Results

MENS 1ST XI - 15/04/2018 VS HAVERING (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 1st XI 
DATE: 15/04/2018 
FIXTURE: Mens 1st XI VS 15/04/2018 
HEADLINE: Norwich City dig deep to secure win 
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION B 
VENUE: Campion School 
RESULT: 1-0 
 
REPORT: 
 
Norwich City travelled to Havering well after the expected date for the end of the season. With the pressure off City rolled into the match in good spirits and carefree. During the first half both sides cancelled each other out, with goalkeeper Ali Cooke making a couple of decent saves, one diving low to his right with his stick. At one point Havering hit the post and the ball rolled right across the line before Harry Brown could clear. City’s own chances came when Cameron Cooke marauded down the left wing and struck a backhand across the D, but unfortunately Like Corden deflected narrowly wide on this occasion. Another when Tom Cox linked up with Chris Wardale playing a one-two around a defender, but unfortunately could not be apply the finishing touches. Half time came and the score remained 0-0. 
 
The second half continued in much the same vein as the first, with City coming under more pressure as they began to tire against the superior numbers of the opposition. However, this did mean that there was more space for Norwich to exploit on the counter attack. Norwich’s goal came around 10 minutes from time when Luke Corden bombed forward, taking on what seemed like half the Havering team one man at a time! Eventually he managed to slip the ball to Cameron Cooke who had managed to peel off his marker into some space on the right hand edge of the D. As the defender closed him down he cut inside him and slotted a powerful low reverse inside the keepers near post. City, with weary legs, saw out the game well with good use of the long aerial as Havering put on a full press. As ever, it was a physical match against Havering and City did well to keep their discipline and composure on the whole. Full time came and it finished 1-0 to Norwich City who now look forward to Prem A hockey next season. 
 
Man of the match went to Ali Cooke for some excellent goalkeeping. 
 

MENS 1ST XI - 25/03/2018 VS WALTHAM FOREST (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 1st XI 
DATE: 25/03/2018 
FIXTURE: Mens 1st XI VS 25/03/2018 
HEADLINE: City seal win with bare 11 
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION B 
VENUE: Walthamstow Academy 
RESULT: 5-2 
 
REPORT: 
 
After a long trip down to North London, we turned up with only 11 to find a rather different pitch to what we were used to, but did that faze us? Yes, for the first few minutes anyway, then we settled down and played some good hockey, easily shipping it round the back and controlling the game for the most part. However, our early dominance didn't pay off, as we found ourselves 1-0 down through a penalty corner. After a number of chances for both teams, the equalizer came through another PC, after seeing the same routine fall wide a minute earlier, this time Cookie found the backboard from a slap at the top. Towards the end of the half we found ourselves more on the back foot and the back four and GK Ben Millett were being increasingly tested. We couldn’t hold out until half time though, as another PC was our downfall. Half time 2-1 down but overall positive. 
 
Second half we definitely became more clinical. Lightning struck twice in quick succession as Tapin banged in two brilliant reverses, both pretty much identical from the top of the D. However, these were backed up by two pretty poor celebrations. 3-2. Between the goals though, City found themselves down to 10 as Gabs reacted badly to an umpiring decision. This didn’t stop us though, as we scored Tapin’s second whilst 1 man down. Shortly after it was 4-2, after good play down the right wing, the ball found itself in front of Stu Wardle, who placed it into an open net with ease. The last goal completed Tapin’s hat trick; after some Barcalona-esk passing down the right between Stu Wardle and Tapin, the ball fell to the latter near the top, who buried it into the bottom corner, again followed by a questionable celebration. The game sealed, City started to tire, but were egged on by a supportive Nick Jones, who had just stepped off a plane but unfortunately didn’t arrive early enough to play in the game. Player of the match went to Ben Millett, who on his league debut produced some decent saves to keep the game in City’s favour. 

MENS 1ST XI - 10/03/2018 VS CITY OF PETERBOROUGH 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 1st XI 
DATE: 10/03/2018 
FIXTURE: Mens 1st XI VS 10/03/2018 
HEADLINE: Norwich City win promotion to East Premier A! 
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION B 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 5-2 
 
REPORT: 
 
Norwich City welcomed City of Peterborough 2s to Taverham knowing that a win would secure them promotion to East Premier A next season. With some motivating words from coach Phil Skinner, the team were ready to take the field to get the job done. 
 
The home side started well when the ball was recovered high up the pitch; Jeremey Elliott played a neat 1-2 with Chris Wardale around the last man, but unfortunately skewed the shot just wide. However, it wasn’t long later when Chris Wardale opened the scoring, when he latched onto a well weighted through ball and struck first time to the bottom left corner. Norwich continued to control the match throughout the first half and Ed Sutton added the second when he converted a short corner with a powerful dragflick into the right hand side of the goal. Norwich went into the break 2-0 up, but knew they couldn’t afford to take their eye off the ball just for a moment. 
 
Play continued in much the same vein as the first period, with full backs Harry Brown and Tom Cooke nicely controlling the tempo of the game and playing the ball out from the back. The first goal of the second half came through a piece of great individual skill from Chris Wardale who shifted the ball onto his reverse, away from the closing defender, burying the ball high into roof past the keeper’s head. His hattrick was then completed just a few moments later when Norwich converted another penalty corner – this time going to a routine using a deflection from Chris Wardale on the left post. Norwich made it 5-0 through Gabriel Marchant who nutmegged the keeper after making a nicely timed run into the flick spot when the ball was crossed in from the right wing. Norwich perhaps realising how close they were to the end of the match relaxed just a fraction to let CoP2 get a couple of consolation goals within the last few minutes of the match, but this was inconsequential as ultimately Norwich City had put in a performance worthy of promotion throughout the match. 
 
