Results

WOMENS 1ST XI - 02/11/2019 VS BEDFORD 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 1st XI 
DATE: 02/11/2019 
FIXTURE: Womens 1st XI VS 02/11/2019 
HEADLINE: Norwich v Bedford  
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION 
VENUE: Bedford Tennis and Hockey Centre 
RESULT: 0-0 
 
REPORT: 
Early start for the Norwich girls heading to the pub on route to watch England rugby fight to become winners. Not the result we wanted of course (apart from Micayla Tootill!) but we were pumped for our game ahead at 1pm.  
 
There were very high winds making it hard for both teams to communicate, but our Norwich girls have some strong lungs and began the game with great strength and good passing.  
 
Bedford were working hard to push into the D with lots of attacking from their end but Norwich were not going to give up! Norwich defence were strong, and Bedford were not getting through! Fab diving saves from goalie Mikayla Glover kept us in the game, along with skills from Micalya running the ball to the half way line with no sweat!  
 
Second half:  
Bedford attacked hard and had a few chances but were unable to reach the back board. Norwich followed with a return attack into the Bedford half, pushing forward with great runs from Ellie Brine, Lucy Tillbrook and Georgia Cleveland always staying strong on the ball with her spinning skills.  
 
End to end game throughout kept both sides busy with Norwich working as one, attacking and defending together. Great work from our half backs Harriet Preston and Hannah Jarvis who showed great control on the ball. Norwich also held a solid central line down the middle of the pitch with brilliant transfers from Susie Edwards & Angela Hindle. 
 
Norwich were pushing hard to score with brilliant skills from Emily Francis, Krystal Bishop and Stacey Lee making some great runs with the ball, running around players.  
 
Both teams saw a number of short corners but no goals were scored. Bedford were a good strong team with very enthusiast supporters cheering them on from the side line, but Norwich were not phased by this and continued to work well as a team.  
 
A very end to end game with good play from both teams, leaving the game at 0-0 full time. 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 02/11/2019 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 02/11/2019 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 02/11/2019 
HEADLINE: City Sweep Aside Dragons 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TRF  
RESULT: 2-0 Win 
 
City produced an excellent performance to beat a strong Dragons 2s 2-0 this week at home. 
 
The first half of the match showed both sides playing skilful hockey and getting chances at goal. However, saves from keeper Sophie Turner and an impenetrable defensive line ensured that Dragons never converted an attack into a goal. Norwich’s midfield and forwards worked tirelessly to create shots at goal but were unfortunately not able to find the back of the net. City’s resilience in defence and ability, which has become apparent in recent games, to slowly take control and eventually overwhelm opponents was clear throughout the game as City became increasingly dominant. 
 
City came out for the second half motivated to score and, throughout the half, their superior experience and confidence on the ball started to become apparent. Norwich began to dominate and Dragons’ attacks became few and far between. The City midfield and defence worked well to distribute the ball and retain possession, while the forwards constantly kept the Dragons defence under pressure with their pace and skilful ball carrying. The long-threatened goal finally arrived when Emma Hewitt fired a strong reverse hit at the goal, which was then deflected across the keeper by Kate Houldey and finished with another deflection from Mia Moore. Norwich continued to launch waves of attack leading to the second and final goal. This came when Milly Brown managed to control a ball that had been deflected into the air by a Dragons player and convert it into a powerful shot which beat the keeper. 
 
This was a fantastic win from City and is a clear justification for their position near the top of the league. Norwich City 2s will look to defend their place next week away against East Coast 1 who are in third place just below City. 
 
POTM: Kate Houldey  
 

WOMENS 3RD XI - 02/11/2019 VS DISS 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 3rd XI 
DATE: 02/11/2019 
FIXTURE: Womens 3rd XI VS 02/11/2019 
HEADLINE: Lots of rain but no goals 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK PREMIER DIVISION 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Diss (away) 
RESULT: 0 - 0 (draw) 
 
REPORT: Horrendous weather conditions hindered City somewhat during their away fixture at Diss. Torrential rain and blustery gales featured throughout the match, testing both teams. 
City dominated possession in the first half with multiple opportunities on goal, which where successfully saved by Diss’ keeper. Both teams fought the conditions well and in good spirits, before a quick turnaround at the interval. 
The second half proved just as frustrating for City with numerous chances but none converting to goals. Possession and dynamics of the game kept on improving but, sadly, it ended with a nil - nil draw. 
 

