Mens East League Division 2N
Norwich Dragons 1s 7-0 Ipswich 2

Led by a second consecutive hatrick from Alex Browne, Dragons produced their first really dominant performance of the season to storm past visitors Ipswich on Saturday.  Welcoming back Smyth for Charlish and with Wilkins for Jenkins Dragons showed just one change from last week’s victorious team but started surprisingly tentatively, Rutledge, perhaps thinking the side was still in their away strip, giving the ball away with conspicuous generosity.  In an interesting tactical match-up, Ipswich carried a threat overloading down the right but left space for Dragons through the middle of the pitch and when they switched the ball away from pressure.  It meant the opening exchanges were a tale of the two fullbacks:  Smyth in commanding form with a series of crunching tackles and Overstall rampaging forward down the other flank.  Dragons were the better side but Collinge was called on to make two excellent saves when Ipswich countered.

The game turned on a remarkable five-minute spell before the break.  Dragons first were unlucky when the ball broke for Browne to knock in at the far post just as the whistle went to bring them back for a short corner, but then enjoyed a slice of luck in turn when an Ipswich defender smudged a cross past his own keeper after patient build-up play from Sloman.  A second followed almost at once as Wagstaff played Knights in with a 70-yard through-ball and Knights showed great  composure to round the keeper and tuck the ball away.  Had Wagstaff meant it, it might have been the pass of the season; given that he was aiming the ball towards a different post code from where it ended up, though, Dragons could again consider themselves a little fortunate.  As naturalised Norridger Overstall observed after the game, “he was aiming for Sprowston and it ended up going towards Bawburgh.”  And things got even better for the home team when Sloman broke up play, surged forward to put in Browne who set Snelling up for a clever finish into the corner.  Wagstaff wasn’t entirely impressed:  “the boys should really have been still concentrating on their half-court press there; that kind of indiscipline can cost you.”

Ipswich changed their shape as they came out in the second half chasing goals but it was almost immediately four when Dragons won the ball high up the pitch and slipped in Browne who, instead of simply tucking the ball past the keeper, preferred to smash it straight at him, retrieve the rebound and then perform the much harder task of (were it another player one might be tempted to say almost acrobatically) hammering the ball into the far corner.  Two more powerful finishes from Browne saw him collect a second-half hatrick and Snelling bagged a second – true to his reputation for preferring placement to power he trickled the ball past the wrong-footed ‘keeper.  Rutledge celebrated the goal particularly enthusiastically, apparently sensing that he might have some competition for worst goal of the season.  The goals came so quickly it was difficult to keep track of where they all came from, but given that a couple of them were the result of slick passing and clever build-up play it’s almost certain that neither Overstall nor Turnbull were involved.  Snelling spurned an eighth when he headed wide from a yard out and Jenkins thought he had one only to have his shot deemed to have been struck just outside the D.  “I wasn’t sure whether I was inside the D or not, to be honest, though I think I was almost inside the 25 if that counts.”

The score line slightly flattered the home side, though the clean sheet was due reward for another assured performance from Collinge and for fine performances from the two Smiths at the heart of the Dragons defence and for the second game in a row clinical finishing from the front three was decisive.  Asked whether a late injury to Overstall put a dampener on the day, skipper Smith was upbeat:  “he assured us there’s no cartilage damage so we’re sure he’ll be right for next week.”

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Mens East League Division 3NE
Norwich Dragons 2s: No Fixture

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

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Men’s East Hockey League Division 5NE
Norwich Dragons 4s 4-5 Ipswich 3

The game started at a frantic pace with both side wanting to win the early encounters but Ipswich managed to slip the first goal past stand-in keeper Sam Mann. An equaliser 10 minutes later saw Dragons regain their spirit and started to fight for the game. Unfortunately half time saw the score stand at 3-1 to Ipswich.

