Results

WOMENS 2ND XI - 14/03/2020 VS UEA 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 14/03/2020 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 14/03/2020 
HEADLINE: Fast and Furious 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TRF  
RESULT: 1-3 Loss 
 
REPORT: 
With Georgia Cleveland back from skiing, Rosie Humphrey back from illness and Rosie Ringer back from international horsing around duty we had a fantastic squad to take on the students. The game started fast and within the first few minutes Emily Francis unfortunately took a direct hit to the shin from a very hard hit close range, so we lost her for a little bit. Luckily she’s as hard as nails and came back on after a while! We figured that as students they would be quick and fit and they definitely were.  
 
Across the back, Leigh-Ann Worrall and Hannah Nunn were putting in some fantastic tackles against some very skilful UEA forwards. Their distribution (especially hits) was brilliant and with Ellyn Roberts running up and down the left and Kate Houldey up and down the right, we had many great counter attacks. Ellyn had a very speedy player to mark but luckily her long legs allowed her to keep up with her! Niamh Campbell was running rings round players through the middle of the pitch with her silky skills performed at speed! She took on player after player and put some brilliant balls through to the forwards.  
 
As usual Helen Busfield and Georgia held the middle strong, with fantastic ball retention from Georgia and great distribution and pace of passes from Helen. We won many penalty corners and finally scored from one with a straight strike from Emma Hewitt which resounded off the backboard Leigh-Ann stylee! UEA scored 2 goals in the first half to bring the score at halftime to 2-1. 
 
After the break, both teams came out hard, but for a lot of the first and second half City played the better hockey, but UEA’s goalie kept stopping everything we fired at her! Kate sustained an injury to her hand in the second half which meant we lost her temporarily, but a quick re-shuffle and all was OK. After a goalmouth scramble, Hannah stopped the ball from going in with every part of her body and UEA were awarded a penalty stroke. Sophie Turner confidently stepped up and saved it with ease!  
 
With Rosie H having a few spells up front, it was great having her tenacious and tireless work-rate, hassling the UEA defence and making some great leading runs. Rosie R was constantly cruising down the wings outrunning the UEA girls (and making us work hard to keep up with her!) and threading balls through into the circle. Emily was constantly running down the barrel of the gun and making some brave and impressive interceptions, turning defence into attack. Lizzie Cheesman beat players through the middle of the pitch and fed the ball into the forwards to get shots away. With Milly Brown driving down the right wing defenders and slotting the ball through, we had lots of chances to shoot, but the goalie kept getting in the way! 
 
It was a fantastic team effort throughout the game and City played some brilliant hockey. But alas, it ended 3-1 and City will now finish at least 6th in the table, with one game left away at Ipswich next week. 
 
POTM: Emma Hewitt 
 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 07/03/2020 VS WATTON 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 07/03/2020 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 07/03/2020 
HEADLINE: A Trip to the Seaside 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Watton HC 
RESULT: 5-1 Loss 
 
REPORT: 
Norwich City turned up with their hockey sticks but soon realised they would’ve been better equipped with bucket and spades as the pitch had a little more sand than expected. After settling into the match, City were then put under pressure when a slightly deflected ball near the edge of the D was deemed dangerous and a short corner was blown. The defence held strong and cleared any danger. With Lizzie Cheesman, Emily Francis and Rosie Ringer making some penetrating runs in the forward line the 2s were on top but against the run of play Watton took the lead from a crash ball into the D. Ellyn Roberts and her dad were both sent for a rest and the momentum shifted in Watton's favour and City found themselves further behind after another quick goal. Injuries to Helen Busfield and Sally Rose further impeded City as they had to reshuffle the troops and they found themselves 3:0 down at the half time whistle. 
 
Leigh-Ann’s team talk changed the attitude towards the game and City started the second half as the better team. Niamh Campbell and Kate Houldey held possession and distributed the ball confidently to their forwards. With City on top Rosie Ringer was unlucky to have a goal disallowed after a delightful reverse stick shot for the ball not having travelled the required 5m from a quick free hit near the edge of the D. City did manage to pull a goal back shortly afterwards when Leigh-Ann Worrall struck a thunderbolt past the helpless keeper. With time running out it was Rosie’s time to sit on the deckchair for 2 minutes and Watton capitalised with the extra player to score two quick goals to finish the scoring.  
 
