This Week’s Results
| Team | Opposition | H/A | Score | Scorers | Player of Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L1s | IES 1 | A | 2-2 (D) | Olivia Thomas Issy Wolfe | Sarah Jenkins |
| L2s | Bury 1 | H | 1-2 (L) | Donna Vaughan | Donna Vaughan |
| L3s | Dereham 2 | A | 1-2 (W) | Catherine Matthews Ally Windsor Waite | Hannah Ellis |
| L4s | UEA 2 | A | 1-0 (L) | Jemima Williams | |
| L5s | N City 5 | H | 3-1 (W) | Lizzy McDonnell Jane Wells Amy Forse | Gill Walker |
| L6s | Reepham | A | 6-1 (L) | Claire Stuart | Beth Prakash |
| L7s | Broadland 3 | A | 2-2 (D) | Bridget Le Good Mia McGhee | Natalie Crisp |
| L8s | Watton 3 | H | 1-5 (L) | Johanne Steward | Anna Chapman |
| M1s | St Ives 1 | H | 2-1 (W) | Matt Knights Lewis Wilkins | Lewis Wilkins |
| M2s | Nth Norfolk 1 | A | 2-1 (L) | Andrew Saunders | Alex Brooks |
| M3s | Magpies 3 | H | 3-5 (L) | Tom Vaughan x2 Ed Smith | Tom Vaughan Jon Goodson |
| M4s | Bury 3 | H | 1-2 (L) | Tommy Gale | Tommy Gale |
| M5s | Sudbury 4 | A | 3-1 (W) | Dan Orsborne Matt Armstrong Tadgh Walsh | Josh Bingham |
| M6s | UEA 4 | H | 0-4 (L) | ||
| BD A | Magpies | H | P-P | ||
| BD B | Watton | A | 1-4 (W) | Ed Cross, Vithu Baskaran X2 George Wilson | |
| GD | Watton | H | 7-0 (W) | Lara King x3 Hattie Stuart x2 Mia Rutherford x2 | Mia Norris |
East League, Ladies 1N
Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v IES 1s: 2-2
Goalscorers: Olivia Thomas, Issy Wolfe
MOM: Sarah Jenkins
The Ladies 1s, coming off the back of a couple of disappointing losses, were ready to
finish off the first half of the season in style as they travelled to the IES home ground.
The team started well, and had the lion’s share of possession in the first half. The
forward line of Lucy Morton, Issy Wolfe, Shelly Seaman and Piper Hempsall, continued
to create chances, but luck was not on their side, as the ball drifted wide, or was saved as
it veered towards goal – on one occasion by the opposition’s foot, but no stroke was
awarded. The midfield worked tirelesslessy up and down the pitch, and the team played
more as a unit than they have done in recent weeks. The hard work paid off when
Harriet Green played a long square ball from the left hand side of the pitch to Holly
Setchell on the edge of the D. Setchell drove the ball wide and to the base line before
pulling it back to an unmarked Liv Thomas waiting on the penalty spot. Thomas picked
her spot and put the ball away with confidence. While IES had a few chances in the first
half these were dealt with by the some excellent saves from Izzy Mumbray and a team
defence, leaving the score 1-0 at half time.
IES came out hard in the second half, creating more opportunities than before.
However, at least for the first phase the Dragons still seemed to be in control. After 10
minutes, Shelly Seaman found player of the match Sarah Jenkins just outside the D.
Driving into the D, Jenkins found herself in some space and placed a shot on target.
While the initial shot was saved, Issy Wolfe was there to clean up, putting the visitors 2-0
ahead. However, the Dragons’ fortunes changed with the arrival of the opposition’s fan
base, and a renewed energy from the host team. IES played with a desire that seemed to
be lacking in the Dragons unit, and were soon rewarded for their renewed vigour with a
short corner. The drag flicker got hold of the ball well and launched the ball at a tricky
height towards the right hand side of the goal, bringing the score back to 2-1. For the
rest of the game it was very much a question of whether the Dragons could hold on to
the 3 points, and while they had a number of chances to score, it was IES that looked the
stronger team. Minutes before time, the hosts manage to draw the game level, after a
loose ball in the middle of the pitch was picked off and played into an unmarked player
on the penalty spot, leaving the game at 2-2 at the final whistle.
