Results

MENS 7TH XI - 04/03/2017 VS IES 5 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 7th XI 
DATE: 04/03/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 7th XI VS 04/03/2017 
HEADLINE: Deja Vu 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 6 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: IPSWICH SCHOOL SPORTS CENTRE 
RESULT: IES 5 1 NORWICH CITY 7 0 
 
REPORT: 
It was a case of déjà vu for City 7’s. Facing free scoring second placed Ipswich & ES 5’s City battled hard to repel the hosts only to concede in the dying minutes of the game. Whilst, it is of little comfort, having come so close to earning a point, the 7’s are the only team to restrict IES 5’s, who have now scored 83 goals 18 games, to a single goal in both matches this season. Only the top three teams have conceded less goals than the 7’s. 
With the Club suffering a shortage of goalkeepers this week Charles Anderson donned the pads for the first time since his transfer from Down Under and what a great job he did playing the “sweeper” role that Pep Guardiola desires. In collaboration with the hard working defenders Julian Blake, man of the match James Dorling, Christian Hughes, Joby Castlo-Hall and Simon Cottingham the IES attacks were thwarted as the home teams frustrations mounted. City’s counter attacks relied on the pace of the young legs up front where Luke Keeley, Lee Allsop, Michael Milne-Brown and Dan Jeffers caused the home defence some consternation and were unlucky not to nick a goal on a couple of occasions. 
However, with time running out the IES attack managed to get behind Charles to finally net and leave City once again reflecting on a determined performance and a satisfying game, but no points. With Ipswich 4’s beating City 6’s the 7’s find themselves rooted in the bottom two and are in desperate need of wins to avoid relegation. 
 
 

MENS 7TH XI - 18/02/2017 VS NORWICH CITY 6 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 7th XI 
DATE: 18/02/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 7th XI VS 18/02/2017 
HEADLINE: Experience tells 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 6 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TAVERHAM RECREATION FACILITY 
RESULT: NORWICH CITY 7 1 NORWICH CITY 6 2 
 
REPORT: 
The experience of the 6's came out top in this inter club fixture. Though the 7's had several younger players in their line up and took an early lead through Luke Keeley's conversion, the 6's started to mop up the 7's attacks and were aided by some poor passing from the 6's. The 6's then began to look dangerous with some of their counter attacks and scored through a couple of these to take the lead, Simon Deakin and Dave Woodward being the scorers. 
Despite the 7's mounting a late onslaught the 6's defence held firm and recorded the 3 points to draw away from the bottom three. Dan Jeffers continued his good form for the 7's and rightly took the Man of the Match honours.  
 

MENS 7TH XI - 11/02/2017 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 5 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 7th XI 
DATE: 11/02/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 7th XI VS 11/02/2017 
HEADLINE: Beaten by Experience 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 6 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TAVERHAM RECREATION FACILITY 
RESULT: NORWICH CITY 7 0 NORWICH DRAGONS 5 2  
 
REPORT: 
Both teams fielded a bare eleven though City were hampered by skipper Ali Wardales hamstring injury. City also gave a debut to Development player Monty Platt. It was the two experienced players that made the difference for Dragons in the form of recent first team player Rob Wagstaff and Paul Kassulke. With Kassulke pulling the strings early on Dragons raced into a two goal lead and it looked as if it may be a long afternoon for City. However, the defence tightened up with keeper Paul Hewett making some fine stops well supported by Man of the match Charles Anderson, Julian Blake, Edward Wood and Dan Jeffers who turned in his best performance for City. City started to mount a few attacks and there was no further score before the break. 
After the break City started to play some great team hockey and gained the upper hand with Dragons relying on the break where they always looked dangerous. It then became an end to end contest, but neither side were able to capitalise on their chances and it Was Dragons that earned the points. 

MENS 7TH XI - 04/02/2017 VS IES 6 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 7th XI 
DATE: 04/02/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 7th XI VS 04/02/2017 
HEADLINE: An unexpected victory 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 6 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: IPSWICH SCHOOL SPORTS CENTRE 
RESULT: IES 6 0 NORWICH CITY 7 3 
 
