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Women’s East Hockey League, Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v Wapping 1s:  1-2

Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s travelled down to the Olympic park to take on Wapping in the East Prem division. With several weeks of good training behind them, and improvements in match-play coming every week, the squad were confident of a good game against third-placed Wapping. In the early stages of the match, the Dragons gave Wapping a little too much space in the middle of the pitch, and with their fast-paced forwards they were able to capitalise and take a number of shots on goal. Player of the match, Siobhan Cleeve, however, continued to display the fine form that has marked her season, making a number of crucial, sliding and diving saves that kept the Dragons in the game.

The visitors became more disciplined as the half went on, and some good distribution from the defensive unit of Lou Murray, Holly Reding and Sophie Thomas, gave the forwards the space to put pressure on the Wapping goal. Unfortunately, shortly before half time the very wet pitch slowed the pace of the ball as the Dragons sought to switch it around the back. Wapping capitalised on the error, making the interception and getting a shot away from the top of the D. After a number of classy saves from Cleeve, and a scramble in front of the goal-mouth, the ball dribbled over the line to put the hosts ahead as the whistle went for half time.

The second half saw a return of dominance for the visitors, with some strong play in the midfield from Lucy Ripman and Lara Taylor. The forward line of Emma Tabrett, Issy Wolfe, Hayley Toleman and Stacey Lee continued to put pressure on the Wapping defense, winning a flurry of short corners. Unfortunately, the Dragons just couldn’t find the back of the net, and Wapping managed to put themselves 2-0 up with 10 minutes to go after a breaking play.

The Dragons kept their heads, pulling together and embarking upon a sustained attack in the final stages of the game. A short corner in the last five minutes saw Liv Thomas demonstrate a nice bit of individual skill at the top of the D, beating several defenders before slipping the ball to Sarah Jenkins on the penalty spot.  Despite rarely finding herself so far up the pitch, Jenkins managed to lift the ball over the keeper and clutch a conciliatory goal for the Dragons, making the score 2-1 at full time.

Another very close game and another disappointing loss for the team. However, the strong team spirit and determination shown – as well as the continued improvement week by week – demonstrate that we’re still in the fight. We’ll be back stronger next week.

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Women’s East Hockey League, Division 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s v Colchester 2s:  5-1

With no frost at the Den a full set of league fixtures took place, with the Ladies 2’s welcoming Colchester. Again illness and injury hit the squad with Sarah Borrett likely to be out long term and Ismay Whitaker absent through illness. Sophie Barrow made a welcome return to the team.

Dragons Captain Karen O’Neill Simpson called for the team to take heart from a great team performance the previous week, and take that forward into this game, and that they did with a goal in the first 3 minutes following some fine work by Jess Bennett driving into the D and setting up a relatively straight forward opportunity for Lucy Morton to force the ball home. Dragons piled on the pressure and won a number of short corners, with Jess Bennett and Gail Thomas combining well and coming close on a couple of occasions.

The goals continued to come as Dragons were dominant – Bennett stole the ball from Colchester and drove towards the D, with Lucy Morton making a fine supporting run, however Bennett smashed the ball into the top corner. The third came from some great work by Gail Thomas, smashing the ball into the left corner. The fourth a powerful run down the right by Kiera Goymour, getting to the baseline and passing to Kate McKenna to calmly slot home. Dragons 5th on the stroke of halftime, with a short corner passed back to injector Hannah Hardy, whose shot was saved, but Kate McKenna was once more in the right position to slot the ball home.

A dominant first half by the home team, was followed by a reshuffle by Colchester in the 2nd half to try to calm the storm. This the visitors did well, whilst Dragons ran out of steam a little and whilst they had chances the Colchester keeper did well. Defensively Dragons needed to be strong and that they were – Carmel Windsor-Waite playing out of position was assured as ever, whilst Sophie Barrow looked strong and confident at right defender. Karen O’Neill-Simpson was dominant in the centre and Shelly Seaman earned a deserved Player of the Match for her strong tackling and great distribution.

Colchester earned a fine consolation goal through some good team play, with youngster ‘Holly’ sliding in on her reverse stick to fire home – certainly one for the future!

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s v  Dereham 3s:  9-0

Dragons 3^rd team started as they meant to go on for the rest of the match scoring their first goal in the first 5 minutes that was calmly finished by Natalie Beal. Dragons maintained the pressure on Dereham 3^rd team and were soon rewarded with their second goal this time scored by Maddy Reynolds.

Dragons continued to play an effective passing game throughout the team to put pressure on the Dereham defence. The third goal was a successful lob of the keeper by Natalie Beal, who within the first half an hour of the game scored the fourth goal of the game to complete her hattrick. The fifth goal was driven home by Maddy Reynolds for her second goal and end the first half 5 – 0.