Cue the celebrations at full time when the Champagne (read Prosecco) was cracked open!! Harry Ingham ran hattrick hero Chris Wardale close in the man of the match votes, but Chris just edged it when coach Phil Skinner had the casting vote. 
 
Thanks to the entire 1st team squad, not just the ones playing today, for all their hard work this year, and of course to coach Phil Skinner for all his hard work too and the faith he has shown in us throughout the season. Hopefully we have gone a small way in repaying this. As they say, the hard work will start next season, but if the team continues to improve as it has done over the course of this season, I am sure we can make it a successful one! 
 

MENS 1ST XI - 25/02/2018 VS DEREHAM (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 1st XI 
DATE: 25/02/2018 
FIXTURE: Mens 1st XI VS 25/02/2018 
HEADLINE: Norwich City claim first win over local rivals for many years 
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION B 
VENUE: Dereham 
RESULT: 4-2 
 
REPORT: 
Looking to take two wins from a double header weekend, City 1st XI took a 14 strong side to Dereham, with plenty of composure up front and pace in the wingbacks. The sky was clear, the air fresh and the temperature frostbite-y. 
 
The match started well for Norwich City, attacking well to create chances, while restricting Dereham's opportunities to go forward. Luke Hobson started in a particularly lively fashion on the left of defence, causing the opposition issues in attack and defence. The pressure paid off after about 15 minutes, Luke Corden scoring a lovely deflection high into the net. 
 
City kept the pressure on, and an attack down the right hand side of the pitch led to a perfectly weighted cross from Richard Shapland that deceived the defence, turned in by Stuart Wardle by way of a perfectly weighted shot that deceived the goalkeeper. Demons buried for the striker, City 0-2 up, and the Dereham players were starting to bite back at the umpires and each other.  
 
Half time meant inspiration from the motivation men and Jonesy senior on the touch line taking a warning for just loving Norwich City Hockey Club too much. City picked up where the 1st half ended, with strong attacking play from Ed Sutton on the right in particular. Dereham squeaked a goal back to make it 1-2 with a short angled penalty corner beating Ali Cooke, after Luke Hobson produced a Poldark inspired attempted tackle to see yellow and the bench for 5 minutes. City responded well to restore a two goal lead: a Luke Corden cross from the left taking a touch off Stuart Wardle and falling to Jeremy Elliott to tuck away. 1-3. 
 
After some more strong hockey, solid defense and distribution from Thomas Cooke, a penalty corner was made harder with an early break from Nick Jones. Defensive mix ups and Thomas Cooke running just 0.8 out of the number 1 run meant another Dereham goal, 2-3. Once again the response was effective from the yellows, MOTM Luke Corden book-ending the scoring in from of his adoring mother; 4-2 final score. 
 
2 wins from 2 in an important weekend for the promotion push. 
 

MENS 1ST XI - 24/02/2018 VS WAPPING 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 1st XI 
DATE: 24/02/2018 
FIXTURE: Mens 1st XI VS 24/02/2018 
HEADLINE: Norwich City win vital match in promotion battle 
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION B 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 1-0 
 
REPORT: 
Norwich City received Wapping 2 for an extremely important match in the race for promotion. After a disappointing result in the reverse fixture during the first half of the season Norwich City were pumped and raring to go, ready to try and get some revenge!  
 
The match started off at high tempo with both teams having some chances early on with Norwich creating some good scoring opportunities, earning a couple short corners, and Wapping hitting the post off a save from Alastair Cooke. After a strong prolonged period of play in Wapping's final third Norwich won another corner through a bit of good stick work from Nick Jones. Dave Skinner then converted the short corner with a low drag flick to the bottom left corner. Wapping then had a period of play in Norwich's final third with a number of long corners in a row, but Norwich managed to hold them at bay with some fantastic defensive work through the center back pairing of Tom Cooke and Harry Brown and the half ended 1-0 to Norwich. 
 
After half time the match continued in much the same fashion with both teams creating a number of chances through good play creating an exciting hockey match. Wapping 2 countering extremely well and Norwich applying the pressure with brilliant patient build up play controlled by the midfield and outside backs. The best chance of the second half came when Norwich should have made it 2-0 following a fast break resulting in Stu Wardle being one on one with the keeper with two defenders on his tail and Chris Wardale in support. Stu executed a classic stick over move to take the keeper out of the game, but the defenders had managed to get in behind the keeper and stuck in two minds between shooting and passing to Chris Wardale he passed the ball wide of both. The match then heated up with a couple of players from both teams getting cards - of particular note was a perhaps match saving foul when MOTM Luke Hobson cynically brought a stop to a Wapping counter attack with one minute on the clock remaining. This opened up the match with lots of extra space on the pitch. Norwich managed to remain in control and ended off deserved winners at 1-0 with a fantastic team effort and clean sheet. 

MENS 1ST XI - 17/02/2018 VS HAVERING (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 1st XI 
DATE: 17/02/2018 
FIXTURE: Mens 1st XI VS 17/02/2018 
HEADLINE: Last gasp Elliott tomahawk secures three points for City 
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION B 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 2-1 
 
REPORT: 
A sunny Saturday brought the arrival of havering to Norfolk’s shores. The instructions were clear from the boss, the season and more importantly promotion was firmly in our own hands and ours to lose. With conditions perfect for a high tempo game and the bench full with returning youngsters on their half term, city went to work on hopefully another win post Christmas. The first attack of the game gave Marchant a fantastic opportunity with the goal beckoning however he put the resulting shot narrowly wide. Continued pressure from city was bringing about a plethora of chances however the deadlock remained as half time came and went.  
 
