East Women’s Hockey League Division 2 North East
Norwich Dragons 1s 6:0 IES 1

The shock result last week when the Dragons dropped points to Loddon was probably a blessing in disguise as the team were more determined than ever to put their performance right and made sure that teams are given the respect they deserve under estimating noone.

It was an understandably a nervous start for the Dragons who knew that victory would secure promotion. That said the team played with patience and had a number of opportunities to score early on as they took the game to IES. It was some ten minutes before the deadlock was broken; a smart interchange of passes between Marie JAMES and Laura SHREEVE left SHREEVE with an easy tap in.

The IES turned defence into attack and enjoyed the majority of possession for the next 10 minutes putting the Dragons defence under pressure. The nerves showed as the Dragons defended their lead dropping too deep which not only caused some confusion but it also invited IES to push forward. The Dragons defence held strong; Rowie YORK-SMITH, returning to the centre of defence from injury, controlled the back line and helped the Dragons soak up the pressure. The Dragons regained control of the match a short corner routine saw the IES defence prevent the ball going in the net by illegally stopping it on the line giving the Dragons a penalty. SHREEVE stepped up. She flicked the ball high towards the goal but the IES keeper made a good save and parried the ball away. The second goal finally came this time SHREEVE the provider as she drove the ball past the IES defence before crossing into the D for Shelly SEAMAN who raced into the circle and finished in style leaving the keeper no chance. This second goal settled the Dragons nerves. They got into their stride and rhythm playing some of their best hockey.  Gail THOMAS made it three before half time showing maturity and composure as she placed the ball out of the reach of the keeper and saw it nestle in the corner of the goal.

After half time the team were determined to maintain their concentration and take nothing for granted. They enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and played some attractive attacking hockey. As the ball broke for Emma TABRETT at the top of the D she swept the ball spectacularly high to see it fly into the roof of the net.

The fifth was undoubtedly the best of them all. A real team goal; as the ball was played out of the Dragons defence by the keeper, Freddie BRISCOE, it was passed up the pitch with pace and intelligence through six players finally being played through to SHREEVE who made no mistake striking it past the keeper. The final goal was an excellent well worked short corner routine which KAREN ONEIL-SIMPSON fired home from the top of the D.

This result has secured promotion for the Dragons. Now their sights are firmly on the title. One more match to play and victory would give them that.

Some excellent performances from all the team but player of the match deservedly went to vice-captain Hannah RONEY who worked tirelessly in midfield throughout the match.

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East Women’s Hockey League Division 2 North East
Norwich Dragons 2s: 5:0 Panthers 1

Panthers were unable to field a team and therefore conceded the match.

Marshall Motor Group Norfolk Women’s League Division 1
Norwich Dragons 3s: No Fixture

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Marshall Motor Group Norfolk Women’s League Division 2
Norwich Dragons 4s 3:0 Norwich City 6

Photos here

This was certainly a win that took a long time coming – this was the third attempt to try and play this match, having already been called off twice before due to snow, and at one point, about 10 minutes into the match, it looked like it might be called off yet again! In every weather condition possible Dragons worked hard as a team to gain 3 more points.

Dragons dominated play right from the start, with the ball rarely leaving City’s half. Debbie Santa Clara, Scarlett Brown and Marcy Windsor Waite all worked hard getting the ball into the D and close to the goal, each had several near misses, with Debbie hitting the post and almost managing to rebound the ball across the line but the keeper got there just in time. The first goal came from Flora Gregorie, a beautiful strike from the top of the D that sailed into the right-hand corner. This was followed by a goal from Holly Francis, an initial strike from a short corner was cleared but Holly was in the perfect position to slot in the rebound.

The second half saw City having a couple of breaks in play, but solid defending from Gemma Rump, Laura Bruce and Freya Clogan stopped most attacks before they made it to the D. Clear and decisive action from Morag Morrison in goal, stopped the only real threat of the game in its tracks.  Lynne Price (Player of the Match), Megan Harvey and Lucy Campbell worked hard through the centre of the pitch constantly turning play in Dragons favour and Lynne was rewarded with the final goal of the game.

There was some really strong hockey played today, by a team who is beginning to find its rhythm again. On a different day many of those near misses would have gone in and the score would have been even more impressive than it was. A solid performance – 3 matches to go – keep it up.