This Week’s Results
| Team | Opposition | H/A | Score | Scorers | Player of Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L1s | Cam City 3 | H | 0-3 (L) | Carmel Windsor-Waite | |
| L2s | Christchrch | A | 0-3 (W) | Kate McKenna x2 Jess Haw | Saskia Williams |
| L3s | Yarmouth | H | 2-1 (W) | Lucy Buxton Hannah Ellis | Esme Potter |
| L4s | N City 3 | H | 0-4 (L) | Kristina Smyth Emily Smith |
|
| L5s | Carrow 1 | A | 2-1 (L) | Gemma Ballard | Mia Somers Hannah Edwards |
| L6s | Diss | H | 2-11 (L) | Charlotte Dowson Amelia Keitley-Webb | Emily Roper |
| L7s | UEA 3 | H | 1-1 (D) | Mia McGhee | Claire Fairhurst |
| L8s | UEA 4 | A | 2-0 (L) | Becca James | |
| M1s | Pelicans 1 | A | 6-3 (L) | Matt Jenkins George Bowman Rupert Snelling | Olly Buck |
| M2s | Bury 2 | H | 3-2 (W) | Louie Barby Jono Chaney-Baxter Al Browne | Jono Chaney-Baxter |
| M3s | IES 3 | A | 2-3 (W) | Tom Vaughan x2 Mitch Smith | Tom Vaughan Jon Goodson |
| M4s | Pelicans 2 | A | 10-1 (L) | Rich Phillis | The Team! |
| M5s | Dereham 4 | H | 4-2 (W) | Charlie Creasy x2 Greg Reynolds Tommy Chapman | Tommy Chapman |
| M6s | Wattton 2 | A | 3-3 (D) | Shiv Kapur x2 Casper Lind | Shiv Kapur Stephen Holland |
| BD A | Dereham | A | 0-6 (W) | Harry Fuller x2 Freddie Royall Will Panter Josh Cormack | Adam Jones Freddie Royall |
| BD B | N City | H | 3-1 (W) | Kit Scott Raul Wigglesworth Vithu Baskaran | Oliver Rudling |
| GD | Pelicans | H | 5-2 (W) |
East League, Ladies 1N
Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v Cambridge City 3s: 0-3
MOM: Carmel Windsor Waite
Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s struggle for a second week running as they fall 3-0 to Cambridge City 3s.
The Ladies 1s started the game very positively, moving the ball well around the pitch and creating some lovely patterns of play. In fact, the hosts looked very much like the dominant side for much of the half, controlling the midfield through Liv Thomas, Tabba Tabbrett, Kiera Goymour and Mia Bartrum, and creating chances up front. A flurry of short corners, however, came to nothing, and just before half time Cambridge caught the team on the break. Driving down the right hand side of the pitch and onto the base line, they managed to pull the ball back past the defence to slot the ball into the far side of the goal. The first half ended 1-0, with the Dragons still very much in the game.
The opening period of the second half saw much the same story, with the Dragons creating a lot of chances, but not being able to convert. However, misplaced passes and lost possession were all too frequent, allowing the visitors to break in attack. Their skilful and pacey forwards saw a carbon copy of the first goal put them 2-0 up with 20 minutes left to go. Despite a strong and aggressive press, a number of opportunities in the attacking D, and despite player of the match Carmel Windsor-Waite’s impressive efforts down the right hand side of defence, Dragons were unable to find the back of the net, and the opposition were able to seal the game through a short corner with just a few minutes to go. While a disappointing result there were a number of positives in the game. But tighter possession and more composure in the attack are needed over the coming weeks.
East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s v Christchurch 1s: 3-0
Goalscorers: Kate McKenna x2, Jess Haw
MOM: Saskia Williams
The day started brightly with a trip to the seaside for the Ladies 2’s – never had they seen so much water, just a good job there was a bridge! The team welcomed Sumitha Bose for her first game of the season and were grateful to Saskia Williams (and Dad Paul) who completed an early cricket fixture, before heading to Christchurch to help the team.
After a 2 minute warm-up, the Dragons were ready(ish), well fortunately Issi Mumbray was, as she made a couple of vital early saves whilst the rest of the team were getting used to the pitch. Dragons started to settle and started to get their passing game together, however the Christchurch keeper kept them at bay for a while. Midway through the half, a ball in from Laura Van Den Berg found the willing run of Kate McKenna, who unleashed a reversed stick strike, beating the keeper with pace and accuracy.
Dragons continued to play some fine passing hockey, epitomised by the 2nd goal with Donna Vaughan finding Gail Thomas, who drew her player, then found the excellent Saskia Williams out on the right, who drove into the D at pace, and shot across the GK, finding Jess Haw in a perfect position on the back post to slot home.
