This Week’s Results
| Team | Opposition | H/A | Score | Scorers | Player of Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L1s | Bedford 2 | A | 7-0 (L) | Mia Bartram | |
| L2s | N D 3 | H | 4-0 (W) | Jess Bennett x2 Hannah Hardy Kate McKenna | Mima Watson |
| L3s | NDHC 2 | A | 4-0 (L) | Kat Speirs | |
| L4s | N City 4 | H | 1-4 (L) | Jemima Williams | Chloe Mikronis |
| L5s | Magpies 5 | A | 2-2 (D) | Anita Mancini Gill Walker | Amy Forse |
| L6s | Carrow 1 | H | 0-3 (L) | Hatty Harrison-Mobbs | |
| L7s | Loddon 2 | H | 1-1 (D) | Mia McGhee | Briony Johnstone |
| L8s | Carrow 2 | A | 5-0 (L) | Anna Chapman Karen Davidson |
|
| M1s | Bury 1 | H | 1-0 (W) | Al Browne | Dave Sloman |
| M2s | Magpies 3 | H | 3-5 (L) | Cley Hamilton Ed Gould Angus Blazer | Angus Blazer |
| M3s | UEA 2 | A | 3-0 (L) | ||
| M4s | Newmarket 2 | H | 4-0 (W) | Isaac Diver Hall x2 Joel Lawrence x2 | Alex Wolfe |
| M5s | NDHC 6 | A | 0-6 (W) | Will Bowman Andrew Cross x2 Adie Kemp x2 Tommy Chapman | Will Bowman |
| M6s | NDHC 5 | H | 0-6 (L) | Casper Lind | |
| BD A | Dereham | H | 3-2 (W) | Lawry Williams Vithu Raul | Lawry Williams |
| BD B | N City | A | 2-0 (L) | Theo Demitriou Oli Rudling |
|
| GD | Watton | A | 3-3 (D) | Nellie Ong Hattie Stuart Mia Rutterford | Honey Wells |
East League, Ladies 1N
Norwich Dragons Ladies 1s v Bedford 2s: 0-7
MOM: Mia Bartram
Ladies 1s struggle on the road to a well-organised Bedford 2s side, losing 7-0. A difficult day but lots to learn and we’ll come back stronger next week. Pom Mia for some great tenacity and work.
East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s v Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s: 4-0
Goalscorer: Jess Bennett x2, Hannah Hardy, Kate McKenna
MOM: Mima Watson
The sun shone but the Storm Eric blew, the Dragons Ladies 2’s and 3’s prepared to meet at the Den for the 2nd of their League encounters. The 2’s welcomed Mima Watson and Gina Hunt into the team, as a prior engagements meant they were unable to travel away.
The game started fairly evenly, with the 2’s putting pressure on the 3’s midfield and defence, but unable to take their early chances with Kat Speirs in the 3’s goal, starting the game strongly. The 3’s always threatened on the break however the 2’s defence remained resolute. Midway through the half, Kate McKenna took at trademark reverse strike, which found its way into the goal via a deflection.
Whilst the 2’s had a lot of pressure, they didn’t make the most of their chances in the 1st half. The 2nd half saw the 3’s come out well and force a few short corners; one of which saw a goal mouth scramble needing Gina Hunt to make a couple of good saves, and also requiring Sarah Borrett to make a an excellent save on the line, to avoid an equaliser.
From this point the 2’s started passing the ball better, with more patience as a team. They started to use Mima Watson’s pace as an outlet out on the right, with the youngster making some great driving runs into the D. From one such run, Watson found Jessica Haw on the edge of the D, she fired a ball across which made its way to Hannah Hardy on the back post, to volley in at the back post – a good team goal. From here, confidence grew and the team played with more composure – a broken down short corner saw a shot from Harriett Green saved, only for Jess Bennett to pounce and fire home for a 3rd. The final goal, again from Jess Bennett, was following good work on the left, she drove into the D and smashed home into the corner.
Some good hockey from both teams, Mima Watson deservedly Player of the Match for the 2’s, whilst equally as deservedly, Kat Speirs was unanimously Player of the Match for the 3’s for a fine display in their goal.
