragons had a few players unavailable but were delighted to welcome Stuart Kelly into the team as he continued his return from a lengthy absence due to injury after making his return to playing with an appearance for the 4th team the week before. A positive start was made by Dragons and chanced were created with the final touch not being able to be applied. Railway were causing danger with fast breaks using their strong midfield to release their pacy young forwards and with the score goalless an important save was made by Chris Millar in the Dragons goal to prevent Railway taking the lead.
Taking advantage of this let off Dragons took the lead after good play down the right wing with Dan Ryan from full-back releasing John Ives who got to the by-line and crossing the ball for Matt Jenkins to finish from close range. Will Kirby though suffering from ill health was playing well up front for the Dragons holding the ball up and releasing to supporting team mates. The central midfield duo of Dragons captain George Walker and Stuart Kelly were playing strongly and the 1 goal lead remained at half-time.
In the second half the Dragons continued to press and Railway were grateful to their keeper for preventing Dragons scoring an early goal. The attacking waves by Dragons eventually bore fruit when George Walker dribbled the ball strongly into the D and pulled the ball back for Adrian Kemp to score to make the score 2-0.
Railway galvanised themselves and started taking the match to Dragons and were starting to get a number of short corners awarded. The initial corners were dealt with well by the Dragons defence and when the defence was breached goalkeeper Chris Millar justified his man of the match award with great saves. Finally a Railway short corner resulted in a goal as a shot without much pace crept into the far post. This gave Railway hope and they tore forward trying to get a second goal but the Dragons defence held firm with a strong committed display from Henry Eades which exemplified the whole Dragons teams determination to grind out the victory which was secured as the umpires blew the final whistle. This continued Dragons unbeaten League run from the start of the season to 14 matchs with 13 wins
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East Men’s Hockey League Division 6 North East
Norwich Dragons 4s 3:2 Ipswich 3
Dragons needed to bounce back from last weeks defeat and did it with emphatic style against the league leaders to remain undefeated at the Den.
Ipswich had previously won all but one of their games this season, making the result that more sweeter after Dragons had run them close at the away fixture. Ipswich may have struggled to travel but Dragons took full advantage to keep promotion on the cards.
Dragons started well with some good hockey and quickly got hold of the game, which turned out to be a high tempo affair for the first 10-15 minutes. Ipswich had their moments throughout the game and started to edge back in, creating some good moves as the game started to balance out.
Some good midfield work led to Dave Thornton up front, who crossed the ball towards Michael Whitmore only to have his chance taken away after a superb own goal finish by the Ipswich defender. Dragons had a deserved 1-0 lead.
Ipswich once again started to come back into the game looking for an equaliser but the Dragons defence held firm to deny their opportunities.
Dragons continued to worked the ball out from the back and eventually this released Ollie King, who took the ball to the back line and after getting a second chance to cross found Dave Thornton to slot the ball in at the back post. Dragons continued to press and created further opportunities with Paul Keating coming close with a reverse stick effort.
It remained 2-0 at half time and the team talk was full of positives, but also to not become complacent.
Dragons in the second half were again the slightly better team, although this time were let off on a few occasions as Ipswich also pressed on, getting short corners and just missing the goal. Sam Clark pulled off some great saves which helped keep Dragons in control.
Dragons added a third, with again good midfield play to get passed the Ipswich defence allowing Ollie King to collect the ball and show good composure to finish well.
Ipswich were not giving up and got themselves back in the game with 2 goals in quick succession, still with 20 minutes to play, it was set to be a close finishing encounter. Dragons still pushed on to try and get another goal, once again back in command of the game, crosses from Andy Key were in good supply, but no one could get on the end of the dangerous balls crossing the Ipswich area.
Dragons did what was required to see out the match and claim a potential season defining victory, it was a brilliant team effort with high energy and work rate all round. 6 individual man of the match nominations proved this. Chris Matthews deservedly took the honours by 1 vote with his continuous interceptions and none stop running.
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East Women’s Hockey League Division 2 North East
Norwich Dragons 1s 10:0 Old Buckenham 1
After a comprehensive cross country warm up led by Shelly SEAMAN the team were looking a bit red in the face and ready for half time oranges. Joking aside, the squad were raring to go nonetheless and got off to a flying start scoring two goals in the first ten minutes taking advantage of Old Buckingham who started the game with only ten players. Both goals were scored by Shelly SEAMAN who continued in her rich vein of form.