Going into the break 2-0 up, fuelled with Jelly Babies, the team vowed to continue to enjoy their hockey and that they did, dominating possession, but not quite converting their excellent play into the goals they deserved. Eventually a third came, following a Van Den Berg strike, which was saved, only for the tenacious Kate McKenna to force the ball home for her second of the day.
Too many good performances to mention, however Player of the Match went to Saskia Williams for her excellent runs and fine skills down the right hand flank. All in all, the team were delighted to head back over the bridge (a number of times) and up the A140 with a well deserved 3 points in the bag.
East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s v Yarmouth 1s: 2-1
Goalscorers: Lucy Buxton, Hannah Ellis
MOM: Stella Windsor Waite
Norwich Dragons Ladies 3rd team welcomed Yarmouth Ladies 1st team to the Den on a bright and fresh November Saturday afternoon. Dragons began tentatively but quickly gained in confidence, controlling possession and playing some good hockey, switching the ball across the field and creating opportunities down both wings.
Dragons managed to score first following a good passage of play down the right of the pitch. The ball was passed across the circle where a few dragons players were waiting to pressure the keeper and the final touch was put over the line by Lucy Buxton. The first half ended with Dragons 1 0 up.
The second half began with both teams playing attacking hockey and winning short corners. Yarmouth managed to level the scores mid-way through the first half from open play. However, Dragons maintained belief and continued to play their passing game throughout the pitch, dominating play, but Yarmouth were dangerous on the break.
In the last ten minutes of the game Dragons managed to convert a short corner, Grace Brown picked up the initial save from the keeper and laid the ball across the penalty spot for Hannah Ellis to finish from close range. Esme Potter was nominated player of the match.
Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s v Norwich City 3s: 0-4
MOM: Krystina Smyth, Emily Smith
This week Ladies 4’s played Norwich city 3’s in a tough game losing 4-0. MOM was tied between Emily Smith and Kristina Smyth. Emily did great defending and attacking whilst Kristina played excellently as goalie saving goal after goal.
In the first half Dragons where under pressure however we stayed strong, played some great hockey and worked together to do some good passes and runs. We conceded our first goal a fair way into the first half and at half time the score was 1-0 so we were still confident in being able to get a goal or two back. However that didn’t happen, despite Dragons working tirelessly and on occasion coming close to scoring, City managed to get three more goals through some excellent attacking.
Overall it was a great game and we played well against a strong team. Thank you to Caroline for
stepping in as captain and Jason, Neeps and Chloe for their sideline support.
Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s v Carrow 1s: 1-2
Goalscorer: Gemma Ballard
MOM: Mia Somers, Hannah Edwards
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On a bright but chilly morning the Ladies 5s made the short trip up the A146 to Loddon to meet Carrow 1s for the first time this season. The squad started with a varied warmup both on the pitch and off. Some changing room badminton focusing our hand eye coordination for the higher Carrow hits later in the game.
Welcoming Gill Walker and Louise Brooks for their 5th team debuts, both brought significant strength to the squad and the 5s started sharply with lots of attacking play and several shots on goal in the first 15 minutes. Gemma Ballard almost getting the ‘goal of the season’ after a slip to her on the left post. But unfortunately her lifted ball just missed the net. Gill Walker and Anita Mancini worked hard in the middle of the pitch dominating much of the play and supporting Beth Elgood, who made some lovely runs down the right wing and into the D. Carrow were always threatening though and the defence had to work hard to keep them at bay. Mia Somers was forced into action a couple of times with some smart saves and a very brave 1 on 1, showing some excellent smothering technique. Neither team though was able to find the net in the first half. The second half started with some excitement for the 5s after Hannah Edwards found space on the break and smashed the ball at the goal, for it to ricochet off a Carrow stick into the net. Some sharp eyed umpiring though meant the goal was disallowed, for not touching an attacking player in the D. The 5s didn’t let this distract them and continued to push forward with a short being won 10 minutes in. Gemma Ballard injected the ball expertly to Amy Forse at the top of the D, who allowed the Carrow defence to commit to their players, before slipping it back to Gemma on the front post, who slotted it home. 1-0 Dragons. Carrow though continued to push and despite the efforts of the defence it wasn’t long until Carrow were able to equalise by a determined attacker who caught Dragons on a break and shortly after a second goal was smashed home in a short corner. Dragons kept fighting to the final whistle with a quick change in formation putting Carrow on the back foot and forcing several short corners. Jen Buskell having a cracking straight strike on goal which was saved by the keeper. Unfortunately though it was too little too late with the game ending 1-2 to Carrow. Lovely teas were finished off by some amazing cupcakes and celebrations for birthday girl Gill. Player of the Match split between Mia and Hannah, with special mention to Mia for wiping out her own defender in a tremendous effort to save the ball.
