Results

MENS 3RD XI - 24/04/2021 VS UEA 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 24/04/2021 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 24/04/2021 
HEADLINE: UEA edge ‘battle of youth’ 
Friendly 
Venue:UEA 
Result: City 3s 1 - 2 UEA 2s 
 
Report 
 
This late afternoon fixture in the glorious sunshine was always going to be a tough challenge for a City side that boasted 11 players who were 18 or under against a team that prior to lockdown had won 4 of their 5 league games in the league above City.  
 
UEA started very well and dominated all areas of the pitch in the first 15 minutes with City indebted to Simon Black and Will Riddleston in defence and Bobby Rash in goal combining on multiple occasions to somehow keep the scores level. Somewhat against the run of play a fine City break down the right involving Henry Baker, Max McEwan and Max Wilson (all 15 years old) forced a penalty corner which was expertly converted by the rising talent Krishna Patel (another 15 year old). Not surprisingly, the goal seemed to galvanise City into playing some much better hockey with Monty Platt and Rio Iaccarino providing a competitive edge to midfield. Unfortunately Rio took a nasty knock with 15 minutes left in the half and was unable to return or influence the game thereafter. 
 
City continued to compete well in the second half but were soon forced into defensive heroics from the back three and Henry, Krishna and Paul Roy. Sadly, the after effects of his first COVID jab meant Paul, one of the 3s talisman of the season, ran out of energy midway through the half further reducing our squad to 12 from the original 14. Deservedly UEA scored following a second phase move from a penalty corner. 
 
City did create a number of chances and had a number of penalty corners in the second half but none really threatened to add to their scoreline. Sadly, in a season that has seen so many highlights with players working on and off the ball for each other and seen some excellent decision making, today we struggled to maintain intensity and consistency with our decision making - often resorting to dribbling when ball retention was the better option. To put a minor cloud on what has been a very good season for himself and the team, captain Simin Black needlessly picked up a green card following the award of a UEA penalty corner which was then converted by UEA as he watched shamefaced and helplessly from the sideline - message to self ‘not everyone has the same sense of humour as me!’. In the final 15 minutes the game ebbed and flowed with Rob McCall, Freddie Paterson,Edward Taylor and Ethan Rushton all halving half chances. 
 
Yes we had a few ‘quiet’ performances from players that have had very good seasons but several players were contenders for man of the match: 
 
Monty Platt for galvanising the midfield, keeping his head and steadfastly concentrating on consistently making the right decisions. 
 
Krishna Patel for working tirelessly and taking ownership of the game no matter his position and in particular for his communication with his team mates. 
 
Henry Baker for consistently and tirelessly covering in defence and supporting attacks and mature decision making. 
 
Will Riddleston for an excellent defensive display coupled with a few ‘dynamic sorties’ into the opposition half. 
 
Simon Black for leading from the back and belying his advanced years. 
 
Bobby Rash for his calmness under pressure, for making countless fine saves and maintaining focus and intensity to the end. 
 
In the end it was a toss up between Monty for showing the virtues of making the right decisions and Bobby without whom the scoreline would have been less flattering. 
 
Man of the match was therefore, Bobby Rash. 
 
 
 

MENS 3RD XI - 17/04/2021 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 17/04/2021 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 17/04/2021 
HEADLINE: Double drag flicks save the day 
Friendly  
VENUE: Dragons Den 
RESULT: 
City 3s 4 - 2 Dragobs 2s 
REPORT: 
 
At an unconventionally warm Dragons, City started with a rather slow first quarter some good elements of team play eventually lead them to a great opportunity created by Aaron Curtis, and his areal, only to be denied by the whistle signalling the end of the first quarter. Whilst City did concede an unfortunate goal, they were able to retaliate before half time with some excellent midfield play from Max McEwan, Rocco Iaccarino and man of the match Paul Roy ending with a great shot from Max Wilson to be finished off by Ethan Rushton. 
 
Dragons managed to score another well-constructed goal after half time however with excellent drag flicking from both Aaron Curtis and Krishna Patel ,with another excellent finish from Robert McCall in the final quarter, putting City in a comfortable position to win. Both sides played some great hockey and revelled in the chance to be out on the pitch again. 
 