The second half continued with Dragons having the majority of possession, which resulted in a fourth goal for Natalie Beal, the sixth of the game. The seventh goal of the game came from an excellent individual run up the wing and shot to slot the ball home past the keeper for Sam Franklin. The eighth goal came for Hazel Knights from a well-rehearsed short corner and the ninth and final goal of the game, again came from a short corner scored by Hannah Ellis.

Throughout the game the defence of Amy Forse, Esme Potter, Kath Mares and Angela Murgatroyd kept their concentration to deal with the few chances Dereham created and keep another clean sheet. The team all worked hard for each other with notable performances for Lucy Buxton, Ally Windsor Waite and Aditi Naik, which meant the player of the match vote was tight but deservedly taken by Sam Franklin.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s v Magpies 4s:  1-0

The game started well with physical battles but it soon calmed down as the game went on and we found our style of play.

Magpies were a very organised team but we broke them down very quickly and we had the ball in their half most of the game.

After a couple of short corners Caroline Wolfe hit a lovely ball ending up in the left corner of the goal. Even though we managed to break down their short corners we couldn’t score again, then the half time whistle blew.

We came out in the 2nd half very strong and organised. Our style of play worked very well and everyone in the team held their position brilliantly.  We held the game again this half preventing Magpies taking charge of their game.

Again we had our chances but unfortunately we weren’t able to score anymore goals. But at least our goalie had a good rest this game.

The game ended 1-0 to us.

MOM was Katie Lister for a fabulous performance playing up from 5’s

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s v Evergreens 1s:  1-1

It was a relatively early start for the ladies 5’s this week, with everyone hoping there would not be a frost overnight and we would get to play some hockey! We were keen to improve on our last result against Evergreens and learn from our last few matches. With a strong pre-match talk about positioning and defending free hits we set out to show Evergreens that this would be far from an easy game.

Evergreens had first pushback and pressed from the very beginning using strong and fast players down the centre of the pitch to push far into our half. Their efforts on goal were slowed by our tenacious defensive line up of Lou Davis , Steph Samson, Ginny Simkin and Esther Jacobs. The defensive unit worked well together with lots of vocal encouragement from each player and good communication about picking up players. Unfortunately Evergreens were persistent and after several attempts successfully scored. Keeping their spirits up and with lots of sideline encouragement the 5’s were determined to have their own chance on goal. Hannah Edwards (POM) worked tirelessly breaking down the play in the middle and distributing balls to Mel Widdows and Niamh Somers on the wings and worked cohesively with Sue Cross at the top of the diamond. This hard work meant that our forwards Jenna Inglis, Lizzy McDonnell, Amy Forse and Lilly Sore had several opportunities to work the ball into the D and start pressing the Evergreen defence.

Eventually this hard work paid off and Amy scored a cracking goal from the right hand side of the D in open play. With the score now 1-1 we were keen for some points and kept up the pressure winning a number of short corners. The game remained equal with both sides hungry for another goal but it was not meant to be for either team. We therefore happily came away with a point and lots of positives to take forward to our next match. The work rate as ever was second to none and it was a pleasure to play with such a positive and hard working team.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Division 2
Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s v North Norfolk 2s:  0-2

Ladies 6s knew they shouldn’t take North Norfolk’s league position for granted – they have not had the luck they deserve this season and have been giving the teams at the top some troublesome games.

The game was end to end from start to finish. The defensive line of Stella Windsor-Waite, Hannah Woods and Jen Buskell dealing with the pressure well but mid-way through the first half North Norfolk had their breakthrough and went 1-0 up.

POM Coco Brown worked tirelessly at bottom of the diamond, a position that’s suits her well. She moved the ball from side to side well.

Gill Walker and Anita Mancini both held the centre of the pitch with command never giving up.

The second half mirrored the first. Dragons were getting the run of play but could not capitalise. Maisie Dearmer and Jess Vernon linking up well.

North Norfolk pressed with a run of short corners, that were defended well – Stella expertly running out and dispatching several wide. However, under so much pressure something had to give. A solid hard strike to the bottom corner could not be stopped.

2-0 to North Norfolk and definitely some things to work on for ladies 6s.

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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League,  Division 3
Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s  v Carrow 2s:  4-0

This was a comfortable win for the Dragons, with a better goal difference than the 3-1 they achieved against Carrow earlier in the season. Though perhaps to put a cherry on the icing on the cake, they would have liked to have turned even more of their chances into goals in order to keep pace with Loddon at the top of the division. However, this was a very enjoyable match in many respects with all the players making a good contribution.

