Results

MENS 3RD XI - 18/01/2020 VS IPSWICH EAST SUFFOLK 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 18/01/2020 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 18/01/2020 
HEADLINE: Languid play belies a cunning plan 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TFF 
RESULT: 1-3 Loss 
 
REPORT: 
Skipper Blackie led his band of brothers into battle with a corona that haloed him for most of the 2nd half, though this was merely a low sun glancing off his pate it was clear he was in the mood to lead; with Nathan clearly wishing to reprise his 4th team leadership role for all to admire we were quickly overrun with orders and counter orders: enough to fill the swear jar until it brimmed over. Never-the-less such fabulous positivity and a crowd of two watching buoyed our bare 11 onward so that although we had to wait for old style Key”basher” to drill one past the keeper we had enough moments in the D and more shortcorners than were needed to turn the result around at least, erm, twice.  
 
Our playing style could be described as ponderous yet not unkindly so because as the game wore on it seemed obviously to be a stratagem from the dusty pile of the long forgotten playbooks that eke out dwindling reserves of get up and go and though we could easily have been filled with envy at IES’s 2 subs just lounging in the dugout as if tomorrow were just another day, we gained succour from the fact they were in actual fact desperately needed.  
 
Anyway, a couple of moments sang out amongst the cacophony and clamour of battle:- 
Dan kicking ball out after Krish was struck on the head may have appeared cynical and opportunistic to the umpire given how out of breath we were and thereby merited the yellow card however it also looked like a cynical and opportunistic move on the behalf of IES trying to wind up our most promising young jedi, who had been making things happen often at great distance given the number of through balls that shouldn’t have reached him but did due to the metronomically consistent bounce in the 1st pitch catching the southern brethren off guard.  
 
Coincidentally Hoops had been explaining his very own mind trick before the game, sadly like so much of Hoops’ game it was better in the bar between mouthfuls of juicy pale ale, whilst some rather unkindly likened the on pitch imitation merely pale and stale. However as usual this was entirely unfair as Hoops was in veritable squashbuckelling form, making merry with their clattering sticks and chattering gas he managed to tie them up not only in knots whilst we checked our bpms and step counts but resoundingly with green cards and short corners, ok well, one of each. Sweet justice for IES’s earlier infringement; though you have to really squint, and be hypoxic, and not understand justice very well to think that. Anyway it left us feeling great as we sucked great lumpfuls of sweet respite in.  
 
Onward and upward then for our next encounter as Reuben, Luke and Cameron show greater and greater composure as the resilient backline, Pyatt finally finds his flywheel and your POTM finds his oxygen cylinder, now I know I left it somewhere… 
 

MENS 3RD XI - 11/01/2020 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 11/01/2020 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 11/01/2020 
HEADLINE: Sucker punch 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Dragons 
RESULT: Dragons 2s 3 - 1 City3s 
 
REPORT:  
It was a chilly evening and with a youthful side, we set out to take the game to an experienced dragons side. Knowing one point would put us above Bury St Edmunds and out of the drop zone. We went up one nil with an excellent strike from Nathan Taylor beating the keeper. However Dragons came back scoring minutes before half time.  
 
After the break we came out on the attack taking the game to dragons. But our defensive marking was poor and they soon broke through scoring from the five. We then poured forwards trying to find an equaliser and started to dominate the game. However Dragons hit us on the counter attack to put the game to bed.  
 
 

MENS 3RD XI - 04/01/2020 VS NORWICH CITY 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 04/01/2020 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 04/01/2020 
HEADLINE: Mince pies worked off 
Friendly 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: lots of goals 
 
REPORT:  
(Any connection with events that really took place at TRF is purely coincidental as the report has been ‘created’ by chief organiser but absentee, SB.) 
 
On a sunny if cool January morn, an eclectic selection of players roughly representing the 2s/3s/4s and 5s collaborated to produce an entertaining spectacle for the throngs, ney, hoards of spectators. 
 
