This Week’s Results
| Team | Opposition | H/A | Score | Scorers | Player of Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L1s | Cam Uni 1 | H | 1-2 (L) | Joanna Raymond | Olivia Thomas Sarah Jenkins |
| L2s | Watton 1 | A | 2-0 (L) | Sam Franklin | |
| L3s | Christchurch 1 | A | 5-2 (L) | Hannah Ellis x2 | Grace Brown |
| L4s | Dereham 3 | A | 0-8 (W) | Trish Hagan x2 Victoria Earley x2 Niamh Somers x2 Lisa Harwood Lilli Ballard | Niamh Somers |
| L5s | Beccles | H | 2-0 (W) | Lizzy McDonnell Gemma Ballard | Emily Smith Anita Mancini |
| L6s | Low Ladies 2 | A | 0-4 (W) | Kelly Mills x2 Adelice Kraemer x2 | Floss Andrews |
| L7s | Pelicans 3 | H | 2-6 (L) | Mia McGhee x2 | Emma North |
| L8s | Pelicans 4 | A | 1-0 (L) | Karen Davidson | |
| M1s | Cam South 1 | A | 5-1 (L) | Rupert Snelling | Daumantas Matulevicius |
| M2s | Sudbury 2 | A | 4-3 (L) | Al Browne Cley Hamilton McCartney Aldous | Tom McLean |
| M3s | Bury 2 | H | 2-0 (W) | Matt Hull Tom Vaughan | Rob Goodson |
| M4s | Watton 1 | A | 9-0 (L) | Tommy Gale | |
| M5s | Watton 2 | H | 3-0 (W) | Dan Ryan Tommy Chapman Bobby Sheppard | Alex Brookes |
| M6s | Pelicans 4 | A | 4-1 (L) | Rob Lee | Whole team! |
| BD A | N City | H | 1-4 (L) | Edward Cross | Gabe Overton |
| BD B | Magpies | H | 4-1 (W) | Bertie Pinching Harry Fuller Raul Wigglesworth Monty Patel | Bertie Pinching |
| GD | Magpies | H | 2-8 (L) | Evie Marley x2 | Harriet Pymm |
East League, Ladies 1N
Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v Cambridge Uni 1s: 1-2
Goalscorer: Joanna Raymond
MOM: Sarah Jenkins, Olivia Thomas
East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s v Watton 1s: 0-2
Dragons 2’s traveled to Watton knowing it was going to be a tough game as both teams had won their opening three games. Dragons were pleased to welcome Kath Mares to the 2’s and to also welcome back Sam Franklin.
The game got off to a fast start with Dragons struggling to get used to the sandy pitch. As a result Dragons gave the ball away cheaply at times, putting themselves under unnecessary pressure, as they just weren’t able to get enough pace on the ball.
Watton won a few early short corners which the Dragons defence of Kath Mares Karen O’Neill-Simpson, Donna Vaughan and Sarah Borrett managed to keep out of the goal, aided by keeper Amy Forse.
Dragons slowly managed to work themselves back into the game, helped by the arrival of Sam Franklin on the pitch, whose work rate was second to none! As a result of this hard work and through some skillful work from the forward line of Kate McKenna, Evie-Mae Thorpe, Piper Hempsall and Lauren Lawrie, Dragons managed to win several short corners themselves, but unfortunately couldn’t convert any of them.
As Dragons got used to the pitch the game started to even out with both teams having several chances. Just before half time Watton had another period of pressure and managed to convert this and went into half time 1-0 up.
At half time ‘manager’ Hannah, who is still recovering from injury, called for the Dragons to push up as a team more and to play with a bit more desire.
Dragons tried to listen to this advice, but unfortunately before they could really get into their stride, Watton managed to score form a rather lucky goal that put them 2-0 up. This threw Dragons for a bit and with the scorching temperatures, that would have been better suited to July, they struggled to work themselves back into the game.
With 15 minutes to go Dragons collected themselves and started to pile on the pressure, with some good short passing in midfield from Harriet Green, Gail Thomas, Debs Smith and Sam Franklin. Even though Dragons continued to have several chances and win more short corners it just wasn’t to be and the game ended 2-0 to Watton. Player of the match went to Sam Franklin for her tireless running.