POTM Niamh Campbell  

WOMENS 2ND XI - 29/02/2020 VS EAST COAST 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 29/02/2020 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 29/02/2020 
HEADLINE: What a Windy Win 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 2-0 Win 
 
REPORT: 
After a challenging but encouraging training match against the 1’s on Wednesday the Womens 2’s were determined to bag a win against second in league East Coast. City were out of the blocks from the get go putting pressure on East Coast from left, right and centre. Georgia Cleveland dribbled down the right hand side and spun the ball across the D through several East Coast players eventually making its way to Lizzie Cheesman’s stick who carefully placed the ball past the goal keeper scoring the first goal. But City were hungry for more. The forwards weaved in and out of the East Coast defenders and Rosie Humphrey found herself with shot on goal only for the whistle to be blown for a short corner just before it went in. Despite this minor set back City were determined to take advantage of the short corner and score. A well practiced routine saw our fabulous captain Leigh-Ann Worrall perfectly connect with the ball from the top of the D. The ball fired straight through an East Coast players legs for it to make the ever satisfying sound of the ball hitting the backboard. An exhilarating first half performance left city to go 2-0 up at half time. 
After a positive team talk from coach Chris Wardale City were ready to strike again. The second half consisted battling with not only the opposition but the wind too. Every attack from East Coast was absorbed by our strong defensive back line who made quick work of passing the ball onto the midfield. The midfield fought hard despite it being a physical game Helen Busfield stood her ground without any cards in sight. More end to end action continued however neither team was to score anymore leaving the game to end in City's favour. A great team performance by the Womens 2’s and crucial win in the promotion race for 2NE. 
 
POTM Georgia Cleveland  

WOMENS 2ND XI - 15/02/2020 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 15/02/2020 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 15/02/2020 
HEADLINE: Disappointing Draw at Dragons 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Dragon's Den 
RESULT: 1-1 Draw 
 
REPORT: 
Match report: 
We started the game with a desire to win. We went out hard to create multiple short corner opportunities early on. After a few tries, the perfect amount of quick passes and a deflection off Rosie Humphrey, started the team off with great confidence. We kept pressing hard and had some strong defence meaning they struggled to get into our 25. However, with 5 minutes left of the first half, and some frustrating umpire decisions, it led to a 1-1 draw by the half time whistle.  
 
After a reassuring team talk, we went out fighting with good distributions across the pitch and good drives from our forward lines. Unfortunately, we were unable to turn our attacks into goals, and finished the game 1-1.  
 
POTM was Ellie Hobden 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 08/02/2020 VS HARLESTON MAGPIES 3 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 08/02/2020 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 08/02/2020 
HEADLINE: Not Quite Enough 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 2-4 Loss 
 
REPORT: 
The day before storm Ciara arrived *don't panic* City welcomed a strong Magpies team and despite a last minute sick note from Ellyn Roberts, we had an energetic warm up led by Lizzie Cheesman.  
 
Magpies knew this was a must win match and started off well. They packed out the middle of the pitch and attacked using the full width, leading to an early first goal. Their second goal came from a short corner that slipped past the right post. They continued to dominate possession throughout the first half.  
 
After a positive and constructive half time talk by coach Chris Wardale, City came back with belief and aggression. Niamh Campbell took a shot on goal which hit a Magpies player on the line, giving us a penalty flick.  
 
Rosie Humphrey stepped up and found the back of the net, making it 2-1. 
 
Magpies third goal came from a reverse shot that was heading for the top corner, we thought we’d let them have that one.  
 
The visitors pressed high, making it difficult for our defensive line to distribute the ball up the pitch. Midfield worked hard to keep possession and find the forwards making leading runs. Georgia Cleveland slapped the ball into the D to be deflected by Emma Hewitt, making it 3-2. 
 
Magpies continued to put the pressure on and made a counter attack. Despite strong saves from our keeper Sophie Turner and defending from centre backs, Leigh-Ann Worrall and Hannah Nunn, Magpies were looking for a final goal. Ellie Hobden tracked back in an attempt to save the ball on the line, but unfortunately it just crossed the line. Final score 4-2 unless you were Lizzie Cheesman who somehow thought it was a draw...  
 
POTM Helen Busfield  
 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 25/01/2020 VS YARMOUTH 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 25/01/2020 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 25/01/2020 
HEADLINE: Seas the Day 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Cliff Park Ormiston Academy 
RESULT: 0-2 Win 
 
REPORT: 
We arrived at a chilly Yarmouth eager to nab our third win in a row. After a thrilling warm up by the one and only Lizzie Cheeseman, we were pumped and ready to start the game with a bang. A short delay due to an umpiring mix-up (shout out to Tapin for stepping in and saving the fixture) wasn’t enough to hinder our perfomance, and we dominated play from the whistle. Some slick passing and effective transfers - despite an unforgiving pitch - saw us quickly get the upper hand with Yarmouth seeing very little of the ball. However, some ruthless tackles from Yarmouth in our attacking D kept us at bay for the start of the half. Whilst frustrated in knowing we were the better team, we didn’t let this affect our game, and some well-worked passing down the right hand side of the pitch allowed us to get the ball in the danger zone for long enough for Emma Hewitt to slot the ball expertly into the backboards. We carried on fighting, determined to make this a convincing win, but Yarmouth were able to hold us to just one goal till the half time whistle.  
 