The team, loosely called the seconds (no intended connection with servings of food over the festive period), started strongly with Jonty Black and Boycie ‘on fire’ despite the lack of brandy or Christmas pud! They deservedly took a 2-0 lead into the half time break courtesy of a delicious Boycie reverse stick shot and a penalty corner from the same player. 
 
Some imaginative reorganisation from the team loosely called the thirds (obvious connection to festive intake 😁) at half time saw them emerge the stronger and better organised side in the second half. A hat trick for Silvie (including an imaginative penalty corner variation....great control Pies) plus goals for Freddie Paterson and David Fletcher. 
 
With such a star studded cast it is hard to call out all the great performances but Rio Iaccarino caught the eye, as did young Seb Kimber in goal and not so young Frosty. 
 
Thanks everybody for your great club ‘family’ ethos. 

MENS 3RD XI - 07/12/2019 VS UEA 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 07/12/2019 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 07/12/2019 
HEADLINE: Great exhibition of youth 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT:City 3s 0 - 2 UEA 2s 
 
REPORT:  
A strong defensive partnership of Simon and Adam used there experience and wits to keep the young uea side out ed was a reliable outlet from 16s and open play receiving the ball and attacking at pace whilst Henry on the other side was doing lots of tracking on the right side of the pitch. Luke in goal made numerous fantastic saves keeping us in the game we came close to coming back into the game as Alex put a beautiful ball straight across the D with Henry steaming in and just missing. Rio and Ben making up the central midfield partnership both keeping the ball under control and maintaining full composure at high pressure and attacking at high speed with the ball under control at all times. Reece had many very close chances almost going in from shorter corners forcing the keeper into action many times he also held the ball up very well allowing others to travel up the pitch in support. Toby did a very good job of running onto through balls and hastling the defence on the right wing forcing many errors from their defence and allowing chances for us. Monty played a very composed game and switching the ball from side to side when needed successfully. Freddie played a very good game dropping into almost a false nine position to collect the ball then using a dynamic touch to get away from the player played it wide with a good deep ball very often. Robert played very well continuously winning the ball back for us and drawing fouls on the left side of midfield. The uea goals came from a short corner routine that is rarely executed and then a fast paced counter attack with a square ball across the D and then a finish. 

MENS 3RD XI - 30/11/2019 VS NORWICH CITY 4 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 30/11/2019 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 30/11/2019 
HEADLINE: Brilliant ad for City family 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: City 3s 4 - 3 City 4s 
 
REPORT: 
A sunny if cool day greeted the almost party atmosphere generated for this much awaited head to head. 
 
The 3s started well but looked to over complicate with fancy one touches replacing basic skills. That aside Will Kidner settled the “home” side’s nerves by scoring a good break away goal. The 4s playing with the maturity and experience you’d expect from Mark Bailey, Matthew Brine, John Ingham, Adie Land and a cameo from Josh Bailey and co. soon took control only by the sublime Luke Elwes in goal for the 3s. Land equalised only for Freddie Paterson to restore the 3s lead. 2-1 at half time. 
 
When Brine made it 2-2 it looked like a real upset was on the cards but the 3s then chose to play their best hockey with Reuben Cooke, and Adam Sayer clam in defence with Ed Taylor, Monty Platt, Alex Tomkinson and Will Kidner incisive at the heart of midfield. With less than ten minutes to go Freddie Paterson scored his second quickly followed by a Lloyd Sayer penalty corner to create what should have been some breathing space for the 3s but that’s not what inter-club derbies are about!!! Nathan Corden then made it 4-3 and with calmness thrown out of the window the 3s scrambled towards a deserved victory......final play a penalty corner to the 4s....oooh sooo close but....just wide. 
 
Great advertisement for how inter-club games should be played. 
 

