Women’s East Hockey League East Prem
Norwich Dragons 1s 3-2 Dereham 1
Dragons took the short trip west to play Dereham in a hotly contested local derby game. It was dragons who started the brighter, showing why they were the higher placed team in the league standings. Dragons won a short corner early on and it was clinically dispatched by Marie James after a good strike from Emma Tabrett. The lead was soon doubled when Hayley Toleman scored her first of the game with a super strike from a very tight angle after her first attempt was saved by the Dereham GK. Dragons still pushed forwards and a great solo run from Stacey Lee rounded the goalkeeper and Toleman was there to ensure it over the line to get her second of the match.
The second half saw Dereham on the front foot and they scored through a well worked short corner of their own. This gave the home team confidence and they pushed forward but were thwarted by some good saves from GK Siobhan Cleeve and player of the match Lizzie Moulton. Dragons struggled to find their rhythm in the second half and although had some useful attacks spent most of the half on the back foot leading to an edgy final period of the match. Dereham in the last attack of the game were awarded a flick which they converted and the match finished 3:2 to Dragons.
Although the dragons squad were pleased with the 3 points, they were very disappointed with their performance and look to make amends with a home game next week.
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Women’s East Hockey League Division 1N
Norwich Dragons 2s 3-2 Blueharts 1
A fixture which was always going to be a tight affair, with both teams coming into the game with very similar record. The team welcomed Natalie Beal and Angela Murgatroyd back into the squad, with Sophie Thomas and Shelly Seaman moving up to the 1’s.
Dragons started the game brightly, despite some early wardrobe malfunctions! The game started with Laura Shreeve was testing the Blueharts defence, showing her usual pace and causing problems from the start. The first goal of the game came from great link up play between Natalie Beal, whose weighted pass was perfect for Shreeve, who didn’t need to break her stride. Still with work to do however, she hit the top of the D, shaped to go right and smashed the ball to the left post, a great opening goal.
The home team looked to push on, with the midfield of Gail Thomas, Pollyanna Watson, Marcy Windsor-Waite and Pip Howes, working really hard to get the ball through to the forwards to put pressure on Bluehearts defence, however the visitors were still very much in the game. They forced a number of short corners, but found GK Amy Forse in fine form, making some really strong clearances and the new look defence of Rowie York Smith, Ally Windsor-Waite and Angela Murgatroyd looking extremely secure.
Dragons had another spell of pressure through Pollyanna Watson and Geo Beckwith, who linked up well and forced a short corner. The planned routine went slightly wrong, with Hannah Hardy not getting the pace on her drag, but Marcy Windsor-Waite managed to glance the ball onto Laura Shreeve, whose reverse stick flick made its way across the goal line. A second short corner followed quite quickly for Dragons, with Beal’s effort being well saved.
2-0 at halftime possibly flattered Dragons a little, but they were determined to press home this advantage and started the 2nd half brightly putting pressure on the Blueharts goal. Marcy Windsor-Waite was ‘flying’ down the right and from one of her forays, she squared the ball which Laura Shreve picked up and having beaten a couple of players, slotted home to complete a fine hat-trick for the in form forward (her 5th goal in 3 games).
Full credit must go to Blueharts who kept playing their hockey and showed the desire and determination never to give in. They continued to force short corners, however had to contend with the inspirational force of the masked Ally Windsor-Waite, who has become quite the expert at last ditch saves on the goal line, with two more to add to her tally – her celebrations were somewhat muted this week though, as Blueharts continued to press. Eventually the defence was broken and Blueharts made the score 3-1. Dragons tried to keep playing, but the visitors had the ‘bit between their teeth’ and pressed hard, forcing the home team who were tiring somewhat, to give possession away a bit too easily, and the second goal came to make it 3-2 with 15 minutes to go.
At this stage, the Blueharts coach threw caution to the wind and took off their GK to play 11 outfield players. Dragons adjusted their formation to deal with the onslaught and with the final whistle blown,they had one last short corner to defend, which they did expertly to seal all 3 points!