Captain Claire Fairhurst used her subs very cleverly, giving all the players with ambitions to play forward a chance in the rotation. This helped Dragons to keep up the pressure on the Carrow goal, with the different combinations playing well together. Every player who came on added something to the game. Sophie James scored early, a reward for individual persistence in the circle. The second goal was an absolute cracker from Jane Wells, a true shot taken way out and wide on the right. Jane was POM for plenty of hard work in the circle where her positivity made the defenders back off. She set an excellent example of determination. Alice Bishop was on target just before half time and it looked as though Dragons could cruise to a big score.

In the second half, Carrow came back strongly. The home team showed why they have been an improved side since Christmas with several breakaway moves. Fortunately, Dragons young defenders Hattie Gale and debut player Madeleine Gibbs were very secure at the back, with Louise Brooks also doing some important rescue work. This left Emma Northie North to keep calm and keep out the occasional shots – this was a very nice Northie cleanie sheetie!

In past matches it has been the Dragons defence that has provided the basis for the drive forward and the wins. This time, it was the midfield who shone. Amelia Keitley-Webb played slightly more conservatively on the left this week, and recorded far more clean pick ups and passes completed. Stevie Spencer was a ball of fire at the top of the diamond and distributed well to the left, centre and right. Alice, Sophie and Becky Gallagher kept on forcing the ball through and creating chances.

The pitch had an impact on the game. Dragons couldn’t achieve the ball speed they have managed recently and the surface managed to be both sticky and slippy. It was the same for both sides of course, and the game felt quite slow, although both sides were making every effort.

Dragons took their mission to be first to the ball with great enthusiasm, and frequently found themselves penalised for crossing and stick tackling. They learned to play very carefully. The fourth and final goal was scored by Claire, who has this happy knack of scoring when her side needs it most. Addi Kraemer sent over a beautiful cross and Claire swept in from the left – our only conversion of a sweep, though Addi herself was unlucky a few times. Addi played a most unselfish game, laying on deflections and reverse sweeps throughout the game. As the forwards gain even more understanding of each other, and start chasing the follow-ups, the Dragons will start scoring even more freely again. Again this week, credit to the opposition for defending their circle with determination.

The 7s very strong midfield of Amelia, Sophie, Stevie, Alice and Becky with Brooksy pushing forward, demonstrated in this match that they can play a high press very effectively, especially when the ball moves slowly. But they are aware that this is not a tactic they can use every week against every team! We hope to have a strong squad for next week’s rearranged match against Magpies, and we hope the weather will let us play because the 7s are starting to move up through the gears again.

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Empress Norfolk Women’s League, Division 3
Norwich Dragons Ladies 8s  v Loddon 2s:  0-5

Yet again the #Awesomeeights had another frustrating match, so near yet so far! Silly mistakes and blips in concentration crept in allowing Loddon to get a couple of easy goals.

Goal Keeper Emma North once again gave a stellar performance, with both her experience and confidence growing which clearly shows in her game. Kicks are getting stronger, clearances are getting more inspiring and her guidance is invaluable. (She even managed to keep the cussing under control)! Centre defender Jo Baker continued to hold the defensive lines, offered much needed support and encouragement and hiapped (Hit-slaped) the ball into good spaces created by the Mids. Fellow defenders Jess Lockwood and Johanne Steward provided much needed support on the wings and the line, as a whole, pushed up behind the mids to put much needed pressure on the opposition. A special mention must be given to our first newbie of the match, Maria Millititsky who not only made her debut for Dragons but played in her first ever hockey match! It was a fantastic debut and Maria is a welcome addition to the team with her natural attacking ability and skill in driving the ball clear of the danger zone and up the field.

Bottom of the Diamond was commanded by stalwart Tracy S-S who once again ran fearlessly across the width of the pitch and supported the defence when under attack, we would definitely be lost without her. Bolstering the wall this week was Anna Chapman who stepped up from the defence line and gained herself a share of the MOM award with a performance in both D’s and somehow seemed to never tire! The gazelle that is Captain Katy, once again ran her bottle green socks off in top of the diamond position, distributing the ball to both sides of the pitch and ably supported forwards, mids and defence equally.

Wingers Nic, Shanice and 2^nd debutant Helen Mann proved to be a fantastic, formidable matching, driving the ball tirelessly up and down the pitch. Helen proved to be another great addition to the team and with her pace and quick eye earnt her joint MOM award!

Lois Metcalf was another invaluable player both with support, advice and game-play. When Nic H took a nasty blow to just below the left eye minutes before half time, Lois stepped up to provided much needed cover, so others could catch their breath.

Forwards Emma Young and Sadie Jacobs continue to grow in confidence and soak up any advice given to them which only benefits their games, their positioning is brilliant – surely it won’t be long until the goals will come.

