Mens East League Division 2N
Norwich Dragons 1s 3-2  Norwich City 2

Dragons bounced back from last week’s disappointment with a spirited come-from-behind win in the local derby on Saturday.  It was the first time in a month that Dragons had played on their home pitch and they clearly enjoyed their return, starting the game brightly and moving the ball well on the quick surface.  The match was a veritable clash of styles, the home team looking to control possession, pushing their fullbacks on and linking midfield and attack neatly and fluidly while City preferred to bypass the midfield and play directly from back-to-front.  At times it was almost like watching Barcelona vs Stoke (or might have been were Dragons a little better at keeping the ball), particularly given the frequency with which overseas professional Rutledge kicked the ball in the opening exchanges.

Despite Dragons’ confident opening they found themselves behind against the run of play.  First City hammered home a short corner, their first opportunity of the match, and then the long ball paid dividends, skipper Smith making a terrible hash of dealing with the bouncing ball and Rich Smith struggling to match the silky movement of his opposite number as he tucked the second home past the stranded Collinge.  A lesser team might have wilted but Dragons persevered, sticking to their passing game and crucially pulling one back before the break, Gary capping a fine cameo for the home side, flicking home Turnbull’s crash-ball.

The second half was all Dragons – as good a 35 minutes as they’ve put together this season.  They defused City’s threat over the top and dominated the midfield creating a succession of half-chances.  In the end, though, it was a moment of individual brilliance that brought them level, Knights going on a mazy dribble down the right wing, evading half a dozen tacklers as he steamed to the by-line, and then tucking a superbly disguised flick beyond the City ‘keeper.  It was the lift Dragons needed – and deserved – not just the equaliser but a moment of such quality from so improbable a source.  They scented blood and the third came from a short-corner won by a rampaging run from the in-form Overstall and converted through a drag-flick from Snelling, all those hours of practice paying dividends again.

Wagstaff was delighted after the match:  “These derby games are so important.  That’ll give the whole red-and-green half of the city a lift.  There’ll be people really looking forward to going into work on Monday and it’s important that we give our fans something to enjoy.”  He batted away the controversy surrounding a recent tendency to use the Man-of-the-Match award to develop the confidence of some under-performing players:  “We all know the veterans in the side perform outstandingly week-in, week-out; that gets taken for granted.”  He refused to comment on reports of a power-struggle within the side which has seen the outstandingly gifted Whiting sidelined in recent weeks, though rival Smith is rumoured to have called Whiting “basically a pleb.”

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Mens East League Division 3NE
Norwich Dragons 2s 2-5 Norwich City 3

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Men’s East Hockey League Division 4NE
Norwich Dragons 3s 2-1 Norwich City 4

Goals from Matt Jenkins and Ben Harvey ensured that Dragons returned to winning ways against local rivals Norwich City in a closely fought mid-table clash.

After an initial spell of City pressure, Jenkins opened the scoring for Dragons after beating the defender and firing a powerful shot through the keepers legs from an acute angle.

Dragons continued to press and were unfortunate not to extend their lead with George Walker, Adrian Kemp, Adam Sayer and Will Kirby all at the centre of promising moves which City were able to keep at bay.

Shortly before half time, City got their reward for their high work rate and equalised from a deflected short corner effort.

The second half began with a similar intensity to the first half; few clear cut chances but lots of dangerous counter attacking play from both sides with the game played in a highly competitive yet good spirited nature.

Dragons’ winner came after a fine attacking move both started and finished by Ben Harvey. Quick three touch passing carved the City defence down the left hand side and Harvey was able to get on the end of Kirby’s cross to finish into the corner from close range.

City pushed hard for an equaliser but were denied by some determined defending from Dragons, particularly from the ever-reliable Peter Davison and new defensive partner Andy Hipper.

Dragons leapfrogged their opponents as a result and can look forward to next week’s game with further optimism as they continue to work hard and impress in a new league.

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Men’s East Hockey League Division 5NE
Norwich Dragons 4s 2:2 IES 4

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Men’s East Hockey League Division 7NE
Norwich Dragons 5s 0-1 Ipswich 4

Dragons travelled south across the border yet again this week to face fellow title contenders who count the league secretary within their ranks! On best behaviour the game was approached with a different team talk to the 12 eager Dragons.

Many thanks to Robbie Bell for again stepping in and spending his whole day in Ipswich to ensure a novice didn’t have to don the pads again or expect their picture in the paper!

