Results

MENS DEVELOPMENT XI - 14/04/2018 VS WATTON (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens Development XI 
DATE: 14/04/2018 
FIXTURE: Mens Development XI VS 14/04/2018 
HEADLINE: Fun in the sun 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: NCHC Devs 14 - 0 Watton 
 
REPORT: 
As expected from their previous encounters this year City dominated from start to finish. Whilst it is always nice to score some goals in the glorious spring like weather it was also pleasing to see how well the five U12 players, including debutants Sam Kassulke and Louis Miller, acclimatised to 11-a-side hockey and looked totally at ease on and off the ball, which bodes well for next year. 
 
Ethan Rushton scored the first goal, swiftly followed by a second which came as the result of a delightful flowing move from midfield, out to the right and slipped back for Ethan to slot home. A brace from Freddie Paterson and one from Corey Rushton made it 5-0 at half time. It was particularly pleasing to see two touch passing Hockey that came to the fore as the half progressed, with Angus Irving yet again prominent in how to create space and keep things simple with accurate and incisive passing. 
 
With the focus in the second half on passing rather than dribbling City aimed to play a four touch game, to limit too much dribbling. This worked well and the team looked much better when they played with their heads up and actually looked to pass first. Given virtually the whole game was played inside the Watton half there were a lot of creative substitutions to try and ensure defensive and attacking duties were shared around....not an easy task when at one point our two defenders for that moment were seen camped on the opposition 23m line....hmm! 
 
Anyway, in terms of the second half stats, Jonty Black scored 4, Freddie 2, Oliver Moore 2 and Edward Beake 1 despite a managerial rule that said if you scored you were substituted. Sam, Rocco Iaccarino, Alex Illing and Farren Miller all came close to scoring but were thwarted by some excellent saves by the 9 year old Watton keeper or scrambled goal line clearances. 
 
Special mention to Josie Miller in the City goal whose only touch was at the very end of the match when every City player crowded round the D for a final penalty corner, sadly neither Josie nor the team could contour a magical finale. 
 
Man of the match was Josie Miller for concentrating throughout and making it into the opposition D. 
 

MENS DEVELOPMENT XI - 27/03/2018 VS NORWICH DRAGONS A (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens Development XI 
DATE: 27/03/2018 
FIXTURE: Mens Development XI VS 27/03/2018 
HEADLINE: City edge top of the table clash 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: NCHC Devs 1-0 Dragons A 
 
REPORT: 
For the third time in four meeting between the league’s top two City emerged victorious in a close hard fought encounter. 
 
City started very brightly with their midefield (Angus Irving, Joseph Roy, Henry Baker, Jonty Black and Harry Mackenzie) stringing a host of fast passing moves together that threatened to tear the visitor’s apart. This dynamic midfield play was supported by some very intelligent running and passing from the forward line of Sam Hyatt, Freddie Paterson and Mattie Roy. Despite a string of well defended penalty corners the Dragons defence held firm.  
 
Having defended the onslaught it was then Dragons turn to enjoy some sustained pressure which Krishna Patel, Archie Ward and the omnipresent Joseph Roy dealt with calm assurity. Dragons then forced a number of penalty corners that City’s defended well, with Will Farrow making a number of good saves. Then it was back down the other end as City again gained the ascendancy with Ed Blake making his debut at this level and Will Morrissey enjoying a run around on the forward line. 
 
After a breathless first half City again started the second well with a number of excellent moves notably involving Angus Irving on the left and Henry Baker on the right linking up with Freddie Paterson on the forward line. It was fitting that a delightful midfield move released Freddie in the inside right channel allowing Freddie to drive into the D, he then took it wide right (too far right as far as the coach was concerned) only to crash the ball into the opposite bottom corner. 1-0 (and just goes to show how much or how little the coach knows!!!). 
 
Dragons then pushed for the equaliser with Archie, Krishna, Sam, Joseph and Henry pivotal in the defensive cause. The pendulum swung again with Harry and Jonty combining well with Henry, Joseph and Angus to counter attack through the ever willing and constant threat of Mattie and Freddie. A glorious penalty corner move full of crisp one-twos so nearly doubled the lead. With Dragons relying on crash balls City’s defence held firm to record a hard fought but well-deserved victory. 
 
In a match with so many excellent performances it was a toss up for man of the match with Henry Baker ultimately winning the award.  