Down but not out the dragons were determined to get something out of the game and pressed hard to find some early success. In the first play of the second half Dragons managed to win a short corner. Although this was not converted, it saw Dragons put on a fine display of superior passing and possession as the opposition started to tire.

The remainder of the half saw Gareth Green (x2) and Jason Wolfe put 3 more goals past the Ipswich defence. Despite this massive team effort, several short corners saw Ipswich manage to make the score 5-4. The last 5 minutes of the match saw Dragons pile huge pressure onto Ipswich, with multiple attempts on goal, however none of these could get passed the keeper. A big team effort which deserved a draw.

Man on the match – Simon Long

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Men’s East Hockey League Division 7NE
Norwich Dragons 5s 2-1 Nomads 1

A promotion clash fixture required the President to step in to ensure the Mens 5ths didn’t fall short between the posts this week.

Dragons started well creating chances and a youthful midfield trio of Stone , Kaushal and Packham gave Nomads something to think about. The pressure told and golden stick contender Cross slotted home in normal style. Further pressure saw Dragons net the ball from a short corner but Rob Lee was unlucky to have it over ruled (correctly). Continued work from the other forwards , Butler and Bingham meant Dragons should have finished the half more than one up.

The second half saw the departure of two key midfielders and the Captain was called off the bench to help fill midfield. The central spine of the team (of fairly solid construction) of Evans , Smith and Quinton continued to move the ball around, make great tackles and constantly challenged Nomads.

As the game opened up Smith went close with a cracking short corner and Packham was unlucky to hit a foot instead of the backboard. Another training ground move paid dividends as Smith hit Crossie with a rocket at the far post and the master from 6 inches, finished clinically.

The defence and goalie skills of Mr P are the main reason Dragons held out as Nomads pulled one back (unluckily for Mr P though his legs). Keeler’s energy and pace along with Davis’s guile helped keep Nomads out for the rest of the game.  Other mentions must also go to Butler and Coyle who both selflessly acted as utility subs to ensure we didn’t run out of legs.

With Ipswich 4s drawing this crucial result has put us top of the table – well done guys great effort!

Some photos from this game here.

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Women’s East Hockey League Division 1N
Norwich Dragons 1s 9:0 Lincoln

Norwich Dragons romped to victory in this top of the table clash at the Den. The Dragons who were trailing one point behind second placed Lincoln before this match leap frogged them in style with a 9-0 victory.

The Dragons welcomed 15 year old Olivia THOMAS for only the second time this season who shone as she displayed an abundance of ability playing with confidence and assisted in at least four of the Dragons goals.

Having had their best performance of the season last week and scoring 13 goals the Dragons were determined to repeat that performance knowing only a win was good enough if they were to remain in contention for promotion. With excellent home support the Dragons displayed some sublime hockey, a real team performance playing fast, slick, one touch hockey with such pace and movement that Lincoln could not live with and found  themselves four nil down with only 15 minutes into the match. The Dragons continued to pin Lincoln back in their own half and although had further chances were unable to increase their tally. As the half wore on Lincoln forced their way back into the game and had their own chances at the other end but some excellent saves by in form keeper Freddie BRISCOE saw the score line remain 4-0 at halftime.

The Dragons were disciplined and patient as they approached the second half determined not to allow Lincoln into the match. They continued their fine style of hockey and finally the 5th goal that the crowd had been willing for came. The Dragons did not ease up putting the Lincoln defence under immense pressure forcing another 4 goals before the game came to an end.

This was an amazing performance by the home side and a spectacle of hockey against one of the best teams in the league who were only relegated from the Premier Division last year.

There were so many great performances; Rachel KING who consistently plays well and can’t stop scoring bagging another hat-trick this week, Kate TRELAWNY-GOWER, who always makes a difference to this team with her skill, pace and aggression, worked tirelessly and was involved in many of the Dragons attacks assisting in several of the goals, Freddie BRISCOE who made some amazing saves at a crucial time in the match but player of the match deservedly was awarded to the youngest Dragon, Olivia THOMAS who had an excellent game showing real class and will be a huge star for this club in the future.