WOMENS 4TH XI - 02/11/2019 VS PELICANS 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 4th XI 
DATE: 02/11/2019 
FIXTURE: Womens 4th XI VS 02/11/2019 
HEADLINE: A well deserved win for City!! 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK PREMIER DIVISION 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Away at Lynn sport  
RESULT: city win 4-3 
 
REPORT:  
After a long journey to Kings Lynn, City were hungry for a win. Shortly after pushback city scored 2 goals after lots of opportunities in the attacking D. Peli’s then managed to get 2 goals back just before half time.  
2-2 at half time and a fabulous encouraging team talk from our captain, we managed to score 2 more goals, to ensure we were in the lead!  
4-2 with 10 minutes to go and pelis got 1 more goal back. City defended brilliantly as a team until the final whistle to secure our first win of the season! 
 
Match report courtesy of Lucy Mcnarry, very well deserving player of the match!! 

WOMENS 5TH XI - 02/11/2019 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 5 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 5th XI 
DATE: 02/11/2019 
FIXTURE: Womens 5th XI VS 02/11/2019 
HEADLINE: Great team work! 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK LEAGUE DIVISION 1 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Dragons 
RESULT: 5:1 
 
REPORT: Fantastic match today against Dragons 5's with an incredible effort from all the team in the wind and rain. We did lose but it did feel like it victory in the second half as we held the game well. Score was 5:0 at half time and we held the Dragons in the second half with the final score 5:1 complete with an amazing goal from Lucy Wimhurst which was deflected in from a great pass by Olivia Broadway which gave us a great finish. Superb keeping from Zara Hunter, great defending and marvellous teamwork. What a game! 
 

WOMENS 6TH XI - 02/11/2019 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 7 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 6th XI 
DATE: 02/11/2019 
FIXTURE: Womens 6th XI VS 02/11/2019 
HEADLINE: NO REPORT 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK LEAGUE DIVISION 2 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: GOALS, NORWICH 
RESULT: 1-1 
 
REPORT: NO REPORT 
 

MENS 1ST XI - 02/11/2019 VS WAPPING 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 1st XI 
DATE: 02/11/2019 
FIXTURE: Mens 1st XI VS 02/11/2019 
HEADLINE: Disappointing result for City 
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION A 
VENUE: 
RESULT: 
 
REPORT: 
 
City welcomed Wapping 2’s to the Taverham H20 this week hoping to pick up some points after two disappointing league defeats in a row. 
 
City started the game well moving the ball around nicely and maintaining the majority of possession in the opening ten minutes. City came close to opening the scoring when a Chris Wardale shot was almost deflected in by Harry Cresswell arriving at the back post. A few moments later City gave away a soft penalty corner, which Wapping took full advantage of with a drag flick that was rifled into the top left corner of the City net. Not long after the restart City levelled the score with a great individual goal from Cameron Cooke. He breezed past 3 players on his way into the circle before smashing a reverse stick shot between the keeper’s legs. City continued to create chances but were unable to capitalise. It was instead the opposition who took the lead as the half came to a close, after a well worked Wapping counter ended with the ball being pushed into the City goal. 
 
HT City 1-2 Wapping 
 
City began the second half knowing that they were still well in the game, although with Stuart Wardle suffering a hamstring injury, they were now down to just 12 players. City struggled to get anything going in the second half and consequently it was the visitors that struck first, extending their lead with a deflection at the far post from a penalty corner. Pushing for a goal to get them back in the game, City were caught on the break and were punished. 4-1 Wapping. City then conceded a penalty stroke which was saved by Alistair Cooke. In fairness to City they kept their heads up and finished the game creating some good chances but couldn’t quite add the finishing touches to some good passages of play. 
 
FT City 1-4 Wapping 
 
Overall a disappointing result again for City, however, there are plenty of positives which they can take into their next game against league leaders West Herts 1’s.  
 