MENS DEVELOPMENT XI - 10/03/2018 VS DEREHAM (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens Development XI 
DATE: 10/03/2018 
FIXTURE: Mens Development XI VS 10/03/2018 
HEADLINE: Dominant Devs destroy Dereham 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Dereham 
RESULT: Dereham 0-11 Norwich City 
 
REPORT: 
Perhaps the most pleasing aspect of this convincing win was the way the four U12 players inter linked with the older “proper Dev” (i.e. U14 players) and the way the older players trusted and supported the young pretenders. 
 
The match was played as four quarters to allow the coaches maximum time to engage with their teams. City opened the scoring when an excellent penalty corner strike was equally well saved by Jayden Bourges in the Dereham goal only for Jonty Black to clinically flick the ball into the roof of the net. Henry Baker, Sam Hyatt and Jonty Black were particularly dominant in this first period, creating some stylish linking play with the wide forwards (Ethan Rushton and Alex Illing). It was entirely fitting that Henry should extend the lead following a dynamic run and a slightly scruffy shot that eluded the keeper. With Sam and Jonty intelligently passing the ball backwards as well as forwards this allowed Archie Ward and Krishna Patel to switch play intelligently and to great affect. 
 
A quick team talk focusing on maintaining positional sense and on passing seemed to work as Corey Rushton made it 3-0 following a nice passing move down the right (Mattie Roy, Henry Baker and Alex Illing), Jonty made it 4 and then 5 in quick succession with good finishes to flowing passing moves. Alex was unlucky not to add his name to the scoresheet when a delightful run by Jack Whitlam won a penalty corner just as his pass was tapped in by Alex. (Sometimes the umpires just can’t win!). Whilst Corey and Mattie had quietish first quarters they really showed their class on and off the ball in this second quarter. They also showed great awareness of each other’s games....a great advertisement for playing up and coming youngsters in twos or more as their familiarity with each other’s games was very evident. Whilst the quarter was dominated by City there were a few lapses that led to some scrambles in the visitor’s D. Seb Kimber made two back to back saves that given City’s dominance should not have come about. However, what it did show was the level of concentration top keepers have to have....out of the game for long periods, but there when you need them. Well done Seb! 
 
With the score 5-0 at half time it was time for some positional changes. To be honest, moving Archie up to inside forward was a success, he showed exactly the right amount of energy and got the dribble to pass ratio just about spot on but the other changes were less of a success. Fortunately Mattie Roy scored a good goal to extend the lead, but the quarter was scrappy. The highlight was the wonderful interplay between Henry and Alex .... Henry was the conductor and Alex the responsive orchestra...he listened he reacted he never gave up! 
 
Fortunately the final quarter saw a lot of very unselfish passing and moving with Archie (twice) and Jonty (once) playing defence splitting passes to die for...sadly none resulted in a goal. Corey made it 7, Krishna 8, a brace by Alex (including a very good far post chest high deflection) made it 10-0. Throughout the quarter Jack had either been thwarted by the keeper or had his target set just wide of the goal so it was somewhat fitting that he finally finished off a neat passing move to make it 11-0. 
 
The opposition were asked to name a man of the match, and whilst there were a number of worthy contenders, they elected Archie Ward. 

MENS DEVELOPMENT XI - 24/02/2018 VS WATTON (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens Development XI 
DATE: 24/02/2018 
FIXTURE: Mens Development XI VS 24/02/2018 
HEADLINE: Keeper misses hat trick! 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Watton 
RESULT: NCHC 6-0 Watton 
 
REPORT: 
Watton is a great club that has entered a boys development team in the league for the first time this year which is fantastic for Norfolk Devs Hockey but does mean that they are at present one of the weaker teams in the league. With that in mind City deliberately played a number of players out of their normal positions including playing one of our goal keepers, Will Morrissey as a forward. 
 
As expected City dominated the game but were indebted to the outfield keeper to score the only goal of a somewhat disjointed first half. True there were some excellent passing moves but the finishing left a lot to be desired with short corner and open play shots frequently going just high and or just wide! Whilst a number of players almost got too carried away with scoring wonder goals, Angus “Goosie” Irving and Krishna Patel were notable in their calmness and ability to keep the game simple....to telling effect! 
 
A half time score of 1-0 hardly representative of City’s dominance (and could have been 1-1 had not a rare Watton break not been thwarted by last ditched defending from Sam Hyatt and a covering Jonty Black). 
 