REPORT: With four call-offs on Friday and Saturday the 7's were indebted to Declan Ordish and Julian Blake for ensuring we were able to take 11 players to Ipswich. 
Despite having slightly more possession during the first half there were no real clear cut chances and the young IES forwards were not without threat, though again they too weren't able to create real opportunities. 
City were down to ten on a couple of occasions but were still able to find space, 
At the break City felt that they had they opportunity to take something from the game and began with renewed vigour. It wasn't long before a foray into the circle resulted in the ball falling free on the left side where winger Ian Ordish was on to it in a flash and lashed the ball home. 
A second was added with a quick counter attack from a short corner. Paul Hewett saved the short corner shot and Charles Anderson batted the ball away to the half way line where it was then fed quickly to Lee "Late Night Partyer" Allsop alone on the opposition 25 who turned and advanced into the circle. His initial lob was saved by the diving keeper but the ball fell kindly for him to convert the rebound.  
The scoring was completed when Declan Ordish picked up the ball out side the circle and then beat several defenders before unleashing a well executed reverse stick shot to beat the keeper. 
A satisfying victory and well needed as the teams immediately above and below also achieved victories. 

MENS 7TH XI - 28/01/2017 VS DEREHAM 4 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 7th XI 
DATE: 28/01/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 7th XI VS 28/01/2017 
HEADLINE: 7's lose to lat goal 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 6 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: LYNNSPORT, KINGS LYNN 
RESULT: PELICANS 4's 1 NORWICH CITY 7's 0 
 
REPORT: 
With a high level of unavailability across the club it wasn't until an hour prior to departure for Pelicans that a bare 11 was finalised. David Broadway and Dave Brown had kindly joined the squad to ensure a bare 11. Playing the team who were fourth in the league was likely to be a tough ask and with no recognised Centre Half Dan Jeffers was asked to fill in.  
The home team started brightly causing the City defence to work overtime, but James Dorling, Julian Blake, Dave Brown and Joby Castlo-Hall plus keeper Dave King repelled everything that was thrown at them.  
City then started to mount counter attacks of their own using the pace of David Broadway, Lee Allsop and Gautham Narayanan prompted by Man of the Match Dan Jeffers. The speed of City's attacks caused Pelicans problems but City couldn't apply the final touch.  
City's performance was in sharp contrast to last weeks below par performance with all eleven players performing exceptionally well, Keinan Barber and Nathan Dixon producing their best performances to date. 
A well contested match continued in the same vein to the final whistle and with a goalless draw looking the likely outcome Pelicans took advantage of a quick free hit two minutes from time to find a striker free at the top of the circle who powered home.  
The game was played in great spirit and was a great advert for the game of hockey. 
 
 
 

MENS 7TH XI - 21/01/2017 VS IPSWICH 4 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 7th XI 
DATE: 21/01/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 7th XI VS 21/01/2017 
HEADLINE: Crucial victory 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 6 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: IPSWICH SPORTS CLUB 
RESULT: IPSWICH 4 1 NORWICHCITY 7 2 
 
REPORT: 
A hard fought victory over Ipswich 4 who were a place above City leapfrog their Suffolk opponents on goal difference and move out of the bottom 2. 
City welcomed Christian Hughes back to the squad and debutant Simon Cottingham returning to the game after a few years absence. Ipswich asserted the early pressure, but then City started to find their feet and moved the game into the Ipswich half. City were undone when Ipswich won a short corner and early break found the defence a man down which Ipswich capitalised upon to open the scoring. It was long before City equalised a through ball from Simon Cottingham finding Gautham Narayanan who converted. 
After the break the game became end to end and City were grateful to the steel that Simon Cottingham brought to the team in thwarting the Ipswich danger man, though he was ably supported by the whole defence and particularly man of the match Christian Hughes. Midway through the half another surging run to the top of the circle resulted in the ball falling to Luke Keeley who slotted home. Ipswich then piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser but City held out for a crucial victory in their fight for survival. 
 

MENS 7TH XI - 14/01/2017 VS NORWICH CITY 6 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 7th XI 
DATE: 14/01/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 7th XI VS 14/01/2017 
HEADLINE: Match Postponed 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 6 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: 
 

MENS 7TH XI - 03/12/2016 VS NORTH NORFOLK 3 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 7th XI 
DATE: 03/12/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 7th XI VS 03/12/2016 
HEADLINE: Hard to b(r)each 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 6 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: CROMER HIGH SCHOOL 
RESULT: NORTH NORFOLK 3 2 NORWICH CITY 7 0 
 
REPORT: 
Despite looking desperately short of players early in the week a bare eleven was finally assembled on Saturday morning thanks to Simon Black releasing Cam Husband from the Boys Development Team. Thanks to Daryl Greig and Luke Keeley for changing their arrangements so that they could play. There was also a welcome appearance from Sam Matthews. 
Fears of a physical encounter were soon banished and a very enjoyable and friendly game ensued. Nomads had the lions share of possession and looked the likely to score, but found the full back pairing of Sam Matthews and Cam Husband along with keeper Paul Hewett difficult to breach. It wasn't until just before the break when City failed to clear the ball on three occasions that North Norfolk capitalised, taking a one goal lead into the break. 
City showed a little more attacking intent in the second half with Nathan Dixon just failing to thread the ball into the goal and Sam Matthews just missing with a drag flick. Dan Jeffers turned in a good performance in his first outing in midfield. It was only a matter of time before North Norfolk added to their tally and after missing several opportunities only managed to add one more. 
City will hope to pick up one or two more wins after the Christmas break.  
 