This was a disappointing result for the Dragons, who really should have seen the game
off much earlier. Some tough lessons have been learned, and the team look towards the
business end of the season in their campaign to secure promotion.
East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s v Bury 1s: 1-2
Goalscorers: Donna Vaughan
MOM: Donna Vaughan
Dragons welcomed Bury to the Den knowing it was going to be a hard fought game as both teams were on the same points and in third and fourth place in the table. Dragons were pleased to welcome back Amy Forse in goal, as their usual keeper Izzi Mumbray had been called up to the 1’s.
The game started at a fast pace with Bury having most of the possession. Bury moved the ball around really well with some good sharp passing. Dragons defence had to work hard and communicate well to cope with the pace of the game. During this period Bury won several short corners, but Dragons were determined to keep the ball out of the goal and some good defending and great saves from Amy Forse helped Dragons keep the ball out. After the first onslaught Dragons started to work their way back into the game and won a few short corners of their own. It was on one of these short corners that Sarah Borrett dragged the ball out at speed for Jess Bennett to stop. The ball was then struck with great pace and accuracy straight into the goal by Donna Vaughan. Dragons had ridden the first period of pressure and worked their way back into the game and were 1-0 up. After this the game continued at speed with both teams playing some good hockey and both teams having their chances but when the whistle went for half time it was still 1-0 to Dragons.
After half time both teams continued to battle hard, both determined to try and win the 3 points. Unfortunately not long into the second half Bury attacked at speed and outnumbered the Dragons defence and scored to make it 1-1. Neither team were happy with the draw and both continued to press hard and both had several chances but the score remained 1-1. With the game nearly over and mere minutes on the clock a deflected ball fell to a Bury player and the middle of the pitch appeared to just open up for them and the dragons defence again found themselves outnumbered. There was little anyone could do but watch in horror as the ball seemed to trickle over the line and into the goal in slow motion to make it 1-2 to Bury. Dragons tried to get a goal back but unfortunately time was against them and the final whistle went. Player of the match went to Donna Vaughan for her great goal and some excellent defending.
A disappointing end to the first half of the season for Dragons but it hasn’t dampened their spirit, if anything it has fired them up. Dragons have had a good first half of the season and find themselves in fourth place just 4 points behind the leaders with all to play for and everything still in their own hands. Finally as always thanks to Ollie King for his help and to all the supporters that battle the miserable rain to cheer us on.
East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s v Dereham 2s: 2-1
Goalscorers: Catherine Matthews, Ally Windsor Waite
MOM: Hannah Ellis
Norwich Dragons Ladies 3rd Team travelled to play Dereham 2nd Team this week on a wet and miserable Saturday afternoon. With the same squad and following a hard-fought win last week the team were confident of building on the progress made in the last few weeks.
The first half began with both teams testing the opposition defences and it was Dragons who managed to convert a chance first. Following some good build up play from midfield the ball was crossed into the circle for Lucy Buxton to strike but was saved by the keeper, however Catherine Matthews was within close range to covert the rebound. Dereham remained in the game and managed to convert a short corner to equal the scores in the first half.
The half time talk was for Dragons to increase their performance in all areas and at the start of the second half Dragons were putting Dereham’s defence under increasing pressure. Dragons were beginning to play some good passing hockey and from open play Dragons managed to score a second goal slotted home by Ally Windsor Waite.
Dereham remained in the game and for the last ten minutes of the game put the Dragons defence under pressure and won many short corners, but the defence of Dragons remained composed and with some good saves from Esther Jacobs managed to secure the win. Player of the match was Hannah Ellis.
Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s v UEA 2s: 0-1
MOM: Jemima Williams
The Dragons’ Ladies 4s went to a very wet and miserable fixture at the Sports Park to play the UEA Ladies’ 2s, and came away with no points.
