Mens East League Division 2N
Norwich Dragons 1s 4:2 Cambridge City 3
Norwich Dragons bounced back from last week’s disappointment with a fine come-from-behind win against visitors Cambridge City on Saturday. Without Nick Charlish and Cley Hamilton and with inspirational skipper Ed Smith still on the slow path of recovery from his career-threatening knee injury, seasonal debuts were given to promising youngsters Alex Browne and Steve Woodward.
Dragons started the game brightly, with excellent link-up play between the front three of Browne, Snelling, and Knights, and Turnbull stitching things together in midfield to create a series of half-chances that went begging. It was slightly against the run of play, then, that Dragons found themselves behind, a turn-over in attack resulting in a string of City corners, the last of which keeper Whiting could only parry into the roof of the net. And it was to get worse. First, Dragons lost gifted left-back Dave Sloman to an interesting challenge and had to summon Rob even-slower-man Wagstaff from the treatment table, and then a breakdown in communication in midfield between Flatman and overseas professional Rutledge let City in again to nudge a first-time strike past Whiting’s despairing right pad. Rutledge will have to work on his grasp of the local language – and quickly – if he is to settle among his new team-mates.
City might have been disappointed not to add to their lead as Dragons struggled to cope with City’s pace up front and with the fluidity of the movement of their midfield. Crucially, though, Dragons managed to peg one back on the stroke of half-time, Browne smashing home following a goal-mouth scramble before Wagstaff’s and Smith’s fiery words at half-time were the catalyst for what was basically a superb second half.
The back four were outstanding: Wagstaff adding composure on the ball and the dark arts of veteran defending, Overstall and Smith full of bite in the tackle, and Smyth just about single-handedly shutting down City’s right side in a defensive performance for the ages. The goals had to come as reward for a commanding team performance. Wolfe might have contributed – at last – to the spiralling family tally, only to see his crunching strike turned away. It was Snelling, though, who levelled the scores by tucking home Browne’s brilliantly disguised pass at the far post before Wagstaff put Dragons ahead, claiming his first goal of the season after a slick three-pass, one-touch short corner routine. The coup-de-grace came with Snelling’s second, smeared home from a short corner won by a bullocking run from Woodward. It was nothing more than Dragons deserved for a gutsy, classy display against an excellent City side.
After the game, man of the match Rob Turnbull said “It was just important to keep playing our own game. I said I was going to go rock and I did.”
Dragons’ next game is away at Ipswich in what will be another test of character away from the home comforts of the Den.
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Mens East League Division 3NE
Norwich Dragons 2s 2:2 UEA 1
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Men’s East Hockey League Division 4NE
Norwich Dragons 3s 3:10 Felixstowe 3
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Men’s East Hockey League Division 5NE
Norwich Dragons 4s 2:6 UEA 2
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Men’s East Hockey League Division 7NE
Norwich Dragons 5s 0:2 Dereham 5
Norwich Dragons Mens 5ths first league game ended in a 2 nil defeat to Dereham 5ths. Both sides fielded young players who showed they are more than ready for league hockey. Goals came in each half with the 10 Dragons players having to defend strongly. Highlights of the game for Dragons was the work rate and commitment of Hamish Packham and James Whitmore in midfield.
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Women’s East Hockey League Division 1N
Norwich Dragons 1s 5:0 Peterborough
Dragons continued in their rich vein of form when they played hosts to Peterborough Ladies, also newly promoted to this division.
The Dragons immediately put pressure on their opponents starting the game at a high tempo playing some excellent hockey by passing the ball around with pace and purpose. They went close to breaking the deadlock several times and finally got their reward when Captain Marie JAMES rode several tackles by the Peterborough defence before slipping the ball to Rachel KING who fired past the keeper.
The home side continued to penetrate but were frustrated by the visitors who defended well and made it difficult for the Dragons to break them down. However the Dragons defence were gamefully employed with Peterborough adopting the long ball game, threading the ball through to their high forward line and hitting the home side on the counter attack. The Dragons youngest player Maddie DENMAN made some crucial interceptions demonstrating great strength and composure for someone so young and deservedly won the player of the match award.
The second half Dragons showed great discipline by keeping their shape and being patient waiting for their opportunities. Finally the second goal came JAMES driving the ball into the D past the defence and around the keeper leaving Laura SHREEVE an empty net to push the ball into. The Dragons were now full of confidence controlling the game and bombarding their opponents with wave after wave of attacks. A well worked short corner routine saw Hannah ELLIS take the Dragons lead to three. It soon became four as Emma TABRETT was delighted to score her first goal of the new campaign. Dragons forward Laura SHREEVE pleased the home support by displaying some excellent individual skills creating herself a number of opportunities to score and was unlucky not to add to her tally. The Dragons made it five through JAMES getting on the end of a smart through ball from Emily ROLLS and firing the ball in the net.
Another fantastic display of hockey from the Dragons who are brimming with confidence and looking forward to their fixture next week, a top of the table clash with Lincoln.