Goals were scored by: Rachel KING (3), Laura SHREEVE (2), Marie JAMES (1), Nat BEAL (1), Emily ROLLS (1), Helen KELLY (1)

Some photos from the game here.

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Women’s East Hockey League Division 2NE
Norwich Dragons 2s 1-1 Norwich City 2

Dragons arrived at Taverham, knowing they needed to improve on their performance from last week but encouraged by the fact that they knew they were capable of playing better. After a good warm-up, the game started at high pace, with Dragons having the lions-share of possession and creating a number of good opportunities, however not being able to force the ball home. Emma Tabrett was instrumental in a number of these attacks, working hard as always to turn-over possession.

City played their part in this end to end game, playing some nice hockey, ensuring the Dragons back line of Amy Forse, the returning Ruth Willmott, Ally Windsor-Waite and joint Player of the Match Angela Murgatroyd, were kept on their toes.

Eventually after a bit of a goalmouth scramble City took the lead, when a soft-ish shot managed to find it’s way into the goal. Despite continued attacks through the hard working Niamh Lowe-Davies and the other Player of the Match Karen O’Neill-Simpson, the score remained 1-0 at halftime.

At the break Dragons talked about the need to increase their work rate and be first to every ball. Whilst there was a reaction from the team, the pattern of previous weeks continued with Dragons producing wave after wave of attack, but just not showing that killer instinct or bit of creativity to unlock a well organised City defence. Eventually from one of their short corners. the break through came, a strike from Gail Thomas was well saved by the City Keeper, only for Karen O’Neil-Simpson to be first in for the rebound and calmly lift over the keeper to equalise.

Whilst Dragons pushed for the winner, City were resolute, and had opportunities of their own, with a couple of short corners, which were well charged down by Karen O’Neill Simpson.

It shows the high standards that this team have set themselves, that they were disappointed with just the 1 point, however the team need to show that bit more desire, creativity and killer instinct to finish teams off in this League.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s Premier League
Norwich Dragons 3s 1-2 UEA 1

Dragons took on league leaders UEA after their impressive win last week. They started solidly but struggled to break out of their own half due to the pressure imposed on them by UEA. Dragons remained resilient however with Sophie Thomas providing excellent cover and dominating at the back. Over time Dragons succumbed to the relentless UEA and conceded a scrappy goal.

Dragons started the second half well and made some enterprising breaks into the UEA twenty-five, Klara Moolman showing typical commitment to get on the end of possibly the best move of the game but Dragons couldn’t convert.

UEA sharpened up and managed to score their second. Dragons didn’t give up and showed commendable effort to get back in the game which they did with an excellent short-corner convert with panache by Lynne Price. This galvanised Dragons and produced a jittery spell for UEA in which Dragons were awarded more short-corners all of which were very accomplished. However, time was not with them and UEA finished as relieved but deserving winners. For Dragons this was a game which showed how far we’ve come from the first encounter this season particularly, as they could have ‘nicked’ a winner at the end. They should take a lot of heart for the remaining fixtures.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League Division 1
Norwich Dragons 4s 2:1 Thetford

The game started with all the pressure being put on Thetford – Dragons players quickly took control and moved the ball efficently down the wings. Rachael Hipperson and Sue Cross worked the ball out wide to the waiting sticks of Marcy Windsor Waite, Sophie Farrow and Laura Goodbun, who all used their pace on the ball to head straight towards the oppositions D – the first of Dragons goals came from a short corner that was pushed to Sue, who slipped it to a perfectly placed Laura to slot in behind the keeper.

Thetford tried to turn play whenever they could, but Dragons surrounded every hit out with a sea of red and managed to stop almost every ball. Flora Gregorie, Holly Bailey and Mel Widdows all made excellent stops, moving the ball quickly back in the direction in which it came – it was from one of these quick passes that Sophie and Laura were able to utilise the space created near the D and get passed all of the defensive line and go up against the keeper – a square pass from Sophie allowed Laura to move behind the keep to an awaiting open goal.