So now we have a couple of slip weeks (Feels like we’ve only just got going again with all the postponements) With 6 matches left we still have time to convert all we have learnt and continue to learn into some much-wanted wins. Eights are a determined bunch, yes we get frustrated (and this can come out in the wrong way occasionally) but its only because we care, we are proud of the players we play with and the club we play for and because we just want to have a dam good game of hockey that every now and again goes our way!

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 2N
Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s v Pelicans 1s:   5-1

As an evil imperial force journeyed deep into the heart of darkness, hellbent on the conquest of our fine city Norwich, only a small yet staunchly fierce force stood to oppose it.

The avaricious conquerors from King’s Lynn were met by the Dragons, and a quick paced showdown began.

Committed to the thorough destruction of the Pelicans, the Dragons remained obdurate in the face of what seemed like interminable defensive pressure. Wave after wave of attacks were soaked up by the back line under the command of Olly ‘King Leonidas’ Buck who, in what was shaping up to be a brutal last stand, held the Hot Gates to deny any prize for the Pelicans.

Some way into the first half, the pitch opened up for Rupert ‘The Silencer’ Snelling to slam home the first goal of the game – an unapologetically ruthless execution. The Silencer, hardly the forgiving type, soon perplexed the enemy defence once again in a hideously skilful exhibition, making space for Oli ‘The Judge’ King to condemn the Pelicans keeper to oblivion. Tom ‘Heavy Artillery’ Vaughn had the final say of the half, by discharging a shot which fizzed into the goal to consolidate the verdict.

The second half was a half of smooth interplay and confidence in both attacking and defensive formations. Whilst the opposition daubed the game with impatience and incompetency, Sam ‘The Artist’ Avery painted a masterpiece of precision, fluidity and composure in the midfield, with many a perfectly-weighted pass to supplement attacking plays. Hungry for destruction and seemingly devoid of empathy, Tom Vaughn also slammed home two more goals to claim a hat-trick of brutal proportions.

Pelicans also scored in the second half; well done!

Final score: a crushing 5-1 victory for the Dragons to repel the invaders back to the hellfire from whence they came.

Special recognition goes to Paddy ‘The Martyr’ Gordon who ended up on the bench following some extreme on-pitch moralising.

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s v IES2s:  0-3

Men’s 2nds recorded only their third but biggest loss of the season 3-0 away to IES2 in a combative match (1-0 HT). Dragons found chances hard to come by against a strong opposition who were quick and incisive. Against the usual pattern of short  corners the home team took the lead from a well finished shot after a home forward found himself free at the top of the D. Some good saves from the dragons keeper plus goal line interventions at short corner dragflicks from Andy Hipper and Glenn Masterson kept the arrears down to the single goal. Unfortunately the IES penalty corner dragflick maestro found his form in the second half converting two, but despite this dragons still took the game to the opposition but were unable to convert and ended the game failing to record a goal for the first time this league season. MOM Richard Gill and DOD Glenn.

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 3s v City 4s:  2-3

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Men’s East Hockey League Division 4NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s v Magpies 4s 0-3

It was a late start for the fours today at 4:30. We drove to Harleston where we faced the Magpies 4’s. We had a very different squad from last week with a new and young player, Issac Diver Hall making his debut. The sky was dark and the flood lights were turned on.

We did not get off to a good start when a hard hit into the D was tapped in by their forward. However, we were working hard and creating some chances and by half time we thought we had a real chance of pulling it back to win the game. Shortly into the second half they scored their second goal which was very unlucky for us since we had been playing good hockey. Ten minutes to go and they slotted away their third goal but we still did not give up. We won a short corner in the dying minutes and Andy Carver narrowly missed the bottom right corner.

The game finished 3-0 to Magpies.

The Man of the Match went to Issac who had a great debut.

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 5NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s v Dereham 3s: 1-2

Men’s 5s lost 2-1 to Dereham 3s. Opposition were very direct and took us a bit of time to adjust. 2-0 down just after half time, we pulled one back through Will Kirby following up Greg Reynolds shot after good work down the right. Dereham were hanging on but we couldn’t find an equaliser.

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Men’s East Hockey League, Division 6NE(N)
Norwich Dragons Men’s 6s v Dereham 4s: 4-2

AT LAST, WE WON!!!!!!!

Not much more to say really. Final score 4-2 to Dragons. Top job from all the team who have plugged away all season, never giving up and never doubting themselves. Hats off to our goal scorers Pete Latoy, Dan Orsborne, Darryl Robinson and Sam ‘Man of the match’ Nutt.

 From a proud Captain.

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Norwich Dragons Hockey Club
Dragons Dev Boys A v  Watton: 6-0

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Norwich Dragons Hockey Club
Dragons Dev Boys B v  Dereham: 1-8

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Norwich Dragons Hockey Club
Dragons Dev Girls v  Pelicans:   0-5 

Dev Girls unfortunately had to concede this fixture to Pelicans

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