This Week’s Results
| Team | Opposition | H/A | Score | Scorers | Player of Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L1s | Low Ladies 1 | A | 0-7 (W) | Sarah Jenkins x2 Issy Wolfe x2 Kiera Goymour Olivia Thomas Maddy Renolds | Sarah Jenkins |
| L2s | UEA 1 | H | 3-2 (W) | Jess Bennett Lucy Morton Donna Vaughan | Kath Mares |
| L3s | N City 2 | A | 2-0 (L) | Grace Brown | |
| L4s | N City 4 | A | 0-1 (W) | Caroline Wolfe | Catherine Matthews |
| L5s | Magpies 5 | H | 1-3 (L) | Gemma Ballard | Jennifer Buskell |
| L6s | Carrow 1 | A | 4-0 (L) | Emily Roper | |
| L7s | Loddon 2 | A | 3-0 (L) | Emma North | |
| L8s | Carrow 2 | H | 0-1 (L) | Issy Gale | |
| M1s | Kettering 1 | H | 2-2 (D) | Sam Avery Jono Chaney-Baxter | Ed Murphy |
| M2s | UEA 1 | H | 1-2 (L) | Jason Wolfe | Peter Dickerson |
| M3s | Low Railway 1 | A | 1-1 (D) | Matt Jenkins | Ed Smith |
| M4s | IES 4 | H | 2-1 (W) | Alberto Embarba Angus Blazer | Isaac Diver-Hall |
| M5s | N City 7 | A | 1-3 (w) | Dan Ryan x2 Greg Reynolds | Dan Ryan Greg Reynolds |
| M6s | No Fixture | ||||
| BD A | Watton | H | 15-0 (W) | Josh Cormack x3 Kit Scott x3 Ben Panter x2 Will Panter x2 Arjuna Puvanachandra Tommy Chambers Lawrie Williams Vithu Baskaran Sam Leeming | |
| BD B | Dereham | A | |||
| GD | Dereham Panthers | H | 3-2 (W) | Freya Dolding Rosie Sheppard Lucy Courtier | Lucy Courtier |
East League, Ladies 1N
Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v Lowestoft 1s: 7-0
Goalscorers: Sarah Jenkins x2, Issy Wolfe x2, Kiera Goymour, Olivia Thomas, Maddy Reynolds
MOM: Sarah Jenkins
Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s continue to build momentum in their Division 1 campaign, taking an emphatic 7-0 win on the road at Lowestoft. Seeking to work on a couple of areas of weakness over the last few weeks, the Dragons team came out focused and ready to make a statement. They were rewarded early on in the game, after Holly Setchell executed a perfectly weighted pass through the Lowestoft defence, into a wide and high position for Carmel Windsor-Waite to storm onto from the right back position. Picking the ball up strongly, Windsor-Waite crossed the ball into the D, to a waiting Issy Wolf. Wolfe managed to create enough space for herself in order to lob the keeper on her reverse, a beautiful piece of skill, putting the Dragons 1-0 ahead in the opening 5 minutes of the game. The visitors maintained the pressure upon the Lowestoft team, and after a tussle in the D, with several shots being saved at close range by their keeper, Liv Thomas got hold of the ball and made sure of the second goal. Whilst Lowestoft had a couple of attacking moments in the first half, none looked particularly threatening. The Dragons made more of their attacks, and before half time won a further two short corners. A virtual carbon copy of each other, these short corners saw the ball slipped left, first to Sarah Jenkins, and subsequently to Kiera Goymour, for the pair to slot the ball into the bottom right corner of the goal. The scoreline stood at 4-0 as the half-time whistle blew.
In the half time talk, the Dragons were told to up the intensity of play on the slow pitch, and to create more options in attack. However, the opening few minutes of the second half saw a brief period of Lowestoft possession, with the Dragons needing to keep composed in defence. Some excellent defensive work from Setchell, Windsor-Waite and Sophie Barrow, supported by the midfield line of Joanna Raymond, Liv Thomas and Kiera Goymour, and along with some composed saves from goal keeper Luisa Valentini saw off this period of pressure, before the Dragons went back on the attack. The second half saw a further 3 goals come from short corner chances. The first a straight strike from eventual player of the match Sarah Jenkins. The second followed a break down in the penalty corner routine, with the ball falling to Katy Hands towards the top of the D. Unselfishly, Hands passed the ball across the D to Piper Hempsall, who – on her first 1st XI debut – set Maddy Reynolds up for a tap in on the right hand post. The final goal came following another break down in short corner play; with the goalkeeper dragged out of position by the initial shot from the right, the ball was passed to Sarah Jenkins on the P-spot. A first time slap saw the ball directed towards the open goal, with Issy Wolfe – in classic forward fashion – making sure it crossed over the line! The Dragons did enough to win, and win comfortably on the day. However, there is much more potential in this team, and plenty of things to work on as they seek to maintain this momentum leading up to the halfway point of the season.