MENS 3RD XI - 10/04/2021 VS NORWICH EXILES 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 10/04/2021 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 10/04/2021 
HEADLINE: Landed gentry leads the way 
Friendly  
VENUE: Taverham  
RESULT: Norwich City 3s 10 - 1 Exiles 1s 
 
REPORT: 
At a sunny if slightly blustery Taverham City and Exiles looked to celebrate just being able to play hockey again. City started very brightly with a delicious reverse stick goal from Monty Platt inside 2 minutes. This then set the tone for some dominant City play who looked particularly dangerous when they attacked down either wing. Whilst most players and the umpires looked to play with a smile on their faces a couple of the Exikes player were a little over passionate leading to prolonged periods when they were reduced to playing g with 10.  
 
City continued to dominate with an Adie Land master class in how to score goals giving him a hat trick in each half. With all the City players playing with confidence and freedom it was gratifying to see youngsters Max Wilson (2) and Krishna Patel also on the scoresheet.  
 
Yes this turned out to be a comfortable win but as they say, the real winner were hockey - 2 teams playing in the right spirit with Exiles s scoring a good, if consolation goal with a minute to go.  

MENS 3RD XI - 19/12/2020 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 4 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 19/12/2020 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 19/12/2020 
HEADLINE: Double digit delight 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 4 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Dragons Den 
RESULT: City 11 - 1 Dragons 
 
REPORT: 
City started at a frantic pace and tended to struggle with a slippy but otherwise excellent pitch in the opening phases. Whilst there were periods of delightful interplay City seemed to lack their customary clinical decision making in and around the D. Having said that City did score 6 goals in the first half through a mixture of inventive penalty corners, simple taps ins, a perfect example of a fast one two and one outrageous deflection into the roof of the net. 
 
The half time team talk focused on celebrating the 6 goals but also re-emphasised our aim to make good decisions and look to pass and move wherever possible. 
 
City continued to dominate in the second half with their slick passing mixed with fine stick skills providing a constant threat to the Dragons’ goal. What was particularly pleasing was how the younger players combined deliciously with the more experienced players to support each other in every area of the pitch. For the record City scored a further 5 goals in the second half with Dragons scoring a somewhat fortuitous consolation goal. 
 
City’s goal scorers were Ethan Rushton, Freddie Paterson, Robert McCall, man of the match Rio Iaccarino, Adie Land, Ed Taylor, Monty Platt, Henry Baker and a hat trick from Matthew “Peter Pan” Brine. 
 
A great end to the first half of the season - enjoy the Christmas break, stay fit and most of all stay safe. Top effort to be top of the league...let’s make sure we stay there in 2021. Thank you all. 

MENS 3RD XI - 12/12/2020 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 12/12/2020 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 12/12/2020 
HEADLINE: Debut delight  
LEAGUE: Fruendly 
VENUE: Taverham  
RESULT: City 10 - 2 Dragons 
 
REPORT: 
City came into the game looking to brush off some lockdown cobwebs after not having played for over a month, however with good attacking play and a goal within the first 5 minutes it seemed as though there was very little rust to contend with. A 10 minute hat-trick from Ethan Rushton from a combined distance of about 5 metres put city 4-0 up before the break. The high quality attacking play continued into the second half, with city threatening the Dragons goal on numerous occasions breaking the second half deadlock. Dragons fought back with two goals of their own but city pressed home their advantage, adding a further 5 goals before full time. A much needed warm up for city before the league restarts next week, thanks to Dragons for making the trip. Final score City 10-2 Dragons. Scorers: Ethan Rushton - 3, Rob McCall -3, Adie Land - 2, Matthew Brine - 2.  

MENS 3RD XI - 28/11/2020 VS THETFORD TOWN 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 28/11/2020 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 28/11/2020 
HEADLINE: Match Cancelled due to 2nd National Lockdown! 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 4 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: 
RESULT: 
 
REPORT: 
 

MENS 3RD XI - 21/11/2020 VS BURY ST EDMUNDS 3 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 21/11/2020 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 21/11/2020 
HEADLINE: Match Cancelled due to 2nd National Lockdown! 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 4 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: 
RESULT: 
 
REPORT: 
 

MENS 3RD XI - 14/11/2020 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 4 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 14/11/2020 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 14/11/2020 
HEADLINE: Match Cancelled due to 2nd National Lockdown! 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 4 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: 
RESULT: 
 
REPORT: 
 

MENS 3RD XI - 07/11/2020 VS IPSWICH EAST-SUFFOLK 4 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 07/11/2020 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 07/11/2020 
HEADLINE: Match Cancelled due to 2nd National Lockdown! 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 4 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: 
RESULT: 
 