The second half was much more pleasing to the eye, with one-twos, passing and moving on and off the ball and a general desire to retain possession. Will Morrissey extended his tally to two when he made it 2-0 and Jonty Black made it 3-0, finishing off an excellent move down the right (Sam Hyatt, Henry Baker, Oliver Millett) with a simple tap in. With the substitutions and positional changes occurring every couple of minutes it was very pleasing to see the team play some genuinely good hockey: Oliver Millett previously known for his pace produced some excellent and well timed tackles, and Jack Whitlam and Archie Ward produced some great one-twos in midfield and again on the front line. 
 
The Goosie, Jack, Jonty combination on the left was balanced by the Henry, Oliver, Sam combination down the right. Corey Rushton made it 4-0 before Jonty added a couple, and thereby completing his hat trick, before a final short corner provided a glorious opportunity for Will to complete his own hat trick from the final short corner. Sadly, he pushed his shot centimetres wide of the right hand postpone. 
 
In such a one sided game I’d just like to thank Will Farrow in goal (we all know keepers are an essential part of the game and often the difference between winning and losing) for staying focused despite never touching the ball in freezing conditions (and retaining his humour), and to the players that took turns in defence - Krishna, Ethan, Henry, Sam and Corey. 
 
Jonty (for his hat trick), Will Morrissey (the keeper who didn’t quite get a hat trick) and Krishna (for staying focused and mostly keeping things simple) were all contenders, my man of the match for just doing the basics really well, tracking back and keeping passes accurate and simple was Goosie. 

MENS DEVELOPMENT XI - 13/02/2018 VS NORWICH DRAGONS B (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens Development XI 
DATE: 13/02/2018 
FIXTURE: Mens Development XI VS 13/02/2018 
HEADLINE: Scrappy draw a fair reflection. 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT:NCHC Devs 4 - 4 Dragons B 
 
REPORT: 
This was a fairly disjointed match which saw the hosts go a goal behind inside the first 5 m8 utes thanks to an excellent short corner strike. If anything this seemed to galvanise all the home players to want to dribble and try speculative passes and tackles. We managed to level thanks to Freddie Paterson but then conceded two somewhat scruffy goals thanks to a combination of lack lustre marking and half heated tackling. 
 
A stern talk at half time saw City show much more purpose with some good passing notably through Jonty Black, Freddie and Harry Mackenzie. A Henry Baker thunderbolt from a short corner made it 2-3. With Angus Irving getting more in to the game and City looking more to pass with useful interplay between Archie Ward, Toby Pallister and Sam Hyatt creating a number of good opportunities it looked like City were going to take control only to conced a somewhat fortuitous if well taken goal. 2-4! Sam Hyatt then reduced the arrears. The same player should have made it 4-4 following an excellent move form midfield, down the right and a perfect lay back involving Jonty, Harry, Henry, Freddie and Sam only for the shot to be straight at the keeper! 
 
City were not having it all there own way with Archie Ward and Krishna Patel making a string of inciteful and much needed tackles aid3d and abetted by Will in goal.  
 
With City pressing for the equaliser Alex Illing was thwarted in front of goal before a fine flowing and simple passingmove saw Freddie calmly slot home from 8 metres to set up a final five minute siege on the Dragons goal. 
 
Final score 4-4 was probably fair with City really turning around a poor first half with a very much improved second half.. 
 
Moral of the match, don’t try too hard, keep it simple and trust your team mates. 
 
Jonty Black just pipped Harry Mackenzie to be man of the match. 
 
 

MENS DEVELOPMENT XI - 03/02/2018 VS HARLESTON MAGPIES (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens Development XI 
DATE: 03/02/2018 
FIXTURE: Mens Development XI VS 03/02/2018 
HEADLINE: City recover from late sickness scare 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Harleston Magpies 
RESULT: NCHC 3 - 2 Magpies  
 
REPORT: 
The coach was pressed into playing as the bare 11 that were available were reduced to 10 just an hour and a half before the game when Freddie Paterson failed to recover from one of the nasty coughing bugs that have been doing the rounds. 
 
Undeterred the City team grasped the initial initiative and deservedly went 1-0 up thanks to a good Jack Whitlam goal.....just deserts for an impressive personal opening spell. City soon made it 2-0 thanks to Sam Hyatt and looked to be cruising at which point they seemed to loose their shape and revert to somewhat speculative passes that allowed the home side to settle and reduce the arrears thanks to a short corner scramble. Whilst the first half was a bit all or nothing in terms of quality there were a number of mature performances, particularly from Jack Whitlam, Ethan Rushton and his younger brother Corey, Archie’s Ward and Henry Baker. Both teams were indebted to their keepers for limiting the score the 2-1 at half time...well done Will Morrissey. 
 