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Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s v Diss: 2-11
Goalscorer: Charlotte Dowson, Amelia Keitley-Webb
MOM: Emily Roper
Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s v UEA 3s: 1-1
Goalscorers: Mia McGhee
MOM: Claire Fairhurst
Yippee! The 7s are off the mark with a well deserved point against UEA in a match which they might have won – but such is their delight at last proving that they can ‘play a bit’ they are content to take it as a confidence boost and a platform for the rest of the season. Under the inspirational gaze and guidance of club captain Holly Setch, who gave our sticks the magic tap at the start of the game, the 7s started like trains and their first foray nearly resulted in a goal for Mia McGhee. Dragons did take the lead shortly afterwards, when a clever pass out wide from Adelice Kraemer found Mia who stormed in and shot home a fabulous goal from the narrowest of angles.
There is still some room to improve overall team understanding, but what the 7s did really well was to play for each other. As is often the case, their best play starts with a block or clearance from Emma ‘Northie’ North in goal, which always lifts the team. Then there is Emma ‘Meg’ Dyer’s hit outs which are getting harder by the game. It isn’t easy stepping up a team and a division, but Issy Gale made a big impact in defence with some neat stick skills and some strong tackling. Katie Davidson also made her debut and did particularly well in the first half. Becky Bowen was back to her best after illness and Lily Crew chipped in the defence. Briony Johnstone was excellent this week at bottom of the diamond, playing a controlled game to keep on top of the forwards and listening keenly to guidance from the back as ‘Meg’ marshalled the defence and read the game really well.
The mids were really strong, with Maisie Dearmer outstanding on the right, tackling, running and overlapping. She did not put a stick wrong until unfortunately a heavy slip midway through the second half meant she had to go off. Nat Crisp is a formidable player everywhere on the pitch, and again it was her tackling and distribution from top of the diamond which kept the Dragons strong through the middle. The enforced changes meant that Captain Claire Fairhurst had to be at her flexible best – and she was better than steady, whether at top of the diamond, tackling in midfield or sprinting up front. She deservedly won the POM – hooray for Claire, who didn’t have to get angry today!
Clearly Wednesday’s truncated training session, which saw the 7s learning a lot more about tackling (thank you Pete and Jason) had been a big help. Now we need to get a little sharper upfront, and definitely tidy up our penalty corners. It didn’t matter when we didn’t get many, but now we do, and we need to make more use of Addi’s clever work in the circle. The forwards didn’t always use the width, but there was a lot of honest pressure in there and some good pressing on the 16s. it was a great pity that the one time we didn’t get a press on UEA were able to race through the middle and score. But nothing could really spoil this fabulous day – except perhaps the rude people who nicked our pizzas! Go go Super Sevens, and get well soon Erin Aldous and Katy Cole.
Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 3
Norwich Dragons Ladies 8s v UEA 4s: 0-2
MOM: Becca James
East League, Men’s 2N
Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s v Pelicans 1s: 3-6
Goalscorers: Rupert Snelling, George Bowman, Matt Jenkins
MOM: Olly Buck
East League, Men’s 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s v Bury St Edmunds 2s: 3-2
Goalscorer: Louie Barby, Jono Chaney Baxter, Al Browne
MOM: Jono Chaney Baxter
East League, Men’s 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 3s v IES 3s: 3-2
Goalscorer: Tom Vaughan x2, Jon Goodson
MOM: Tom Vaughan, Mitch Smith
East League, Men’s 4NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s v Pelicans 2s: 1-10
Goalscorer: RIch Phillis
MOM: The team
Norwich knew top of the table Pelicans would be a challenge and this proved the case. Dragons started solidly but conceded their first goal after 12 minutes. Despite circle penetrations of the Pelican’s D Dragons continued to concede goals regularly until half time leaving the score at 0-5. Let’s face it it seemed that if a bounce or bobble was going to go one way it seemed to go in and this continued into the second half. Pelicans where too good but the great part was Dragons, as they have all season, still tried to play snatching one back after a short corner drag flick was well saved by the Pelican’s keeper with the rebound falling to an alert Rich Phillis. Everyone appreciated each others efforts and vowed to give Pelicans more to think about when they return to the Den. Thankyou to Pelicans for good teas and drinks post game.