East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s v UEA 1s: 3-2
Goalscorers: Jess Bennett, Lucy Morton, Donna Vaughan
MOM: Kath Mares
The game started at a quick pace, with both teams making a few unforced errors. UEA got into their stride before the home side and started to pressure the Dragons defence. Not long into the game UEA played a long ball through that fell to one of their forwards. UEA used their speed to out run Dragons defence and hit the ball into the goal giving the Dragons keeper, Izzi Mumbray, little chance of saving it, making it 0-1 to UEA. Full of confidence from this goal UEA continued to pressure the Dragons defence of Kath Mares, Karen O’Neill-Simpson, Donna Vaughan and Sarah Borrett, earning several short corners. However good keeping from Izzi Mumbray kept the score at 0-1. Just before half time another short corner was awarded. The first shot was saved and the ball ended up nearly in the face of defender Donna Vaughan, but play continued and UEA scored. Not long after this the half time whistle went with UEA 0-2 up.
At half time ‘coach’ Ollie pointed out to the team that they needed to up their game, whilst ‘manager’ Hannah encouraged the team to believe that they could still get something out of the game. With their words of advice ringing in their ears Dragons started the second half like a different team. Dragons played with much greater intensity and started to push higher and pressure the UEA defence. The midfield of Gail Thomas, Debs Smith, Harriet Green and Sam Franklin starting to work together and do what they do best, with lots of quick short passes around the opposition. It was from this build up play that a Dragons player was taken out in the ‘D’ and a penalty stroke was awarded. This was calmly taken by Jess Bennett to make it 1-2 to UEA. This made Dragons up their intensity even more and not long after this a quickly taken free hit by Karen O’Neill-Simpson was passed to Donna Vaughan, who found Lucy Morton in a great position and she calmly fired it home to make it 2-2. After this there was no stopping the Dragons and the hard work from the forwards of Jess Haw, Jess Bennett, Kate McKenna and Lucy Morton earned them several short corners, which the UEA did well to defend. With a couple of minutes to go Dragons won another short corner, knowing their chances were running out. Good play between Gail Thomas and Donna Vaughan saw the ball calmly slotted home by Vaughan. The final whistle went not long after this making it 3-2 to Dragons. Player of the match went to Kath Mares for some great defending.
They say it is a game of two halves and this game definitely was! A great come back from the Dragons, which showed their strength in character and fighting spirit. Thanks to Ollie and Hannah for their advice and encouragement and thanks to the supporters for cheering us on.
East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s v Norwich City 2s: 0-2
Goalscorer:
MOM: Grace Brown
This week saw Norwich Dragons 3 rd team travel to Taverham to play Norwich City 2’s. The play began with Dragons playing some positive attacking play, however City soon settled into the game and put the Dragons defence under increasing pressure. The dragons defence of Kat Speirs, Stella Windsor Waite, Angela Murgatroyd, Grace Brown, Esme Potter and Elsa Scott absorbed all of the open play pressure and only conceded one goal from a short corner in the first half.
Dragons managed to switch the ball more in the second half to play a wider game as requested at half time but unfortunately could not convert the few chances that were created. City maintained their attacking game and again managed to convert another short corner in the second half. The final score was 2-0 to City and player of the match was awarded to Grace Brown.
Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s v Norwich City 4s: 1-0
Goalscorers: Caroline Wolfe
MOM: Catherine Matthews
The Ladies 4s played some great hockey today at Taverham, with clever first time passes and ‘fight’ to get to the ball first, all the way through the game.
The bouncy pitch caused us a few issues, however, that did not stop us, and we had the majority of possession for the 70 minutes. This was down to the determination of players, particularly midfielders Jemma Williams and skipper Trish Hagan, to be first to the ball.
The City team looked dangerous on only two occasions; our defence dealt with those easily with control and composure. Moreover, they did not concede a single short corner during the entire game.
We lost our shape for a spell as the half time break approached, but wise words contained in the team talk given by Lynne Price, and injured Sarah Wagstaff, were adhered to for the second half, resulting in Dragons having more space and passing options.
Despite controlling so much of the game, Dragons struggled to get decent scoring opportunities. More work is needed to ensure crosses are connected with, and opportunities created.
Dragons were getting visibly frustrated towards the end of the game, which looked every bit like it was heading to a draw. Caroline Wolfe returned up front for the last 4 minutes, having had a breather, and was unlucky to have a short corner strike saved by the City keeper.