MENS 7TH XI - 26/11/2016 VS SUDBURY 4 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 7th XI 
DATE: 26/11/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 7th XI VS 26/11/2016 
HEADLINE: Virtual Hat tricj for James Hewett 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 6 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: GREAT CORNARD LEISURE CENTRE 
RESULT: SUDBURY 4 2 NORWICH CITY 7 2 
 
REPORT: 
City twice fought back to earn a hard fought point away at Sudbury thanks to two short corner conversions from James Hewett who was denied a hat-trick by an earlier decision. 
The day started badly for City when Dan Jeffers called off with an injured back, but an eleventh hour call was answered by Peter Wright to ensure that City had a full complement for the vast majority of the game. 
City were immediately under pressure from a youthful Sudbury side and swift counter attacks became the order of the day. The City defence were working overtime to keep the Sudbury attacks at bay, but eventually succumbed midway through the first half as Sudbury took the lead. In a spell of City pressure before the break City thought they had equalised when James Hewett's drag flick beat the keeper, but their joy was short lived as the shot was cruelly adjudged to have been outside the circle. 
After the break City came more into the game creating more attacks and short corners. From one short corner a mis-trap fell to Ben Chapman who moved the ball left to Ali Wardale who moved it further left to James Hewett who had time and space to pick his spot for the equaliser. 
The game was now flowing end to end though Sudbury's pace of attack was leaving City a little short handed. City regained the lead after a goalmouth scramble, though City were slightly aggrieved that in the build up to the goal a lifted ball went unpunished. City kept fighting and from another short corner the ball was once more slipped left to James Hewett who once again found the target, this time slapping the ball just inside the far post. 
City then defended as though their lives depended on it for the last few minutes to earn a hard fought draw. Everyone contributed and man of the match could have gone to anyone but for a virtual hat trick it was awarded to James Hewett. 
 

MENS 7TH XI - 19/11/2016 VS NORFOLK NOMADS (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 7th XI 
DATE: 19/11/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 7th XI VS 19/11/2016 
HEADLINE: CLOSER THAN IT LOOKS 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 6 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TAVERHAM RECREATION FACILITY 
RESULT: NORWICH CITY 7 1 NORFOLK NOMADS 4  
 
REPORT: Despite the score line the match was much close than it sounds, City being undone by the pace of the Nomads counter attacks. City fielded their youngest forward line for sometime but the youngsters were in good form and were a constant menace to the Nomads defence. City gave a debut to Harry Blackiston who added some skill at centre half. Nomads took the lead midway through the first half, but City hit back immediately when man of the match Luke Keeley dribbled in from the right and his dangerous cross was turned in by a defender. City were then unlucky to concede a second right on the stroke of half time. Although the second half was fairly even in terms of possession Nomads added two further goals. 
 

MENS 7TH XI - 12/11/2016 VS FELIXSTOWE 3 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 7th XI 
DATE: 12/11/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 7th XI VS 12/11/2016 
HEADLINE: PLAYER SHORTAGE 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 6 NORTH EAST 
VENUE:  
RESULT: 
 
REPORT: 
 
Unfortunately, the Men 7's were down to 8 players at the point the match had to be cancelled, though an hour later 2 more players became available. Having conceded two games the Mens 7's cannot afford to concede another otherwise they face exclusion from the league.  
 

MENS 7TH XI - 05/11/2016 VS IES 5 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 7th XI 
DATE: 05/11/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 7th XI VS 05/11/2016 
HEADLINE: League Leaders beaten 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 6 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TAVERHAM RECREATION FACILITY 
RESULT: NORWICH CITY 7 2 IES 5 1 
 
REPORT: 
City faced league leaders IES 5 who were weaker than when they had beaten City 6's the week before, whilst City were strengthened by the inclusion of Nick Hooper and Dom Copping returning from injury. Some good passing hockey from City along with some excellent defending especially from man of the match Dom Copping earned City victory with goals from Josh Spink and Lee Allsop.  