Definitely a game of two halves, and one which needed every player to dig deep and battle hard! Player of the Match was also a tight affair, with Shreeve’s hat-trick being key, but so were Ally Windsor-Waites goal line clearances and overall determination to win every tackle, meaning Ally took the honours.
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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Premier Division
Norwich Dragons 3s 0-3 Magpies 4
Traveling to Harleston to face the Magpies 4s team Dragons were aware from previous league games that this was to be their biggest test yet. With unrelenting rain and a November chill to match Dragons took to the pitch with great enthusiasm. Taking the first push back they were hard on the attack. Pushing up field with great passing between PoM Lauren Lawrie and mother-daughter duo Caroline and Issy Wolfe Dragons battled towards the Magpies. Intercepting the ball the opposition turned play and hammered the ball back into the Dragons half to the waiting stick of a fellow team mate. Adept skills from many of the Magpies forwards and midfield were far superior to those seen in any of the Dragons previous games. Undeterred young defenders Carmel Windsor-Waite and Laura Bruce hunted down the opposition and thwarted their initial endeavours towards goal. Again Magpies attacked, drawing defenders and keeper alike, neatly lifting the ball and scoring their first well battled goal.
Dragons continued, trying to keep possession and looking for the forward pass. Magpies again seized the small opportunity that Dragons gave them and were again on the attack. Drawing keeper Kristina Smyth to ground and forcing a foul the umpire awarded a flick. Both Magpie and Dragon eyed each other up. The Magpie player fired the ball to the bottom left corner, with bullet like reflexes Smyth denied the goal forcing the ball wide and keeping Dragons in the game.
Sarah Wagstaff took the hit out for re-set of play. Magpies again pushing the Dragons back into their 25. A fumble on the back line was capitalised on by the Magpie forwards seeing their second goal.
Half Time Score 0:2
The second half saw both sides continue with unremitting determination. Back into the foray each team determined to never give up. A strong ball across the mouth of Dragons goal, almost stopped on the line by Hazel Sumner gave Mapies their third and final goal of the game. Never giving up Dragons battled on. Relentless runs from Sam Franklin, Lara Taylor and Natasha Falzon and expert balls from Sian Lawrie gave Dragons their 10 minutes. Finally forcing Magpies back into their final quarter with only minutes of the game remaining. Packing the D with defenders Dragons were unable to find their way through. In spite of the weather and score line not one player relented until the final whistle.
Final score: Norwich Dragon 3 0:3 Magpies 4
Although the result sees Dragons drop the 3rd place in the League, all involved should be proud of their performance. An enjoyable and well battled game, Dragons look forward to meeting the Harleston side again in the home leg.
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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 1
Norwich Dragons 4s 4-2 Diss
Diss have had an excellent start to the season. Following Dragons defeat last week, Diss were leading Dragons in the league. This was a game we desperately wanted to win. Previous encounters at Eye had always been a close affair. We knew that they had a number of very quick skilful players, and were exceptionally quick on the break.
Diss started well, and their tactics of leaving a man high and closing down the Dragon midfield caused the Dragons defence some concern. It was a relief then when against the run of play Dragons scored their first goal. Denise Howes herself lingering high received the ball from midfield, beat of a challenge from Diss defence and struck the ball soundly into the right hand corner.
Dragons lead was short lived when Diss equalised within five minutes. An unmarked man in the area managed to beat the defence and Dragons keeper.
Dragons keeper Laura Tuck (Player of the match) made a number of crucial saves during the match. Time and time again she found herself one on one with the Diss striker, to keep Dragons in the game.
Dragons were pleased to welcome Zara Howes from the Dragons 5 team, who played an excellent second half after finding her feet. Megan Willams and Gemma Rump as always were quick to intercept and were on hand to chase back and assist the defence when required.
Denise Howes got her name on the score sheet a second time. Sopfie Farrow injected the ball from a corner and Denise Howes received the ball and took a quick shot. Kate McKenna also added to her seasons goal tally when she collected the ball after a rebound off the keepers pads and nudged it past the keeper. Sophie made it four when she was on the end of a pass from Holly Francis, and took the most of the opportunity.