As Old Buckingham were joined by their eleventh player they steadied the ship in the first half and defended well making it difficult for the Dragons to break them down. With the Dragons enjoying most of the possession they pushed for a third goal which finally came before the break through Laura SHREEVE who was awarded a penalty flick. The Old Buckingham goalkeeper, Alison CLARKE, was unlucky as she stopped the high flick with her stick only to see it deflect just inside her post.
The second half was much the same as the first with the Dragons testing the Old Buckingham defence and keeping CLARKE busy in the Old Buckingham goal who made some excellent saves throughout the match. The Dragons kept their shape and were patient in their build up moving the ball quickly which created openings. The dominance of the Dragons eventually broke the resilience of Old Buckingham back line and they went on to score seven goals in the second half.
Player of the Match for the Dragons, Nat BEAL, had an excellent game and was influential throughout scoring one for the Dragons but was unselfish setting up several of the goals.
Goals were scored by Shelly SEAMAN (2), Laura SHREEVE (3) Marie JAMES (2), Emma TABRETT (1), Nat BEAL (1) AND Lizzie CHEESMAN (1).
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East Women’s Hockey League Division 2 North East
Norwich Dragons 2s 2:1 Framlingham 1
Dragons arrived at Framlingham to a snow covered pitch, however, by the time teams were ready for pushback, the thaw had set in and both umpires and captains agreed the game should go ahead.
Under the guidance of Captain Alice Guest, the Dragons got off to a flying start. Saskia Delacave, Laura Bailey and Player of the Match Lucy Hopgood passing the ball around smartly on the right, creating some good chances in the early stages. This quick work resulted in an early short corner; which was expertly dispatched by Sarah Radley, to give Dragons an early lead.
Dragons continued to press with pace, making good use of their quick passing moves through Ally Windsor-Waite and Debs Smith who controlled the middle of the pitch, this was rewarded with an opportunity in front of goal that the hard working and tenacious Klara Moolman slotted home. After this great spell, the visitors seemed to sit back and with some wayward passes allowed their hosts to get into the game. The Dragons defence had to be alert, Ruth Wilmott making some good interceptions and using her pace to get back behind the ball when required.
Despite this, Framlingham pulled one goal back and had a chance to equalise just before halftime, however Laura Tuck had her angles covered to see the powerful angled shot whizz passed the post.
Dragons found their game again at the start of the second half and mounted numerous attacks including a great run in behind the defence from Niamh Lowe-Davis, unfortunately Framlingham were able to soak up this early pressure and the score remained at 2-1.
The home team’s captain, recovering from flu, had not intended to play, however with the continuing Dragons pressure, brought herself on at the centre of defence. This gave Framlingham the confidence to push forward in numbers, however they came up against a determined Dragons backline with Sarah Wagstaff sweeping up any breakaways and Laura Tuck making some excellent diving saves to safeguard the Dragons lead. In the closing moments of the game, Kerri White was added to the centre of midfield to cut the supply to the Framlingham forward line and Dragons secured their well deserved 3 points.
A well earned victory for a Team that continues to go from strength to strength.
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Marshall Motor Group Norfolk Women’s League Division 1
Norwich Dragons 3s 6:1 North Walsham 2
The sun broke through the morning haze just sufficiently to melt the ice on the surface of the pitch for play to start on time at The Den. Despite having much of the possession, Dragons were only one nil up at half time from a penalty corner struck from the top of the ‘D’ by Caroline Wolfe. Dragons having a squad of fifteen players had tried to use this to their advantage in keeping fresh legs on the pitch, however the team had occasionally looked unsettled. At times Dragons’ play had been sloppy with passes being given away and North Walsham were faster and harder in the tackles. This gave North Walsham the chance for a few quick breaks resulting in one just missing the chance to equalise minutes before half time.
The second half was a completely different match with Dragons putting five goals passed North Walsham. Caroline scored her second goal when she received a pass on the edge of the ‘D’ from Olivia Thomas. Caroline turned and struck the ball in one swift move giving North Walsham no sight of the shot on goal. Olivia again assisted the next goal. This time Sophie Cullens was the scorer with an unpredicted reverse stick sweep. Mel Widdows added her name to the team sheet when she converted a goal close to the left post. The next goal came from captain Amelia Dawson with a straight strike at a penalty corner. This moved was repeated by Caroline to give her a hat-trick.