MENS 3RD XI - 23/11/2019 VS BURY ST EDMUNDS 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 23/11/2019 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 23/11/2019 
HEADLINE: Early start undoes City youth 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Culford School 
RESULT: Bury 2s 5 - 0 Norwich City 3s 
 
REPORT: 
An early mornings no start for this Norwich team with a pushback at Culford at 10:00! 
 
The City line up was made up of a young squad (9 players 18 or under) of mainly midfield and forwards whilst a defence of more experienced players. Bury me n the weather ther hand were set out with more experienced players and three or four youngsters. 
 
With some bleary eyes City started the match playing with some cool trolls and plenty of possession. Bury seemed a little slower out f the blocks, but as the half c ntnued it became a more even match and had City managed to get into the D we would have been able to take control. Toby Pallister did make t into the Dand had a lovelyreverse Street ck shot saved by their young (ish) keeper. It was soon after that a shot across our goal was tapped in by a Bury player who had lost his marker and was left unmarked at the back post! 
 
City were very much still in the game as the second half started but it was a more determined and experienced Bury team that came out in this half, quicker into the tackles and to any losses balls. As the pressed harder we became more flustered and received first a green card then lost the ever influential Ben Chapman to an eye injury. Thanks to the awesome City medical staff (Doctrs A and H McCall) he was soon patched up and back on the pitch. No sooner had Ben returned then we were reduced to 10 as the umpire didn’t find Ed Taylor’s football keepie uppie skills as funny as the cricket we or indeed all the players. These interruptions were not good for us and Bury managed to score three goals as we reorganised. As if to rub salt in the City wounds Bury made it 5 in the dying minutes. 
 
As a team City have many talented and experienced players, most of whom play and train at different schools during the week but rarely together. This does mean that we don’t always have the knowledge in terms of where our team mates might be that some of the more established and stable opponents seem to have.  
 
Huge thanks to man of the match Luke Elwes for putting this report together and for his countless saves throughout the season to date. 

MENS 3RD XI - 16/11/2019 VS IPSWICH 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 16/11/2019 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 16/11/2019 
HEADLINE: Disallowed goals hurt 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT:0-2 
 
REPORT: 
The 3’s had a hard task of a match against a strong Ipswich. A well-trained Ipswich team with a somewhat second sense of where their team-mates were at any given moment made it a hard task for our Norwich team to defend against, but this didn’t stop us from putting up a good fight. 2 goals were scored by Norwich in the first half but later to be taken away. Firstly, for not hitting the back board on the first shot of a short corner by Rees Leonard. Then secondly not being 5m away from the defensive player when the ball was coming down and knocked softly past the keeper and in to the goal after their player missed the ball. 
Overall an amazing match of hockey was played by both Norwich and Ipswich side but sadly came to a 2-0 loss for Norwich. 
 

MENS 3RD XI - 09/11/2019 VS IPSWICH EAST SUFFOLK 3 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 09/11/2019 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 09/11/2019 
HEADLINE: Youth and experience provide entertaining spectacle  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: 
RESULT: 
 
REPORT: 
With a much changed team and only 11 players it took Norwich a few minutes to settle and IES quickly took advantage and in no time at all City found themselves 2 goals behind. Gradually playing some fine passing hockey City gained a foothold in the match. Some well worked moves resulted in a couple of chances created which sadly City just failed to take. So it came as a slight surprise that just before half time IES converted a short corner to take a 3 goal lead into the break. 
 
The second half saw City continue to push IES back with some fine flowing hockey which eventually was rewarded when Will Riddleston converted a short corner mid way through the half. Sadly any thoughts of a comeback were quashed by a 4th goal for IES scored after another long mazy run from one of the strong midfield players.  
 
This was a very entertaining game with two contrasting styles of play. IES featured several players who would not look out of place further up the league structure while City fielded a number of younger players who all acquitted themselves very well and showed great promise, well corralled by a few senior wise heads. 
 
IES were worthy winners but City know that with a better start and a few chances taken the result could have been different. 