Even though Dragons were disappointed to lose they have learnt a lot from this game and are determined to train hard and to get back to their winning ways. As always thanks to Hannah Hardy for her help and support.
East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s v Christchurch 1s: 2-5
Goalscorers: Hannah Ellis x2
MOM: Grace Brown
A sunny Saturday morning took Dragons Ladies 3’s down to Ipswich to play Christchurch, with a few last-minute changes due to illness, thank you Katie Franks and Esther Jacobs. The dragons took a while to settle due to all the changes but were having the majority of the possession, creating some promising attacking play.
However, Christchurch were direct in attack and converted a short corner to score the first goal
against the run of play. Dragons continued to push up the pitch and were unlucky not to score
despite several chances. Again, Christchurch took advantage of the high press of dragons and broke through to score the second goal.
After a half time break, dragons remained positive and play attacking hockey, but Christchurch’s long and hard hits up the pitch broke through again and they scored another two goals. Dragons kept the pressure on the Christchurch defence and after winning a third short corner in a row, persistence finally paid off when Lucy Buxton strike was saved and Hannah Ellis was within close range to put the ball between the keeper’s legs.
Dragons quickly reset and kept the pace and pressure on, which resulted in them scoring a second goal from open play. The ball was moved quickly down the right-hand side of the pitch and crossed into the middle of the D for Hannah Ellis to cleanly strike into the bottom left hand corner, bringing the score to 4-2 with ten minutes to go.
Dragons determination could not be questioned and they continued to play attacking hockey, which also resulted in Christchurch scoring one more goal in the final minutes of the game. Some great determination shown all over the pitch and the player of the match vote was deservedly won by Grace Brown.
Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s v Dereham 3s: 8-0
Goalscorers: Trish Hagan x2, Victoria Earley x2, Niamh Somers x2, Lisa Harwood, Lilli Ballard
MOM: Niamh Somers
On an unseasonably warm October day Dragons travelled to Dereham chastened after their defeat the previous week. Captain Trish Hagan motivated the team, demanding better and to bring home the win! With these words ringing in their ears Dragons started strongly and quickly went ahead with a well taken goal by Niamh Somers. Wanting to keep Dereham on the back foot Dragons kicked on and Trish Hagan converted a second. Coach Neeps Price had asked for the team to play with more width and Dragons stepped up playing neat triangles down the flanks and quickly brought the half to and end with a couple more neatly finished goals by Lili Ballard and another for Trish Hagan.
At half-time Coach Price asked for us to play with better shape and hold our structure and with
Hagan’s rallying words the team took to the pitch. Again the team responded to the leadership and were more able to switch play and maintain neat triangles through all areas of the team. This soon paid dividends as Dragons scored again, another for Niamh. With the rotation of players maintaining intensity, Dragons again converted through Lisa Harwood. Dereham kept playing high and trying to break out but this just played into Dragons hands who utilised the space behind with Vicki Earley converting the final two goals.
A great result for Dragons against an inexperienced Dereham team; patterns of play improved over the game and it was brilliant to see our youngsters continuing to develop so well with Niamh voted player of the match following Stella’s win the previous week! Well done everyone and thanks to those who supported.
Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s v Beccles: 2-0
Goalscorers: Liz McDonnell, Gemma Ballard
MOM: Emily Smith, Anita Mancini
Norwich Dragons ladies 5s took to the pitch on an alarmingly warm October morning, putting their thermals aside and opting for sunglasses instead! I know, we were all shocked as well!
Hoping to build on their winning streak and with the sweet prospect of orange slices at half time, Dragons made a storming start, attacking the ball, and taking the Beccles team by surprise. Gemma scored the first goal after only 3 minutes from a short corner with Lizzie adding to the score board another 3 minutes later, again from another short! Surely 3 was the magic number for the Dragons side and the team worked hard for that third goal.