REPORT: 
 

MENS 3RD XI - 31/10/2020 VS NORWICH EXILES 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 31/10/2020 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 31/10/2020 
HEADLINE: Magnificent 7 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 4 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Taverham  
RESULT: City 3s 7 - 2 Exiles 
 
NCHC 3s Vs Norwich Exiles 1s 
 
REPORT: 
City took the lead early on after a well-placed short corner flick from Rees past the goalie. Exiles were allowed back into the game with two quick goals as City failed to mark and defend effectively turning the game on its head to give Exiles a 2-1 lead. City much the dominant team showed their class by putting two past the Exiles keeper via Rob and Alex after an excellent press and another well worked short corner routine before half time. City realised they could win this game due to their quality and game management after an effective chat at half time. City went out positively camping in Exiles half forcing a turnover and easy entry into the D. 4 second half goals (2 from Rees, 1 from Hindle and 1 from Freddie) led to a dominant and fully deserved City 7-2 victory keeping them top of the league. 
 

MENS 3RD XI - 24/10/2020 VS DEREHAM 3 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 24/10/2020 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 24/10/2020 
HEADLINE: City slickers dominate 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 4 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Dereham 
RESULT: Norwich City 3s 9 - 1 Dereham 3s 
 
REPORT: 
City arrived in Dereham looking to continue their very strong start to the season. We started well, good movement up front and quick passing put City up 5-0 at half time. The second half started in the same vein with a 6th goal added quickly after the restart, however 15 minutes of madness including three cards, two injuries and a converted penalty stroke by Dereham left City somewhat rattled. We soon regained our stride though, adding three more goals before the final whistle to ensure a comfortable win. Goals from Rees Leonard, Adie Land, Rio Iaccarino and Tom Hindle made the final score 9-1 to City, although it could have been more. 
 
Player of the match was Robert McCall 
 
 
 

MENS 3RD XI - 17/10/2020 VS SUDBURY 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 17/10/2020 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 17/10/2020 
HEADLINE: Despite injuries City slay Sudbury 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 4 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: Norwich City 3s 5 - 1 Sudbury 2s 
 
REPORT: 
Being present and in the moment doesn’t always correlate with 20/20 recollection so apologies to Matthew “Pies just the brace” Brine and Rees “just the tomahawk” Leonard, but play might have broken down at any second, so your scribe missed observing the amazing finesse which brought your cheers and adulation. I did however see Tom Hindle’s “make mine sound amazing” flick though…. But this story isn’t for finishes, however glorious, this is for the inglorious grafters, the deniers of oxygen. This is for the halves and the backs, the midfield and the, well, pretty much the whole team once we got our mojo going and defended from the front.  
Recovering from the ice bath (evidence submitted but failed the not-spitting-out-your-breakfast-latte test) and having reflected on the game, it’s as Simon “Blackie” Black accurately summed up - it started off OK…  
Now, I know I’ve written about this before, but whenever I see Mark Circuit make an appearance, I think thank God, we can all take 5 and put our feet up for a bit. Consequently, as he disappeared into sickbay nursing his nethers (or maybe just his hamstrings) we probably all thought, “oh merde, here come multiple sequential pressure waves but at least the occasional compression relieving long ball will be on, Adie…” At this point someone must have cut the oxygen from conscious thought to avoid further jinxing of our star grade line up. All I recall are flashes amid the maelstrom including Tom teasing Sudbury’s goalie with his highly calibrated flick cunningly disguised to look like the most average flick ever; the glee in his demeanour at the clunk of the backboard be-lying the potential of the big man to turn games and adding just a touch of despondency to the already desperate Sudbury. But it was our loss really, as the lights were out for Adie after the ill-judged tackle felled our titan of the base line and meant he had to join Mark for a really good mardle for quite a long time. Their spirit and presence seemingly spurred us on, as our pack of youths rose to the challenge, showing the tenacity and grit we had long been half expecting and hoping would flourish. Spurred further, no doubt, by the half time talk which Pies, having struck the gong, felt empowered to use to demand better service (something he’s never done before) and whilst all three leadership talks were somewhat predictable, they were necessary and on point.  
The usual jolly Saturday afternoon gathering thence erupted once more into hockey, composed at one beat then by fewer and fewer turns descended into the frantic, chaotic mayhem of the first half. And with Pies digging out more time and space than anyone bar Hawking thought possible and, snatching passing oxygen in the respite, we were up and off to a few more goals to 1.  
If we were to decide as a team to keep the work rate up for each other and keep our feet on the ground, who knows what quality of hockey we might play: anything seems possible, it’s just down to us to commit. Next week deep joy @Dereham?  
 