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 3RD XI - 26/10/2019 VS NEWMARKET 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 26/10/2019 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 26/10/2019 
HEADLINE: Brilliant youth 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE:Newmarket  
RESULT:3-3 
 
REPORT: 
The match started with top of the league Newmarket dominating the field and deservedly taking an early lead from a short corner. They doubled their lead mid-way into the first half but the game was becoming more of an even contest. Toward the end of the first half two 'smash and grab' goals saw us draw level having taken advantage of two break-away plays. Henry Baker with our first, a fine reverse stick finish and Ben Chapman with the second after a brilliant run and unselfish play by Rafe Lochore to set him up. 
 
Following a few inspirational words from Simon at half-time and with the weather worsening the second half began in much the same fashion as the first with Newmarket adding to their score early on from an impressive passing move. Some wonderful keeping from Luke Elwes kept us in contention and some sharp thinking and a smart individual run from Rio Iaccarino saw us draw level once again.  
 
Newmarket kept up the pressure but some solid defending from Simon Black and Cameron Husband along with more great saves from Luke frustrated the Newmarket men. The Dad/Son Hyatt (Jason and Sam) combination along with worthy performances from some young guns, namely Archie ? and Toby Pallister and the ever present Will Riddleston made for a busy mid-field - great play from all involved. 
 
A draw was definitely a fair result, credit to everyone who played - more of the same next week from Norwich 3s we hope. 

MENS 3RD XI - 19/10/2019 VS PELICANS 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 19/10/2019 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 19/10/2019 
HEADLINE: To infinity and beyod 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Lynnsport 
RESULT: NCHC 0 - 10 Pelicans 
 
REPORT: 
The true test of any team is how they deal with and what they do next when they face adversity. Today’s performance deserves a few thank yous: 
 
Thank you to Jonnie Pyatt for volunteering to be our keeper, I know that was not what he was hoping for when I welcomed his availability with open arms at the end of Tuesday’s training. Without him and some of his heroic saves the score would have been even worse. He seems to think he can hang up the pads now....watch this space! 
 
Thank you to Jason Hyatt for transporting 3 players for our match and two for the match that followed and for running the bench and staying positive throughout. 
 
Thank you to the calm senior heads of Rees Leonard and Adam Sayer who between them created our attacking opportunities and remained positive in the heart of midfield. 
 
Thank you to the team for remaining pretty positive and competing right to the end, the never give up effort was something you should be proud of. 
 
As to the game, Pelis were stronger than City in most departments capitalising on any lose balls and being decisive in midfield and attack. They scored 4 in the first half (real sucker punch at the end of the half) and 6 in the second. But for some great covering, in particular by Sam Hyatt and Henry Baker the score could have been a lot worse. It is great to see such young players play with maturity and responsibility beyond their years. 
 
City did have chances with Rees Leonard coming close on several occasions as did Rio Iaccarino and Toby Pallister but sadly to no avail. 
 
We move on to next week with a positive mindset and look forward to what we can influence rather than dwell on the past which is already history. We lose together, we win together, we learn together. 
 

MENS 3RD XI - 12/10/2019 VS NORTH NORFOLK 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 12/10/2019 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 12/10/2019 
HEADLINE: Smash and grab 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: Norwich City 3s 1 - 2 North Norfolk 
 
REPORT: 
Men's threes failed to capitalise on their domination and countless short corners with North Norfolk doing an effective smash and grab job with virtually two shots resulting in two goals. 
 
In the first half the team were playing some very fluent hockey moving the ball quickly and effectively. This play resulted in getting in the D often and creating high amounts of chances. The team also managed to win lots of short corners and one of these ended in a George Bowman deflected goal from the p spot after a great ball in from the right slip. The team went in 1-0 at half time.  
 
Second half was a little different with the fluent play from the first half not quite presenting itself. The team still managed to create a number of decent chances and also won yet more short corners but the ball didnt seem to want to go in the back of the net with the North Norfolk keeper making a number of high quality saves. Norfolk Norfolk managed to grab two break away goals but offered very little apart from this leading to the team being extremely disappointed with the defeat but there were certainly a number of positives to take.  
 