The second half brought with it much of he same as continued pressure from city resulted in a string of short corners. Through some rather lucky deflections. Dave ‘one truth’ Skinner’s initial shot fell at he feet of Cameron Cooke who cooly slotted his shot past the onrushing keeper. 1-0. The match was largely controlled by city however Havering defended deep and continued to counter attack and were rewarded with a goal. 1-1. Persistent pressure now ensued from city as they pushed for the winner with many chances created and just lacking the final touch. Marchant dispossessed the Havering midfielder strongly in the final third and released a pass to Elliott who collected turned and unleashed a reverse shot which managed to find the smallest of gaps between the near post and the keepers right pad. 2-1. 2 minutes remained in the game and it was down to City to see out the dying seconds of the game which they achieved with relative ease. A well deserved win as the team continue to push for promotion. City welcome Wapping 2’s next weekend and a trip to local rivals Dereham on Sunday sees a further 6 points to be had in a big weekend line up. 

MENS 1ST XI - 11/02/2018 VS EAST LONDON (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 1st XI 
DATE: 11/02/2018 
FIXTURE: Mens 1st XI VS 11/02/2018 
HEADLINE:  
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION B 
VENUE: 
RESULT: 
 
REPORT: 
 
Norwich went into the cup match on Sunday fresh off of a good win in the league the day before and looking to continue their recent good form. They were up against East London who were flying high top of their league so it was never going to be an easy match. The team met early Sunday morning and helped with the coaching of the minis that was enjoyed by all and hopefully was useful for the younger players. 
 
The match was close from the very start with both teams trying to start fast and get on top and it was East London who had much of the early pressure. They transferred well around the back and broke down the wings but found the usual wall of the Norwich defence and struggled to create any real chances. Norwich relied on fast counter attacks through midfield and attack but found themselves outnumbered and chances hard to come by. 
 
The deadlock was only broken when some fortune favoured the visitors and the umpire’s view was blocked of a tackle hitting the attacker’s foot, he continued into the D and won a short corner that was converted to make it 1-0. 
 
Norwich started to grow slowly into the match as the midfield started getting the upper hand and a few chances were created. A deserved equaliser was scored by Rob Duffy who was playing a more attacking role than usual and found himself in the right place to deflect the ball in for his first senior goal! 
 
1-1 at half time and East London the happier. 
 
The second half remained cagey with few real chances and both sets of forwards feeding off scraps as the two midfields cancelled each other out and the few short corners that were awarded well dealt with by the defences. City thought they did have the ball in the back of the net but the umpire had stopped the match so, despite admitting he had made a mistake, the opportunity had gone and with it the last big chance of the match. 
 
The match ended and went to flicks to decide who went through to the next round. A mixture of some great saves by their Goalkeeper and some bad luck from the takers left East London winners and Norwich able to concentrate on the league. 

MENS 1ST XI - 10/02/2018 VS CAMBRIDGE UNI 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 1st XI 
DATE: 10/02/2018 
FIXTURE: Mens 1st XI VS 10/02/2018 
HEADLINE: City build momentum with continued good form  
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION B 
VENUE: Wilberforce Road 
RESULT: 4-0 
 
REPORT: 
Norwich travelled to face Cambridge University hoping to keep their promotion aspirations alive and well. 
The match started quickly with both teams having strong periods of play but both teams struggling to penetrate the opposing D. Norwich had a good opportunity when using some fast and strong play Chris Wardale was able to slip the ball to Dave Skinner in the D but his quick shot was wide of the mark.  
The match became tense and only some solid play from the Norwich defence, lead by Tom Cooke, prevented Cambridge scoring from two short corners.  
The first of the talking points from the match came when a wayward pass across the back for the Norwich defence was picked by a prowling Cambridge Uni player. The resulting sliding save from Alastair ‘Russell’ Cooke was deemed overly aggressive and a penalty flick was awarded. A good flick was met be an even better save and Cambridge Uni’s season woes continued. Seconds later, as Norwich were spurred on by the save, Tom Cooke threaded a ball out wide to Harry Ingham on the left; he drove from half way to the D and forced a short corner. The short was saved by the Cambridge keeper but the rebound was swiftly dispatched by Gabriel Marchant for Norwich to take the lead.  
The second half began with some strong Cambridge attacking play but with Harry Brown and resident saffa Luke Hobson proving too wall like for the Cambridge attacking players.  
Norwich began to take control of the play and duly won another short corner. The resulting drag flick from Dave Skinner proved too quick for the keeper and goal line defender. 2-0.  
Norwich made it 3 when Luke Hobson made a good tackle, and released a quick phase of play leading to Chris Wardale who played a neat one-two with Nick Jones and then cooly beat the keeper with a lifted shot from an angle.  
Cambridge did manage to get the ball over the line after some confusion in the D, but as their league position might suggest, things are not going their way. The goal was overturned due to the centre forward in fact kicking the ball into the goal and the moral of the Uni team began to sink.  
The 4th and final goal came after Cambridge moved to a kicking back to prepare for their upcoming varsity match. Dave Skinner found the ball on the half way line and played Gabriel Marchent in acres of space. A quick pass over the last defenders stick left Luke Corden quite literally awaiting the ball on the goal line to tap into an open net and he did not disappoint... 
The final score of 4-0 reflected a solid Norwich performance. Cambridge University did not play like a team who are holding up the table and deserve to hold their heads up high. With results going Norwich’s way with Wapping dropping points, the hunt for promotion goes on with Norwich fully in control of their own destiny. 
 