After a good team talk from the manager of the day, Jason Hyatt, CIty started the second half in much more lively fashion with some positive possession and much better ball retention. Noticeably Henry Baker got much more into the game. Ethan Rushton deservedly made it 3-1 mid way through the half. The City midfield was juggled throughout the match thanks to Oliver Moore putting his body on the line a number of times that ultimately meant he needed a few minutes off the pitch to recover from one particular tumble. Ethan did a sterling job covering as a deep centre half whilst Oli recovered. 
 
At 3-1 things should have been comfortable for City but the scoreline only remained that way thanks to some tremendous covering tackles from Archi, Henry and Jonty and some excellent man marking by Krishna Patel. 
 
Despite numerous opportunities to increase their lead City insisted on shooting at the Magpies keeper (who we know from bitter experience is good!!). When a good Magpies strike beat Will to make it 3-2 City had to endure a rather more challenging closing 5 minutes than their overall dominance deserved. At the end City emerged victorious having played a mixture of very good hockey and some hockey that their coach would rather forget. We must keep our shape! 
 
Ethan Rushton was deservedly named man of the match. 
 
And finally, apologies for my surliness at the end of the game. I’ll aim to be happier for tomorrow’s cup game and the week’s to come. 
 
Thanks to you all. 
 
 

MENS DEVELOPMENT XI - 27/01/2018 VS NORWICH DRAGONS A (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens Development XI 
DATE: 27/01/2018 
FIXTURE: Mens Development XI VS 27/01/2018 
HEADLINE: Silky skills edge 12 goal thriller 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Dragons Den 
RESULT: Norwich City Devs 7 - 5 Dragons A 
 
REPORT: 
City yet again decided to bring their own brand of total hockey to bear against their top of the table local rivals. Some of their stick skills aligned with dynamic passing and movement on and off the ball was a true joy to behold.  
 
Whilst their was much to be pleased about falling 1-0 behind inside the first 3 minutes was not part of the plan and was due to some uncharacteristically sleepy defending. However, this set back galvanised a quite dynamic midfield of Pedro Salcines Reuda, Jonty Black and Toby Pallister to act as the heart beat of of City’s response. Toby levelled the score midway through the half. Jack Whitlam had a particularly good spell in the first quarter creating a number of excellent chances thanks to his close control on the right wing. Towards the end of the half City lapsed into a period of over dribbling and fell behind to a scruffy goal after 27 minutes.  
 
Undeterred, City scored from the restart, Freddie Patterson passed to Jonty who airialed the ball back to Freddie who drove to the top of the D before slipping the ball back to Jonty to rifle into the bottom corner. 2-2 at half time with both keepers making rather too many saves for their managers’ comfort! Highlights of the defensive effort were a couple tremendous diving stick saves from Will Farrow, a 40m defensive sprint and last ditch deflection by Henry Baker and a cool as you like it turn from Krishna. 
 
After a quick half time team talk reminding the team of the virtues of passing and moving City took control of the match with two goals from Toby making it 4-2. The second of which was a delightful deflection from a short corner variation. Freddie then had a spell of being thwarted by the home keeper - it was almost as if the keeper’s sole purpose was to stop Freddie scoring, undeterred Freddie won the head to head to make it 5-2. before a couple of defensive lapses made it 5-4 and a scoreline that rather flattered the home side. 
 
A swift tactical change with a combination of Henry Baker, Archie Ward and Krishna Patel in defence made City look much more solid and allowed Angus “Goosie” Irving and Ethan Rushton to get much more involved in the game. City’s move of the match involved a delightful midfield interchange between Pedro, Jonty and Toby then out right to Goosie, down the line to Oliver Millett, back inside to Pedro and onto Freddie to slot home for goal number 6. Back came Dragons who capitalised on some positional indiscipline down the left to make it 6-5 before Pedro sealed the match with a very well deserved reverse stick shot. 7-5!  
 
Perhaps the highest accolade the team received was at the end of the match when the opposition umpire came over and congratulated the boys on their temperament, their skill and their movement....not bad considering that umpire has played for the county at adult, over 40, over 50 and over 60 levels! 
 
Pedr9 was named man of the match for an excellent display of skill and control. 
 