Dragons weathered early Ipswich pressure and after a little bit of education around rule interpretations the defence set about closing out Ipswich for the first half. Duncan (otherwise know by Robbie as Gordon….) remains like his nickname rock solid teaching a couple of the young attackers what a flat stick tackle was.

Tireless work from the wingbacks Lee and Klinsman (hair still perfect due to an inability to sweat) helped form a comfy sofa of a base for Dragons golden stick contenders Lawrence and Crossman to snatch a breakaway goal. Quentin the ‘Toyota Hilux’ of the mid field marshalled Packham and Webb to try to connect the back to the front of the normally well oiled Dragons machine. Packaham ran rings round his slower counter parts and gave Ipswich cause for concern.

Bingham and Butler ( I fell in a wheelie bin and hurt my thumb fame – trust me ask him) added to the golden couple up front but chances were slim and half time came with no goals at either end (apart from the one on one with the keeper slightly out of his area?).

The half time committee aided by a more clear sighted Helen Evans (sole supporter) set about trying to get the goals flowing. Unfortunately it was the one lapse in the defence that resulted in what was the winning goal being scored. Although ‘scored’ is a strong positive verb which probably doesn’t describe the way Rich ‘Kilnsman’ Davis rounded his own keeper with a sweet side foot into the empty goal. Not one to let this kind of set back hinder him Davies continues to this day to denies his part in the goal.

Dragons did create chances but various excuses from the misfiring golden couple where heard within the borders of Suffolk – ‘i can’t jive with him he’s too tall’ ,’ i even pulled out the snooker shot and that didn’t work’ , ‘what one on one with the keeper?’, ‘wasn’t it easier to……’.

Dragons finished the game with heads held high (no thanks to light blue no number (dark blue no number was fine) who seemed intent on playing a bit of rugby league) and sampled the club house vintage beers with good spirits. Cheers to Ipswich for a good close game and for keeping the rain at bay.

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Women’s East Hockey League Division 1N 
Norwich Dragons 1s 0:0 Bury St Edmunds

The Dragons played host to Bury St Edmunds needing a win to secure the top spot with the knowledge that Bury had one of the best defensive records in the league.  The Dragons were uncharacteristically lethargic in their warm up and unfortunately this approach was taken into the match and they never did get into their fast flowing rhythm as they have been used to this season. Dragons striker Laura SHREEVE did put the ball in the net early on in the match but the umpire claimed there was an infringement and disallowed it.

Bury, to their credit, frustrated the Dragons with some strong play in midfield keeping possession of the ball effectively but the Dragons defence always looked strong, especially defender and player of the match Sarah BORRETT, and never allowed Bury to  penetrate or trouble the Dragons keeper.

This was by no means the Dragons best performance and was a game that they did not do themselves justice but they were still the stronger of the two teams and had the better chances to win this game.  This is the second week when the Dragons were guilty of not being clinical in front of goal. Hopefully the squad will be keen to put this performance right as they visit Dereham next week.

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Women’s East Hockey League Division 2NE
Norwich Dragons 2s 5:0 Sprowston 1

On a beautiful autumnal day at Langley School, Norwich Dragons arrived in high spirits, following a good run of results. Dragons were asked to go out on the attack and take the game to their opponents, and this they did, right from the first whistle.

The early spell of pressure saw both wide midfielders Olivia Thomas and Niamh Lowe-Davies causing all sorts of problems to the Sprowston defence, by attacking at pace down the flanks and by getting in behind the defence. Dragon’s had their early chances, with both Amy Brown and Helen Kelly both having strong efforts on goal, however the Sprowston keeper made some good saves, to keep the scores level for some 20 minutes.

Eventually Dragons made the breakthrough, with Charly Burgess finding Hannah Hardy on the left; Hardy found Gail Thomas in good space at the top of the D, who fired the ball in towards the left hand post, which Hardy directed towards goal with an outstretched reverse stick, glancing the ball inside the near post.

This immediately settled the Dragons, who continued to dominate play and create chances. Earning a number of short corners, Dragons switched the ball to the left and Debs Smith smashed the ball into the goal with an excellent strike. The third goal followed quickly after, following some good play in the D, a goal bound shot by Gail Thomas was stopped on the line by a Sprowston foot, resulting in a penalty flick being awarded. Gail Thomas confidently stepped forward (having first checked with all her teammates, that they didn’t want to take it), the ball was confidently dispatched into the corner, making the score a fully deserved 3-0 at halftime.