Unfortunately, the sun got somewhat in the Dragons eyes for the remainder of the first half and Beccles won two short corners. Luckily, however, Steph’s superb pre-match advice was ringing in everyone’s ears and the defenders defended very well! Again, Beccles fought back, with Mia delivering a great kick save in the 13th minute. Dragons dominated possession, however, with Amy and Lizzy working beautifully in the D. The half ended with the first ice pack being used (not just to cool down from the heat….. we don’t think)
The longed for orange slices went down a treat at half time and with the Dragons going into the second half facing away from the sun, energy was renewed (despite Mia heading back towards the wrong goal at the beginning of the second half)
Unfortunately the Dragons side could not quite convert all their possession and instead most Dragons players decided they needed to kick the ball at least once each! The frustration peaked when a hit on goal was saved by the Beccles goalie. There was disagreement about whether the goalie was holding on to the ball, with the Umpire giving the foul against the Dragons.
The second half ended with the final score being 2-0 to Dragons, with the team feeling somewhat deflated as we could not convert our many chances into more goals. The Beccles goalie had her work cut out for her but made some brilliant saves and kept our illusive 3rd goal at bay. Nevertheless, a thoroughly enjoyable game was had by all with a decisive win in the end and about 3 million cups of water after the game to stave off the heat stroke.
Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s v Lowestoft Ladies 2s: 4-0
Goalscorers: Kelly Mills x2, Adelice Kraemer x2
MOM: Floss Andrews
Empresa Norfolk Women’s League Division 2
Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s v Pelicans 3s: 2-6
Goalscorers: Mia McGhee x2
MOM: Emma North
Three goals in the last five minutes sent the 7s spiralling into their biggest defeat of the season. Such a heavy defeat to Pelicans was baffling, because Dragons matched them all over the pitch at times and were only the odd goal down for much of the game.
Dragons had the best start to a match so far this season, being ready to go as soon as the whistle went thanks to attack vs defence practice in warm up. This proved worthwhile as Dragons opened the scoring when Mia McGhee got the first of her two goals through sheer persistence. After the ball did a couple of pings around in the circle, it was Mia who forced the ball home. However Pelicans retaliated, soon equalizing and then scoring their second. Dragons formation disintegrated towards the end of the first half which easily allowed Pelicans through. Thanks to GK Emma North (POM) the score line would have been higher as she stopped countless attacks.
After a stern talking to at half time by Captain Claire Fairhurst and some tactical words from Hannah Hardy, Dragons started the second half much the same as the first. Mia’s second goal just after half time was better than her first – a clean sweep past the keeper. Mia also made some excellent runs, as did Maisie Dearmer from the right mid position. Hatty Harrison-Mobbs, Paige Fisher, Becky Bowen and Amy Hunter all worked hard at getting the ball into the D, but too often the last pass was off target and Claire, Katy Cole and Mia got into excellent positions without having many chances to get away.
The 7s fell into their old habit of failing to be first to the ball, and this was where Pelicans really excelled. They turned the ball over and raced into the attack, and despite some good interceptions by the defence of Emma Dyer, Erin Aldous, Bethan Greaves and Bridget Le Good, the marking was not always tight enough or the tackling strong enough. Briony Johnstone at bottom of the diamond was invaluable, getting into great positions and tackling with excellent energy and displaying all the GRIT that the whole team needed. Yet again Dragons lost their shape and drive and that’s when they watched Pelicans slot three balls home.
Dragons will have to remember what they practice at training, trust each other and work together. They know that they can get the results that they want but need to make more effort to achieve them.
Empresa Norfolk Women’s League Division 3
Norwich Dragons Ladies 8s v Pelicans 4s: 0-1
MOM: Karen Davidson
After travelling the length of Norfolk to reach Kings Lynn with a strong 14 players the 8s were excited about the prospects of playing hockey after last weeks cancellation. They knew it would be a tough game in the heat against a young Pelicans side with boundless energy.
