Results

MENS 5TH XI - 10/04/2021 VS NORTH NORFOLK 2/3 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 5th XI 
DATE: 10/04/2021 
FIXTURE: Mens 5th XI VS 10/04/2021 
HEADLINE: One of the best performances of the season 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 5 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: 5-0 Win 
 
REPORT: 
It seems strange so say that the 5s produced some of their best hockey of the season as they beat North Norfolk 2s/3s on Saturday. The 5s moved the ball round well and showed some clinical finishing as they beat the Sheringham side 5-0  
 
Despite the scoreline City were fortunate to not be a goal down early on following a great NN move. However City took the lead 10 minutes in following a great move finished of by Jack Whitlam. At 1-0 City pressed on and scored from an amazing reverse stick strike from Rees Leonard, who then added a second and City's third from a penalty corner. 3-0 up at half time thanks to some good passing hockey but also have the post to thank on two occasions as it denied North Norfolk twice a deserved goal.  
 
After the break the game was more even with both teams having a good share of the ball. City however just had the clinical edge going forward and it was Jason Hyatt who managed to finish of a scrappy.short corner goal. Chances came and went at both ends with NN missing an.open goal and the visiting keeper making some great saves to keep the score at 4. However with a few minutes to go Jack Whitlam finished the scored with a second goal as the game finished 5-0. 
 
On reflection a harsh scoreline on the away side in what in general was a very even game. Very pleased to get back out on the pitch and great to see so.many youngsters on both sides putting in impressive performances, the future looks bright!  

MENS 5TH XI - 19/12/2020 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 5 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 5th XI 
DATE: 19/12/2020 
FIXTURE: Mens 5th XI VS 19/12/2020 
HEADLINE: Struggle before Christmas 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 5 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 0-4 
 
REPORT: 
On Saturday the Norwich 5th team went up against a rival Dragons team. The match was competitive from very start as Norwich had all the ball and some good attacking play down the left to go close within the first 10 minutes. Dragons grew their way into the game and scored a goal with some quick attacking play down their right. Norwich came back with more strong attacking hockey backed by some solid defensive play. The rest of the half was filled with cagey play as Norwich went close a number of times through short corners but dragons kept persisting with some quick play down the right and also went close. However some impressive keeping kept the score at 1-0 till the end of the half.  
The half time team talk aimed to reinforce our formation as the midfield had become slightly muddled with the constant substitutions from the large squad. The team remained upbeat as we entered the second half, confident that we could come back from the small deficit. 
 
However in the second half the hockey played was far from our best. The opposition pressed forward quickly with some good play and we seemed to be unable to stop them. They scored two quick goals with some good hockey though the middle. The game then opened up with some space out wide but we seemed to be pinned back by the dragons team and unable to move the ball wide. Dragons then scored another nice goal from the edge of the area to make the score 4-0. For the rest of the game we had plenty of possession but were unable to make anything of it as the game ended 4-0 to Dragons. 
 

MENS 5TH XI - 12/12/2020 VS PELICANS 3 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 5th XI 
DATE: 12/12/2020 
FIXTURE: Mens 5th XI VS 12/12/2020 
HEADLINE: City almost rise to the challenge  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 5 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Pelican's home 
RESULT: 2-5 L 
 
REPORT: 
City made the COVID restricted travel to lynn sport with a 13 man squad in 13 cars to face league leaders on a hazy Saturday afternoon. 
 
The game started slowly for city and it wasn’t long before we were 1-0 from a well worked short corner. City had good Possession high in the opposition half but failed to capitalise. Pelicans played their well known long game by smashing the ball down the pitch and we were 2-0 in arrears. City continued to play their passing game and won short corners which they converted from. 2-1 and the game was on again.  
The city half time team talk was to pass the ball around to tire the ageing but very experienced pelicans players along with closing down players sooner and being more aggressive in the 50:50 tackles. This paid off as the team worked hard both in attack and defensively but we didn’t manage to convert any chances to get back into the game. Some loose passing lead to pelicans gaining the advantage and we gave away some soft goals. 
 
The most impressive play of the game came from city moving the ball seamlessly from the back to our midfield to the left and a superb cross and with a deflection to beat the keeper. Four passes from the back to the ball being in the back of the net was sensational. 
 
Although we lost there were many positives to take from the game, the work rate was exemplary by all players, we competed in all areas of the pitch, we created opportunities and as the game progressed we never stopped fighting.  
 
Lots to work on but a good start back from the COVID break  
 

MENS 5TH XI - 24/10/2020 VS HARLESTON MAGPIES 5 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 5th XI 
DATE: 24/10/2020 
FIXTURE: Mens 5th XI VS 24/10/2020 
HEADLINE: Difficult game 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 5 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Harleston 
RESULT: 2-5 L 
 
REPORT: 
The 5s travelled to Harleston Magpies for a difficult game with no keeper and some new players in the team. The first half started with an end to end battle where neither team could control the game effectively. This resulted in two early short corners which sadly meant Norwich were down 2-0. In the last 10 minutes of the first half, City changed their tactic slightly were able to press Magpies, and with a goal from Matthew Roy meant City ended the first half 3-1. 
 
An honest conversation at half time meant the first 20 mins were positive and City managed to score again to make it 3-2. However the last 15 mins, Magpies continued to press, City heads dropped and final score was 5-2. 
 
A hard battle by City, special mention to Harvey who worked very hard and tried to help in midfield as much as possible.  
 
MOTM: Glenn Tobias, for stepping in as keeper.  

MENS 5TH XI - 17/10/2020 VS IPSWICH 3 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 5th XI 
DATE: 17/10/2020 
FIXTURE: Mens 5th XI VS 17/10/2020 
HEADLINE: End to end battle  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 5 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: 3-3 
 
REPORT: 
NCHC Mens 5s played at home this week against top of the table Ipswich 3. The near perfect hockey weather saw a very quick start to the match. Within the first 5 minutes the ball had been up and back. With City missing out on a couple of early goals. The Ipswich defence held strong and a quick turn over saw them penetrate City’s defensive D and score.  
 
This riled up City 5s! The next 15 minutes saw a lot of good solid hockey from City. With numerous attacks at the Ipswich goal. The links between City mids and forwards tried long balls kept Ipswich on their toes. Some excellent long balls, short 1-2s and quick passing, all ended in either a City scoring attempt or pressured defence from Ipswich. Solid goal keeping from the Ipswich keeper, with numerous consecutive saves allowed them to maintain their one nil score line. 
 
In City’s defensive half, they were able to overcome each counterattack and slow down the flooding speed attack of Ipswich. The quick setup of Citys defence allowed for multiple options when playing the ball in from stoppages and kept the attacking pressure on Ipswich. Not long before the half time whistle City found the much needed equaliser and saw the game enter the break 1 all. 
 
An inspiring half time talk and re focus saw City come out of the block strong. With more linking through the middle of the field to the high forwards, City finally found themselves in front. 2-1. With constant pressure being applied, City kept Ipswich in their defensive half for most of the second half. Our defence held up when Ipswich turned on the attack.  
Once again, the quick set of City resulted in an excellent team goal. This was due to the crisp, quick, accurate passing. The ball was passed to at least 7 different City players before the sound of ball on metal meant City were in the lead 3-1. 
 
Unfortunately Ipswich did not give in. They kept on with their attack. They drove the ball through the centre of the field and a nice display of play kept them in the game 3-2, with just over 4 minutes of play left. Good game management and keeping a strong head, did not bode well for City. A few little but ultimately costly mistakes saw Ipswich level the game 3-3 with about a minute left. City pushed hard for the last minute but there was not enough time left and the game ended in a draw. 
 
On reflection City 5s had 60 minutes of outstanding hockey during that match. Some excellent ball movement, solid defence at all levels of the pitch and quick attacking options saw City in control for the majority of the game. Compared to last week a marked improvement, an increase in intensity, teamwork and work rate gave us a glimpse of just what City 5s can do this season. 

MENS 5TH XI - 10/10/2020 VS NORTH NORFOLK 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 5th XI 
DATE: 10/10/2020 
FIXTURE: Mens 5th XI VS 10/10/2020 
HEADLINE: The 5s head to the coast  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 5 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Sheringham High School 
RESULT: 2-4 
 
REPORT: 
 
Norwich 5s travelled to a wet and windy Sheringham looking to continue their success to date.  
 
The first 10 minutes of the match was an end to end battle and neither team seemed to be controlling the play effectively. Norwich managed to capitalise on an opportunity to take the score to 1-0 by a hard strike from Marcus O’Sullivan. North Norfolk responded with fury and the next 10 mins were again an end to end battle. Norwich managed to capitalise on this and control the game for the rest of the first half, Tim Armstrong made a great run and took Norwich to 2-0 with a one on one battle with the keeper.  
 
At the start of the second half, North Norfolk attacked with strong force. This drive meant they managed to score four goals in fairly quick succession. Sadly, Norwich did not manage to respond and the end result was 4-2. A disappointing game, but we can improve for next week against Ipswich 3s.  
 
Man of the match - Shaun Ferris 

MENS 5TH XI - 03/10/2020 VS NEWMARKET 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 5th XI 
DATE: 03/10/2020 
FIXTURE: Mens 5th XI VS 03/10/2020 
HEADLINE: 2 for 2, strong start to the season 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 4 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: 6 - 3 
 
REPORT: 
 
A keen 5th team welcomed Newmarket 2s to Taverham on another wet and windy weekend. The first half started strong with City scoring early, thanks to a hard press by Tim Armstrong. City continued to press, which resulted in short corners being awarded which City capitalised on. Newmarket responded with a fiery attack, this resulted in a short corner being given - Newmarket delivered a crisp, clean strike and scored. The next 15 minutes were fairly end to end and City managed to score another two goals by Joe Holden and Matthew Brine, resulting in the first half finishing 4-1.  
 
The second half started strong and City scored early. A breakdown of City play resulted in Newmarket scoring again. City responded with a strong period of attack, Tom Cooper was beautifully positioned to take advantage and extend the City lead. Tim Armstrong took another fierce attack against Newmarket and achieved his hat trick for the day. The game finished 6-3 to Norwich, who fought to the end.  
 
A good game for Norwich, a positive performance to carry forward to next week. 
 
 
However, Luke Keeley is unlikely to be able to join us next week due to suffering a knee injury during the match. The City family wish Luke a speedy recovery and hope to see him on the pitch again soon.  
 

MENS 5TH XI - 26/09/2020 VS NORWICH CITY 6 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 5th XI 
DATE: 26/09/2020 
FIXTURE: Mens 5th XI VS 26/09/2020 
HEADLINE: 5s get their in the end 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 4 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Taverham - H20 
RESULT: 4-2  
 
REPORT: 
The 5s managed to secure their first victory of the season as they overcame the 6s in the first league game of the season. The 6s lead for a long time of the game thanks to goals from Nigel Cushion and Simon Deakin however in the last 10 minuets City racked up three goals to overcome the 2-1 scoreline to seal a 4-2 victory for the 5s.  
Goals from John Ewart, Keinan Barber and two from Luke Keeley.  
POTM: Luke Keeley  

MENS 5TH XI - 19/09/2020 VS BURY ST EDMUNDS 4 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 5th XI 
DATE: 19/09/2020 
FIXTURE: Mens 5th XI VS 19/09/2020 
HEADLINE: Last friendly  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 4 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: 3-2L 
 
REPORT: 
City started the game slightly off the pace, but after 15 mins into the first half were able to start pressing Bury 4s into making mistakes. Bury responded with a charge of their midfield which resulted in their first goal. City had some good chances in the D, and a series of short corners which were converted by Marcus O'Sullivan to the first goal. After this, Bury came out hungry again and scored again. After a series of end to end battles, Bury scored again. City responded in the last 15 mins by giving it all their all, with a lot of quality saves by the Bury keeper, City managed to score again.  
POTM - Marcus O'Sullivan.  
 
 

MENS 5TH XI - 17/09/2020 VS UEA 3 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 5th XI 
DATE: 17/09/2020 
FIXTURE: Mens 5th XI VS 17/09/2020 
HEADLINE: First game back... 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 5 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: UEA 
RESULT: 2-1 Loss 
 
REPORT: 
Following two cancellations the 5th XI finally got underway with a away friendly away to UEA.  
 
City started the brighter and scored thanks to Ethan Rushton but the young fit uni team game back strong and scored two goals to win the game 2-1.  

MENS 5TH XI - 12/09/2020 VS NORTH NORFOLK 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 5th XI 
DATE: 12/09/2020 
FIXTURE: Mens 5th XI VS 12/09/2020 
HEADLINE: Game Cancelled 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 5 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: 
RESULT: 
 
REPORT: 
Both teams struggled for players so game off... 

MENS 5TH XI - 29/08/2020 VS NORWICH CITY 4 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 5th XI 
DATE: 29/08/2020 
FIXTURE: Mens 5th XI VS 29/08/2020 
HEADLINE: Run Around..... 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 4 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Taverham - H20 
RESULT: Fun..... 
 
REPORT: 
It was just a run around, no one wants to know about that...