North Walsham scored a consolation goal minutes from the end when Sue Buck capitalised on a quick free pass on the edge of the Dragons’ ‘D’.
Dragons’ player of the match was Caroline Wolfe for her conversion rate in front of the opposition’s goal.
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Marshall Motor Group Norfolk Women’s League Division 2
Norwich Dragons 4s 5:0 Sprowston 3
Playing Sprowston was always going to be a challenging match, with them being just two places below us in the league and with several recent victories under their belt, but the Dragons were not going to be intimidated. The match started in spectacular form with 4 outstanding goals being scored in the first 15 minutes of play. Debbie Santa Clara claimed two goals, one from a lovely clip into the corner, Lynne Price (making a return from injury) scored possibly the goal of the season so far, looping the ball at an incredible angle across the goal and behind the keeper and Marcy Windsor Waite finished the first half scoring with a lovely dummy behind the keeper. All of the above may make it seem like the match was a walk in the park, but Sprowston fought back at every opportunity, they had several breaks in play and more than one attempt on goal. Morag Morrison (player of the match) was kept busy guiding the defense and stopping short corners, her saves were well timed and very effective.
The second half started with Sprowston making a determined effort to score, but a strong defense from Freya Clogan and Laura Bruce, plus excellent midfield support from Holly Francis, Gemma Rump and Flora Gregorie thwarted most attacks, there was one tense moment where a ball hit the post, but that was as close as Sprowston were to come to scoring. Dragon’s continued to fight for another goal, with Scarlett Brown and Catherine Bourassa frequently taking shots but the final goal came from Lucy Campbell, who made a perfectly timed run down the left and made it to the post just in time to slot the ball in past the keeper.
This was another example of just how far the fours have come this season, lovely, well organized and composed hockey from a team rather than a group of individuals – a pleasure to play (and hopefully watch)
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Marshall Motor Group Norfolk Women’s League Division 2
Norwich Dragons 5s 1:2 Hornets
This was a much better performance from the Dragons than the previous week. Both sides littered their game with errors, and the difference between the teams was that the Hornets managed to punish the Dragons for their mistakes and score, whereas the Dragons still struggle in front of goal. Hornets were quickly into their stride, and broke through to score early in the first half. After that Emma Buxton and Abi Cowe, who shared the player of the match vote, dealt capably with the Hornets’ counter attacks. Katie Buxton had switched to left back, and did very well in her less familiar defending role. Jihanna Bonilla-Allard was a definite asset to the squad in midfield, and even though the Dragons did not manage to score before half time, they felt they could still take the match. Unfortunately, a defensive slip early in the second half gave Hornets an easy chance to double their tally, but Dragons did not give up. Laura Goodbun set up waves of attacks, and looked to have scored herself from a narrow angle but a desperate clearance off the line – and not even a penalty corner to show for it – is typical of the breaks you get when the ball does not run your way.
Dragons goal inevitably came from a Laura Goodbun move, with Lizzy McDonnell sweeping the measured cross into the goals goal with some style. It set up an exciting final five minutes or so, with Dragons laying siege to the Hornets goal but without managing to trouble the goalkeeper.
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Marshall Motor Group Norfolk Boys Development League
Norwich Dragons 3:7 Norwich City
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Marshall Motor Group Norfolk Girls Development League
Norwich Dragons 0:0 Yarmouth
Captain: Mimi Stannard
Player of the match and why: Rachael Matthews, had some great runs up the wing.
Coaches: Amelia Dawson
Playing adults: Pollyanna Watson and Hazel Sumner
3 memorable moments: Rachael’s runs down the line, Aoife Lowe-Davis did some great tackles, Jess Tye-Leech did some awesome runs!
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The hoof table as it currently stands
| 1 | Ladies 3s | 4.56 |
| 2 | Ladies 4s | 4.53 |
| 3 | Ladies 1s | 4.24 |
| 4 | Mens 2s | 3.71 |
| 5 | Mens 3s | 3.63 |
| 6 | Mens 4s | 2.53 |
| 7 | Ladies 2s | 2.29 |
| 8 | Mens 1s | 2.18 |
| 9 | Ladies 5s | 1.63 |
| 10 | Girls Development | 1.50 |
| 11 | Boys Development | 1.45 |