This Week’s Results
| Team | Opposition | H/A | Score | Scorers | Player of Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L1s | Sudbury 1 | A | 4-2 (L) | Issy Wolfe Katy Hands | Gina Hunt |
| L2s | Nth Norfolk 1 | H | 0-3 (L) | Sarah Borrett | |
| L3s | Felixstowe 1 | A | 0-1 (W) | Hannah Ellis | Esme Potter |
| L4s | Pelicans 2 | A | 3-0 (L) | Beth Elgood | |
| L5s | Reepham | H | 0-7 (L) | Charlotte Dowson | |
| L6s | Yarmouth 2 | A | 1-1 (D) | Megan Beckett | Nat Crisp |
| L7s | Breckland | H | 1-6 (L) | Mia McGhee | Lizzie Costello |
| L8s | Nth Norfolk 2 | H | 0-7 (L) | Rosie Tarleton | |
| M1s | City of Pboro 3 | H | 2-3 (L) | Sam Avery Al Browne | Sam Avery |
| M2s | Low Railway 1 | A | 2-2 (D) | Louie Barby Matt Hull | Louie Barby |
| M3s | Ipswich 2 | H | 1-4 (L) | Tommy Chapman | Tommy Chapman James King |
| M4s | N City 5 | H | 0-1 (L) | Tommy Gale | |
| M5s | Nflk Nomads 2 | A | 2-3 (W) | Thomas Helfer x2 Andrew Cross | Thomas Helfer |
| M6s | Nth Norfolk 3 | H | 2-3 (L) | Mike Banham Lloyd Wade | |
| BD A | no fixture | ||||
| BD B | Watton | H | 7-3 (W) | Monty Patel Sam Reynolds Ayrton Rant x2 Will Sxton | Monty Patel |
| GD | Dereham Penguins | A | 6-1 (W) | Hattie Stuart x3 Lucy Courtier Hannah Shepperson Nellie Ong | Rowan Hewitt |
East League, Ladies 1N
Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v Sudbury: 2-4
Goalscorers: Issy Wolfe, Katy Hands
MOM: Gina Hunt
East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s v North Norfolk: 0-3
MOM: Sarah Borrett
Perfect Hockey weather at the Den saw a top of the table clash between League leaders North Norfolk and Norwich Dragons in 3rd place. A good warm up on the pitch saw both teams raring to go.
There was nothing in the first 10 minutes – both teams having chances and Dragons having a particularly good chance following fine work from Shelly Seaman, however it was the league leaders that scored first following a break away. Whilst Dragons battled, they weren’t quite on their game in the first half, with their passing game not quite coming together. Defensively Sarah Borrett and Mima Watson in the wide positions were winning their individual battles, however down the centre of the pitch, North Norfolk were strong and scored a 2nd before the break.
At half time, Ollie King and Karen O’Neill Simpson called for a little more desire and for the team to ‘want it’ a little more. The 2nd half showed some improvement from the home team, but a third goal for North Norfolk sealed the points and consolidated their lead at the top; the visitors playing some strong fluid passing hockey. Dragons hit the inside of the post twice in the game, but it wasn’t meant to be this weekend! The home team know they can play better, but there were some good individual performances, notably from Mima Watson and Dragons Player of the Match Sarah Borrett. The team will look to train hard and look to come back stronger next weekend.
East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s v Felixstowe 1s: 1-0
Goalscorer: Hannah Ellis
MOM: Esme Potter
On a warm Saturday afternoon Norwich Dragons Ladies 3 rd Team travelled to Felixstowe looking for their first win since the beginning of December. The game could not have started better for Dragons putting Felixstowe under pressure from the first whistle, winning a free hit just outside the Felixstowe circle. The hit was taken quickly by Ally Windsor Waite, to Elsa Scott and on to Hannah Ellis on the top of the D, who reverse flicked the ball into the top right-hand corner of the net to make the score 1-0 within the first two minutes of the game.
Dragons maintained the pressure on the Felixstowe goal for most of the first half but unfortunately could not put the ball past the Felixstowe keeper. The second half also saw Dragons with the majority of the play in the Felixstowe half, but a second goal eluded Dragons efforts, summed up by the quote of the day ‘that was not my feet, that was called skill!’
Felixstowe sensed the increasing frustration for Dragons and grew in confidence to pressure the Dragons D for the final few minutes of the game but with no reward. Player of the match was awarded to Esme Potter.
Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s v Pelicans 2s: 0-3
MOM: Beth Elgood
Dragon’s Ladies’ 4s took the trip to King’s Lynn via minibus (fun bus). Spirits were up and everyone was looking forward to playing in near perfect hockey conditions, on the new Lynn Sport pitch.