With two minutes left on the clock, Diss were awarded a flick. A Dragon foot deflected the ball on the goal line. Laura Tuck was unable to stop the ball this time.
Dragons were relieved to come away victorious and look forward to welcoming Dereham to the Den next week.
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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 2
Norwich Dragons 5s 1-2 North Norfolk 2
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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Division 2
Norwich Dragons 6s 1-0 Magpies 6
Even though the 6s’ second win of the season was not secure until the final whistle, it was somehow more comprehensive than the score suggests. And if that sounds like a nonsense, it’s all down to the to the fact that the 6s are, well, different. First off, they did play very, very well. Some of their passing sparkled and they wound themselves up to tackle back in a most determined manner, which is not always their strength. However, they could have been undone if they had to play all five scheduled changes, but in the end a late call-off meant they had a squad of 13, which seems to be their optimum number.
So it was almost a settled defence, with Alice McNeile coming in to play on the right, with Katy Saide and Katie Franks alongside and the whole unit looking tight. Ginny Simkin grows in confidence in the bottom of the diamond, and the team’s confidence in her was indicated by the decision to play Jo Eke at the top of the diamond from the beginning, in an attempt to generate more attacks. Jo had an outstanding game, full of running and tackling. She took the POM and also created the only goal when she hammered the ball from the top of the D. It took a wicked deflection and looked as though it was going into the net. Beth Elgood popped up in her poacher’s position on the near post to make sure that it did. The goal led to a frantic last five minutes, when Magpies redoubled their efforts to score and Alice Smith came under real pressure for the first time, but she kept her cool and kicked her way out of trouble.
Having said the win was reasonably comfortable, much of this was down to Frank (Katie Franks) who had a flawless game at left defence and pushed Squeaky close for POM. As usual, Frank made some great tackles, but this week showed off her stick skills so that all the attacks down the right were snuffed out and then she sent Dragons away again, either through Beth or through Rosie Skipp depending on who was on duty to make great runs down the left.
Also worthy of praise was Norman (Sarah Norman) who probably would not say that right mid is her favourite position. But after a few weeks away, she was slotted into this berth and again ran and tackled throughout the game. Sophie Thurtell also impressed with her ability to play flexibly in the midfield or up front.
The unselfishness from Norman and Sophie left Catherine Matthews and Lucy Morton to play inner-like roles. The 6s have great belief in this pairing – fast determined and hard runners, they are going to get goals galore soon. The ‘inners’ role may well be the right one, if only Bridget Le Good can be persuaded to stay higher. Her ears should be ringing if Christina and Mikki have anything to do with it. Once again their sideline encouragement to all players and expertise on calling play positions had a most beneficial effect on the 6s. The game really flowed in the second half when Jo set up the moves and Bridget’s passes found Beth and Lucy, with Beth in particular showing the determination in the circle that the 6s need. The approach play is coming on, but the finishing still needs attention.
We have three things to learn at training on Wednesday, one of which may be the names Mikki thinks we are called. The other two have gone into our little red book. But a very happy roar of Dragons made their way back up the A140, with progressive play having been achieved for the second week in a row.
Norwich Dragons 7s 1-0 UEA 4
Dragons Ladies 7s were wrapped up but ready to play in the first chilly match of the season against UEA 4. Dragons won the toss and chose first push back. Emily Roper in defence was battling from the start, putting in lots of great tackles and stopping UEA. Dragons conceded a short corner which was saved by keeper Alessandra Pelligrini. The ball was sent up the pitch and the passing between top of the diamond Amy Hunter and forward Claire Fairhurst resulted in the attack on UEA’s goal.
