Despite going 2-0 up after 25 minutes (photo shows Laura Shreeve celebrating their first goal), Norfolk Police conceded a goal to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) just before half-time to set up a tight second half.  Unable to add to their lead in the next period of normal play, the supporting Dragons on the sideline could feel the tension building.  With minutes to go the umpires blew the whistle, not to finish the game, but to stop play for an injury.  When play re-started, Norfolk weren’t tuned in, and allowed a long ball to be hammered into their D and PSNI managed to force the ball home with just 32 seconds left on the clock!!

Norfolk heads understandably dropped, as the game now went into two 7.5 minute sessions of ‘Silver Goal’ extra time.  Captain Marie James, re-focused the team and they held strong for both sessions, resulting in a penalty flick decider.  Each team had 5 flicks and with Norfolk having missed their first two flicks with good saves by the keeper, the pressure was on.  Northern Ireland missed their second, Norfolk scored the third, as did PSNI, sadly Norfolk missed their fourth but PSNI scored, and the dream was over.

Congratulations to PSNI would go on to the quarter finals to continue the defence of their triple title, for Norfolk they get to play in the Plate competition.  There was some very good hockey on display at the Den today, with Marie and Laura linking up well and Laura’s mazey runs causing major problems for the opposition defence.  Lucy Hayman made a number of critical saves in goal and Kate Trelawny Gower worked tirelessly and skilfully upfront.