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Women’s East Hockey League Division 2NE
Norwich Dragons 2s: 5:1 Broadland 1
Following a better performance the previous week against Cambridge University 2’s, Dragons went into this game in good spirits, seeking a further 3 points. Dragons had a strong squad for this game, with competition for places as fierce as ever within the Club. Dragons took a while to settle on the surface, however they soon got their short sharp passing game going, and began to dominate possession.
Broadland looked dangerous on the break away, however the Dragons defence was well marshalled by Ally Windsor-Waite, Ruth Willmott, and Emma Gibb, with Alice Guest working tirelessly in front of this back 3, meaning Goalkeeper Laura Tuck had little to do in the early stages.
After a good period of possession, Dragons scored their first, following a run round the backline by Hannah Hardy, who found Sarah Radley in perfect position on the P Spot to sweep the ball home. The second came quickly afterwards, following great work from Niamh Lowe-Davis on the left, who found Laura Bailey in space, she in turn found Charly Burgess who slotted home calmly for Dragons 2nd. The 3rd came just before the break, with Hannah Hardy beating the keeper on the near post.
Whilst the 2nd half saw continued pressure from Dragons, it is to their credit that Broadland continued to fight hard and enjoyed spells in the game where they pressured the Dragons defence; joint player of the match Ally Windsor-Waite continued to make some vital interceptions to keep Broadland at bay.
The other joint player of the match, Lucy Hogood was inspired at the top of the diamond, beating players and then laying the ball off nicely, to create opportunities for the Dragons forwards, however mid-way through the half, she decided to take a chance herself, driving into the top of the D and dispatching the ball into the corner for Dragons 4th.
Broadland fought back, with a goal from a short corner, which bounced its way into the far post. Dragons scored their 5th and final goal of the game which was a great team effort, the move starting on the right of defence with Ally Windsor-Waite, who moved the ball across the back to the left, where Emma Gibb, Niamh Lowe-Davis and Charly Burgess combined well, to find Sarah Radley who powered in from the top of the D and unleashed a rocket past the keeper.
A fine performance by this talented squad of players, who should all be encouraged by how they are developing as a team. Well played everyone!
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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Premier League
Norwich Dragons 3s 0: 3 UEA 1
Empresa Norfolk Premier Division newcomers, Norwich Dragons 3s, went to UEA expecting a tough game; UEA 1s being the team which narrowly missed out on promotion to the East League last season.
UEA applied pressure from the start, showing themselves to be a fit, fast and well drilled side. Dragons settled quickly though, defending narrow and soaking up constant pressure. The Dragons had their chances winning short corners but were unable to convert these into goals.
UEA broke ten minutes into the first half and scored in free play, but this did not deter the Dragons’ spirit. With excellent defending, notably from man-of the match Sophie Thomas, the scoreline remained at 1-0 at half time.
UEA were obviously frustrated that their game was being disrupted, and for much of the second half the score looked as if it would remain at 1-0. The Dragons midfielders linked well with the forwards, creating more opportunities in the UEA D. UEA were persistent when they had possession, however, and in the end capitalised on their short corners, scoring another two goals towards the end of time. Had it not been for stand in keeper Nat Beal, who made some crowd pleasing dives to save powerful shots, the score would have been a lot higher.
Dragons 3 should be proud of their performance in this game; other teams in the division have suffered losses into double figures against UEA this season!
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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League Division 1
Norwich Dragons 4s 0:3 Thetford
A disappointing result from what was a much better game. Thetford were always going to be a challenging team, they have a strong hitting game and are excellent at man-marking. During the first half it was difficult to play a passing game because as soon as you received the ball it was almost impossible to get rid of it! If you ran with the ball Thetford tackled you, if you passed they intercepted it. We realised that we needed to pass the ball into space and run on to it – and with this realisation the game became far more balanced.
During the first half neither team were able to score although Dragons came so close it felt like there must be a force field around the goal, the ball hit the post once and whistled past the post by an inch on at least two more occasions. Marcy Windsor Waite, Sophie Farrow, Laura Goodbun and Lucy Campbell all managed to get the ball into the D on more than one occasion but were unable to convert possession and shots into goals.
After half time Dragons dominated and it really felt like we had the upper hand but still the goals wouldn’t come, another hit of the post from a short corner and the brilliant saves of two strikes from Sue Cross and Rachel Hipperson left the score at 0:0. But on a break in play which resulted in a short corner Thetford’s striking power was realised as they belted in a strike from the top of the D, which Alice Smith simply couldn’t stop. Dragons kept putting on the pressure with Gemma Rump (PoM) making several excellent runs in on goal and Flora Gregorie working the width of the pitch to make space, but still the goals couldn’t be found which was so frustrating when Thetford scored twice in quick succession, again from a short corner and the final goal from a powerful strike across goal which was lifted in and past the keeper. Thetford had far fewer chances to score but they made them count!
It was one of those games where we had the majority of possession, played some really good hockey and worked well as a team but simply couldn’t find those all important goals to actually win!