After a positive team talk, we were ready to go again. Although Yarmouth changed their tactics to have at least two if not three players high at all times (making transferring the ball that bit trickier), we weren’t deterred. Some silky skills from Niamh Campbell and Lizzie Cheeseman left the Yarmouth defence more and more fatigued. This allowed Helen Busfield to send a rocket ball into the D, finding Emma Hewitt’s stick and resulting in a textbook deflection goal. Special mention must go to our two fullbacks - Leigh-Ann Worrall and Hannah Nunn - who were able to keep the threatening Yarmouth forwards at bay when the odd counter-attack fell in their favour, as well as keeper Serena Scott who managed three perfectly executed smothers to keep a clean sheet. A well-deserved win and a great team effort - and made all the better with a post-match beach trip complete with chips, slot machines and fresh donuts! 
 
POTM: Ellyn Roberts 
 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 18/01/2020 VS BROADLAND 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 18/01/2020 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 18/01/2020 
HEADLINE: Don't Panic - Everything is Rosie 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 4-0 
 
REPORT: 
We started on absolute form with a quick early team goal finished by Rosie Ringer after just a few minutes followed by some excellent play and solid defence. Then Rosie Humphrey finished a superb goal to leave us 2-0 up at half time.  
 
In the second half we showed some brilliant work up though the defence and midfield to test the Broadland defence and dominated possession and territory not allowing the Broadland attack to penetrate, however, if they did break through the rock solid defence, Sophie Turner was alert in her D and repelled any attacks. Team Rosie had a sneaky goal, Rosie H with an incredible deflected finish from a Rosie Ringer reverse stick shot. To finish we had a brilliant team goal from a short corner with Rosie Ringer applying the finishing touch to end the scoring at 4-0.  
 
POTM Rosie Ringer 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 11/01/2020 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 3 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 11/01/2020 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 11/01/2020 
HEADLINE: City take the local derby bragging rights 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Dragon's Den 
RESULT: 1-5 Win 
 
REPORT: 
 
Norwich City Womens 2s visited Norwich Dragons on Saturday, in a game they were determined to win. From the first whistle city attacked with intent with great passing play and spirit. Within 5 minutes they were two goals ahead, the first courtesy of Lizzie Cheeseman who used her silky skills to find the backboard. The second came from POTM Emily Francis who beat the onrushing defenders and calmly slotted the ball home after a fantastic well timed pass from Georgia Cleveland through the Dragons defence.  
 
For the next 15 minutes city continued to dominate with Milly Brown winning the team many short corners. Some close attempts didn’t quite come off for the hardworking Rosie Ringer but the team continued the great intensity. With 10 minutes left of the first half Dragons applied more pressure and our defensive unit mopped it up easily until a break away resulted in a shirt corner which was converted. Great build up play then resulted in Rosie Humphrey finding the goal and we were 3-1 up at half time.  
 
Two more goals came after half time with a short corner shot from Leigh-Ann Worrall starting the proceedings. Dragons again applied some pressure however Helen Busfield and Georgia Cleveland held the centre of the pitch strong and the defence ensured no goals would come.  
 
The final goal was the result of excellent team play, the ball was neatly passed through 5 players on the right of the pitch before Lizzie Cheeseman drove strongly into the D and Helen Busfield sprinted all the way from defence to the far post to slot the perfectly timed pass home.  
 
An all round great team performance ensured Norwich City took the 3 points in the Norwich derby. 
 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 04/01/2020 VS FRIENDLY TBC (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 04/01/2020 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 04/01/2020 
HEADLINE: Dusting off the cobwebs 
FRIENDLY W1 V W2 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 4-2 Loss 
 