MENS 1ST XI - 03/02/2018 VS IES (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 1st XI 
DATE: 03/02/2018 
FIXTURE: Mens 1st XI VS 03/02/2018 
HEADLINE: Norwich City maintain promotion push with key victory 
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION B 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 2-0 
 
REPORT: 
 
Norwich City were pumped and ready to go for their big clash with fellow promotion contenders IES. The first half was a tight affair with the breakthrough coming when Nick Jones found Tom Cox free in the D with a well waited ball; Tom Cox finishing first time on the backhand past the onrushing keeper. Norwich mostly controlled the game with good possession and patient play and went in to half time 1-0 to the good. 
 
The second half started in a similar vein to the first, but as the game went on things began to open up a bit more as IES tried to push for the equaliser. Norwich managed to take advantage of this on the counter attack when quick thinking from Jeremy Elliott took a quick 16 and with two quick passes Stu Wardle found himself away down the right side of the pitch quickly carrying the ball from the half way line to the D. As the keeper came out to close him down Stu Wardle rounded him expertly with a classic ‘stick over’ trick, just keeping the ball in play as he crossed to Jeremy Elliott who, to everyone’s surprise, had made up the yards from D to D to get on the end of the cross and slap home past the defender on the line. Another significant contribution from centre forward Stu was to deal a black eye to centre back Tom Cooke, at which point they were on the same part of the pitch I’m not entirely sure. Despite more pressure from IES resulting in a couple of cards for City and another last minute short corner as per the last week, Norwich kept a clean sheet and the final result finished 1-0. Man of the Match went to Luke Hobson for always being in the right place anytime IES looked a little dangerous. 
 

MENS 1ST XI - 27/01/2018 VS WEST HERTS 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 1st XI 
DATE: 27/01/2018 
FIXTURE: Mens 1st XI VS 27/01/2018 
HEADLINE: Late drama at TRF 
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION B 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 2-2 
 
REPORT: 
 
Following a postponed game the previous week, City were keen to get back to winning ways. However even though 3rd from bottom West Herts arrived with 11 they were in top form following a 9-0 victory against Peterborough. This was unlikely to be an easy game. 
With the cold and wet weather failing to ruin their high tempo game, City started strong. Within a short space of time Captain Nick Jones slotted away one of City’s first few attempts at goal. 1-0. Their 1-0 lead was almost lost when the umpire failed to spot a West Herts’ foot, but with assistance from his colleague the goal was quickly overturned to a 16. City deservedly finished the first half leading the way 1-0. 
Both teams started the second half strong. West Herts who had yet shown much promise from short corners turned it around. They put away a drag flick from the top of the D to equalise. 1-1. Time quickly passed with constant attacks from both teams but neither prevailing. With a short amount of time remaining City needed to take back the lead and with some superb play they quickly overturned an attack from West Herts. Luke Corden suddenly found himself face to face with their keeper at the edge of the D. Thanks to some quick dribbling and a football-esque dive the West Herts keeper received a yellow card following his take out on Luke. After several shots at an iron footed kicking back, Ed Sutton volleyed the ball into the back of the net. 2-1. 
However the game was not over yet. With just one minute to go, West Herts restarted quickly from the centre spot and were suddenly within City’s D. Some questionable dribbling from West Herts lead to a short corner. With the whistle signalling the end of the game once the short corner had been taken, the pressure amounted on City with West Herts scoring a scrappy routine. 2-2. 
MOTM – Nick Jones 

MENS 1ST XI - 14/01/2018 VS CAMBRIDGE CITY 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 1st XI 
DATE: 14/01/2018 
FIXTURE: Mens 1st XI VS 14/01/2018 
HEADLINE: Short corner conversion rates make the difference 
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION B 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 2-4 
 
REPORT: 
 
Norwich City got off to a flying start when Cameron Cooke opened the scoring after less than 2 minutes of play. He latched onto a precise aerial over the top from Ed Sutton, controlling beautifully and striking to the bottom left corner. As the game progressed Cambridge City started to play themselves into the game more, and with two short corners in relatively quick succession managed to turn the game on its head, going 2-1 up with dragflicks to the top left and top right hand corners. Cambridge managed to get another from open play before the half was out leaving the score at 3-1 at half time. 
 
As play continued through the second half both teams began to look weary, despite both sides fielding a squad of 15. Cambridge City 2 got another goal through a lucky deflection of a defenders stick on a short corner, and Norwich City got a consolation after a good passing move culminating in some good stick work from Nick Jones as he entered a crowded D, eventually slipping to Tom Cox to pass into the empty net. City fought to the end trying to make up the deficit, with a typically maniacal and open last 5-10mins, but the final score ended up 4-2 to Cambridge City 2. A mention goes to Saffa Luke Hobson who managed to pick up the man of the match vote after an impressive 1st team debut. 
 