East League, Ladies 2NE
Norwich Dragons Ladies 3s v Norwich Dragons Ladies 2s: 0-4
MOM: Kat Speirs
Ladies 3’s lost to dragons ladies 2’s, 4-0. Played in good spirit, 3rd team made the 2’s work hard for their points. POM goes to Katrina Speirs for some excellent saves!
Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Premier Division
Norwich Dragons Ladies 4s v Norwich City 4s: 1-4
Goalscorers: Jemima Williams
MOM: Chloe Mikronis
Ladies 4’s lost to local rivals City 4’s 4-1. Stunningly smooth goal by Jemima Williams. Well deserved POM to Birthday girl Chloe Mikronis!
Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 5s v Magpies 5s: 2-2
Goalscorers: Anita Mancini, Gill Walker
MOM: Amy Forse
On a beautiful crisp, chilled and exceptionally windy morning, Dragons Ladies 5s came up against the youthful HarlestonMagpies 5s. The last encounter ended with Magpies victorious over the Dragons. Would history be repeated, or could Dragons extend their 7 games undefeated run to 8?We knewthis time we would be up against it, with numerous injuries and illness amongst us all from last week – too numerous to say and would take up half the match report! Dragons welcomed the youthful Amelia Keitley-Webb coming up for the 6s to help strengthen a depleted forward line… andwhat a great job she did.
In the warmth of the changing rooms, inspiring Captain Hannah Edwards began pre-match prep with a master plan for both offensive and defensive moves and a reminder of the qualities and skills that have seen us hot on the heels of the leader board all season.
The game began as expected with both teams fighting hard for every ball. Dragons moved the ball around confidently for the first half, distributing the ball across the whole of the pitch from Neet, Beth, Katherine, Gillie and Mel keeping the pressure on the Magpies’ midfield and defence. Lovely assertive attack from Hannah E and Jen Buskell throughout, playing some precision passing to the forward line of Gemma B, Sue C and Amelia. Shots at goal from Sue C and Amelia were very well saved from a very quick reacting goalie who early on looked to be the Dragons nemesis, after saving two well directed high balls from Gemma B and Amelia. The game was fast and furious for pace and skill with the Magpies showing why they too are title contenders with some beautiful one-touch ball distribution as well as individual slick stick skills. Finally, the deadlock was broken after Amelia KW broke down the right with the ball and after managing to outmanoeuvre two Magpies defenders, crossed the ball into the D, picked up by Neet “dodgy hamstring” Mancini who slotted the ball home underneath the sprawling goalie – 1:0 to the away team. With the game finely balanced between the two teams and great play by both sides, Magpies’ unrelenting drive forward saw them level the score after some very dogmatic and defiant defending from our back four. Eventually…somehow after a Magpies short corner, the ball pinging off between players like a pin ball machine – eventually hit the Dragons back board – 1:1. An encouraging half time pep talk by Han E and light refreshments of Jen’s oranges and mega jelly beans, the Dragons began the second half – tired but determined to give it their all.
Second half the game continued to be hard fought and fast and remained that way for a while. Magpies took advantage of the break and a short corner deflection off Jen to take the lead to 2:1. But not giving up, the hard grafting of the Dragons and some great play up the pitch by Beth Elgood and Mel Widdows fighting for every ball and working back to support the defence when the youthful legs of the Magpies front line broke through… After many a brave tackle by Brooksy, Han and Emily it was a tough break to find Magpies awarded a penalty flick after a strike at goal was a stopped by an accidental defensive foot (a fair but gutting decision for the team). To be 3:1 down could have sealed Magpies win and left the Dragons team facing an uphill battle to get back into the game. Goalkeeper Amy made a great save to her right to deny the Magpies a goal.
Inspired and with all cylinders firing, Dragons pushed forward with renewed energy but again were stopped hard in their tracks when Sue C collided with a Magpies defender, knocking the wind out of her and having to come off with an injury. With a change of forward line, Gillie W took on the role of forward and Jen came up from defence to be a second top D… with a few minutes to go after a ball from midfield saw Jen take the ball towards the Magpies’ defence; she shot but it was saved by the goalie, only to fall to Gillie who with calm and precision struck that ball home…GOAL!!!!!! The majority of the team were confused for Jen to be playing so high, but with her instrumental work in preparing the second goal, Han declared “that’s why!” much to everyone’s realisation.