 
 

MENS DEVELOPMENT XI - 16/12/2017 VS NORWICH DRAGONS B (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens Development XI 
DATE: 16/12/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens Development XI VS 16/12/2017 
HEADLINE: Bitter sweet 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: 0-1 
 
REPORT: 
For half this game the deliberate plan to play one senior (based on age as well as ability) development player with our younger development players alongside the up and coming U12 players looked to be a fantastic decision. Their passing and movement was at times a joy to behold against a Dragons B team materially fortified by A team players. 
 
Jack Whitlam and Archie Ward played intelligently as inside forwards and delivered precisely the leadership roles I had hoped to see. Krishna Patel yet again showed maturity and skill allayed with calmness on the ball at the back to enable our very young forward line to roam freely and with purpose. One delightful Oliver Millett clearance down the line was met by Kit Palllister who ran a delightful diagonal line from left to right wing leaving a hapless defender bemused. Sadly we just couldn't find the killer pass for a shot on goal. 
 
The second half started Ina some what stuttering style and as the quarter wore on more and more players reverted to dribbling rather than passing - a sure sign of tiredness and probably an indication that the coach (me) should have changed something...I didn't. In a somewhat comedic moment Dragons scored thanks to an own goal by Joseph Roy as he tried to clear the ball away from goal. (Some days things just go that way!) Whilst Dragons' chances were few and far between one awesome one handed tackle by Cameron Hansell definitely averted a golden opportunity. 
 
In an attempt to freshen up tired legs I put all our stellar bench all on for the final quarter. Sadly they chose this game to play far too much as individuals and despite being asked to pass and move they caught the dribbling infection!!! Yes we did have chances with Freddie, Jonty and Toby all coming close.  
 
So, sweet because we have a great crop of fantastic youngsters coming through the club who will provide the backbone for next year's team and bitter because we forgot that the best way to beat teams is to pass and move. 
 
Special shout out to Sam Hyatt who stepped up to play in goal and despite my slightly "downbeat" reflection on the final quarter I have been genuinely enthused by some of the hockey the squad have played and I look forward the their continued development after the festive break. 
 
 

MENS DEVELOPMENT XI - 02/12/2017 VS HARLESTON MAGPIES (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens Development XI 
DATE: 02/12/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens Development XI VS 02/12/2017 
HEADLINE: So near yet so far 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: NCHC 1-2 Magpies 
 
REPORT: 
Grrrrrrr!!!! OK so that's the Shakespearean prose bit over. 
 
A huge thank you to my young squad for competing to the very end and coming oh so close to a well deserved equaliser. The fact that three players came straight from playing against each other at rugby (hard fought match but fortunately they didn't injure each other!!!) shows the desire and commitment these youngsters possess.  
 
In fact the rugby caused a bit of a problem at the start of the game with our three fitness heros (Rocco Iaccarino, Jonty Black and Oliver Moore) still in transit. Undeterred, a quick if a little random positional jigsaw with Alex Illing playing as an attcker and the very young 11 that were there (Krishna Patel, Corey Rushton and Mattie Roy all being Under 12) give it their all. Wow.....well done guys for slotting in to unfamiliar positions and competing so well and well done to the senior players (Sam Hyatt, Freddie Roy, Archie Ward, Jack Whitlam and Ethan Rushton) for working so well on and off the ball for the benefit of the team. 
 
The short version......We went behind to a well worked goal mid way through the first quarter and the score stayed that way until half time. Both teams were indebted to their excellent keepers - Will Farrow making a couple of top quality dives to keep the score to just 1-0. In terms of the judges scores, 
 
The third quarter was scruffy with both teams combining skill and determination with a bit of good old physicality....nothing like a local derby. City almost equalised when a Sam Hyatt crash pass found Jack Whitlam in the D who attempted to flick the ball first time at full speed and just failed to make contact with his stick...a case of what a goal that might have been!!!! Magpies the. Extended their lead to make it 2-0 wth just one quarter left. 
 
The fourth quarter saw City throw the proverbial kitchen sink at the Magpies goal. Jonty made it 2-1 with a calm finish following a short corner. The Will made an epic save and Oliver Millett chased the full length of the pitch to make a tackle in our D and then sprinted right down the other end to cross the ball at full stretch at the other end. Jonty, Jack and Freddie were all thwarted by Elliot in the Magpies goal (who annoyingly seems to save his best for games against us!!) 
 