 

MENS 1ST XI - 13/01/2018 VS WISBECH TOWN (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 1st XI 
DATE: 13/01/2018 
FIXTURE: Mens 1st XI VS 13/01/2018 
HEADLINE:  
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION B 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 3-0 
 
REPORT: 
 
According to Captain Nicholas Jones, weather conditions were favourable when the Norwich City Hockey Club’s 1st team met the Wisbech equivalent XI this past Saturday. He was right; an area of high pressure over the east of the country had stopped the advance of some wet weather coming in from the Atlantic and consequently the Taverham pitch would remain dry and yet somehow moist for the game.  
With this knowledge and off the back of a victory against Bourne Deeping the week before, Norwich took to the field confident, yet aware of the threat that the Wisbech farmers represented.  
Wisbech, whilst managing only to field a bare 11, limited Norwich to a 1-0 lead at half time after Stuart Wardle netted the first of the game from a cross from Jeremy Elliot’s wand.  
Superior stamina on the pitch and with more bums on the bench than the visitors, Norwich City began to assert themselves on the game in the second half. Notable events included a contender for goal of the century, had it gone in, from Gabriel Merchant who in one move lifted into the D and volleyed only slightly wide of the target and numerous saves from keeper Ali Cooke. Two further goals from Stuart Wardle secured victory for Norwich and a comfortable last quarter of the game.  
The weekend was far from over for the warriors in yellow, who, knowing they were to face the top of the league in Cambridge City 2s the following day, limited their celebrations to a casual game at the local Laser Quest establishment. 
 

MENS 1ST XI - 06/01/2018 VS BOURNE DEEPING (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 1st XI 
DATE: 06/01/2018 
FIXTURE: Mens 1st XI VS 06/01/2018 
HEADLINE: Norwich City demonstrate passing prowess 
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION B 
VENUE: Bourne Deeping HC 
RESULT: 4-3 
 
REPORT: 
 
Norwich City restarted their league campaign with the long trip west to Bourne Deeping. Norwich started the match with good possession often playing the ball out from defence, a tactical change from coach Phil Skinner which was put into good practice by the City defence. Perhaps he is following Pep Guardiola’s philosophy? Having created a number of short corners, which were kept out, Bourne eventually got one of their own. They dragflicked to the top corner, but post man Louis Preston was at hand to expertly swat away as seems to be routine for him. Eventually Norwich managed to convert one of their own towards the end of the first half when a slip right to Tom Cooke enabled him to place a low, hard slap to the bottom left corner with the keeper rooted to the spot. Half time came at 1-0 Norwich City. 
 
The second half quickly became a much more end to end and open affair when Bourne Deeping started to press higher up the pitch making it difficult for Norwich to play out of the back. Their pressure paid off as they levelled the match at 1-1 not long after half time. However, this did not deter Norwich from their game. Still playing the ball out from the back, with the odd aerial mixed in to keep the opposition honest, City were still creating chances and managed to go 2-1 up when Dave Skinner produced a diving finish, with the keeper stranded, to round off a counter attacking move. Shortly after the lead was extending when City put together a good passing move which culminated in a beautiful final ball (something which was perhaps just eluding Norwich previously) from Gabriel Marchant, sweeping the ball from the 23 to far post where an unmarked Luke Corden awaited to deflect the ball home. To their credit, Bourne Deeping started to push hard to get back into the game and moments later had the ball in the goal to claw one back. By this point the game was very stretched and perhaps the slight decrease in fitness after the Christmas period was starting to show. However, Norwich showed good character and manged to convert a short corner to restore their two goal cushion; Stuart Wardle showing excellent technique to deflect the ball into the net, having been delivered from Tom Cooke. Again Bourne Deeping pushed a lot of men forward managing to get another back before full time, but it proved a mere consolation as Norwich City saw the game out for a win. No better way to restart the league campaign after Christmas than a well-deserved tree points. Roll on next weekend, where we have two home league matches against Wisbech on Saturday and Cambridge City 2 on Sunday. 
 

MENS 1ST XI - 25/11/2017 VS CITY OF PETERBOROUGH 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 1st XI 
DATE: 25/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 1st XI VS 25/11/2017 
HEADLINE: Norwich raise game after poor start 
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION B 
VENUE: Peterborough 
RESULT: 2-6 
 
REPORT: 
With the previous fixture delayed by 20 minutes and temperature sitting a few degrees above freezing, Norwich struggled to get started and a lapse in concentration allowed the home team a simple finish at the back post within a few minutes of play. Unfortunately, the home side seized another opportunity which was converted by the Peterborough forward. 
Finding themselves 2-0 down after 15 minutes, a rotation of the subs brought much needed energy into the Norwich side. Unfortunately it was here that Thomas Cooke had to retire with a hurty leg, but the defence regrouped accordingly. With gathering momentum, Norwich found the gaps in Peterborough’s midfield and by dominating possession in the Peterborough half, the chances to score soon arose. 
Cameron Cooke scored the first goal when Dave Skinner unselfishly passed with a two on one with the keeper having picked the pocket of the Peterborough centre back. Then the equaliser came shortly before half time when fast thinking from Rich Shapland distributed the ball from the end of the pitch to the midfield, where the ball was played up the line to Dave Skinner. A perfectly executed 1-2 between Skinner and Chris Wardale eliminated the few Peterborough defenders, allowing Skinner to finish the move with an excellent goal. 
With the scores level at half-time, a motivational pep talk by coach Phil Skinner ensued and the team were re-fired to come out at full pace after the interval. 
Cameron Cooke put Norwich ahead shortly after half time with a clinical reverse stick finish after the opposition keeper found himself out of position. The fourth goal came from a clever short corner taken from the opposite side of the goal – Dave Skinner dragflicked and the defender on the line could only deflect the ball onto the underside of the bar and in. With Norwich fully in control, the chances continued to show, with Skinner scoring a penalty stroke to complete his hat-trick having played some mind games with the keeper before taking it, saying to their goalkeeper “I hear you play for England” to which the reply was “yes” to which Dave followed up with “good luck”. Chris Waldale put the cheery on the cake with another slickly executed one-two with Luke Corden before finishing accurately from a tight angle with the keeper stranded on the floor. 
Final score, 2-6. Comeback of the season? 
MOM – Cameron Cooke 
 