2:2 at the final whistle: An amazing game between two finely balanced teams. Magpies can very very proud of how they played today. Great umpiring really made the game enjoyable and fair with both teams playing in good spirits.
Finally in the words of Han E a very proud captain …”smashing game today ladies, should all be thoroughly proud..I am chuffed.” Man of the Match to Amy for her exceptional keeping of the goal, in spite of her deflection-loving-defence and for excellent reading of the penalty flick taker.
Thanks to our great supporters: little Nell and Edith (with Dad, George) and Amelia’s Great Aunt –
Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 1
Norwich Dragons Ladies 6s v Carrow 1s: 0-3
MOM: Hatty Harrison-Mobbs
Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 2
Norwich Dragons Ladies 7s v Loddon 2s: 1-1
Goalscorer: Mia McGhee
MOM: Briony Johnstone
Dragons started the match in good spirits, hoping to gain some much-needed points and were content with the draw. Loddon fought hard and the game was pretty evenly matched with plenty of end-to-end play. Dragons went 1:0 up halfway through the first half when some great linking play saw them break away from Loddon, allowing Mia McGhee to slot the ball past the keeper. Loddon kept up the pressure and equalized in the second half.
Due to availability issues, Dragons had a different line-up, with some new faces making up the squad. Making her debut in the 7s, Emma Fielding had a great game, settling in and playing well with the other defenders of Jessie Young, Lizzie Costello and Issy Gale. Briony Johnstone had another stonking game, proving how invaluable she is at bottom of the diamond and deservedly earning POM. Lara King was welcomed back after illness and put in lots of great tackles at top of the diamond, confounding Loddon’s attempts through the middle. Paige Fisher and Brittany Hopkins worked hard on the wings, getting the ball up to the waiting forwards of Mia, Katy Cole, Katie Davidson and Claire Fairhurst. Keeper Emma North was kept busy and made several amazing saves, stopping Loddon from scoring. She was only defeated by a short corner when Loddon slotted in a neat, strong strike.
Although it wasn’t the win that Dragons are craving, it was a good result from a new formation, showing that regular attendance at training makes all the difference! Onwards and upwards, the next win is surely within grasp!
Empresa Norfolk Women’s League, Division 3
Norwich Dragons Ladies 8s v Carrow 2s: 0-5
East League, Men’s 2N
Norwich Dragons Men’s 1s v Bury St Edmunds 1s: 1-0
Goalscorer: Al Browne
MOM: Dave Sloman
East League, Men’s 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 2s v Magpies 3s: 3-5
Goalscorers: Cley Hamilton, Eddie Gould, Angus Blazer
MOM: Angus Blazer
Another goal fest game for the neutral by the Mens 2s. Unfortunately we didn’t start well, going in 3-0 down at half time. After having a good word with ourselves at the break, we let another goal in before then stepping it up and pulling the game back to 3-4. Chasing a 4th, unfortunately we let in a 5th, losing 3-5. Another good game for the youth of the club. Goals by Ed Gould, Angus Blazer, and a penalty flick from Cley Hamilton. MoM votes went to just about everyone in the team, with Angus Blazer winning a 3 way tie on 2 votes by rock-paper-scissors. Sol Blazer just avoids DoD by turning up, unlike Chris Simmonds having the weekend off and hence being awarded it. Thanks to all those watching and supporting!
East League, Men’s 3NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 3s v UEA 2s: 0-3
MOM:
East League, Men’s 4NE
Norwich Dragons Men’s 4s v Newmarket 2s: 4-0
Goalscorers: Isaac Diver-Hall x2, Joel Lawrence x2
MOM: Alex Wolfe
This was a big game for two teams who haven’t had much luck this season with results. But as the game started neither team was put off playing some nice hockey. Newmarket started well with structures approach play meaning Alex Wolfe was called into play a few times to keep things level. Always dangerous on the counter attack Dragons got the goal they wanted before half time mainly thanks to the pace and work of Jones , Gale and Diver-Hall. As the second half started Dragons broke away for another goal to make things more comfortable with Newmarket always threatening. Dragons managed to close out the game with two more goal despite Newmarket puling one back mainly thanks to man of the match Alex Wolfe in goal. Overall well played Newmarket for a good open game and to the Dragons goal scorers with Joel Lawrence denied by the post for his hattrick and Isaac Diver- Hall also threatening his first hat trick but settling for a brace.