REPORT: 
The womens 2nd had a great game against the 1st team. The game started off with a bit of confusion but we played well, unfortunately the 1st team scored a great goal early on, we then came back with a brilliant shot into the corner of the goal from a short corner by Leigh-Ann Worrall. The first team came back hard and scored another goal and a third almost on the stroke of half time. In the 3rd quarter we really stepped up our game and played some amazing hockey with some great passing from Helen Busfield and some silky skills from Niamh Campbell. Rosie Ringer then scored an absolutely cracking goal straight into the top of the goal mirroring her air diagram she drew of where she was going to score when she returned from the bench. The first team played well and scored another goal leaving the end score at 2-4. 
 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 07/12/2019 VS CHRISTCHURCH 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 07/12/2019 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 07/12/2019 
HEADLINE: 'Twas the night (ish) before Christmas 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Taverham Christmas grotto 
RESULT: 
4 - 0 
REPORT: 
‘Twas the night (ish) before Christmas, at Taverham hockey pitch, 
Womens 2s faced Christchurch, hoping for victory without hitch. 
The last game before Christmas; festive spirit was in the air, 
Against struggling Christchurch, dreams raced of goals and flare. 
We followed victory from the Men with goals from coach Tapin, 
Moral was high at Norwich city, time for our Christmas win. 
Shirts on, gum shields in, socks pulled up with care, 
Visualising those goals that soon would be there.  
We pushed back and didn't conceded in the first 4 minutes,  
Good start, Leanne’s team talk obviously a hit. 
Umpire Lingy, the Grinch today, was dressed all in green,  
Got out his cards and sent Christchurch off for being mean. 
We dominated the first half, delightful passes galore, 
Shots, saves and misses, but we just couldn’t score. 
Until Lizzy snuck forward, quiet as a mouse,  
Ball through from Millie, GOOAALL, down came the house. 
After that we got better, and better once again 
Rosie burst into the D and jabbed the ball in. 
I kicked the ball lots, there’s a surprise, 
An airshot in front of goal…or was it a disguise? 
Then came a short corner, aha we’d rehearsed these, 
Back to Rosie the injector, another goal if you please. 
And if something works, why not try it again, 
Same routine, same result, practice not in vane. 
As the evening drew in on our last December game, 
Thoughts can turn to turkey and a log fire flame. 
A solid half of the season, promotion not out of sight 
Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night. 
 
 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 30/11/2019 VS IPSWICH 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 30/11/2019 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 30/11/2019 
HEADLINE: Bad Day at the Office 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 1-4 
 
REPORT: 
A strong squad of 15 awaited our visitors from across the border. Ipswich arrived to a lovely sunny day in Norwich with ideal hockey weather! With the absence of our captain, Leigh-Ann Worrall, our vice captain, Rosie Humphrey took over the reins! Our warm up, this week, was taken by Lizzie Cheesman. It was fun and did the job of getting us in a good mood and ready to kick some butt. 
 
 
 
However this didn’t last long as Ipswich pushed hard in the first ten minutes and they managed to score! Before we knew it City were three down within a matter of 20 minutes – this was going to be a long match!  
 
 
 
Half time came and went and we were very positive that we could turn it around. One of our team strengths is that our heads don’t go down so we came out fighting. We started to play some really lovely free flowing hockey. Lovely interchanging passes were being made by our mid-fielders and forwards as they constantly placed pressure on the Ipswich’s defence. Our transfers around the back were working really well.  
 
 
 
With heavy pressure from our forwards we scored with Rosie Humphrey slotting the ball past the goalkeeper. Tensions were rising on both sides in the second half as we constantly pushed forward. We were by far the better team in the second half and the final score of 4-1 was not a fair reflection of how we played. Norwich played some lovely quality hockey and deserved to get something out of the game. But it wasn’t to be and we now await Christchurch next week. 
 
POTM: Karren Dagless  
 
 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 23/11/2019 VS UEA 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 23/11/2019 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 23/11/2019 
HEADLINE: City Battle for a Point 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: UEA  
RESULT: 2-2 
 
REPORT: 
The game started off unexpectedly as UEA scored early on in the first few minutes. We then upped our defending and kept the ball away from the goal. Unfortunately Leigh-Ann Worrall received a head injury and couldn’t play for the rest of the game. With some good possession we got it up the pitch with Mia Moore scoring a great goal on the post leaving us 1-1. 
 
The second half was better with us having more possession than in the first half. UEA had more shots in the second half and Frankie Birkenhead made a cracking save on the goal line. With both Karren Dagless and Birkenhead doing some dream defending, Helen Busfield making some great passes throughout the game and Lizzie Cheesman making some lovely runs up pitch scoring our second goal. UEA had a few short corners and with one of the short corners we ended up 2 down, Karren Dagless and Sally Rose held it together, UEA had a shot but hit it wide. Helen was also hit in the jaw with a hockey ball and wasn’t pleased about it but kept strong and carried on! 
 