MENS 7TH XI - 29/10/2016 VS PELICANS 4 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 7th XI 
DATE: 29/10/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 7th XI VS 29/10/2016 
HEADLINE: A "Long" afternoon 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 6 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: NORWICH CITY 7 2 PELICANS 4 5 
 
REPORT: 
City were a little threadbare this week which meant a bit of a reshuffle with Simon Dale starting at Centre Half and Charles Anderson moving into midfield. Pelicans fielded there usual mixture of experience and youth. Pelicans started to probe and their pacy attacks were stretching the City defence often causing overload situations. It was no surprise when an overload attack resulted in Steve Long opening the scoring, soon to be followed by another from Paul Swinburn. City kept Pelicans at bay for the remainder of the half.  
A City reshuffle at half time moved David Kidner to centre half to provide the defence with a little more cover and Simon Dale moved further forward to strengthen City's attack. Although Pelicans then added a third City were proving more of an attacking force. A short corner saw City reduce the arrears through David Kidner. Pelicans then restored their three goal lead before City once again reduced the arrears when a diving Charles Anderson got away a blinding reverse stick shot high past a bewildered keeper. Pelicans secured victory when Steve Long completed his hat-trick  
 

MENS 7TH XI - 22/10/2016 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 5 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 7th XI 
DATE: 22/10/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 7th XI VS 22/10/2016 
HEADLINE: One that got away 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 6 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Dragons Den 
RESULT: Dragons 5's 2 Norwich City 7's 1 
 
REPORT: 
A club debut for Ian Ordish and Men's 7's debuts for Simon Dale and Ben Pestell. With late additions to the squad City fielded a squad of 16.  
The opening exchanges saw Dragons youthful team running at the City defence and it looked as if it may be a long afternoon, but City gradually gained a foothold as the defence started to mop up the attacks, the midfield retaining the ball and finding the forwards. Initially penetration of the Dragons circle proved difficult, but then a couple of short corners were won though not converted. 
Midway through the half a little against the run of play a defensive mix up allowed Dragons to fire home a loose ball. City were not to be deterred and kept up their level of play with Dragons relying on breakaway attacks. 
City went into the break a goal down, but confident the game was still anyones. 
 
Not long into the second half Paul Gallop gained possession in the inside right channel, a lead from Nathan Dixon across the circle pulled defenders out of position creating space which Lee Allsop ran into , picked up the pinpoint pass from Paul and fired the ball into the far corner with his second touch. With the game evenly poised City looked the likely winners and missed a couple of good chances. It was Dragons who were to take the points as another breakaway was fed to a high attacker who slid into the net. 
A close and enjoyable match, but one that could have been won.  
 

MENS 7TH XI - 15/10/2016 VS IES 6 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 7th XI 
DATE: 15/10/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 7th XI VS 15/10/2016 
HEADLINE: Points on the board 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 6 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Taverham High School 
RESULT: NORWICH CITY 7 6 IPSWICH & ES 6 2 
 
REPORT: 
City welcomed their new Australian import Charles Anderson for his debut along with a 7's debut for Harry Basset. City were soon into their swing moving the ball well and making inroads down the flanks. Chances were converted and City were 4 up at the break through a Declan Ordish penalty stroke that deceived the keeper, two from Harry Basset and a further from Declan Ordish. The City defence of James Dorling, Charles Anderson, Kurtis Reynolds, Christian Hughes and Joby Castlo-Hall kept the IES forwards at bay and keeper Paul Hewett was untroubled. Although City kept up the pressure after the break IES defended deeper making scoring more difficult. However, Ordish converted a further penalty stroke and Nathan Dixon scored his first goal for the club. IES did score a consolation goal much to the home teams surprise. 
 

MENS 7TH XI - 08/10/2016 VS DEREHAM 4 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 7th XI 
DATE: 08/10/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 7th XI VS 08/10/2016 
HEADLINE: Can do better 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 6 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: DEREHAM 
RESULT: DEREHAM 4 2 NORWICH CITY 7 1 
 
REPORT: City 7's were able to add a couple of players to their squad late on Saturday morning and welcomed James Hewett, James Dorling and Jack Watling into the squad along with a season debut for Joby Castlo-Hall. City started well applying the early pressure, but were undone by Dereham's first real attack when they were undone by the pace of the Dereham Centre Forward who ran through to score. City regrouped, tightening up their defence and then began to make inroads into the Dereham defence through the work of Lee Allsop, Luke Keeley, Gautham Narayanan, Michael Milne-Brown and Christian Hughes. The City equaliser followed good work down the City right, Luke Keeleys cross being converted at the far post by Colin Brown. Chances came and went, but City were unable to add to their score before the break.  
The second half was a different affair as City found it difficult to string passes together, whilst Dereham were more dominant. James Dorling and man of the match Jack Watling were kept busy dealing with the Dereham attacks. Dan Jeffers in only his second hockey match defended well and overlapped well from right half to support the City attack. Dereham won the match when they scored their second from a short corner variation.  
 