MENS 1ST XI - 18/11/2017 VS WALTHAM FOREST (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 1st XI 
DATE: 18/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 1st XI VS 18/11/2017 
HEADLINE: Frustrated Norwich Let Three Goal Lead Slip 
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION B 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 4-4 
 
REPORT: 
Norwich City Mens 1s had one of their more frustrating days at Taverham when, having started really well to be 4-1 up at half time, they allowed Waltham Forest back in the game for an ultimately unsatisfying 4-4 draw. 
 
City started brightly but, after the initial skirmishes, it was Waltham Forest who took the lead with a drag flick at a short corner. City fought back, however, and soon equalised from a short corner of their own when Ed Sutton was ready to poach after the initial drag flick was saved. City were now dominating the proceedings, playing quick, passing hockey. City’s second came when the ball was won in defence and passed through to Josh Bailey at the 23 yard line. Josh drove into the D, beat a couple of defenders and chipped the ball over the oncoming keeper and into the net, with a little help from the covering defender on the line who edged the ball in. City continued to press and won a short-corner, which Tom Cooke converted into the bottom right corner with a well-placed ‘drag-push’. City then rounded off the half when, after a goal-line scuffle, Louis Preston was fastest to react and bundled the ball home from a yard out after Raunaq Rai did well to win the ball in the opposition D. 4-1 at half time, City could be proud of an excellent first half. 
 
City continued in the same vein for the first few minutes of the second half, but then Waltham Forest fought back. Under pressure, City lost a little shape and Waltham Forest scored from the top of the D for their second, before converting their third following a short corner. Worse was to come as Waltham Forest found an equaliser with 15 minutes to go. City tried desperately to get back on top and spent the last 5 minutes camped in the opposition half and very nearly scored in the dying seconds when Cameron Cooke struck the ball goalwards, with the keeper out of position, only to hit a Waltham defender. Sadly, City couldn’t find the winner they desperately needed. After holding a commanding 4-1 lead at half time and having played some good hockey, the 4-4 draw felt more like a loss. 
 
Man of the Match went to Nick Jones, who led from the front, distributed well and defended manfully in a tough game. 
 

MENS 1ST XI - 12/11/2017 VS BEDFORD (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 1st XI 
DATE: 12/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 1st XI VS 12/11/2017 
HEADLINE: Norwich progress to round 3 of Cup 
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION B 
VENUE: Bedford University 
RESULT: 5-3 
 
REPORT: 
After a long day out the previous day the lads, the men, the stoic defenders of everything Norwich City Hockey Club stands for headed to Bedford for the next round of the cup. Counting up on the mini bus we realised we had been shortchanged… there were 9 of us. Great. However knowledge soon reached them that Louis Preston and Richard Shapland were meeting us there.  
 
During the warm up Dave for some reason, wanted to try and intimidate the nonexistent Bedford team and proceeded in destroying his stick. Yes that’s right we somehow managed to break 3 sticks in a week. (This break, along with the power duo of Ronnie and Harry Paterson earlier in the week.)  
 
After a lengthy warm up and some the game was underway. Below are the key points from the game.  
- Dave scored two drag flicks 
- Louis got off the mark for the season with a beautifully worked short corner, which was injected from the right hand side completely bamboozling the defence 
- Big Russ decided to gift them with a goal from a short corner, the ball was going so slowly it didn’t even reach the back board.  
- Rich Shapland lept on the reverse to try and take a cross in our D, however the ball went under his stick and somehow flew upwards and hit Cookie Snr’s head.  
- Jonesy recreated the fine dancing he saw on Strictly the night before, beating what seemed their entire team, before hitting the ball at the top of the backboard down middle. 
- Jonesy scored an own goal [NJ edit: initial shot was on target, so technically not true…]. 
- Sam Bloom did some worldy skill and destroyed a couple of their players, finishing with a reverse stick goal… what a signing.  
- A couple of boys got hurty legs.  
- We won 5-3 
 
A good result to progress to round 3 with good game management, half court pressing for long periods in order to manage tired legs and those carrying injuries from the previous days escapades. 
 

MENS 1ST XI - 11/11/2017 VS WAPPING 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 1st XI 
DATE: 11/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 1st XI VS 11/11/2017 
HEADLINE: City blow first half lead at national stadium 
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION B 
VENUE: Lee Valley, Olympic Park 
RESULT: 4-3 
 
REPORT: 
Excited to play at the Olympic Park, Norwich City started the game well in an evenly matched encounter. The first goal came when Nick Jones took the ball past two or three defenders and struck the ball into the bottom corner only for the recovering defender to keep the ball out of the goal with a lunge with the back of his stick. Dave Skinner duly converted the resulting penalty stroke. Norwich went 2-0 up before the break when Cameron Cooke struck home with a blistering volley! (Ok, it was a bit of a mishit, but nonetheless on target, and the keeper couldn’t keep out the awkward bouncing ball.) 
Wapping came out for the second half pumped up and pushed hard, using a high intensity full court press to which Norwich City could unfortunately not hold off. Three goals quickly came after the break to put Wapping 3-2 ahead. The game became scrappy with a few cards handed out in the second half as Norwich fought hard to find a way back into the game. The scores were levelled again when Dave Skinner converted Norwich’s only short corner of the match with a drag flick. Unfortunately Norwich were not on terms for long as a ball was left to go off the back only for it to hit the post and the onrushing striker to play the ball into an open net. Despite this, and having fewer players for a lot of the second half, Norwich kept fighting to get back on terms, but could not unfortunately manage another goal. Final score was 4-3 to Wapping, a very disappointing result especially considering how well the team were playing in the first half. 
 