At the final whistle the score was a 2-2 draw. A well fought match. 
 
POTM: Sophie Turner 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 16/11/2019 VS WATTON 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 16/11/2019 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 16/11/2019 
HEADLINE: City Fall to Top of the League 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 1-2 L 
 
REPORT: 
As the first whistle blew, the sun was setting and not in our favour. Watton dominated the first half with two early goals, one being a deflection and one scored from a short corner. Niamh Campbell unfortunately got hit in the knee early on and Helen Busfield swooped in, picked her up and carried her off with one arm. I think everyone was astonished by her strength. Our defence was working very hard but Watton managed to get a few more shots on goal which were saved. Milly Brown had some good ball skills and ran up the pitch making a brilliant pass into the D where Rachel Mayne picked up the ball, manoeuvred it around the goalkeeper and scored a goal. This goal pumped up our adrenaline and by half time the score was 1-2. 
In the second half we dominated most of the game and Niamh, Helen, Rosie Ringer and Kate Houldey making some great passes into the D. We had many more shots on goal but their goalkeeper was good and their defence was strong. When Watton managed to get the ball up the pitch Frankie Birkenhead and Karren Dagless made strong tackles and won the ball every time applying good, constant pressure on the Watton attackers. The second half left us with a score of 1-2. It was a tough match but we all played with good spirit and determination. A big thank you to Rosie Humphrey coming to support her team even when she was injured. 
 
 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 09/11/2019 VS EAST COAST 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 09/11/2019 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 09/11/2019 
HEADLINE: Not quite an idyllic trip to the Coast 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: East Point Academy  
RESULT: 3-2 Loss 
 
REPORT: 
City’s 2nd XI travelled away to East Coast this week with an unprecedented squad of fifteen which instilled confidence in the previously unbeaten team. High spirits and laughter in the changing room was further fuelled by an energising and motivating talk by Captain Leigh-Ann Worrall before being followed by a trademark Frankie Birkenhead warm up. 
 
Prepared and ready City took to the pitch and were shocked, despite passages of solid defending and successful outletting by Sally Rose working with Karren Dagless, to see East Coast score two well worked goals in the first twenty minutes. City remained determined and decisive play by Georgia Cleveland and Rachel Mayne saw Norwich continually pushing forward aggressively. Helen Bjsfield’s tireless harassment of the opposition’s defence led to an East Coast player fumbling with the ball. This was picked up by Milly Brown who deftly slid the ball past another defender to Lizzie Cheesman who took it to the left of the keeper and slotted it home. Buoyed by this City had a near miss minutes later when a mature pass from youngster Kate Houldey found space in the D with Emma Hewitt then directing it goalwards. Unfortunately East Coast had numbers in the circle and it came to nothing. Norwich went into halftime 2-1 down. 
 
After a talk and some guidance from Ali Wardale City restarted with renewed energy. However despite numerous saves and constant communication from goalie Sophie Turner, East Coast’s continuing hard work was rewarded with another goal. City bounced back quickly with Ellyn Roberts intercepting a pass and slinging it quickly to Rosie Humphrey in the middle who, stalwartly fighting with an injury, carried the ball into East Coast’s half. It was picked up by Rosie Ringer who displayed silky skills as she passed it to Emma Hewitt who twirled and wove into the D before laying it off in the middle of a densely packed East Coast circle. Lizzie Cheesman had her back to goal but with luck managed to push it in the right direction, it skimmed the post and it was a well worked team goal. The game continued with multiple Norwich attacks in which City justified their high league position. However some ill discipline reduced City to 10 for the remainder of the match. Undeterred, City had their final opportunity to equalise but a savvy East Coast packed the circle and it was not to be. The game ended 3-2 to East Coast. 
 
City demonstrated true team spirit and mental toughness coming back from 2-0 at such an early point in the game, and they go again next week against an unbeaten Watton ready to play winning hockey again. 
 
Maiden-Of-The-Match: Lizzie Cheesman 

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

WOMENS 2ND XI - 26/10/2019 VS HARLESTON MAGPIES 3 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 26/10/2019 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 26/10/2019 
HEADLINE: Blood, Sweat and Tears 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Harleston Magpies 
RESULT: 0-2 
 
REPORT: 
 
Norwich crossed the Suffolk border early Saturday morning with a depleted squad of the bare 11, a strong bare 11 to say the least! 
 
Norwich began their warm up with a sluggish run up a nearby hill, being careful not to tire too early before the game. This momentum carried forward onto the pitch with some stick and ball skills to get their eye in and to warm up and welcome keeper Milly Hyatt into the team for her debut this season.  
 