Gem Ballard made her 4s debut, enabling her to play league hockey with daughter Lilli.
Despite having the upper hand with percentage possession during the first half, the students managed to slip a goal in, after 10 minutes, against the run of play.
The Dragons had their chances having won several short corners (shots either off target or saved) and narrow misses during free play. But today, for some reason, they were not in favour with the hockey gods.
The second half saw much of the same, with Dragons dominating possession, but the UEA goal had been well and truly clingfilmed.
Dragons’ overall performance today was lacklustre, with little sharpness in passing; a far cry from how the team has played earlier in the season.
POM was Jemima Williams for sterling work in defence.
Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s v Norwich City 5s: 3-1
Goalscorer: Lizzy McDonnell, Jane Wells, Amy Forse
MOM: Gill Walker
The 5’s had a cold and early start at home against Norwich City 5’s. After a rousing team talk and warm the Dragons started strong. With most of the possession the Dragons were dominating the game from the beginning. A lucky break saw City gain a short corner against dragons. They shot and scored however, the goal was disallowed as the first shot was above the back board. This was kindly pointed out by our knowledgeable keeper Kristina. The dragons were back at it quickly with a shot on goal by Amy that was saved but after winning the ball back the Dragons were awarded a short corner. Gill injected and Amy took the shot which resulted in a goal, 1-0 to Dragons.
City came back fighting after this but their attempts at goal were saved by Kristina in goals. The Dragons were back in attack again but this was turned over by City who make a break for the Dragons goal, their attempt was stopped by captain Hannah Edwards who does a dramatic dive and saves the ball in our D, she then goes on to lead the attack where the goal is narrowly missed following a valiant reverse stick effort from Lizzie. A short corner just before half time was unfortunately not converted leaving the half time score at 1-0.
The start of the second half saw City on the attack but this was stopped and cleared by Jen who got the ball up to Amy. An attempt at goal was saved by the City goalkeeper which allowed City to launch a new attack on the Dragons but Kristina made a great save at top D for the dragons Beth now on the attack for Dragons drives into the D, Amy takes the shot on goal that is saved but Jane is quick to regain possession and scores. Dragons are now 2-0 up.
Kristina makes some more stellar saves before city get a lucky break and score. Now with the score 2-1 City have an attacking short corner but again this is saved by Kristina. The next 10 minutes sees some strong drives on attack for both sides but after a strong strike from Jane that is saved Lizzie scores on the rebound. The final result sees Dragons win 3-1!
After a brilliant performance from all eight different players were nominated for POM but Gill Walker came out on top with solid performance in both attack and defence in her second outing for the fives this season.
Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s v Reepham: 1-6
Goalscorer: Claire Stuart
MOM: Beth Prakash
Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s v Broadland 3s: 2-2
Goalscorers: Mia McGhee, Bridget Le Good
MOM: Natalie Crisp
Dragons scored another precious point in a game which they dominated. Two silly slips left them playing catch up, but overall the performance was yet another step up in their progress towards becoming a good team. There were big defensive responsibilities on Emma ‘Meg’ Dyer and Amy Hunter, because once again there had to be some changes in the squad. Grace Adams made her debut at left back (and right back!) and proved early on she has both potential and flexibility. Meg and Amy dealt very competently with the Broadland raids down the middle, and with Briony Johnstone having another stormer at the bottom of the diamond, all the early pressure came from Dragons. Mia McGhee made a brilliant ‘J’ run down the right, but Bridget Le Good coming in from the left wasn’t able to get in front of the defender and the super cross went begging. Orla Hardiman was making her return after nine weeks out with injury, and showed excellent speed on the left and in the centre.
For some reason, the 7s started ball watching and a Broadland forward was left entirely unmarked in front of goal and made no mistake with her shot. Dragons always believed they could get the game back, and with Maisie Dearmer having another fine run out at right mid with her overlapping runs, they equalised. Maisie swept the ball across and Bridget made no mistake, hitting home first time. Dragons piled on the pressure. Paige Fisher again proved how tough she is to get at at left mid, and her lovely disguised passes were getting Orla and Claire Fairhurst away. Nat Crisp (POM) was again in control at the top of the diamond, both defensively and with some excellent distribution.