 

MENS 2ND XI - 02/11/2019 VS HORNCASTLE 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 02/11/2019 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 02/11/2019 
HEADLINE: Cancelled! 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH 
VENUE: 
RESULT: 
 
REPORT: 
We travelled, we conquered, it rained a lot, we got wet, pitch got wet, we came home and the only thing we know is we have to go again.... 

MENS 3RD XI - 02/11/2019 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 3 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 02/11/2019 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 02/11/2019 
HEADLINE: Derby day drama 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: City 3XI 2 - 1 Dragons 3XI 
 
REPORT: 
Twas another early start for Norwich City Hockey Club 3XI, the sun was beginning to emerge from the clouds glistening off the hallowed turf of TRF. The band of merry men assembled at the sand based pitch as they had done countless times before but this was not the be an une jour normale as we had the ever sought after 1:45 sand based slot. Our opponent, the heroic fearless and timeless rivals, embodied by a sea of red, the Norwich Dragons 3XI. 
 
The team had arrived nervous having to view a tight game on the pitch prior to their battle, cold and the damp only making the tension worse. The only solace being Simon ‘The Rock’ Black’s supreme leadership in commanding the warm up in view of the City faithful. The assembled to talk tactics and get in the mindset for an intense match, they arrived boys and left....men. These men completed the obligatory warm up set in stone by many a generation of City legends. The men, were now ready, they were psyched, they were hyped and after the ‘1, 2, 3, CITY’ battle cry the game was soon to commence. 
 
The game started with fluid movement and dynamic distribution of the ball, that s allowed Jonathan ‘Da Silva’ Baxter, Rio ‘The Skilful’ Iaccarino and Ben ‘The Dynamic’ Chapman to combine in a scintillating move culminating in a strike which hit the helpless, stumbling Dragons defender on the line. The result a neatly flick. The chosen taker, Sam ‘The Invincible’ Hyatt stood a metre from the ball, took a deep breath, flicked the ball calmly into the bottom left taking a deflection off the keeper into the corner. This was influential for the men’s morale and we were on top for the remainder of the half creating a number of chances and could’ve easily scored more. With chances for the opposition few and far between. However, the score at half time 1-0. 
 
A rousing half time speech from figurehead Black with insightful inputs from Jason ‘Head Coach’ Hyatt (atoning for the card he received prior to the break). 
 
City kept the pressure on at the start of the half. However, the mighty Dragons started to edge into the game with Will ‘The Wall’ Riddleston making some important defensive manoeuvres at the back combining well with Black to prevent any chances But this did not stop the visitors scoring following a counterattack. With the Dragons looking to roar the men of City sharpened their resolve. They pushed forward with sheer and utter determination against a formidable, tested defence, despite this we kept our heads, through the vision and composure of Adam ‘Steven Gerrard’ Sayer and played hockey how we play it best, we passed quickly we dribbled skilfully, creating more and more opportunities, giving away very few turnovers in our own half. The constant pressure resulted in a free hit just outside the hitherto fortress f Dragons’ D. The now attacking Riddleston charging forward looking in search by of a winner combining with Will ‘The Dynamo’ Kidner, a useful deadline day summer signing, to produce a superb deflection flying like a tracer beyond the diving keeper into the bottom left corner. City played the rest of the match out as best we could not conceding, despite some ferocious attacks the men stood firm with the dedicated work rates from all, playing good impressive hockey coming out of defence. We cam off the pitch knowing we had done the badge proud, a phenomenal performance from a youthful side, led heroically by Black.  
 
Another day passes, another game won, more importantly against the old foe on what can only be described as derby day drama. The men took it in their stride and started to look forward to their next opponents, the mighty IES. 
 
After his heroics of stickmanship and penmanship Will Kidner was renamed the Bard of Taverham. 