The first push back was played and Norwich were prepped to make the ball do the work, keep possession and work up and down the pitch as a unit to overcome their close black and white rivals. However, what they were not prepared for was the physical battle that lay before them.  
 
In the first 10/15 minutes or so Norwich spent most of their time trying to keep Magpies from penetrating their 25. Magpies were not able to break down Norwich’s experienced defence; with Karren Dagless and captain Leigh-Ann Worrall bossing it from the back and cutting out dangerous balls. Sally Rose denied anyone who tried to pass her on her weak side (little did they know she has a strong reverse stick stop) and finally fierce Frankie Birkenhead who mopped up anything in her path.  
 
Norwich did not turn up to go home with nothing, they dug deep and lit the fire in their bellies and fought back with ‘oomph’! They began to progress up the field into Magpies half, Magpies leaving centre Georgia Cleveland un marked who could distribute play to inside forwards Rosie Humphrey and Niamh Campbell. Play stopped as Rosie had to catch her breath after being winded from having her feet wiped from underneath her. Play resumed, left wing Emma Hewitt sent some lovely reverse passes down the line for Forward Milly Brown to run onto and Niamh engaged her speed and used her pace to out skill Magpies’ defence which led to Norwich winning their first short corner but unfortunately could not convert before the half time whistle.  
 
After the half time talk Norwich knew they had to fight for their 3 points and fight they did. For every 50/50 ball there was a yellow shirt closing it down and more often than not winning the tussle. Hard work and determination paid off, Emma drove the ball in onto the right post where Mia Moore was there to curl the ball in over the line, 0-1. The front 5 continued to press with Milly making penetrating runs deep into Magpies uneasy defence. Rosie Humphrey scored Norwich’s second goal of the day from a short corner. She injected to Leigh-Ann at the top of the D who slipped right to Milly, the shot was saved and Rosie was there to mop up the ball from the keeper’s feet, 0-2.  
 
After going 2-0 up, Norwich played sensible, smart hockey. Experience shone through which outweighed the Magpies’ youth. They valued possession and in the final minutes crashed balls into the corners to see them through until the final whistle.  
 
Norwich took it on the chin having injury after injury, going down to 10 players more than once yet they never gave up and worked tirelessly for each other until they got the result they wanted and that they deserved. Well done to all!  
 
Also a big thanks to coach Chris Wardale who sacrificed his game to support us form the sideline and thanks for the support from the parents it was much appreciated.  
 
POTM Rosie Humphrey. 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 12/10/2019 VS YARMOUTH 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 12/10/2019 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 12/10/2019 
HEADLINE: City Continue Strong League Start 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 3-0 Win 
 
REPORT: 
This was a well-deserved victory for City who maintained constant pressure on their opponents, particularly in the second half of the game. City went 1-0 up in the first few minutes of the game with a well-worked goal from the forward line and Rosie Ringer, who netted the goal. City were on top throughout due to their high level of intensity, thanks to the regular substitutions and large squad, and great teamwork which denied Yarmouth possession. Norwich launched wave after wave of attack, with the forward line’s speed and slick passing overpowering the Yarmouth defenders, allowing us to win many short corners and have many goal opportunities. The second goal came when Emma Hewitt managed to beat the keeper with a powerful hit which crashed into the bottom corner. 
 
 
City came out into the second half confident they could convert their many chances into more goals and, as the Yarmouth defence started to tire, Norwich kept the opposition under constant pressure. City continued to dominate the play with the defence and midfield working well to transfer the ball, breaking up Yarmouth’s defensive structure, and eliminating any counter-attacks and loose balls. There were many opportunities for goals again and some great shooting but City could not find the back of the net. The third goal came from the final play of the match in which Norwich won a short corner. City brought all their players up to the D as the umpires blew the final whistle. A powerful hit from Leigh-Ann Worrall and a deflection from player of the match Kate Houldey led to the final goal and the end of an excellent game. 
 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 05/10/2019 VS BROADLAND 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 05/10/2019 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 05/10/2019 
HEADLINE: It's not over until the final whistle!! 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 1-1 
 
Feeling confident from a good league start, the team travelled away to play local rivals Broadland at Taverham! City had a good strong squad with both youth and experience combining to make our team a force to be reckoned with and today was no different! 
 
The team felt confident and after a pre-match talk by our coach, Tapin, we ventured onto the pitch. The squad had a good warm up, taken by Frankie, who is taking her responsibility of warming the team up quite seriously. Our warm up was good compared to our rivals who took a totally different approach and didn’t warm up.  
 