MENS 3RD XI - 05/10/2019 VS IPSWICH EAST SUFFOLK 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 05/10/2019 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 05/10/2019 
HEADLINE: Thank you for clubbing together 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Ipswich School 
RESULT: 1-6 
 
REPORT: 
It was a slightly mixed and depleted city team that took the trip to Ipswich this weekend with two, yes two, keepers to face IES. City started strong with good ball retention and movement. However a series of uncharacteristic errors led to two opportunistic goals from a clinical IES side. Having lost Will Riddleston to injury/Ipswich foul play we then had a fraught rest of the half and managed to prevent any more goals. 
The second half saw first half goalkeeper Luke lose the pads and don some borrowed shin pads for a spirited run in the front line , credit where credit’s due he did cause a nuisance of himself. Two more clinical IES goals saw their lead stretch until a late consolation dragflick from Rees Leonard prompted a resurgence from city. However this was soon put to bed as IES soon scored two more. A courageous performance by city given the circumstances and we’ll live to fight another day. 
Final score: 1-6 
Man of the match: Alex Tomkinson 
 

MENS 3RD XI - 28/09/2019 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 28/09/2019 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 28/09/2019 
HEADLINE: A win! 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE:TRF 
RESULT: City 3 - 2 Dragons  
 
REPORT: 
This was a very competitive and pretty even game. City started pretty well but in the early stages they seemed to run out of ideas once the ball got near the atracking D. Fortunately this somewhat frustrating period was short lived and once we did settle into some rhythm we looked good with man of the match Ben Chapman the key to our innovation.  
 
We scored when debutant Robert McCall tapped in at the far post following an excellent move from right to left and back again tormented the visitors defense  
 
Our lead was short lived when James Cross was first to react to a lose ball and rifled it into the roof of the net. Undeterred City then had their best passage of play in the first half with Rio Iaccarino, Ben Chapman and Boycie regularly linking well. A Boycie corner strike restored our lead. 2-1 at half time.  
 
The second half was very similar with City’s half backs Ed Taylor and Dan Jeffers becoming much more involved. Yes City’s defense had to make a number of tackles and last ditched interceptions but in the main they were well organised and disciplined.  
 
With Chappers creating mayhem for City on the attacking half it was against the run of play when a neat penalty corner routine levelled the score. City responded in fine style when Boycie scored his second to make it 3-2. Moments later the same player got a congratulatory green card from the unpire (cheers Frosty) which led to a tactical master stroke with Rees dropping back to defence and launching aerials to pen Dtagons back in their own half. Great finger tip save by Ben to close out the victory....did I mention....we won! 
 
A good hard fought game played with the right amount of competitive spirit. If Chappers and Rio can pull a “sickie” from school each week I reckon we can find a nice hockey home for them. Many thanks to the whole team and to Alexfir climbing out of his sick bed to support  

MENS 3RD XI - 21/09/2019 VS UEA 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 21/09/2019 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 21/09/2019 
HEADLINE: Honours even 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: UEA 
RESULT: UEA 2s 1 - 1 NCHC 3s 
 
REPORT: 
City started well with Rio Iaccarino, Dan Jeffers and Alex Tomkinson creating all sorts of problems for the students’ defence ably supported by some intelligent link up play from the inners, Ed Taylor and Monty Platt. Whilst the early attacking threat came mostly from City, their defence (Adam Sayer, Will Riddleston, Lloyd Sayer, Henry Baker and Simon Black) were organised in philharmonic-esque style by Ben Nkrumah in goal.  
 
City deservedly took the lead when Alex Tomkinson converted a well worked penalty corner. With regular substitutions the order of the day it was particularly pleasing to see Harsharan Singh, and Toby Pallister linking with the midfield field controlled by Mark Fletcher. City continued to let the ball do the work but were thwarted by some excellent defending and to some extent less than clinical decision making. Half time 1-0 to the good guys. 
 