Then, with just 30 seconds to go, Catherine Matthews (man of the match) took the ball along the right hand side back line, and played a simple lifted pass for Wolfe to volley into the back of the net at speed.
How good it felt to leave the Taverham pitch with all the points!
Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s v Magpies 5s: 1-3
Goalscorer: Gemma Ballard
MOM: Jennifer Buskell
On a beautiful crisp November afternoon, Dragons Ladies 5s came up against their toughest game yet against Magpies 5s. The big question was, could ‘age and experience’ of the Dragons beat the ‘pace and fearlessness’ of the Magpies? Dragons Capt Hannah Edwards began pre-match prep with an authoritative and motivational speech followed by carefully considered tic tacs to take on the mighty Magpies. Feeling confident and fired up, Dragons ladies welcomed the long awaited return of Kristina Smyth in Goal (congrats on baby no 2). The game began as expected with both teams fighting hard for every ball… so hard in fact that Lizzy McDonnell (aka stunt woman extraordinaire) within minutes of the game kicking off, was ‘swept off her feet’ literally by the Magpies defence. She was down but not out, rising gracefully to continue unfazed but a little grazed. Dragons moved the ball around well with Hannah E, Charlotte Dowson, Sue Brumby and Neet (aka Newt) Mancini moving the ball well from midfield to the devilishly dangerous forward line of Gem Ballard, Amy Forse, Sue Cross, Jane Wells and Lizzy. Before long, ‘on form’ striker Gem broke the deadlock with a stunningly delivered shot past the goalie after a cunningly concealed but well placed pass from Amy. Dragons were one nil up and all looked good for the home side. The young Magpies were unshaken and began to put pressure on the Dragons heroic and stoic defence of Georgia Butterworth, Beth Elgood, Jen Buskell and Katherine Hardwick who put up a great defence with some precision tackling against the pacey and skilful Magpies forward line. Kristina made some fine saves and kept the Dragons in the game on many occasions. But alas Magpies were unrelenting and equalised mid way in the first half. Encouraged by the great support of our home crowd, Dragons continued to fight back with some great running from Sue B and Sue C along the wings, Dragons continued to fire balls across the Magpies defence but just couldn’t find the net. Before half time, Magpies sneaked home their second goal. After the half time team talk by Han E and nourished by some fine orange slices (thanks Jen) Dragons began the second half in a fighting mood with Gem, Jane and Amy coming close to equalising. Second half saw some lovely free flowing passes by both sides but it was the pace of the Magpies forwards (yes the average age of the whole team was 19.7 years) that saw them extended their lead to 3-1. The Home team (average age 36.1) bravely fought on but it was not to be a happy ending. With the final whistle, the youthful yet highly talented Magpies ladies won the day. A hard fought game from both teams, played in a “good natured, free flowing, friendly atmosphere” (Umpires post match review) by both teams on a lovely November afternoon. What better way to end the game than with Pizza and chocolate brownies. MOM won by Jen Buskell who like our other nominees for MOM Beth, Newt, Han, Georgia, Katherine and Kristina – played brilliantly.
The final quote goes to Georgia who’s contribution summed it all up and could have saved you all from reading my very long report… “the attackers attacked, the defence defended” in a “game of two halves” where the Ladies “did a lot of running” and on this occasion, ‘the youth piped the oldies to the post’. Literally.
Thanks to Ed Cross ‘time keeper extraordinaire’, the umpires for their very good umpiring, Ma and Pa of Beth, Ma and Pa of Jane, Jane’s hubby and boys Harry and George… and anyone else watching today. Thank you.
Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s v Carrow 1s: 0-4
MOM: Emily Roper
Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 2
Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s v Loddon 2s: 0-3
MOM: Emma North
The three weeks since the last match showed in Dragons performance, especially when some had been unable to train and/or suffering from colds. The first 10 minutes of the match were encouraging and looked like Dragons could be a force to be reckoned with. It was then that they started to lose their shape and failed to mark, allowing Loddon to get the ball too easily. For long spells they had the upper hand over Loddon, getting the ball into the attacking 23 if not so much into the D. But it was Loddon who showed how to get first to the ball and make strong individual runs into the Dragons defence. Fortunately, Emma Northie North (POM) was in brilliant shot- stopping form. She led the way in grit and determination, and after her sliding tackle resulted in a penalty flick being given, she jumped straight up and saved the flick! Whoop whoop.
Dragons held out until the end of the first half, when Loddon got two breakaways, the defence not quite being able to keep their shape. Emma Dyer gave a strong performance at centre back, aided by Amy Hunter, Lilly Crew, Erin Aldous with Briony Johnstone at bottom of the diamond. In the midfield, Nat Crisp had a stand out game as a holding player, and also contributed to support in attack. Maisie Dearmer sparkled at right mid, tackling well and linking up with forward Mia McGhee who made some good runs. Becky Bowen and Paige Fisher made some good attempts to hold up Loddon. The forwards of Mia, Claire Fairhurst, Charlotte Carr and Bridget Le Good tried to get into good positions but didn’t really manage to ping the ball accurately between them.