As fitting for such a hard fought match there were 7 players that received nominations for man of the match wth Jonty just pipping it by receiving two votes ( despite me missing this when adding the votes up at the club.....I'll blame it on over excitement and some awful hand writing!!!!) 
 
 

MENS DEVELOPMENT XI - 25/11/2017 VS NORWICH DRAGONS A (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens Development XI 
DATE: 25/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens Development XI VS 25/11/2017 
HEADLINE: City slickers hit local rivals for six of the best 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: Norwich City Devs (boys) 6 - 0 Dragons A 
 
City sizzled the cold night air from start to finish in a delightful display of total hockey against the hitherto unbeaten league leaders. At times the City youngsters played with composure beyond their years mixing dazzling stick skills with forward and backward passing moves that occasionally had the visitors chasing shadows. 
 
From the off City dominated possession, passing and territorial stats and justly went ahead thanks to Jonty Black calmly slotting the rebound from Henry Baker's initial short corner strike. Pedro Salcines Rueda made it 2-0 when he finished off a fantastic passing move that sliced open the Dragons defence. Freddie Paterson made it 3-0 before half time thanks to a well worked corner routine (Jack Whitlam to Henry Baker to Jack to Freddie...simple). Whilst the half time score line reflected the home side's dominance it should be stressed that the defence (Archie Ward, Ethan Rushton and Krishna Patel all made telling tackles and more importantly maintained composure when they were challenged.) Will Morrissey made one excellent first half clearance plus a splendid stick save. 
 
The fantastic, if unexpected, half time score line enabled the manager to mix positions and regularly utilise the rolling subs. The third quarter a little less fluid than the first half but nevertheless saw Freddie Paterson extend the lead with a stunning reverse stick shot that hit the backboard, sideboard and rebound back out of the area such was the ferocity of the shot. 
 
With City pressing their advantage Sam Hyatt scored two excellent goals in the fourth quarter, his second rivalling Freddie's for hardest hit shot of the day. Final score 6-0. Freddie Paterson showed his versatility playing the last quarter as a cultured defender. 
 
Whilst the eye catching interplay between Jonty, Toby Pallister and Pedro was undoubtedly the height and a delight to behold, there was a huge amount of focused and often selfless running off the ball from all those that played on the forward line (Freddie, Jack, Oliver Moore and Harry Ford) and the outside halves (mostly Ethan Rushton, Oliver Moore and Henry Baker). One particular effort from Henry summed up the commitment and personal responsibility in the team......City were 5-0 up and Dragons had a break down their left flank, Henry chased back from the attacking 25 all the way back to our defensive D and then carried the ball back up to their 25 (only to get knocked over by a desperate Dragon's defender)....awesome. 
 
Pedro was named man of the match just beating Archie by one vote. 
 
 

MENS DEVELOPMENT XI - 18/11/2017 VS DEREHAM (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens Development XI 
DATE: 18/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens Development XI VS 18/11/2017 
HEADLINE: Mature City outgun brave opposition 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Dereham 
RESULT: Dereham 1 - 9 Norwich City 
 
REPORT: 
Special thanks to Caroline Illing who stepped in to umpire at a moment's notice.! 
 
City dominated this fixture from the off scoring 4 goals in the first quarter courtesy of Joseph Roy, Ethan Rushton, Henry Baker and Freddie Paterson. Whilst City were always the stronger of the two teams some of their hockey, particularly in this first quarter, was delightful, blending pace, passing and dazzling stick skills. Henry Baker, Joseph Roy and Ethan Rushton making telling contributions. 
 
The second quarter saw City add 3 more goals thanks to Sam Hyatt, Jonty Black and another from Sam. There were some wonderful moments in this period of play with a number of players playing in unfamiliar positions in an attempt to make players think and work on and off the ball. Jonty, Corey Rushton, Krishna Patel and Freddie linked well to create numerous chances. Henry Baker continued to impress with a mature period at centre half. 
 
The third quarter was the scruffiest with too many players dribbling and trying to score wonder goals. Having opened with a negative comment there were some very good performances with Angus Irving and Alex Illing Jack Whitlam and Archie Ward showing their true versatility. Highlight of the quarter was an awesome clearance from Will Morrissey who almost kicked the ball 'drop-kick" style to the half way line...A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. 
 
With just about everybody playing out of position and Dereham sensibly adding an additional adult the home team scored a consolation goal thanks to a quick long ball down the right. Undeterred City responded with two further goals from Krishna and Sam Hyatt to make the final score 9-1. 
 