After sustained pressure by the 7s, another lapse in concentration let Broadland into the D, and in an effort to scramble back, the defence unsighted Emma Northie North and a soft goal was scored. Dragons then really began to fight back. They chased every ball, picked up the ball to stop any time-wasting, and were the only side to get any penalty corners. Both Claire and Mia could inject with accuracy and zing, and Bridget had two saved and one went past the post. A bit more practice with some variety and penalty corners will become potent for them. At last they got their deserved equaliser. Mia, having been well and truly taken out by the keeper, got up minutes later to finish off a 3-man weave with an excellent shot.
So the 7s are now starting to believe in themselves, demand more from each other, and are playing very well for each other. That is not quite the same as playing well as a team, where they still have to improve their link play. But with another five members of their squad either injured or not available, they have ended the first half of the season on a bit of a high. Now they mustn’t lose their impetus over the long break. Watch out, the 7s are coming!
Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 3
Norwich Dragons Ladies 8s v Watton 3s: 1-4
Goalscorer: Johanne Steward
MOM: Anna Chapman
East League, Men’s 2N
Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s v St Ives 1s: 2-1
Goalscorers: Matt Knights, Lewis Wilkins
MOM: Lewis Wilkins
Men’s 1s get a well deserved victory against St Ives winning 2-1. A cracking team performance. Matt Knights got the first goal from a well worked short corner early in the second half. St Ives equalised on the break but with minutes left on the clock, Lewis Wilkins popped up with an emphatic winner!
East League, Men’s 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s v North Norfolk 1s: 1-2
Goalscorer: Andrew Saunders
MOM: Alex Brooks
East League, Men’s 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 3s v Magpies 3s: 3-5
Goalscorer: Tom Vaughan x2, Ed Smith
MOM: Tom Vaughan, Jon Goodson
East League, Men’s 4NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s v Bury 3s: 1-2
Dragons started strongly against an experienced Bury side who demonstrated a better passing game throughout the match. The first half ended 0-0 with both teams thinking the game was for the taking. Unfortunately for Dragons Bury scored very early on with a touch line run well finished. This seemed to unsettle Dragons for the first part of the second half and Bury had other chances they failed to convert. As they have all season Dragons 4ths kept running and working together.The result being an excellent finish from Tommy Gale after a superb touchline run and pass across the D from Tommy Chapman. Dragons then knew they could score again but unfortunately a Bury short corner squirmed its way under James King who couldn’t get a full contact on it and past Neil Shorten on the line. Dragons had chances as well to level the game but even a short when time was up just didn’t make it in. Well played Bury and just one more game til the xmas break.
Goalscorer: Tommy Gale
MOM: Tommy Gale
East League, Men’s 5NE(N)
Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s v Sudbury 4s: 3-1 – Friendly
Goalscorers: Matt Armstrong, Dan Orsborne, Tadgh Walsh
MOM: Josh Bingham
East League, Men’s 5NE(N)
Norwich Dragons Men’s 6s v UEA 4s: 0-4
MOM:
Development Leagues
MOM:
On a rather cold wet start to December we took on Watton. We kept good possession in our first quarter and made the ball work for us spreading it out wide as well as going direct through the middle. On several occasions we had short corners in which Ed Cross beat his man and drilled it centrally into the goal.
The game was fairly even in the second quarter but a good attack turned into another goal when George Wilson pushed the ball across the D and ended up in the back of the goal. Dragons defence was very solid and it didn’t look as if Watton would score but one lucky defection saw the ball pop up to their player to pass the ball into the goal.
Dragons kept attacking showing great skill and team work which was rewarded with a brace of goals by Vithu Baskaran. Any Watton attack was soon extinguished and Dragons saw out a good but cold and wet end to the game.