The second half saw the theme of the first half continue, with Dragons attacking at every opportunity and Sprowston looking to clear the ball out wide or long in the hope of a break away attack. The Dragon’s defence of Ally Windsor-Waite, Angela Murgatroyd and Ruth Willmott were rarely troubled and keeper Amy Forse was unable to add to her one touch in the first half. With Alice Guest and Debs Smith pushing up higher and delivering some fine balls into the danger area, the Dragons attack continued to create chances. Their 4th came following good work from Helen Kelly and Amy Brown, who found Gail Thomas in good space again in the D; once again Gail Thomas was clinical in slotting past the Keeper.

The final goal was especially rewarding, coming from a short corner routine which had been worked on in training; one which former ‘Dragon’ Sally Small, would have been proud of! Debs Smith found Hannah Hardy (Player of the Match), who squared for the incoming Amy Brown, who placed the ball past the Keeper into the corner, to complete a fully deserved 5-0 win for the Dragons 2’s.

A strong performance by this team who played some excellent passing hockey at times and who have a sound base to build on, going into the last two games before the Christmas break.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Premier League
Norwich Dragons 3s 3-0 UEA 2

Dragons started the game fortified by their good performance last week and resolved to turn good performances into the full set of points. UEA started strongly but Dragons resolutely stuck to Coach Dawson’s plan and played their way onto the game. UEA, denied space and closed down by the hard working Dragon’s, were conceding possession which through clever switching and neat interchanges of passing meant Dragon’s were putting more and more pressure on the UEA defence. Their defence was eventually breached by an Emma Moolman strike which meant that Dragons finished the half 1-0 up.

In the second half Dragon’s, aware that UEA would start strongly, kept their discipline and continued to play composed hockey, switching effectively and working hard to deny UEA any opportunities. Mid-way through the second half, Aoife Lowe-Davies got on the end of an excellent defence splitting pass to cooly slot the ball past the UEA keeper. Dragons maintained their performance and were rewarded with a well deserved third goal converted by Harriet Green. This was an excellent result for a still developing team, the way they defended all the way through the team and worked hard for each other was outstanding.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League Division 1
Norwich Dragons 4s 3-0 Sprowston 2

Sprowston 2 conceded.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League Division 2
Norwich Dragons 5s 2-1 Sprowston 3

Dragons Ladies 5s bounced back this week with a nail biting a 2-1 win over Sprowston 3s.

Dragons dominated the first half in terms of possession with the defensive unit taking on Sprowston’s attempts comfortably. Emma Buxton’s quick tackles and Jess Tye Leach’s confident clearances held their attacks at bay. Sarah Nortcliff continues to develop into a force to be reckoned with her relentless defensive work. By half time, the mid field had worked up with field well with some nice passing up the wing by Rachael Matthews, Charlotte Stace & Chiara Bond. The forwards  Izzy Woodcock, Lizzie MdDonnell and Lucy Bracey applied pressure in the D but Sprowston defence easily saw off their attempts. Eventually, the combination of Lucy Campbell  & Rosie Korn were too much for Sprowston as they managed to work the ball up the pitch to be finished by Lucy (Player of the match).

At half time, Dragons 5s felt they could win this, however Sprowston clearly had the same idea. Dragons got scrappy and played too many balls through the middle of the pitch rather than their patient work up the wing. Eventually Sprowston took their chances  and secured themselves a number of short corners. Alice Smith put in three touches in an attempt to clear the ball but Dragons couldn’t get it cleanly out of danger & Sprowston took their moment and put in a little tap to secure a draw.

Now the team knows that this captain does not want another 1-1 draw and they pushed hard to get that ball. Chiara Bond tackled back like a trooper and Katie Buxton pushed up create some great play.  After some battle, Lois McGregor retrieved the ball back from Sprowston and with a quick tap back to Rosie Korn who then placed the ball perfectly to Lucy Campbell. Lucy Campbell then showed her mature composure in front of goal and slotted it away just before the final whistle was blown.

This win pushes Dragons to number 4 in Norfolk division 2, however we cannot rest on our laurels From our post-match analysis we know we can do more & we certainly can’t afford to leave it to minute 69 as this captains heart cannot take it. 