East League, Men’s 5NE(N)
Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s v Norwich Dragons Men’s 6s: 6-0
Goalscorers: Will Bowman, Andrew Cross x2, Adi Kemp x2, Tommy Chapman
East League, Men’s 5NE(N)
Norwich Dragons Men’s 6s v Norwich Dragons Men’s 5s: 0-6
MOM: Casper Lind
Men’s 6 lose 6-0 to Men’s 5. Some good play and much better than when we last met. MOM to Casper Lind. Congrats to the 5’s being champions
Development Leagues
Dev Boys A v Dereham : 3-2
Goalscorers: Lawry Williams, Vithu Baskaran, Raul Wigglesworth
MOM: Lawry Williams
The game had a cold and windy start but that did not stop the teams from playing to their best. The first half was very even and very end to end. The first goal in the game was scored by Vithu Baskaran. It was ‘luck’ as some people would say but Dragons knew that it was Vithu’s pure skill. He had whipped it in to the goal from the base line, it was truly spectacular and a big surprise. The first half ended a fair 1:1.
The next half again started off very even once again. There were many chances and Dragons were the first to put one away. There was a barrage of attacks on Dereham, which were very well defended, and multiple crosses. Eventually a ball arrived at the stick of Raul Wigglesworth who, with great composure, put it away. In response to this Dereham came fighting back and eventually scoring another leaving it 2:2. It was nearing the end of the game and both teams were looking for a goal to take the lead. In the last minute Dragons were awarded a short corner after an attack. Lawry Williams was the injector and Edward Cross was receiving it. When it reached Edward he took a shot and was saved by the keeper. The ball then came flying to Lawry who made a good stop and then an amazing shot. The ball shot in to the bottom right hand corner and the team celebrated. Dereham went back to the centre spot looking to get a goal in the last 30 seconds. They went straight on the attack but was defended and cleared by dragons. The whistle then blew and the Dragons team celebrated with a 3:2 win.
After the game man of the match was awarded to Lawry but closely followed by others with him winning only by 1 vote.
Dev Boys B v Norwich City : 0-2
MOM: Theo Demitriou, Oli Rudling
The teams were eager to get cracking on this very cold and dimly lit day. They were evenly matched, with both Dragons and City quick to get shots at goal, defended well by both Dragons and City GKs.
City kept on the pressure and were awarded by a series of short corners, Dragons went on the defensive and with some great saves by GK Adam Jones kept a clean sheet in Q1.
Dragons then went on the attack with George Wilson and Monty Patel passing well to get Dragons in to shooting distance, but City intercepted and quickly went on the counter attack and awarded another short corner! Well defended again by Dragons, with some great tackling by Oli Rudling , Theo Demetriou and the boys to keep the score 0-0 in Q2.
Dragons started strong in Q3, Jake Reynolds managed to dribble the ball through City’s players and between him and Monty Patel looked like they could score, but to no avail.
More suspense with short corners for both Dragons and City and after what felt like the 10th short corner City scored to put them in the lead.
In the final quarter Dragons started well and were tantalisingly close to scoring, first with the ball going just wide of the goal and then just off the goal line. Dragons were awarded with a couple of short corners but unable to take advantage. Pressure was mounting by Dragons and we felt a goal was coming, but City defended well. In the final flurry Monty looked like he was going to score but City’s keeper made a cracking save, which then allowed City to dash up the pitch and were awarded with a final goal in the last minute, resulting in a 2 – 0 win to City.
It’s fair to say the final score did not really reflect the overall game, the play was evenly matched throughout with good attacking and defensive play by both teams and an abundance of short corners which kept us spectators on edge to the final whistle!
Dev Girls v Watton: 3-3
Goalscorers: Nellie Ong, Hattie Stuart, Mia Rutherford
MOM: Honey Wells