Thetford managed to score their only goal from a side-line ball that was quickly slipped right and then left, beating two defenders, it was then struck into the far corner.  Dragons immediately rallied and moved back to their attacking form as the half time whistle blew.

Although the weather was against us in the second half, play continued (if at a slightly slower pace, thanks to the wind and hail). Thetford seemed determined to score another goal but through solid defending from Abi Cowe, Laura Bruce and Freya Clogan most attempts were stopped well before the D was even reached and on the rare occasions when a shot was actually attempted Morag Morrison was always there to save them.

As the rain continued, the umpires debated whether to stop play but agreed it was safe enough to continue and with that decision Dragons attacked again but were unable to take advantage of a short corner. The forwards and midfield players, in particular Lorna Travers (PoM), kept taking the ball again and again to Thetford’s D, trying to increase Dragon’s lead but just couldn’t quite create the chances they had in the first half – as the final whistle blew a very soggy game came to an end with a well-earned win for Dragons.

A few photos from this game here.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League Division 2
Norwich Dragons 5s 1-4 Reepham

Norwich Dragons 5s were ready to win against Reepham however Reepham proved a tough match even for these firey Dragons, however this 4-1 defeat was nothing to be ashamed of.   The first half Dragons started out really strong with the majority of posession. Dragons had a few chances in the first half thanks to some excellent linking up in midfield between Katie Buxton, Rachael Matthews, Chiara Bond and Rosie Korn.  All of them tirelessly tackled back and tried to push up the pitch, however Dragons forwards could not capitalise.  The defence a slightly different combination this week due to an injured Jess Tye Leach (who expertly ran the sideline for us). Lottie Korn, Sarah Norcliff and Emma Buxton held it together well and saw off a high number of Reepham attempts. Harriet Williams made some stunning saves as Reepham advanced their attack. Dragons were a convincing side & it would have been 0-0 had it not been from an extremely unlucky deflection off Sarah Nortcliff’s stick which created an own goal in the top left of the goal (the type of goal forwards dream of scoring).

Dragons went into their half time team talk they knew they had to come out strong and try and get round Reepham. With the same idea Reepham managed to hammer home their first goal of the match in the first 3 minutes of the second half. Dragons continued to push hard and Rachael Matthews had her best game of the season so far as she battled up the pitch making some excellent passes & play and always being in the right place and calling for the ball at the right time.  Rosie Korn and Chiara Bond were steadfastly relentless in their pace of play and tackles as they are each and every week. Dragons got a few chances with some high balls to new player Alice Whitmore and some pushes up the pitch by Lisa Harwood and Lucy Campbell, however it was difficult to penetrate Reephams tough defence. Dragons continue to push hard with some chances from a break by super speedy Izzy Woodcock creating a short corner which was seen off by Reepham. Continual defence was needed and this is where we saw Charlotte Pounder new to the 5s come alive with some tenacious tackling and some really well measured play.  It was unfortunately not enough as Reepham managed to secure another goal.

Determined to win back play, Dragons managed to secure themselves a short corner and finally get through the Reepham defence with a text book strike by Lois McGregor to the post which was fired home by injector Katie Buxton (man of the match). Not satisfied with a 3-1 win, Reepham pushed hard and managed to sneak round dragons to secure their fourth and final goal in the last 20 minutes. Overall, Dragons should not be ashamed of their performance, they came out fighting and showed some real tenacity but against the well-oiled machine of Reepham they just could not get through and take the chances to get the goals they really needed.  Even with this loss Dragons 5s remain 4th in the table, however having achieved a hefty win against Evergreens, Norwich City 4s are now 5 points clear at 3rd place.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League Division 3
Norwich Dragons 6s 0:2 Loddon 2

The 6s made genuine progress this week, albeit facing a team who share a lowly position with them in the league. Thanks to match times, they also had the benefit of Lizzy McDonnell, who demonstrated what a difference a strong mature player can make when she bosses the midfield. It also helped to have David Bond on the sideline, casting his coach’s eye on the proceedings and running the subs. His final analysis was that all the squad made some good contributions, but we still have to bring those individual skills to create team cohesiveness – and we also need to apply them consistency.