City, took advantage of this from the start and dominated most of the match with our youth, Niamh Campbell, Ellie Hobden, Kate Houdey and Rosie Ringer and our experienced players, Rosie Humphrey, Milly Brown and Emma Hewitt keeping Broadland on their toes. City had many opportunities from open play and short corners to score, Rosie Humphrey coming the closest when she stole the ball from under the Broadland GK’s feet and nearly scoring. Although we dominated a lot of the match - it just wasn’t our day in front of the goal.  
 
The defence of Karren Dagless, Leigh-Ann Worrall, Sally Rose, Ellyn Roberts (making a guest appearance) Sophie Turner and Frankie Birkenhead were strong and worked well together to keep the Broadland forwards from causing us any real trouble. Broadland were pushing hard to score and on one occasion in the first half, after some preventative intervention from City's Sophie Turner in goal, thought they had scored a great goal when one of their players, from the top of the circle shot for goal which saw the ball heading into the top right-hand corner of City’s goal. Broadland were about to celebrate, the umpires were about to give the goal, but no-one told City’s defence who said “not today” and Karren Dagless, from no-where got her stick to the ball and made a great goal-line clearance over the bar much to the crowd’s delight.  
 
Late in the second half, City conceded a short corner and moments later we were 1-0 down which was definitely against the run of play. Most teams would have given up but with only five minutes to go City, with their resilience and skill pushed forward with urgency. With elbows flying City kept fighting to the end and much to the delight of the bench and City players, Rosie Ringer, with less than thirty seconds remaining, scored a wonder goal from the edge of the circle into the top side of the net to deny Broadland the win.  
 
Player of the Match – Karren Dagless 
Scorer – Rosie Ringer 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 28/09/2019 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 3 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 28/09/2019 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 28/09/2019 
HEADLINE: Jarvis Brace Secures 3 Points 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 2-0 Win  
 
REPORT: 
 
Dragons started the game off with first push back as Norwich pushed forward fast after the ball.  
Dragons pushed forward with some good one-two passing but Norwich were straight in with strong tackles and got the ball back and under control.  
 
The Norwich defence worked well together with Sally, Longy and Leigh-Ann having full control passing the ball around the back creating lots of movement and space and Frankie making some lovely passes up the line to fast runners Rosie and Rosie!  
 
Half time:  
 
Keeping possession, Norwich worked their way forward with great runs through midfield from Rachael, Ellie and Kate who held her own in centre mid. This continued with Milly making strong runs with the ball into the D but the Dragons keeper was having a great game, making it tricky for Norwich to get the first of the game.  
But Norwich didn’t give up and had a fast break away from defence, working the ball forward to Emma who ran into the right side of the Dee. The keeper sprinted out adding more pressure but she kept her cool and passed the ball to Hannah who ran from the half way to top Dee to strike into an open goal.  
 
Norwich kept there high spirits and put lots of pressure on the dragons keeper with lots of near misses past both goal posts, winning several short corners, but still couldn’t get a second goal in.  
 
Along came another short corner and Norwich grouped together at the top of the Dee to plan their next move. Dragons were awaiting the yellows set up.  
Rosie dragged fast to the top Emma to top the ball with Leigh-Ann passing the ball straight left to Hannah. One touch and a hard lifted push across the goal into the bottom right hand corner.  
 
Making the final score 2-0  
Hannah Jarvis 2 goals  
Hannah Jarvis player of the match 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 21/09/2019 VS CHRISTCHURCH 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 21/09/2019 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 21/09/2019 
HEADLINE: Launching Into the League with a Win 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Christchurch  
RESULT: 0-5 Win 
 
REPORT: 
 
With a bare eleven and many niggling injuries Norwich arrived to face Christchurch in the launch of their league season. Some would be put off by this, but on the back of last week's quality friendly performance with only ten on the teamsheet Norwich knew they had the hockey to get the result.  
 
The first hurdle to this was the heat, once again making it even more daunting stepping out with no subs. The second was the pitch, which added to the seaside feel of the weather with a good layer of sand. This was not ideal for Norwich's style of play, but by halfway through the first half we seemed to have adapted to the slow pace of the ball as the back four held possession round the back and the short corners started to come for forwards Millie Brown and Emma Hewitt.  
 
Stepping up from defence captain Leigh-Ann Worrall got Norwich off the mark with a perfectly executed short corner strike. Both Rosie Ringer and Rosie Humphrey made tireless efforts attacking on the left, and Rosie Humphrey was next on the scoresheet refusing to give up on a loose ball under the keeper's feet. Rosie again took the scoreline to 3-0 before the whistle went for half time.  
 