Dragons were slow to get in to the game, playing against a much improved Pelican’s side, compared with their first encounter earlier in season. The visitors allowed Peli’s to get to the ball first, and left players unmarked on several occasions. The Pelican’s side capitalised on this, scoring two in the first half (the first from a short corner and the second from free play).
The second half was better for Dragons, with increased movement off the ball and improved decision making with passes. Newcomers to the team Jennifer Buskell and MoM Beth Elgood linked well with their surrounding players. Dragons began to penetrate deeper into the opposition’s end with stirling work from Niamh Somers and Harriet Rant, however the Pelis’ attacking play was too much, and a third goal was conceded.
Dragons finally won a series of short corners during the final 5 minutes, but could not convert for a conciliatory goal.
Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s v Reepham: 0-7
MOM: Charlotte Dowson
In the 1st half Dragons started well and had the majority of the possession,
however, were caught on the break multiple times resulting in a 3 on one
situation with the ball fired across and in for their first goal. This was quickly
followed by another fast break resulting in another goal seeing Dragons go
0-2 down. Reepham were awarded a short corner when the ball collided
with Steph’s feet and the resulting shot was saved by Mia. A free hit for
Reepham from just outside of the D found another of their strikers and was
swept in taking the score to 0-3 to Reepham. Dragons battled their way up
the pitch and were awarded a long corner from which there was a good
strike on goal but an unlucky miss. Reepham found their way back into our
circle and when the ball was swept off the back line by the defence they
were awarded another short corner. A sharp strike from the top of the D
deflected of Mia’s pads into the goal … 0-4. Dragons were then caught on
the break again and with a swift overload and an unstoppable strike put
themselves 0-5 up at half time.
In the second half Dragons found their rhythm and strength, switching the
ball from side to side, calling well and having multiple attempts on goal
which were kept out by their keeper. Hannah picked up a good interception
from Reepham and was able to pass it on for a fast attack. Reepham
gained possession again and pressured our D with good clearing from Mel
and Katherine keeping them at bay. As the pressure grew so did their
confidence with another short corner. This time it deflected off one of the
defending sticks, straight at our keepers head taking the score to 0-6. At
this point Brooksy became the first casualty and hobbled off having been
taken out by one of the Reepham players. After another kerfuffle in our D,
Reepham gained another short corner. This one was saved by Mia and the
follow up strike from Reepham’s 21 was also saved and almost headed off
the pitch by Emily. Dragons surged back with a great ball forward from
Hannah to Crossy on the right. Hannah continued to lead by example with
a good push forward leading to an attempt on goal by Gemma then a
rebound by Amelia but the ball simply wouldn’t go in. There was good play down the left between Emily, Mel and Gemma but sadly nothing came of it.
Hannah was brutally taken down by Reepham’s number 13. Dragons lost
possession of the ball and despite the defence all making a huge effort
made to get it back Reepham took advantage of another break and scored
again. 0-7. Further great work from Brooksey saw the ball passed back into
our attacking D with a short corner awarded. An unlucky miss from Gemma
saw a return to open play with the final whistle going. Described as “not our
day” by players on the bench the scoreline didn’t really reflect the level of
effort and application but the opposition came away deserved winners for
taking the opportunities they created.
POM went to Charlotte for all her hard work, however, votes covered nearly
the whole team. On to next week!
Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s v Yarmouth 2s: 1-1
Goalscorer: Megan Beckett
MOM: Nat Crisp
Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 2
Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s v Breckland: 1-6
Goalscorer: Mia McGhee
MOM: Lizzie Costello
Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 3
Norwich Dragons Ladies 8s v North Norfolk: 0-12
MOM: Rosie Tarleton
Ladies 8’s took on North Norfolk at home. Despite some of our best hockey yet we were unable to end victorious and lost 7-0.
Emma North doubled up in goal to play for us and was later on playing for the 7’s. As always she did us proud and made some spectacular saves.
We were privy to some great pre-match advice from Mike and our captain Lois Metcalfe. I am sure Mike can say he had witnessed much of what he advised brought onto the pitch and utilised to the best of our advantage.
Bridget Le Good was in defence as one of two sweepers and played magnificently. On numerous occasions the loud crack that was heard as she executed the ball out wide made any opposition in her wake jump out of the way for fear of contact to their feet. Jess Lockwood also in defence very nearly made her second ‘on the goal line’ save but today that was not for her, but definitely there will be a next time Jess, just keep doing what you are doing!!!
Karen Davidson was a forward sweeper and although new to that role, made an admirable debut.
We welcomed three of our newcomers to the match with Ceris Burgues playing the Dragons shirt for the first time. She played a speedy game on the wing and we all benefitted from her presence. Ari Miquel-Clopes also made some great tackles and was often seen finding space exactly where she could intercept the ball. Rosie Tarleton played another great match and deservedly took home Brian and the hockey stick for being awarded POM.