Loddon took an early lead when Laura Hansell took a mighty crack on the hand from a stick and in the confusion a soft shot slid past the far post. This is an appropriate time to remind all players that they should be wearing a glove on the left hand, and if they value their knuckles, one on the right hand as well. Laura was able to continue later, and made her usual contribution with some excellent tackles and strong runs, particularly down the right.

Beth Elgood was also back, and although we were not able to implement our plan to send her further upfield (because of the numbers of midfielders available) we were glad to have her in the back three alongside Jasmin Daniels and this week Katie Franks, who displayed excellent marking and covering skills. Jo Eke also impressed when she came on to defend, and between Beth, Jasmin, Katie and Jo, the Loddon wide forwards had few clearcut chances.

Loddon were strong driving balls through the middle, and our defence were excellent at picking them up. We still need to do a bit more work on making our hit outs an asset – too often we failed to get our midfielders away. Izzi Ferguson and Sarah Carroll (newbies!) were dying to show what they could do, and when they did get the ball they combined well with Lizzy, or Amy Hunter, Ciara Willmott or Laura H, depending who was on.

It was another very encouraging facet of the Dragons play that with everyone playing ‘Dragons style’, the midfielders (Lizzy, Sarah Carroll, Amy, Laura H, Ciara and Izzi) were covering the ground, getting their tackles in and were virtually interchangeable, and this has not happened for many games.

There were times when there were some very fluid moves in the midfield, but Loddon have some wily and experienced defenders, and our big weakness all season has been our inability to capitalise when we get the ball into the attacking circle. At least this week we did achieve some penalty corners, but with completely different personnel the moves broke down. Sarah Norman moved into a central position, and was probably more effective there than out wide. Claire Fairhurst picked up some good balls on the left, and made her way into the circle – but unluckily this was when there was no-one in support. Laura Russell is showing progress with her stick skills, and had some useful moves on the right.

Having weathered a storm of penalty corners, Dragons fell to one midway in the second half. A head high shot was blocked, but not pushed away hard enough, and with the defence leaving the far post for once, a rushing forward pushed home.

The final period of the game saw Dragons still pushing forward, with some careful build up and strong driving by Lizzy just failing to get a reward.

As is customary with sporting Dragons, they voted for stand-in goalkeeper Bridget Le Good as their player of the match, which was very generous as she felt she could have done more to prevent both goals. However, at least this week the opposition goal tally was kept low, and the overall Dragons play was great cause for optimism.

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Empresa Norfolk Girls Development League
Norwich Dragons 0-3 Magpies

Player of the match was Lara Taylor due to her hard work and extra effort. She got in a few brilliant tackles and made some lovely passes.

Alessandra Pellegrini (goalkeeper) saved some amazing attempts on goal. When the ball comes in from a rebound it’s not always that easy to be ready for it, but in this game Alessandra did a few of those. So congratulations to her!

Abi Cowe (the adult playing for us) helped out on the goal line when Alessandra made some amazing saves and was struggling to get back for the other shots Abi stepped in and stopped us from being 5 nil down. With her stick on the floor ready to stop any thing that came her way she stopped at least two balls from going in.

The new members of our team that came up from U12’s are fitting in really well. As well as Lara Taylor getting man of the match Jodi Rump and Esme Potter played exceptionally well. I am pretty sure no one would have noticed that they are new to development. Well done to those girls!

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Empresa Norfolk Boys Development League
Norwich Dragons 0:0 Magpies