MENS 3RD XI - 10/10/2020 VS BURY ST EDMUNDS 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 10/10/2020 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 10/10/2020 
HEADLINE: Top of the table tussle ends with honours even 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 4 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Culford School 
RESULT: Norwich City 3s 1 - 1 Bury 2s 
 
REPORT: 
City went into this game knowing that the opposition was going to be very strong from Bury so wanted to start the game with a good intensity from the off. That is exactly what the captain got. Great work from the forwards and midfield creating chances and limiting Bury to break away attempts which where all thwarted by the city defence.  
 
Half time came with the game still at a stalemate city knew they needed to up their game a little more for the second half. Again city responded will to the captain's orders and pressed and pressed resulting in a flurry of short corners only to see all of the attempts go astray.  
 
City feeling that the game was in their own hands finally converted a short corner from Rees Leonard. With 8 minutes to go sadly City started to sit deeper and with pretty much the last hit of the game Bury equalised.  
 
City can definitely hold their heads high because it was a very good team performance both in defence and attack.  
 
MOM - Mark Circuit 
 
 
 

MENS 3RD XI - 03/10/2020 VS COLCHESTER 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 03/10/2020 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 03/10/2020 
HEADLINE: Full squad reap rewards 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 4 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: City 3s 4 - 1 Colchester 2s 
 
REPORT: 
A strong 3rd team gathered pitch side waiting to welcome Colchester to a rather damp Taverham. With a full squad of 16 skipper Simon Black rustled up a plan to keep the away side busy. City settled quickly and looked threatening from the start. Rees Leonard got the ball rolling early on and city could have strengthened their position but for a few missed half chances and one that was definitely harder to miss from Jez Elliott. City were made to pay as the quick start faded a little. Colchester grabbing an equaliser to be level at 1-1 going into the break.  
 
The second half was better with Colchester rarely threatening thanks to great defensive work from the skipper, Adam Sayer , Ed Taylor, Will Riddleston and Henry Baker. We do have to question how Will did not see green for hitting the ball away twice! Adie Land managed to restore the lead after beating his man and sending a high lift in the rough direction of the goal that was deflected thanks to a Colchester stick. The lead could have grown after a lovely break and pass from Monty Platt but Rees' trusty reverse was off target on this occasion. City now looked more dangerous as the young midfield showed their quality. A fine through ball was converted cooly by Freddie Paterson to extend the advantage before Jez and Adie combined to secure a 4th after a well-called and well-executed short corner.  
 
A decent result from a decent performance in not so decent weather! Onto next week and a trip to Bury who also have a 100% record from the first two games.  
 

MENS 3RD XI - 26/09/2020 VS NORWICH CITY 4 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 26/09/2020 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 26/09/2020 
HEADLINE: Controlled victory starts league campaign  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 4 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT:City 3s 7 - 1 City 4s  
 
Report: 
NCHC 4 (H) against NCHC 3 (A). The match started swiftly with Rees Leonard putting away the first goal giving NCHC 3s the lead. NCHC 4s quickly equalised with Max Wilson scoring a strong reverse hit from the top of the D making it 1:1. With some good quick passing in the middle from NCHC 3s, they regained the lead with a sweet strike from Matthew Brine. Freddy Patterson then put one more past NCHC 4s making it 3:1 going into half time. The second half brought 4 more goals for NCHC 3s from Richard Silvester, Rees Leonard (PC), Rees Leonard (PF) and Rees Leonard again to finish off the game with a final score of 7:1. 
 

MENS 3RD XI - 19/09/2020 VS UEA 3 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 19/09/2020 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 19/09/2020 
HEADLINE: Festival Fever 
LEAGUE: Friendly 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: City 3s 5 - 0 UEA 3s 
 
REPORT: 
City entertained UEA in a good spirited mactch at sun drenched Taverham. Despite the early start there was a decent crowd to witness some free flowing hockey. Freddie Paterson opened the scoring and City would have been three up inside the first 15 minutes had it not been for the students’ keeper twice thwarting Robert McCall. 
 