Katy Cole played as a midfielder and displayed all her usual energy and enthusiasm and one can only get drawn into her excitement and optimism. Sadie ‘speedy’ Jacobs was another midfielder to be reckoned with and more often than not was first to the ball when it came her way.
Nicola Harrison was ‘on fire’ and played some excellent hockey down the wing, and although she was on the receiving end of a fast ball to her knee and the obligatory ice pack as a result just before halftime was not to be thwarted and came back stronger than ever in the second half. There was some awesome and very welcome ball clearance in defence from Jo Baker who received the ball quickly and even more quickly was able to whack it out to the side.
Myself (Emma Young) and Johanne Steward played as forwards, we had one or two chances in the D but were not able to execute a goal at this point. I for one learn so much from Johanne every time I play with her and she has patiently and kindly given me continuous advice and encouragement and I am eternally grateful to learn from her experience and knowledge.
Awesome 8’s have come a long way this season and with three games to go we may have to accept we will not finish at the top end of the table, but we can say we we have come a long way this season and we always come on to the pitch fighting, we hold our heads high, look out for our team mates and have a great time.
East League, Men’s 2N
Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s v City of Peterborough 3s: 2-3
Goalscorers: Al Browne, Sam Avery
MOM: Sam Avery
Men’s 1s lose 3-2 against City of Peterborough 3s. Despite having plenty of chances and lots of the ball, Dragons found themselves 2-0 down shortly after half time. A cracking comeback was on the cards momentarily as a Sam Avery deflection and an Al Browne goal, both from shorts, gave the home team hope. Unfortunately, a short corner conceded in the dying seconds meant Dragons came away with nothing. Our best wishes go out to Matt Knights whose second half was cut short due to a nasty injury and a notable mention to Ali Smyth for the longest sliding tackle seen this turn of the millennium.
East League, Men’s 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s v Lowestoft Railway 2s: 2-2
Goalscorers: Louie Barby, Matt Hull
MOM: Louie Barby
East League, Men’s 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 3s v Ipswich 2s: 1-4
Goalscorer: Tommy Chapman
MOM: Tommy Chapman, James King
East League, Men’s 4NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s v Norwich City 5s: 0-1
MOM: Tommy Gale
Dragons 4ths welcomed back a few players after the half term break and immediately benefited from some additional defensive strength. City pressed hard in the first half and strung some good passing moves together while Dragons tried to find their midfield structure. Despite some Dragons pressure City picked up a goal from a short corner variation after a fine first save from Chris Millar. After the break as the game opened up as the midfield substitutes along with the never tiring Tommy Gale gave Dragons a chance. More short corners and circle penetrations came as the Dragons defence held well , typified by Will Mares chasing down anything that broke through. But despite an exciting end Dragons failed to find an equaliser. Thanks to City 5ths for a great game and good sportsmanship as well as the umpires – much appreciated.
East League, Men’s 5NE(N)
Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s v Norfolk Nomads 2s: 3-2
Goalscorers: Thomas Helfer x2, Andrew Cross
MOM: Thomas Helfer
East League, Men’s 5NE(N)
Norwich Dragons Men’s 6s v North Norfolk 3s: 2-3
Goalscorers: Mike Banham, Lloyd Wade
MOM:
Development Leagues
Dev Boys B v Watton: 7-3
Goalscorers: Monty Patel, Sam Reynolds, Ayrton Rant x2, Will Sexton x3
MOM: Monty Patel
The morning sun was blocked out by the dark clouds but other wise it was a perfect day for hockey. The game was played in quarters (4 quarters of 15 minutes). Watton were on the front foot for the first quarter. Within the first 2 minutes Watton had scored 2 goals but about 8 minutes through, the tables turned and Dragons were on a charge. At the end on the first quarter, despite dragons fight back, it ended 2-1 to Watton.
Dragons continued their charge in the second quarter. There were constant barrage of attacks but no shot would go in because of the valiant Watton defending.
The third quarter started with high confidence as the dragons were on the attack. With some amazing plays and passes. Ayrton Rant managed to put 2 goals on the scoresheet, Sam Reynolds put 1 on and Will Sexton put 3 on. The final quarter ended 7-2 to Dragons.
For the final quarter Watton came back fighting with multiple attacks, not being able to pierce the Dragon’s defence.However W
Man Of The Match went to Monty Patel with 3 votes but was closely followed by Will Panter and Will Sexton who both secured 2 votes each.
Dev Girls v Dereham: 6-1
Goalscorers: Hattie Stuart x3, Lucy Courtier, Hannah Shepperson, Nellie Ong
MOM: Rowan Hewitt