There is lots for the 7s to work on, with one of the biggest issues is maintaining positioning. If this can be overcome then surely Dragons will be a force to be reckoned with. Come on, we want this long overdue win!
Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 3
Norwich Dragons Ladies 8s v Carrow 2: 0-1
MOM: Issy Gale
A strong performance was shown by the 8’s this weekly, albeit losing 1-0 to Carrow 2’s at the den, the team showed grit and determination.
Issy Gale was rightly awarded MOM for her amazing runs along the wing, continually fighting for possession of the ball and playing to the width. A special mention to Jess Lockwood for her save of the century, using sheer skill (and not luck!) to stop the ball approximately one millimetre from the goal line. Although this almost caused Lois Metcalfe’ heart to stop, Lois was still able to have some valiant runs, pushing the ball into the D throughout the match
The awesome 8’s were delighted to have Nic Harrison return this week, after some time out due to injury. She was a strong addition to the midfield team, integrating perfectly into the now ‘well-practised’ weekly team formation. She was well supported by BoD ‘Bondy’ (Louise Bond) and with the speedy runs from Katie Davidson, the second half of the game kept Carrows’ defence busy.
The 8’s defence team were kept busy themselves with the six short corners – one of which conceded to Carrows’ goal. Goalie Kat Speirs had a sterling performance and the 8’s were grateful to have her play with them this week. Together with Anna Chapman, Jess Lockwood, Jo Baker and Mouse (Emma Fielding), no further goals were scored.
Playing up forward, Emma Young, Johanne Steward and Sadie Jacobs made some excellent attempts at getting the ball into the D – hopefully as confidence and skills continue to grow those goals will soon come through.
Granted we didn’t accomplish a win this week the team remained sprightly, motivated and driven – keep going 8’s !
East League, Men’s 2N
Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s v Kettering 1s: 2-2
Goalscorers: Sam Avery, Jono Chaney-Baxter
MOM: Ed Murphy
East League, Men’s 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s v UEA 1s: 1-2
Goalscorers: Jason Wolfe
MOM: Peter Dickerson
East League, Men’s 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 3s v Lowestoft Railway 1s: 1-1
Goalscorers: Matt Jenkins
MOM: Ed Smith
East League, Men’s 4NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s v IES 4s: 2-1
Goalscorers: Alberto Embarba, Angus Blazer
MOM: Neil Shorten
Dragons started the game with a strong squad but fell behind to an early short corner rebound after the first shot was well stopped by stand-in keeper Lloyd Wade. Dragons rallied and constantly pressed forward with the mid-field and forward line pressing for chances. Dragons equalised before half time from a converted short corner from Alberto Embarda. The game opened up with youngsters on both sides playing well and causing turn overs. Dragons then went ahead after good work resulted in Angus Blazer finishing from close range. More chances followed but Dragons fitness and solid defence closed the game out whilst still creating chances. Man of the match for Dragons Isaac Diver-Hall worked relentlessly and caused numerous problems for IES who played well to create a good competitive game played in the right spirit.
East League, Men’s 5NE(N)
Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s v Norwich City 7s: 3-1
Goalscorers: Dan Ryan x2, Greg Reynolds
MOM: Dan Ryan, Greg Reynolds
Dragons 5’s continued their unbeaten start to the season with a well deserved victory over their closest challengers. Two goals for Dan Ryan and one for Greg Reynolds sealed victory.
East League, Men’s 5NE(N)
Norwich Dragons Men’s 6s – no fixture
Development Leagues
Norwich Dragons Development Girls v Dereham: 3-2 W
Goalscorers: Freya Dolding, Rosie Sheppard, Lucy Courtier
MOM: Lucy Courtier
Norwich Dragons Development Boys A v Watton: 15-0
Dragons dominated the match from the whistle, playing some outstanding hockey throughout.
Goals were spread around the team, and Dragons passed the ball very well using all players to score a series of ‘team goals’.
Unfortunately our keeper didn’t have much to do, and neither did the defenders. So the coach said that all players must touch the ball before a shot on goal is allowed. This brought an extra element of fun to the match and ensured everyone was involved.
Goals from…
Arjuna P (1)
Josh Cormack (3)
Tommy Chambers (1)
Kit Scott (3)
Lawry Williams (1)
Ben Panter (2)
Sam Leeming (1)
Vithu Baskaran (1)
Wills Panter (2)