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League Division 3
Norwich Dragons 6s 1:3 Lowestoft Railway 2

Dragons kept close to Rails for most of the match, and they are gradually inching towards a decent team performance. The team glows when tactical decisions work out in the game, and having given Beth Elgood free rein to go raiding up front, our left defender duly scored a vary good goal, which brought us back to 1-1. We also switched Helen Marsh from bottom of the diamond to left mid, where she looked very comfortable and turned in a good second half performance.

Once again, Dragons relied very heavily on their defence to keep them in the game, and Jazzy D, Beth, and Lottie Korn did not let us down. Rails only really got on top after five penalty corners in succession resulted in their second goal. The onslaught drained our energy levels and battered our feet! We were very grateful that Cara Anderson was available to play in goal, and only the very best shots got passed her.

Mimi Stannard was available again, and for the second week impressed with her drive and energy. She is also adjusting to the needs of her team mates, and contributed to the passing game. Other highlights were the performance of Amy Hunter, who got the player of the match vote – the team appreciated that she gave 100 per cent to her task when moved to the top of the diamond. Her tackling improved, she was able to hold up play and give neat accurate passes to supporting players.

The 6s still need to work on their determination to be first to the ball. Hopefully the ‘hanging back’ is not due to lack of bravery, but to uncertainty about ‘who should go’, which in turn is down to a lack of experience and understanding of the positional roles. If we needed a role model on the pitch it was Rails’ May Bandy. Just 13, still small and slight, she went for everything at pace, had good stick skills and a cracking finish. Next week we are resolved to go out and play in that same fearless fashion.

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Empresa Norfolk Girls Development League
Norwich Dragons 0:1 Yarmouth

Dragons started strong with good possession of the ball and great pressure. Lucy Mortom then made a fantastic break up the pitch and passed into the ‘D’ but unfortunately this was not enough to secure the first goal of the match.  Everyone defended really well. This was sadly not enough to stop Yarmouth scoring the first goal of the match.

In the second half, we all took on our roles with great motivation. We were determined to try and win back a goal to draw with Yarmouth . Rachel Bruce and Carmel Windsor-Waite made speedy runs and defended brilliantly while making great passes out wide. This was not enough to secure another goal.

The game finished 1-0 to Yarmouth.

Thanks to all the coaches who helped us in training and well done to everyone who played and used communication and skill to make the team as strong as it was. Particular thanks to Sarah Wagstaff(our adult player ) and Rachel Bruce and Carmel Windsor-Waite who were players of the match.

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Empresa Norfolk Boys Development League
Norwich Dragons: 0:0 Dereham

The Players: Ben Nkrumah, Andy Carver, McCartney Aldous, James Hansell, Tom Williams, Connor Adams, Edward Murphy, George Bowman , Raunaq Rai, Pedro Goss and Rob Chaney Baxter

I think this was the first match against Dereham where they didn’t field an adult, and thus Barney and Ali remained on the sidelines providing advice.  We won the toss and as it was drizzling down Pedro opted for the push back. From the outset we were on the attack with George making some good runs down the right. We had the benefit of a couple of early short corners but Dereham were out fast and we were unable to get a clean strike at goal, with Connor making some excellent tackles.

After the second short, Dereham made a good break and we were on the defensive and Ben made a couple of waist high saves with his hand which were swiftly cleared away by Andy.  McCartney made some fine tackles around the D.

Dragons made many good through balls down both sides with James and Connor feeding Raunaq, Tom, and George, who got a great clean shot that hit the sideboard. Dragons had another long spell in and around their D, coupled with another couple of short corners which were cleared by their goalie.

In the second half, Ali made some changes, with Pedro Raunaq and Edward playing midfield with George up front. A brave tackle by Andy ended with one of them bashing into his head (is there a match where he hasn’t been injured?), and he won the consequent bully and made a great through ball to Tom, to take it into their D for a short spell.

Edward, Raunaq and Pedro did some fine work midfield, building some great attacking moves for Rob and George, but some good Dereham defending kept us out. Later on Connor switched with Rob and both made great contributions, with Connor dribbling through into their D on a couple of occasions, and Rob doing some great tracking and blocking.

In the last five minutes we were largely on the defensive but a couple of good saves from Ben and some good tracking back by Raunaq, Pedro and Edward, who made a number of good jab tackles, and together with some fine block tackles by Andy and James and two good saves by Ben, the Dragons kept Dereham out. So the final score was 0 – 0. Many thanks to Ali and Barney

 

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