However, City reserved their best hockey following the departure of Captain Simon Black due to injury which seemed to galvanise the team, and man of the match Alex Tomkinson in particular. Mark Fletcher made is 2-0 before a Rees Leonard penalty corner made it 3-0. A fourth City goal was correctly ruled out but left them in a dominant position at half time. 
 
The second half saw some excellent link up play with the ever young Paul Roy and Nick Hooper combining beuatifully with the youthful Tomkinson, Freddie Paterson, Robert McCall and Josh Bailey. A Nick Hooper reverse hit and a classic Rees Leonard finish made it 5-0. Whilst City created a host of other chances they were thwarted by a combination of good keeping, last ditch defending and less than clinical finishing. 
 
With this the final pre-season match there were plenty of good performances to make selection a challenge for the opening league match next week and City 4s. 
 
Man of the match was Alex Tomkinson who turned a sluggish opening 15 minutes into a genuinely impressive and composed performance. 
 
 

MENS 3RD XI - 12/09/2020 VS NORWICH EXILES 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 12/09/2020 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 12/09/2020 
HEADLINE: Local derby ends in City victory 
LEAGUE: Friendly 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: Norwich City 3s 3 - 1 Exciles 
 
REPORT: 
City continued their pre season preparation with a good if laboured victory over local rivals Exiles in the glorious September sun at Taverham. 
 
City started well with Elliot Fox particularly influential in the early stages.. His clinical cross allowing Freddie Paterson to open the scoring in the 7th minute. Whilst City’s build up play was intelligent and effective their penalty corners were not, with at least 5 failing to threaten extending the lead. A simple but effective tap-in from Alex Tomkinson extended the lead after 25 minutes but as City looked to relax and play the ball around they we hit on the counter attack by an excellent if somewhat unchallenged run by Dan Cheeseman reduced the arrears, 2-1. 
 
Whilst the half time team talk was all about ball pace and support play, the heat and to some extent dominance of City lead to some lapses in concentration that allowed Bobby Rash to demonstrate his keeping prowess through a string of excellent saves. Whilst City’s back three looked confident and secure they did tend to become somewhat defensive and distant from the midfield. The final quarter saw both keepers pull off some good saves but it was, for the second week running, a thunderbolt from the top of the D from Paul Roy that secured the City win. 
 
Several players received man of the match nominations, with the award going to Bobby Rash. 

MENS 3RD XI - 05/09/2020 VS BURY ST EDMUNDS 3 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 05/09/2020 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 05/09/2020 
HEADLINE: Summer sizzler 
LEAGUE: Friendly 
VENUE: Culford School 
RESULT: Norwich City 3s 4 - 1 Bury 3s 
 
REPORT: 
Indomitable irascible irrepressible irresistible and imperious are just five adjectives beginning with the letter “i” to accompany this City performance. With youngsters Tom Hindle and Mark Circuit supported by established 3s players it was a delight to behold with slick high paced passing accompanying intelligent ney some might say insightful movement on and off the ball. 
 
City took the lead midway through the first half following a splendid scything run by Freddie Paterson before a precision pass enabled Robert McCall to slot home. With City threatening down both flanks and through the middle it was a surprise that the advantage remained a single goal until the stroke of half time when Hindle demonstrated the type of calmness and composure that could lead to a long and successful career when clinically converting a short corner.  
 
City continued to enjoy their day in the sun in the second half with Paul Roy producing a delightful cover drive half volley from the top of the D that wouldn’t have been out of place at Lords or the MCG to make it 3-0 and young a Hindle making it 4-0 soon afterwards.  
 
Whilst Bury did score a consolation goal late on this did not detract from an excellent first game of the season for City who had many notable performances. Edward Taylor was named man of the match for combining excellent defensive duties, incisive interceptions and aggressive attacking. 

MENS 3RD XI - 29/08/2020 VS NORWICH CITY 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 29/08/2020 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 29/08/2020 
HEADLINE: Pre-Season run around 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 4 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: 2-2 Draw 
 
REPORT: 
A fun friendly and competitive game between a selection of 2s and 3s players. Team White were 1-0 up at half time thanks to a clinical finish from Adie Land following good work from Jeremy Elliot.  
After the break some excellent work from Sakhu Ndlela set up Rees Leonard for a good deflection as team Yellow made it all square. Matthew Brine then set up Ed Taylor to give team yellow a 2-1 lead before Adie Land scored his second of the game to make it finish 2-2.  
A tough selection head ache for Citys captains following many good performances.