MENS 1ST XI - 04/11/2017 VS CAMBRIDGE UNI 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 1st XI 
DATE: 04/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 1st XI VS 04/11/2017 
HEADLINE: City earn hard fought three points 
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION B 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: 2-1 
 
REPORT: 
City were at home to bottom of the table Cambridge Uni 2s knowing that a win was crucial if they were to keep pace with the other top teams. City started well, winning two penalty corners, but they failed to convert before in open play harry Paterson flicked the ball through his legs for Josh Bailey to then deflect through his legs into the goal, the ball just having the legs to trickle slowly across the line! Then against the run of play Cambridge’s first attack resulted in a controversial penalty corner being awarded; they converted it with a precision flick.  
This seemed to wake up Cambridge who started to compete, however City were still on top creating more chances than their opposition.  
Half time 1-1. 
The second half was much like the first with City camped in the Cambridge half with only a few counter attacks challenging the City defence. City had had a few penalty corners which had narrowly been deflected wide before, but with 10 minutes to go City converted one with Chris Wardale deflecting a pinpoint ball from Tom Cooke into the roof of the net.  
Nick Jones nearly put the game to bed with a reverse stick shot only for a slight Cambridge ricochet hitting teammate Luke Corden on the line keeping the ball out of the net.  
The game finished 2-1 to City. A well dug out 3 points! 
 

MENS 1ST XI - 28/10/2017 VS IES (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 1st XI 
DATE: 28/10/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 1st XI VS 28/10/2017 
HEADLINE: City struggle to break down IES defences 
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION B 
VENUE: Ipswich 
RESULT: 3-1 
 
REPORT: 
Following on from last week’s 3-0 victory over West Hearts, Norwich City travelled to a so far undefeated Ipswich-East Suffolk (IES) team in good spirits. The game started franticly with both teams creating chances at either end of the pitch. It was IES who broke the deadlock from a deftly executed short corner routine, catching the Norwich City defence unawares. City responded well but unfortunately the courageous defending on the goal line from post man Louis Preston could not prevent IES from doubling their advantage just before half time. After half time Norwich city battled their way back into the game through the tireless work of Nicholas Jones and Player of the match Cameron Cooke. The hard work from city paid off as a short corner goal from David Skinner pulled the game back to 2-1. The goal from city triggered a spirited comeback and with momentum on their side were in search of that last-minute equalizer but despite their best attempts they were unable to break down the ever tightening IES defense. In a frantic and scrappy end to the game Norwich saw their last-ditch attacks fall victim to a quick counter from the IES forwards as the Suffolk team were able to restore their two goal cushion for the closing moments of the game. The disappointing result leaves City 5th in the table but with a game against bottom of the league Cambridge University 2 XI they will be hoping to pick up three important point to get their promotion campaign back on track. 

MENS 1ST XI - 21/10/2017 VS WEST HERTS 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 1st XI 
DATE: 21/10/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 1st XI VS 21/10/2017 
HEADLINE: Top notch first half sees City ease past West Herts 2 
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION B 
VENUE: Watford 
RESULT: 3-0 
 
REPORT: 
Norwich made the trip down to Watford in their longest away trip of the season in a positive frame of mind and this showed from the off. City took control of the game, creating some good chances, but not managing to find the breakthrough. The deadlock was eventually broken when Luke Corden, who found himself playing up front (not his usual position), finished a team move with a real poachers effort at the back post. City were winning more short corners than they were at the start of the season and managed to convert one when Raunaq Rai has acres of space in the slip right position and calmly placed the ball inside the keepers near post as he was wrong footed expecting the ball to be played to the back post. Almost immediately after the restart Norwich extended their lead further through a quick counter attack down the right resulting in Dan Cheesman providing the assist by crossing the ball to, again, Luke Corden ready to poach at the far post. 
Norwich continued to push for more goals throughout the second half as the game became more scrappy and stretched. There was good link up play from forwards Tom Cox, Dan Cheesman, as well as youngsters Josh Bailey, Harry Paterson, and Cameron Cooke, however it seemed the finishing touches were just alluding City in the second half as everyone wanted to try to get on the scoresheet. Ali Cooke got his first touch of the game 5 minutes from time as he came out to smother when a forward found himself free just a few metres out from goal. Even as more chances came Norwich could not add to their tally for the day and the scoreline eventually finished 3-0; a deserved victory for Norwich, who played their best hockey of the season so far in the first half. 
Luke came away with a deserved man of the match following his brace; a good way to celebrate a birthday for someone who’s not normally renowned for his goalscoring! 
 