Ali Wardale 
 

MENS 7TH XI - 01/10/2016 VS IPSWICH 4 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 7th XI 
DATE: 01/10/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 7th XI VS 01/10/2016 
HEADLINE: A slick performance 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 6 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: NORWICH CITY 7 3 IPSWICH 4 0 
 
REPORT: 
 
City 7's arrived with another collection of players from all quarters, boosted by appearances from Paul Gallop and Dan Taylor, but recording a last appearance for Andy Lister before disappearing across the pond. 
Ipswich arrived with an experienced team that looked as if it may be capable of causing City problems. 
City lined up with Julian Blake in the unaccustomed position of full back and Paul Gallop at right half, but with a strong midfield of Dan Taylor, Andy Lister and Will Kidner. The forward line consisted of three youngsters, Luke Keeley, Lee Allsop and Ben Chapman, 
It was the City midfield strength that was to prove pivotal and they pretty much dominated the game creating chances for the forwards as well as themselves and stemming a lot of the Ipswich attacks. Most Ipswich attacks were prevented from reaching the circle thanks to the work of Julian Blake, Ali Wardale, Nathan Dixon, but when they did keeper Paul Hewett was on hand to clear.  
City won a number of short corners as a result of their attacks which weren't converted and with a goalless first half looking likely it took a rasping shot from Andy Lister to break the deadlock. 
The second half continued in much the same vein, except that City were able to convert a couple of chances, Luke Keeley getting the last touch to a goalmouth melee and then Paul Gallop deceiving the keeper with a slow looping flick, that really wasn't a shot at all. 
There was an adult team debut for Kurtis Reynolds who stepped in at the last minute to ensure that City 7's were able to play with a full complement. 
What was more pleasing than the result was the standard of hockey that the team played moving the ball about well, good movement off the ball and a high work rate. 
 
Ali Wardale  
 

MENS 7TH XI - 24/09/2016 VS NORWICH CITY 6 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 7th XI 
DATE: 24/09/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 7th XI VS 24/09/2016 
HEADLINE: Unlucky defeat against our 6's 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 6 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: NORWICH CITY 6's 3 NORWICH CITY 7's 2 
 
City 7's kicked off their league campaign following last weeks cancellation. With the team once again a mixture of experience, Back To Hockey graduates, Development Team graduates, newcomers as well as a few from last season there was little idea of how the team would perform against the experience in the 6's.  
Just as the 7's were finding their feet and starting to spring passes together an unfortunate slip allowed the 6's in for the opening goal. Another defensive error by the 7's experienced full backs let in the 6's for their second. However, the 7's were now starting to put passes together and were creating chances allowing Joe Holden to pull one back. The 6's then capitalised on another defensive lapse to take a 3-1 lead into the break. After the break it was the 7's who enjoyed the majority of possession with the 6's relying on sporadic breaks. Despite the possession the 7's found it difficult to find the back of the net with keeper Rob Coyle in fine form. With 15 minutes remaining Lee Allsop added a finishing touch to reduce the arrears. Although the 7's continued to push forward a deserved equaliser proved elusive. all in all a promising start for the 7's. 
 
 
REPORT: 
 

MENS 7TH XI - 17/09/2016 VS NORTH NORFOLK 3 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 7th XI 
DATE: 17/09/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 7th XI VS 17/09/2016 
HEADLINE: Match Cancelled 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 6 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: 
RESULT: 
 
REPORT: 
 

MENS 7TH XI - 10/09/2016 VS HARLESTON 6 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 7th XI 
DATE: 10/09/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 7th XI VS 10/09/2016 
HEADLINE:  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 6 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: 
RESULT: 
 
REPORT: 
 

MENS 7TH XI - 03/09/2016 VS NORTH NORFOLK 3 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 7th XI 
DATE: 03/09/2016 
FIXTURE: Mens 7th XI VS 03/09/2016 
HEADLINE:  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 6 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: 
RESULT: 
 
REPORT: