Results

WOMENS 1ST XI - 28/01/2023 VS UPMINSTER 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 1st XI 
DATE: 28/01/2023 
FIXTURE: Womens 1st XI VS 28/01/2023 
HEADLINE: CITY BREAK THE CURSE 
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 3-0 
 
REPORT: 
It was a bleak Saturday afternoon and the girls were feeling nervous putting on their new kit (which they had not managed to win in yet) was today going to be the day the curse was broken? 
 
Well from a strong start from both sides the play was equal with a couple of counter attacks from Upminster and City’s defence sitting strong with Michaela and Fongy picking up everything coming their way , Norwich finally broke through. Some excellent distribution from the screens led to the first short corner of the game where Felicity Williams slid the ball past the keeper. 1- nill City.  
 
After a positive half time team talk we were heading into the second half raring to go again. Upminster came out strong and were making some excellent through balls. However the team worked hard to stop anything that may threaten them in their defensive third. 
 
City looked relaxed and calm on the ball and were proving to work together well. An interception from Lucy Tilbrook turned over an Upminster 16 and forwards Olivia Williams and Stacey Lee worked the ball through the defenders to Ellie Brine, rounding the keeper and slotting it in. 2-0. 
 
Another opposition 16 turned over by Ella Gill, saw a quick pass to Stacey with a one touch to Olivia in the D for a one touch slide into the goal to make it 3-0. Overall a superb team performance, no injuries no cards and a happy Pies 😃 

WOMENS 3RD XI - 28/01/2023 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 3rd XI 
DATE: 28/01/2023 
FIXTURE: Womens 3rd XI VS 28/01/2023 
HEADLINE: Threes threaten local league leaders! 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 1-2 loss 
 
REPORT: 
City 3s started the match against league leader’s Dragons 2s without much hope! However, after 10 minutes it became apparent that there was very little between the teams and City prepared for battle. The City defence held strong with Sally Rose thwarting many Dragons attacks as they got to the circle. India Fox dominated the right side of the pitch weaving her way through tackles. Unfortunately for City, the first goal went Dragons way from a short corner. City didn’t give up and before half time Evie Brockington managed to even the score.  
In the second half the game was end to end. Dragons nearly scoring on several occasions after frantic goalmouth action but GK Serena Scott calmly guided the ball away. Eventually one Dragon dribbled through the City defence and scored their second goal. Emily Greenway and Lucy McNarry used their speed to launch attack after attack down the right wing resulting in fantastic crosses that so nearly enabled City to equalise. Alas it was not to be but City can hold their heads high having definitely worried the league leaders! An incredible team performance with every player giving 100% shown in the fact that it was a three way draw for Player of the Match! 

WOMENS 5TH XI - 28/01/2023 VS CARROW 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 5th XI 
DATE: 28/01/2023 
FIXTURE: Womens 5th XI VS 28/01/2023 
HEADLINE: A very tough game  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST (NORTH) 
VENUE: Norwich city hockey club  
RESULT: lost 3-1  
 
REPORT: a very tough game, Carrow 1’s where in excellent form and deserved a win today. We ended the first half 1 goal down and thought we could get back into the game. Unfortunately we conceded 2 more goals early in the second half making it a mountain to climb. Something just didn’t click for the womens 5’s today although we did battle to the very end and managed to get a goal from Amy Corden assisted by Rose Byrne. Everyone worked so hard and we had some great moments of hockey. Jess Turnnard save a few on the line, Jo did a cracking job keeping it just 3 goals. All our defenders keep fighting Netty, Alli, Jess, Rose and Emma. And when we did attack and break through Carrow. The fabulous forward line Sharon, Alice,Thalia Esme, looked great. Midfield where tireless in their efforts Chloe, Amy, Fran and Sofia. Player of match Chloe Green  
 

WOMENS 6TH XI - 28/01/2023 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 7 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 6th XI 
DATE: 28/01/2023 
FIXTURE: Womens 6th XI VS 28/01/2023 
HEADLINE: Our first win of 2023 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 4 NORTH EAST (NORTH) 
VENUE: Dragons  
RESULT: W 2-0 
 
REPORT: 
City were ready for this early morning duel and ready to fight for Alicia's first match against her former team. We started off strong as a team, but evenly matched by Dragons. Play was good and just 7 minutes in Alice Brown managed to give us the advantage with the first goal of the day. We were elated but keen to keep our heads down and not get excited or careless as a result. There were opportunities in both Ds for either team to score but with some excellent defensive work, we went to half time 1 nil up.  
 
We came back in to the 2nd half with the determined mindset that we were going to maintain our advantage, but that we had to play as if we weren't currently winning. City started just as strong and 9 minutes in Alicia Fairweather boosted our advantage with the 2nd goal of the game. We were comfortably ahead but knew we now had to be very careful to maintain this and not let Dragons fight back.  
 
The final whistle came 2-0 to us! Our first win of the new year and a welcome one too! Player of the match went to Alice Baker for her outstanding defensive work and her quiet confidence and control of the ball! She's firmly booked her place in the 6s if and when we are allowed her. 

MENS 3RD XI - 28/01/2023 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 28/01/2023 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 28/01/2023 
HEADLINE: City youth tame local dragons 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Goals, Norwich 
RESULT: Norwich Dragons 2s 1 - 3 Norwich City 3s  
 
REPORT: 
Fresh from their demolition of fellow strugglers North Norfolk last week, an even more youthful City side travelled to and quashed local rivals Dragons 2s in an entertaining encounter full of beguiling skill, electrifying pace and pinpoint passing. 
 
City's youth was highlighted when, 18 year old player of the match, Toby Pallister was heard to utter the words "I feel old, I'm the 4th oldest person in our team" (Jim, Jack and Tom being the only over 18s in this 14 person squad). 
 
City immediately took control and had already come close with a couple of efforts before Toby converted a penalty corner in the 3rd minute to make it 1-0. Such was City's dominance in those early stages that it was astonishing they didn't add to their lead despite two very good opportunities. Somewhat against the run of play a good and fast move down Dragons' left from Harry Bal, led to an equaliser in the 10th minute. 
 
Despite City asserting consistent pressure it seemed to be looking like one of those days where they could do everything but score. With Max McEwan delivering a master class in the defensive heart of midfield, Oli Millett, Max Wilson and Toby Pallister provided a delightful exhibition of dazzling stick skills and insightful passing. As if to show that the senior players remained influential in the game, a fine tackle by Jim Pallister, saw his pinpoint pass find Toby who shared a delicious one-two with Max Wilson before scoring his and City's second. Half time 2-1. 
 
In the second half City nullified Dragons' key attacking threat (Bal) with Archie Ward essentially marking him out of the game. City remained dominant, despite the occasional Dragons attacking foray, and penalty corner opportunities. With Alvin Muthi providing a pass and move foil to Wilson, Pallister T, and Millett's stick skills there were plenty of goal scoring chances that were well saved by local keeper (Ives), scrambled away by the defence, or passed agonisingly wide of the uprights. From a defensive perspective it is delightful to see 3 young defenders remain so controlled and calm throughout a game. 
As the game entered the final 10 minutes Jack Luther pounced on a rebound from his penalty corners strike to make it 3-1 and allow City, despite all their pressure to breathe a sigh of relief and play the final minutes in relative comfort.  
Whilst this was essentially a bottom of the table clash, both teams played periods of genuinely excellent hockey with neither umpire needing to have words with any of the players - a testament to the players and officials alike.