MENS 1ST XI - 14/10/2017 VS DEREHAM (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 1st XI 
DATE: 14/10/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 1st XI VS 14/10/2017 
HEADLINE: Local derby reignites healthy rivalry 
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION B 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 1-1 
 
REPORT: 
Saturday’s match saw the first league meeting between local rivals Norwich City and Dereham in a few years. The opening engagements were a tight affair, with both teams not letting the occasion of the local derby get to them. The best chances came through short corners. Firstly Dereham hit the bar off a straight drag flick and then Norwich used a left slip, far post deflection but unfortunately Raunaq Rai was unable to convert the waist high ball. Dereham found the break through from a short corner when, rather fortunately for them, the ball was deflected back into the danger area past the goalkeeper for an easy put away into an open net. Half time came with Norwich 1-0 down, but knowing they were well in the game and had every chance of turning the score line around. 
City started the second half well and shortly after half time managed to equalise when Tom Cox hit an upright reverse half volley across goal for Dave Skinner to deflect in the near post. Again, throughout the second half there were a number of short corner opportunities, but none of them were converted by either side. Alastair Cooke then managed to keep the scores level when expertly saving a deflection that was bound for the top left corner with his stick. As the match neared its conclusion the game became very stretched with neither side clearly willing to settle for the draw and both going for the winner. Despite a number of chances with men over for attacking players on both sides, the finishing touches were lacking and the game finished up 1-1 in a more exciting affair than the scoreline suggests; it could just as easily have ended up 4 or 5 all. Overall, the game was played in a good spirit though both teams came away disappointed not to have grabbed a win. 
 
 

MENS 1ST XI - 07/10/2017 VS WISBECH TOWN 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 1st XI 
DATE: 07/10/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 1st XI VS 07/10/2017 
HEADLINE: City's patience pays off in the end 
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION B 
VENUE: Wisbech 
RESULT: 2-0 
 
REPORT: 
On Saturday the 7th October NCHC Mens 1st team traveled to Wisbech. The mood was soon changed when Francis Louis Preston serenaded the team with Sinead O'Connor’s version of “Nothing Compares 2 U” then we we ready to take on the oppo. The majority of the game was a fiery affair, with Norwich creating the better chances, but failing to get on the scoresheet in the first half. Unfortunately Harry Ingham took a rather nasty blow to the knee when an opposition defender drilled a clearance into his knee from point blank range, which saw him unable to continue. The second half brought much of the same dirty tactics from the Wisbech side and two of their players saw yellow both for scything tackles on David Skinner. Then the goals came; Princess Diana (aka Nicholas Jones) scoring one from a rebounded short corner and David Skinner also scoring with a straight hit from a short corner. Wisbech's best chance actually came from one of City's players themselves when Ed Sutton deflected a cross marginally over his own bar. After chasing the ball around for 70 minutes, on a pitch that could be likened to a beach, the final score was 2-0 to Norwich. Player of the match went to Alastair Cooke in goal for his first clean sheet of the season. 
 

MENS 1ST XI - 30/09/2017 VS BOURNE DEEPING (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 1st XI 
DATE: 30/09/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 1st XI VS 30/09/2017 
HEADLINE: Raunaq Rai steals the show on home debut 
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION B 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 4-2 
 
REPORT: 
The men’s 1st team had a great start to their first home game with Raunaq Rai scoring an excellent goal hitting the inside of the post and going into the side of the net on the opposite side of the goal. The opposition responded with a goal - a quick counter attack and deflection past our keeper. The next goal came from Cameron Cooke as he slotted the ball past their keeper with a very similar finish to those being practiced at training; very satisfying for coach, Phil Skinner, to see I'm sure. Further goals were added by Josh Bailey, who scored from a rebound off the keeper, and then by Raunaq Rai again scoring an excellent goal, smashing it into the top left corner of the net (instead of top right as before). Half time came and the score was 4-1. The second half was a more stretched and unstructured affair with both teams starting to tire as the half progressed. The teams tiredness started to show, and a short corner was given away, where Bourne Deeping slotted a well executed routine past our keeper. The game finished with a good result of a 4-2 win to Norwich City. 

MENS 1ST XI - 23/09/2017 VS CAMBRIDGE CITY 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 1st XI 
DATE: 23/09/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 1st XI VS 23/09/2017 
HEADLINE:  
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION B 
VENUE: Cambridge 
RESULT: 5-1 
 
REPORT: 
After a successful preseason campaign with new coach Phil Skinner at the helm, Norwich City's Men's 1st Team started the league with a tough away game to newly relegated Cambridge City 2's. City welcomed the latest of the Ingham clan to play for the first team with Harry following in his father and older brother footsteps. 
 
They found themselves 1-0 down inside the first few minutes with a deflected ball from a City stick over the kicker of Alastair Cooke in goal and an easy prod home by the unmarked player on the back post - hopefully a wake up call for Norwich who had shown no signs of this in preseason. 
 
City almost responded midway through the first half with a counter attack from a defending short corner which resulted in a melee on the Cambridge goal line leading to a short corner, however City could not convert.  
 
City remained under pressure throughout the first half with sloppy possession and the numerous short corners given away. However City had some half chances with Raunaq shooting just wide on his reverse following a good counter attack. However the pressure from Cambridge was going to tell at some stage and it did with Cambridge racking up two short corner goals before the end of the first half leaving the score line 3-0 to the home side. 
 
City knew they had to score first in the second half to mount any comeback. 
 
Norwich started the second half and again where falling into same habits as the first with Cambridge always seeming to have a free extra man. The game was becoming more and more stretched with lots of end to end hockey - good for the neutral spectator! 
 
City conceded two more times to make it 5-0, but despite this, City continued to fight and eventually managed to salvage a goal through the Thomas Cooke who wandered up the field which led to him putting the ball past the keeper at the second attempt, becoming City's leading goal scorer for the season! 
 
A disappointing 5-1 loss on the opening day, however City need to learn their lessons and bounce back with a home game against newly promoted Bourne Deeping next Saturday at 13.00.