This team continues to improve and impress both in terms of the player's versatility of position and, even more pleasingly, in the way they play with their heads up. True there will be tougher tests ahead but if they can retain their passing fluid style I have high hopes. 
 
City's player of the match was awarded by Dereham's coach who selected Jonty. 

MENS DEVELOPMENT XI - 11/11/2017 VS NORWICH DRAGONS B (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens Development XI 
DATE: 11/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens Development XI VS 11/11/2017 
HEADLINE: Youthful City dominate local rivala 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Dragons Den 
RESULT: Dragons B 1 - 7 Norwich City 
 
REPORT: 
A very youthful City side comprising no less than 5 U12 players played some delightful passing hockey to convincingly beat their local rivals. 
 
Such is the strength of City as a club that 4 debutants (Angus Irving, Lucas Hay, Sen Kimber and Mattie Roy) were able to look comfortable on the ball and make telling contributions to complement their more experienced team mates. (Note "more experienced" includes two U12 players who have represented the Devs all season, Krishna Patel and Harry Ford). Mattie opened the scoring in the first quarter that was notable for some excellent passing and movement on and off the ball. Whilst City continued to dominate it remained 1-0 at the first break. 
 
A delightful second quarter saw City score 4 more goals via Henry Baker (a delightfully composed 'slot' rather than smash into the far corner), Sam Hyatt, Harry Ford and Jack Whitlam that made it 5-0 at half time. Whilst the accolades will go to the scorers Joseph and Freddie Paterson were sublime in midfield as was the excellent interplay between Sam Hyatt, Henry Baker and Harry Ford. Seb Kimber made a couple of good saves to ensure City remained in the ascendancy. 
 
At half time, with the game already won City took the opportunity to swicth positions to ensure City's senior players (Joseph Roy, Freddie Paterson, Sam Hyatt, Jack Whitlam and Henry Baker) took slightly less dominant roles nevertheless City continued to play with fluency. Lucas Hay made some useful tackles and made some intelligent passes particularly when playing on the wing towards the end of he game. Further goals from Joseph Roy and Henry Baker made it 7-0 at the end of the third quarter. It was great to see the versatility of all the players on display with Krishna Patel "revelling" in a right half sortie! 
 
Further positional changes saw Joseph Roy moved to defence Jack Whitlam enjoyed the final quarter as an inside forward and revelled in his more central role. A delightful break inspired by George Bowman (one of Dragons' "adults") saw Dragons score a consolation goal. 
 
Final score 7-1 meaning City have scored 27 goals in their last three games. 
 
There were many candidates for man of the match with the award going to a Joseph Roy. 

MENS DEVELOPMENT XI - 04/11/2017 VS WATTON (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens Development XI 
DATE: 04/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens Development XI VS 04/11/2017 
HEADLINE: City slickers dominate valiant Watton  
LEAGUE: NORFOLK DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Watton 
RESULT: Watton 0 - 16 NOrwich City 
 
REPORT: 
City dominated this fixture from beginning to end against a very youthful opposition (supported by two adults and a useful teenager). Before I eulogise about some of the City play I'll take a moment to praise a Watton team that never gave up and I hope will go from strength to strength given their efforts to run a development Boys team for the first time. 
 
As to the game, we took the lead in the first minute courtesy of a clinical Henry Baker strike. Thereafter City scored at will in the first quarter with further goals from Toby Pallister, Henry Baker, Jonty Black, Jack Whitlam, Joseph Roy and Freddie Paterson. In the second quarter the team were challenged to play 3 touch hockey which initially generated some scruffy play before blossoming into some delightful movement on and off the ball. Further goals from Toby, Rocco Iaccarino and Joseph made the half time score 10-0. 
 
Whilst the third quarter generated just one goal it saw some excellent movement (the team challenged to make every 3rd or 4th pass a back pass...with Jim Pallister when he was on ONLY allowed to pass square or backwards!). A fantastic move saw the ball transferred round the back, up the right, into centre field and back out to the right before our U10 super star Kit Pallister hammered home. 
 
With players playing in a wide range of unfamiliar positions (Jonty, Joseph, Toby and Henry all having a go at centre back!) the team put the icing on the cake in the final quarter with Henry, Joseph, Jack and Freddie adding to the score plus an excellent reverse stick smash from Krishna Patel (no idea where he learned that skill....Haren!) 
 