MENS 4TH XI - 02/11/2019 VS UEA 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 4th XI 
DATE: 02/11/2019 
FIXTURE: Mens 4th XI VS 02/11/2019 
HEADLINE: Blown Away? 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: UEA 
RESULT: 3-1 
 
REPORT: City travelled to a blustery UEA hoping to pick up points against a UEA team short of form. UEA probably hoped for similar against a struggling City side who, despite strong performances, don’t seep to be able to take the three points of late. This week, however, the City team look a little light. Injuries other absences and poor-quality administration skills left City fielding a bare 11 and a one-handed Adie Land still suffering from a wrist injury that isn’t getting better despite all the “rest” it’s getting). 
 
It was UEA who started the brighter forcing several saves from Anderson in the City goal, but as the half progressed it was City who edged their way back in to the game. Unfortunately it was not a thick enough wedge and the blue wall could not be breached despite some good work but the younger members of the team including Ward McCall and Patterson. City even employed a cameo from Land but his clearance from the D clearly causing pain and he left the pitch. Eventually it was City who showed their crack first, with the UEA bundling in at the second attempt. 1- 0 at half time, but City still very much in the game. 
 
City continued to pressure in the second half with strong running by Pryatt, Cooper and Hooper as well as the aforementioned youngsters. City continued to pressure and when Singh was forced off to engage in some amature cobbling, Land made his second cameo as short corner striker. A slip to the stopper saw Hooper finding the side netting in a carbon copy of the goal a fortnight ago. One all. Game on. 
 
Then game off again. UEA upped their intensity and broke back within a minute. This time a neat deflected goal beating the City stopper. Minutes later the UEA were two up when McCall was mugged on the half way line and the free hit inextricably given the other way. With City caught on the hop, the UEA took advantage of superior numbers and made it 3-1. 
 
City fought hard to regain some control on the game, with Hooper even pulling out the under used tactic of Jedi mind control. “You are not the 5m from my self pass you think you are”…. But despite Jedi powers, a succession of cards for the UEA and a further goal for the UEA being rightly disallowed for a foot, City couldn’t get themselves on the score sheet again. A succession of substitutions from a large UEA squad kept the energy high and although City’s mix of youth and age kept pace, the much needed goals would not come. 
 
A frustrating afternoon and another game that City could have taken points goes sailing into history. Well played to all those who braved the weather and worked so hard against a large UEA squad. 
 

MENS 6TH XI - 02/11/2019 VS UEA 4 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 6th XI 
DATE: 02/11/2019 
FIXTURE: Mens 6th XI VS 02/11/2019 
HEADLINE: Close game 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 6 NORTH EAST 
VENUE:UEA  
RESULT:won 2-1 
 
REPORT: this was a good game but we came away with a 2-1 win with goals from Jack Whitlam and Simon Deakin. 
Josie Miller played really well in goal and Ali Clabburn was nominated POTM  
 

MENS DEVELOPMENT XI - 02/11/2019 VS DEREHAM (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens Development XI 
DATE: 02/11/2019 
FIXTURE: Mens Development XI VS 02/11/2019 
HEADLINE: Mettle testing 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 1-2 loss 
 
REPORT:Deferring to the England Rugby style of attack today (small matter of a World Cup final) by copying the opposing team’s playbook: ‘narrow and down the middle’, seemed a fitting moment to take our first defeat and though we didn’t plan it that way we did plan a challenge which we took with both good sportsmanship and good banter amongst the team in the clubhouse after. 
Credit where due: first cap to Ed L. despite only recently joining us he showed plenty of spirit acting in a timely fashion, making good interceptions and accurately passing to our right half, often. Others had new and unfamiliar positions and did really well with uncertainty. With more experience we will gain confidence in when to have a go, and what to do with it once we’ve won it in order to eliminate opposition players and make the pass that puts us into the overload on oppo defence. Pressure pays!  
Tactically, our early passes didn’t happen perhaps as much as we might have liked amongst the forwards and midfield (though credit be given to Dereham’s rush defence) and as a team we could have stretched the space at the top and across the width to counteract the pressure more by consequentially giving the midfield room and space to make passes with. As in attack, in defence: when we lost the ball (wherever on the pitch) we acted swiftly to put pressure on, most of the time.  
Whilst many would feel they could have played better in parts, what is to be cherished from this game and because of the defeat is the opportunity it gave us to step up and get stuck in. I thought we showed great character in this regard – we should rightly be proud of our efforts.