The game started strongly putting into practice the key points from training of marking up, using the width and protecting the castle. Jess Lockwood, Issy Gale, Jo Baker, Emma Fielding (Mouse) and Anna Chapman all rotating in defence really improved their marking. Some excellent block tackles by Mouse and Jess with Issy weaving constantly around players to get the ball out of danger and Jo Baker really holding the sweeper position. Throughout the first half Karen Davidson made some excellent saves when the pressure was on. What was really exciting though was the fact that within 10 minutes Dragons had had several shots at goal with Nat Crisp really holding her central position and firing in the goals and creating play in the middle. Her constant pressure and the work-rate of Sadie Jacobs and Johanne Steward meant that the Pelicans defence had to be on their toes. Pelicans continued to mark tightly throughout the game, however pressure in the D by Shaniece Claxton led us to our first of three short corners. A good shot but sadly note quite enough from Lois Metcalfe the keeper just stepped in to deflect it out of reach. As the first half ended 0-0 this was a truly exciting moment as it was all for the taking.
The second half continued with a similar level of pressure on both sides and quickly Pelicans took their chance to score. After an initial shot the deflection from the keepers pads was there for the taking. Sadly Dragons did not quite react quickly enough to clear the ball and the young Pelicans player had her moment of glory. Dragons did not give up though ! Sophie James an absolute driving force in the game pushed herself continually and created great opportunities in the second half working well with midfielders Sarah Lucas and Katie Davidson. They continued to apply pressure up and down the pitch, wining more short corners and also with chances on goal. Johanne Steward took her chance close to the backline but sadly we could not quite get the angle. A special word for Sophie, who even came back on the pitch after crashing to the ground to continue to try and try again. Overall a fantastic game, lots of tenacity, getting better each week and really building on what we are learning. Man of the match a wonderful Karen Davidson in goal who more than held her own and to me the whole team showed grit and determination and never gave up!
East League, Men’s 2N
Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s v Cambridge South 1s: 1-5
Goalscorer: Rupert Snelling
MOM: Daumantas Matulevicius
East League, Men’s 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s v Sudbury 2s: 3-4
Goalscorers: Al Browne, Cley Hamilton, McCartney Aldous
MOM: Tom McLean
East League, Men’s 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 3s v Bury St Edmunds 2s: 2-0
Goalscorers: Matt Hull, Tom Vaughan
MOM: Rob Goodson
Dragons secured back to back victories with a comfortable two goal win against Bury at the Den.
Dragons dominated the first half with Matt Hull scoring a well worked opener, beating the keeper at the near post with a firmly struck shot.
The second half was much more even but man of the match Rob Goodson skilfully shielded the defence and kept Bury at arms length.
Tom Vaughan finished a flowing team move for the second goal, banishing any thoughts Bury may have had of snatching a draw.
4 league games in and the team are up to 4th and, as importantly, are playing some lovely hockey and having a great time doing it.
East League, Men’s 4NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s v Watton 1s: 0-9
MOM: Tommy Gale
East League, Men’s 5NE(N)
Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s v Watton 2s: 3-0
Goalscorers: Dan Ryan, Tommy Chapman, Bobby Sheppard
MOM: Alex Brookes
East League, Men’s 5NE(N)
Norwich Dragons Men’s 6s v Pelicans 4s: 1-4
Goalscorer: Rob Lee
Development Leagues
Dev Boys A v Norwich City: 1-4
Goalscorer: Ed Cross
MOM: Gabe Overton
A very tight first half saw City take the lead with virtually the last hit. Oh how the half could have looked differently if we had taken our chances and also, if the City keeper wasn’t in such fine form.
The second half was again very similar to the first. Unfortunately City’s strength proved too much for our boys as they eventually ended up winning 4-1.
Not all doom and gloom though, had we made better decisions in the final third, not been so wasteful in front of goal and come up against a keeper in such fine form, then we could have been talking about a fantastic victory.
There were some very promising performances yesterday, especially from Gabe Overton (player of the match) who caught the eye with some fantastic runs down the wing.
Eddie Cross scored our consolation goal with a fantastic individual goal.
Dev Boys B v Magpies: 4-2
Goalscorers: Bertie Pinching, Harry Fuller, Raul Wigglesworth, Monty Patel
MOM: Bertie Pinching
Harriet Pymm