Sadly a recurrence of a knee injury for Toby meant were were down to 2 substitutes (I know we should think ourselves lucky to have subs!) just when we most needed fresh legs, and with the youth of the opposition being slightly older than our youth we started to lose shape and opted for glory balls where simpler options were available (and yes I was guilty of one particular glory ball....moral of the story...just DON’T.) 
 
Despite the growing ascendency of the home side, City’s defence stood firm with Henry Baker consistently turning defence into attack down the right flank. Yes, the UEA probably did deserve their equaliser which finally came from a penalty corner (of which they’d had many) but we never stopped trying, and we created several genuine opportunities in the dying minutes. 
 
Well done to Henry for his man of the match performance. There were lots of positives, with that old adage, let the ball do the work being a lesson learned as legs tired. Well done all...the 3s have a point on the board. 
 
 

MENS 3RD XI - 14/09/2019 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 14/09/2019 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 14/09/2019 
HEADLINE: Rays of sunshine 
LEAGUE: Friendly  
VENUE: Dragons 
RESULT: Dragons 2s 3 - 2 NCHC 3s  
 
REPORT: 
City’s somewhat makeshift team consisted of a mixture of youth, experience, new players and much needed support from the 2s (cheers Ben, Boycie, Tom and Matt). Needless to say we had not played together as a team before but that didn’t seem to matter in the early forays when Ed Taylor and Monty Platt took control of the midfield and created a lot of passing moves that put the hosts on the back foot. A delicate Rees Leonard finish gave City a deserved lead. After about 15 minutes. Whilst City moved the ball well they did not have things all their own way with Jason Wolf the catalyst for most of Dragons creativity and attacking threat. Dragons equalised with a clinical finish after a rather scruffy build up after about 25 minutes. 1-1 at half time. 
 
A positional change at half time saw debutant Harsharam move from half back to the wing. City regained the lead through a control PC conversion from our drag flick specialist Rees. Sadly City’s lead was short lived as Drogons scored from 2 PCs in quick succession. The first was hotly contested as Dragons had been allowed the advantage, had played an excellent shot which brought out a fantastic save from Ben Millett only for it to be determined that no advantage had been gained....yours truly was not happy when the resultant pc flew past my ear! 
 
The second PC rubbed salt in the wound as a series of pre season umpiring blunders (last time I checked you’re not allowed to dribble with your feet 🤔) got the ball into our D. To be fair the PCs themselves were very well taken but...! Frustration then boiled over as the same umpire allowed the same footballing skills right under their nose...Boycie had had enough and received a yellow for voicing his opinion. Poor old Dan Jeffers then got a yellow for suggesting Boycie had a point. He did but we cannot criticise or abuse umpires....we have off days, they have....... 
 
With only 9 men City reverted to some long ball tactics which did themselves no justice. However, we did finish very strongly and almost cl8nched last gasp equaliser. Final play of the match, City get a PC, initial short saved, Dan Jeffers keeps the ball in the D, nails in a cross and Simon Black deflected the ball just wide. 
 
Moral of the story - keep your cool, stick to our passing game, keep supporting each other (thumbs up for Ed and Monty) and get an attacker (not Simon) on the end of deflections! 
 
Rays of of sunshine with occasional cloudy moments. 
 
Well done Monty for being man of the match. 

MENS 3RD XI - 07/09/2019 VS NORTH NORFOLK 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 07/09/2019 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 07/09/2019 
HEADLINE: A game of two halves... 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Taverham - H20 
RESULT: 3-2 Loss 
 
REPORT: 
With City having a massive squad and lot of players having their first game of the season City started a little frazzled and disjointed and found themselves 3-0 down at half time. Into the second half City really started to gel and played some great hockey. A Rees Leonard PC and clever finish from Chris Perry brought City close to what would of been a well earned draw. FT 2-3 
POTM: Ed Taylor