Mens East League Division 2N
Norwich Dragons 1s A-A Bury 1
Mens East League Division 3NE
Norwich Dragons 2s 3-3 Norwich City 3
Men’s East Hockey League Division 3NE
Norwich Dragons 3s 0-6 Felixstowe 2
On a chilly day Dragons travelled to Felixstowe, a team that Dragons had beaten and drawn against last season. With a bare 11, Dragons took to the pitch and were hoping to obtain some more points.Felixstowe pressed the attack straight away and Dragons struggled to get the ball going. Solid work by Graeme SMITH and Peter DAVSION in the centre of defence blocked the way, with Tim ALLEN and Rich PHILLIS providing the outlets wide, to press up the pitch. Dragons settled into the game and started to move the ball around. Man of the match Stu KELLY and James GOODSON were the link to the forwards, and whipped the ball up to the forwards.
A quick counterattack by Felixstowe resulted in their first goal, despite some brilliant saves by Dragons keeper Dim IVES. Cameron McFAYDEN and John IVES provided good pace down the flanks, making Felixstowe work hard to defend. Felixstowe then produced 2 very impressive shots which were destined to be goals, and just before halftime, scored another. This was frustrating for Dragons as they had been playing well.
The second half saw a more balanced game, and Dragons came close to scoring. Skilful dribbling by Adam SAYER saw him slip the ball through to Will KIRBY, who was unlucky not to give Dragons their deserved goal.
There were short corners for both teams, but it was Felixstowe who took advantage of them, and they put away 2 more goals. So another loss for Dragons, but a game in which they displayed excellent hockey at times. Felixstowe were a well practised unit and scored some very impressive goals.
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Men’s East League Division 4NE
Norwich Dragons 4s 1-3 Norwich City 5
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Men’s East League Division 6NE
Norwich Dragons 5s 0-9 Bury 5
Dragon’s 5ths played away against Bury St Edmund 6ths. The game resulted in a 9-0 win to the home team. Man of the match was Lee Keeler.
In the first half, Dragons pressed forward in search for goals. We were close to getting one through a beautiful ball into the penalty area but the away team cleared the danger. Dragon’s conceded 5 goals later on due to quick counter-attacks from the home side. The home team took advantage of their space in the middle and played long passes to their forwards each time.
In the second half, Dragons were getting more forward and game close to scoring via an Hamish Packham shot but the opposition made an excellent save. We weren’t able to convert the rebound. Two of the four goals in the second half were converted from short corners. We were resilient in the second half and had few opportunities from balls delivered by the centre midfield. Unfortunately, our sustained pressure on the opposition side did not amount to a goal.
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Men’s East League Division 7NE
Norwich Dragons 6s 1-2 Bury 6
The Mens 6’s were grateful to Rob Coyle, Tom Williams & Lee Keeler for coming over from Culford to play a second game within less than 2 hours & ensure we had a team to play Bury. With Lee as a perfect middle park general & Joel Lawrence laying off balls to the young fast running forwards George Bowman & Connor Adams, many chances were created & several short corners from skipper Mike Banham went close, Dragons should have buried Bury in the first half. It took smart work between Sol Blazer & Tom to put Joel through for the Dragons lead at half time. With James & Ray Hansell & John Butler forming a solid back line, keeper Rob hardly saw the ball. Not sure if too much half time praise made the team relax but 2 early mistakes saw Bury score twice from an open play marking error & a short corner. Dragons then had much more of the play & despite hitting the post , could not find the equaliser.
MOM for both 5’s & 6’s in a span of just 4 hours was Lee Keeler – surely a club record performance
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Empresa Norfolk Boys Development League
Norwich Dragons: No Fixture
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Empresa Norfolk Girls Development League
Norwich Dragons 4-1 Yarmouth
Our match on Saturday was very wet and windy, but we won 4-1 against Yarmouth. We had several short corners attacking wise. First quarter Ella scored from a short corner. Second quarter Blanca scored a very good strong hit. We had a good talk at half time as we were winning 2-1. We started the third quarter very strong and kept it that way with some good runs and passing wide. Again Blanca scored our third goal. And to finish the game Alice had a shot at goal and scored our fourth and final goal. Our defending was very good and strong with passing out wide both ways and very rarely went to the opposition from a 16 or just a hit.