With an increasingly physical opposition the Norwich team were starting to take effect. Thankfully Frankie Birkenhead, Karren Dagless, Leigh-Ann Worrall and Hannah Jarvis were fully in control at the back but not long into the second half Emma Hewitt was forced to rest an injury leaving Norwich undeterred with just 10 women.  
 
Georgia Cleveland and Hannah Jarvis didn't bat an eyelid at the reduced numbers, working hard to support the defence to keep a clean sheet. City were still repeatedly in the Christchurch D with Abbie Ingham (thankfully not yet at uni) winning repeated short corners for City. Rosie Ringer was there on the post to seal one such short corner and Rosie Humphrey wrapped up the win - and her own hat-trick! - winning one final battle under the keeper's feet. 
 
POTM Frankie Birkenhead 
 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 14/09/2019 VS CAMBRIDGE CITY 4 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 14/09/2019 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 14/09/2019 
HEADLINE: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work 
With major unavailability across the women’s teams, the intrepid City Women’s 2’s ventured off to face Cambridge 4’s away with just 10 players. 
 
Upon arrival, we gathered in the bar to do the team stuff, because why not?! It came as no surprise that there weren't any subs, and also that everyone who made the journey was in the starting line-up, however there were a couple of players in unfamiliar positions. 
 
We took to the pitch in the warmth of the midday Cambridge sun to play 4 quarters which would help to give us a breather and were immediately under pressure from the Cambridge forwards who were gunning for glory. Fortunately for us, we had a rock solid defence and commanding keeper in Sophie Turner who had a shield up around her goal and Cambridge barely got a shot off. After absorbing the pressure, City found themselves with some possession, lead by Hannah Jarvis in the CM role, attacking the Cambridge D more frequently ably supported by Rosie Humphrey & Ellie Pitcher at inside forward and Milly Brown & Emma Hewitt as the two forwards. A few PCs were awarded and Ellie Pitcher was unlucky to miss the post by the smallest of margins with a couple of others not quite going to plan. 
 
Whenever Cambridge got some more possession and started to attack, POM Frankie Birkenhead was there with her magnetic stick to thwart any opportunities. No matter where they decided to attack her, she had them covered and mopped up everything within playing distance before releasing the ball to fellow defenders Karren Dagless, Leigh-Ann Worrall and Megan Conway to switch around the back or even drive forward on a mazy run to set up an attack. City’s goal came from a PC on the stroke of ¾ time with great follow-up play from Emma Hewitt who crashed the ball through the GK’s legs to make it 0-1. 
 
City took to the final quarter knowing they had all played out of their skins and to play as if it was 0-0. We were able to try out some different presses and tactics to try to keep Cambridge out. With 10 tired bodies and just three minutes left, somehow they managed to get a reverse stick shot off which took Longy’s stick with it and without seeing the ball went until it whizzed past Leigh-Ann’s nose and an un-sighted Sophie, the ball nestled into the back of the net for their equalising goal. We were able to see out the final few minutes to come away with a 1-1 draw.  
 
This was a great team effort and I’m proud of everyone who made the journey and left everything on that pitch. 
 
As a bonus, some of us got to meet and have a brief chat to Helen Richardson-Walsh who seemed to have a vague recollection of a time when the NCHC L1's travelled to play Leicester in a cup match back in 2005 in the game of our lives. Three of that Leicester team were gold medallists in Rio. 
 
 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 07/09/2019 VS CITY OF PETERBOROUGH 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 07/09/2019 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 07/09/2019 
HEADLINE: Tough Pre-Season run out for Womens 2s 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Taverham - H20 
RESULT: 3-0 Loss 
 
REPORT: 
With a slightly depleted squad the Womens 2nd XI sadly lost out 3-0 to a strong City of Peterborough 2nd XI. Despite the loss their were good performances all round with Ellie Pitcher securing POTM.  

WOMENS 2ND XI - 31/08/2019 VS NORWICH CITY 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 31/08/2019 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 31/08/2019 
HEADLINE: Tight interclub game.  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Taverham - H20 
RESULT: 2-1 Loss 
 
REPORT: 
In a very tight interclub game the Womens 2s just lost out 2-1 to the Womens 1st XI with Helen Busfield scoring her 2nd goal of the day in the defeat.  
 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 31/08/2019 VS GRESHAMS 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 31/08/2019 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 31/08/2019 
HEADLINE: Good start to the season 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Taverham - H20 
RESULT: 2-0  
 
REPORT: 
Good start to the season for the Womens 2nd XI as the recorded a 2-0 win in their first pre-season game against Greshams.