East League, Men’s 5NE(N)
Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s v Dereham 4s: 4-2
Goalscorers: Greg Reynolds, Tommy Chapman, Charlie Creasy x2
MOM: Tommy Chapman
East League, Men’s 5NE(N)
Norwich Dragons Men’s 6s v Watton 2s: 3-3
Goalscorers: Shiv Kapur x2, Casper Lind
MOM: Shiv Kapur, Stephen Holland
Development Leagues
Norwich Dragons Development Boys A v Dereham: 6-0
Goalscorers: Harry Fuller x2, Freddie Royall, Will Panter x2, Josh Cormack
MOM: Adam Jones, Freddie Royall
1st Quarter: Dereham started the game strongly, putting Dragons under some early pressure and a few basic errors in passing meant that Dragons struggled to get the ball out of defence. As the quarter developed Dragons began to take control with some good stick skills from Gabe Overton and Blade Earley resulting in a close effort from Harry Fuller. A succession of short corners were well defended by Dereham, but eventually the breakthrough came after a good run down the right from Gabe, an accurate pass and a decisive strike from Wills Panter. (1-0 Dragons)
2nd Quarter: Dragons began to pass the ball round very well and again down the right Gabe and Blade were putting a lot of pressure on the Dereham defence. One of these moves resulted in a goal from Josh Cormack, however unfortunately the umpire had already blown for a short corner. Four successive short corners eventually ended with a goal, a cracking shot from Ben Panter was well saved, but Freddie Royall pounced on the rebound in to slot in Dragon’s second. Dereham responded well to the goal and some great defensive work from Arjuna Puvanachandra, Tom Jackson and Bertie Pinching kept them away from the Dragon’s goal. Adam Jones ended the second quarter still without a touch of the ball. (2-0 Dragons)
3rd Quarter: Dereham were definitely now showing signs of tiredness which Dragons were able to capitalise on. The whole team were now passing the ball around well, creating space and driving forward. There was no let up for Dereham, who themselves were now unable to get the ball out of defence. The Dragons responded well to their enthusiastic and vocal coach Natalie, pressing hard each time Dereham had a 16 yard hit or free hit. We did not have to wait long for the next goal which started from a beautiful aerial pass from Gabe, to Josh who drove down the right wing before slotting a decent pas through to Wills who crossed for Harry to score with a simple tap in. A great tackle from Harry and a probing run from Gabe shortly afterwards resulted in the ball being fed through to Wills for the Dragons’ fourth goal. The fifth goal followed with a great team move and a finish from Josh. Dereham by this stage were deflated, the Dragons had kept them under intense pressure and there was little let up. A change in personnel at the final short corner of the quarter, resulted in Arjun hitting out to Tom Jackson, with a neat pass to Harry who slotted the ball into the goal. (6-0 Dragons)
4th Quarter: Some substitutions and positional changes from the Dragons. Bertie moved up to left midfield and him and Tom moved the ball nicely down the left side, with one move resulting in a good cross from Bertie and a good shot from Blade which narrowly missed the target. Dereham introduced an adult player which reinforced their back line and Dragons were forced to defend solidly to avoid giving away a goal. Sam and Tom put in several good tackles and Adam finally was forced into his first save of the day which at least brought his toes back to life. A shot from Ben late in the game resulted in a goal, unfortunately this was disallowed.
Summary: A very good team performance. Stoic defence early on kept Dereham at bay when they looked most threatening and as the game developed Dragons were completely in control. Good passing and use of the pitch, great communication between the players on the pitch aided by the coach. Good pressing keeping Dereham under pressure. Well executed goals.
MOM: Oliver Rudling
Two more goals followed from Raul Wigglesworth and Vithu Baskaran to bring the score to 3-0.
Late in the second quarter City upped the pace and scored taking the score to 3-1.
City had several shots at goal finding the post a couple of times. Some good defending and some great saves from Dragons kept the score at 3-1.
The last quarter again saw City pressing hard into Dragons D but they were unable to make any head way against the keeper or the defence.
The score remained 3-1.
Well done everyone.
1 st Quarter was closely contested with Pelicans taking 3 short corners and 1 shot on goal. Dragons
had 2 shots on their goal. Neither side scored this quarter.
2 nd Quarter
Pelicans took the lead with a goal by their number 3. Dragons came back strongly and Hattie scored
a goal to equalise. However Pelicans then scored again, the goal was from their number 10.
3 rd Quarter
Hattie scored again to bring the game back to 2:2 for Dragons with an amazing goal over the keepers
head! Dragons were now on top for rest of this quarter with a further 3 shots at goal.
4 th Quarter
Ella scored early for Dragons putting us into a 3:2 lead. We then had a short corner before Hannah
was able to score another for Dragons taking the score to 4:2. Lara then capped off a great win with
another goal taking us to a final score of 5:2.
A great win from Dragons with Lara getting a well deserved Player