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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League Division 2
Norwich Dragons 5s 1:2 Reepham
Ladies 5s had their first loss of the season against top of the table Reepham. Dragons came out fast in the first half after learning their lessons from last week. Excellent defence was provided by Jess Tye Leach, Emma Buxton and Sarah Nortcliff, however Reepham were as strong as the reputation that preceded them. Some amazing diving from Freddie Briscoe saved the day on more than one occasion. Eventually Dragons caved under the pressure and a goal was conceded. Dragons continued to battle on, however despite the hard work of Tammy St John (man of the match) at bottom of the diamond and sterling pressure of the tenacious Chiara Bond & Jade Blanchflower to distribute the ball higher up the pitch Dragons could not equalise. Just before half time despite some further heroics by Jess Tye Leach (who took a crack to the ankle) a reverse stick sweep Reepham granted them their second goal.
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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League Division 3
Norwich Dragons 6s 2:1 Loddon 2
The 6s set about writing their history with gusto. They were determined to win for central defender Tammy St John, playing her last match – for the time being – before she heads to London. The Dragons cheered her through a ‘rattling stick arch’ onto the pitch. Since joining the club we have watched Tammy getting fitter, quicker, more powerful and a bigger presence in her team. This match was no exception as she controlled the game at the back. From a memorable finale to some notable firsts – Sarah Norman scored her first goal in women’s league, and it turned out to be the winner. And young Lottie Korn, playing her first match in women’s league showed great maturity at right defence, and was voted player of the match, and the first holder of Snap, a dragon with mighty powers.
Dragons were a little tentative at the start of the game, setting up some neat moves but losing out to Loddon in being first to the ball. Three lively Loddon forwards combined well, and switched the ball around quickly before Alice Whitmore slotted the ball home. But Dragons pressed, and scored with an excellent penalty corner just before half time. Jade Blanchflower struck the ball hard to the near post, and Holly Bailey deflected the ball into the top corner.
Dragons settled in the second half and played better hockey. Georgie Randon, another making her senior debut, is very quick, and began to drive at the Loddon defence, with Ciara Willmott, Sophie James, Hattie Mobbs, Sarah Norman and Jasmine Mansfield backing her up in a youthful and enthusiastic midfield/forward group, interchanging and supporting each other. A move the length of the pitch resulted in Georgie slipping the ball to Sarah, who scored.
Loddon tried to come back, but .when they created a shooting opportunity, Harriet Williams was in good form in goal.
Third match played, and the 6s continue to improve and enjoy their hockey. At the moment they owe a big debt to players willing to make themselves available and hold the team together, led by Claire Fairhurst, and the squad could make a big difference to hard-working club officials by following some simple Dragons rules:
- look on the website to see what time and where we are playing
- keep your availability updated by emailing <[email protected]> whenever your availability changes
- come to training!
- look for the team sheet email late Wednesday night/Thursday to see if you have been selected
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Empresa Norfolk Girls Development League
Norwich Dragons 3:1 Dereham
A great 3-1 victory for the Girls Dev team with goals scored by Rachel Bruce (2) and Lucy Morton. Player of the match went to Brooke Simmons as she was always in space and passed accurately. In the first half Dereham appeared stronger because they had most possession and led at half time by one goal. In the second half Dragons were more positive because of our team talk, and quickly levelled the game. Dragons went on to score two more goals and dominated the second half. Our defence was weaker than we could have been as when Dereham had an offensive/attack there was no one in front of them or watching and marking the opposition/space.
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Empresa Norfolk Boys Development League
Norwich Dragons 3:4 Dereham
Goalscorers were Pedro Goss, Raunaq Rai and Harry Williams.
Player of the match was Harry Williams
3 Memorable moments:
- Excellent team work by the forwards, creating space, passing the ball quickly and with precision to allow Raunaq to score and move past a strong opposition defence bringing the team to 3 all.
- Good use of the right side where the opposition was weaker. Conner Adams, Jono Chaney Baxter and Harry Williams all used the space well on this side in the second half of the match to be able to allow the ball to get into the D with the skill of Pedro Goss, Robert Chaney Baxter and the attack from Raunaq as the opposition often had the majority of their players in defence.
- 30 minutes into the match, Dereham was presented with a short corner. Ben Nkrumah, Andy Carver, George Wright, Dani Long-Martinez, McCartney Aldous had great team work. Benjamin shouted out and the team were quickly in place to defend, with Andy Carver clearing the ball well and preventing Dereham from scoring.
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Hoof table as at 05/10/2013
| Position | Team | Hoof Average |
| 1 | Ladies 1s | 3.75 |
| 2 | Ladies 2s | 3.00 |
| 3 | Mens 2s | 2.75 |
| 3 | Mens 1s | 2.75 |
| 5 | Ladies 3s | 2.25 |
| 6 | Mens 5s | 2.00 |
| 6 | Girls’ Development | 2.00 |
| 8 | Ladies 6s | 1.75 |
| 9 | Ladies 4s | 1.50 |
| 10 | Ladies 5s | 1.25 |
| 10 | Mens 4s | 1.25 |
| 10 | Mens 3s | 1.25 |
| 13 | Boys’ Development | 0.75 |