Whilst Watton never gave up I was delighted with the way the City youngsters continued to play proper hockey in the right spirit that respected their opposition. 
 
The team voted Kit Pallister as man of the match. 

MENS DEVELOPMENT XI - 14/10/2017 VS HARLESTON MAGPIES (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens Development XI 
DATE: 14/10/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens Development XI VS 14/10/2017 
HEADLINE: Magpies keeper thwarts Devs onslaught 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Harleston  
RESULT: Harleston Magpies 5 - 3 Norwich City 
 
REPORT: 
Whilst another young City side lost 5-3 they could easily have won 10-4 had it not been for an outstanding performance by the home team's keeper. We must have had 30 plus shots, the vast majority of which were on target, yet we hit at them at the roof, the corners, round the keeper an invariably we came away without a goal. 
 
The first quarter saw a front 3 of Ethan Rushton, Freddie Paterson and Harry Ford creating chance after chance only to see shot after shot saved. Two somewhat scruffy break away goals flattered the home side at the first break. A quick celebration of how they were playing and a reminder of defensive positioning saw much the same pattern of play in the second quarter. With half the team arriving strainght from a rugby tournament a tactical switch moving Ethan into left half added real solidity to the team and a fast break away added to City's woes to leave the half time score 3-0. Not much Will Morrissey could have done for any of the goals. 
 
City showed real character and a never say die attitude to make the score 3-1, thanks to. Great sideline hit from Henry Baker, to Sam Hyatt on to Harry for Jack to tap in. 3-1 soon became 3-2 than to. Corey Rushton tap infollwoing yet another flowing move including Oliver Moore, Jonty Black and Henry Baker. Just as it looked like City they had finally found a way to beat the home keeper a brilliant fast breakaway move made it 4-2. 
 
Despite being shattered the team continued to get stuck in and made it 4-3 thanks to a delightful dribble through the D and round the keeper from Oliver Morre. Another goal line scramble made it 5-3 with City just failing to make it 5-4 with a final short corner. 
 
A great game, with some fine performances from the experienced players very ably supported by our 3 U12s, Harry Ford, Krishna Patel and Corey Rushton. 
 
The man of the match was Ethan Rushton for playing virtually the whole of the first half as a very good left wing and then producing some fine tackles and some very good reading of the game when he switched to midfield. 
 
Thank you all. 

MENS DEVELOPMENT XI - 07/10/2017 VS NORWICH DRAGONS A (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens Development XI 
DATE: 07/10/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens Development XI VS 07/10/2017 
HEADLINE: Young Devs sucker punched by local rivals 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Goals 
RESULT: Dragons A 5 - NCHC 2 
 
REPORT: 
A scratch City side boasting 3 U12 players (Krishna Patel, Harry Ford and Josie Miller) valiantly stuck to their task against an older and more experienced Dragons side. Whilst the first quarter was fairly even, with Toby Pallister and Sam Hyatt controlling midfield, it was Dragons who took the lead through a well executed short corner. 
 
The second quarter was by far City's best period with some delightful passing moves involving Henry Baker, Toby, Sam, Freddie Paterson and the tireless forwards, Oliver Millet and Harry. With the emphasis on ball retention and the forwards playing high City scored a well deserved equaliser thanks to an Oliver Millet tap in following a Harry Ford flick past the keeper. (Harry's shot may have been going in but Oliver in true forward fashion made sure to claim the goal.) 
 
Whilst the second was the team's best sadly the third quarter was the low point. City regularly made excellent tackles (Joseph Roy, Cameron Hansell and Henry Baker in particular) but were guilty of giving the ball away which Dragons capitalised on driving the ball down the right, along the byline for a simple tap in. 5-1 and could have been worse but for an excellent display by Josie in goal: not looking good!! 
 
A tactical switch saw debutant James Wilton and Cameron Hansell swapping wings and Henry Baker dropping deeper to give the team more solidity and meant City looked far more threatening. With Toby, Sam and Freddie almost regalvanised a sublime move from centre field down the left was crossed for Harry to reverse stick the ball one handed past the keeper. City's move of the match. 
 
The match ended in a somewhat farsical (but correct) fashion with Birthday boy James Cross from Dragons receiving a green card for hitting the ball away with just 2 seconds left. All saw the funny side and James "celebrated" by buying cakes for both teams. 
 
All in all a decent game, played by 11 City players who have never played as a team before.  
 
Top training tip: be calm on the ball, and maintain possession.