Results

LADIES 1ST XI - 03/02/2018 VS HARLESTON MAGPIES 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 1st XI 
DATE: 03/02/2018 
FIXTURE: Womens 1st XI VS 03/02/2018 
HEADLINE: We Wanted A Draw! 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 NORTH 
VENUE: HARLESTON 
RESULT: LOST 1-3 
 
REPORT: 
 
NC Womens 1s travelled to runaway league leaders Magpies and expected a competitive game after narrowly losing the reverse fixture 2-3. 
 
Being the underdogs, NC took the game to Magpies and played free flowing hockey with the midfield trio of Angela Hindle, Rachel Mayne and Jo Staines working hard to win the ball to feed the forwards. 
 
Magpies were a constant threat and the back line of Fong Chung, Harriet Johnson, Ellie Pitcher and Sally Rose had to be organised and on constant alert to intercept balls and link up with the midfield. 
 
After a sustained period of pressure, Magpies found a foot in the D and were first to the rebound after Summer Haylock in the NC goal saved the first shot. Scoreline 1-0. 
 
NC were not disheartened and the forward line of Krystal Bishop, Ellie Brine and Olivia Williams were creating chances in the opposition D but couldn’t quite find the target. 
 
A strong run by Micayla Tootill, leaving defenders bamboozled and on the floor with her silky skills, lead to NC’s first short corner of the game. The initial short corner was like ping ball that found another defender’s foot, the following short corner, NC used a new routine and although the initial shot was saved, clever play by Hindle found Chung to deflect the ball past the outstretched foot of the goalkeeper. Scoreline 1-1. 
 
Magpies were on the back foot with Abbie Ingham and Emily Francis running at defenders and causing havoc in the opposition 23m. However, Magpies were well organised and managed to repel the attacks. Half-time stayed 1-1. 
 
The second half started evenly and tackles became stronger and more errant, forcing the umpires to issue cards to both sides. 
 
Magpies won another short corner and although things went awry at the top of the D, they regrouped and sent the ball towards goal, a brave dive at the loose ball by a forward in front of the NC keeper found the back of the net. Scoreline 2-1. 
 
NC threw everything at Magpies to find the equaliser and Coach Pies took off a defender to play with an extra forward for the last 10 minutes. However, an aerial found a fast running Magpies forward and after engaging the last defender, the ball was slipped to the free forward at the P spot who just couldn’t miss. The scoreline finished 3-1 and was rather flattering considering the end to end competitive game. 
 
A shout out to Dani Sizer who was injured in the first half and became the away team’s cheerleader versus a home crowd of 100! 

LADIES 4TH XI - 03/02/2018 VS LODDON 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 4th XI 
DATE: 03/02/2018 
FIXTURE: Womens 4th XI VS 03/02/2018 
HEADLINE: Against all the odds ............ 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK PREMIER DIVISION 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE:Hobart High School, Loddon 
RESULT:0-2 (Win) 
 
REPORT: 
The odds were not exactly stacked in the Womens 4’s favour with two late call offs and a few players carrying injuries from the previous week. It was, however, lovely to see the return of Alex Le Mesurier who got quite exited about her return and even enjoyed the warm up! The brief was to dig deep and play our wide game with the inners providing that wonderful link play. 
 
The Womens 4’s did not disappoint and were indeed unlucky to finish the first half without scoring after several goal mouth scrambles were saved by a very talented Loddon Keeper.  
 
The Womens 4’s needed to be patient and continue the pressure and were duly rewarded when Amelia Ellis-Baumber sent a wonderfully weighted ball into the ‘D’ which Heather Tasker neatly slotted home to give the away team the much deserved lead. Unfortunately, several attacking short corners came and went without conversion. Patience once again required and another short corner awarded to the Womens 4’s was successfully converted with Mrs T slipping to Alex Le Mesurier who confidently slapped the ball home. 
 
Another great result and a very rewarding team performance from the Womens 4’s. We did dig deep and were the worthy victors. 
 
Well deserved, POTM this week awarded to Charlotte Baxter  
 

LADIES 5TH XI - 03/02/2018 VS BROADLAND 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 5th XI 
DATE: 03/02/2018 
FIXTURE: Womens 5th XI VS 03/02/2018 
HEADLINE: A 0-0 draw we'll settle for that! 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK LEAGUE DIVISION 1 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: 0-0 Draw 
 
REPORT: 
Norwich took to the pitch knowing they had to put in a good performance to get anything from a game against a second in the table Broadland 2’s who have only lost 2 games all season (mind you, one of them was against us!). 
We weren’t rich in numbers this week, but all the girls pulled together and city soon got into their stride, with great surging runs through the middle from Rosie Osborne, and Lucy McNarry and Charlotte Jeffers, as always, causing problems to the opposition’s defence straight from the start. 
City had a few short corners, and Gillian Allen did convert, only for it to be disallowed (as apparently) the ball hadn’t travelled outside the box! 
The match was very evenly balanced throughout and city had to call on it’s strong defence of Jessica Taylor-Balls, Gillian Allen and Annette Peters, to ensure we maintained a clean sheet. Clair Richardson in goal made a couple of timely saves to deny Broadland attacks (in addition to entertaining us, as only Clair can!!). 
Josine Van Den Berg slotted into the team nicely and did a lot of good runs, as did Carolyn Lumley.  
The “old guard” of Carol McNarry, Bev Cushion and Jane Loughridge brought wise heads and calm to the game, ensuring city kept their shape and played to their strengths.  
This very tight match ended 0-0 (but I’m sure the spectators felt more entertained than a mere 0-0 draw?!). 
Maybe not our best performance of the season, but non the less a good team effort and another point to keep us strongly placed 5th in the league. 
Man of the match went to Jessica Taylor-Balls – well done. 
Match report by Bev Cushion  
 

LADIES 6TH XI - 03/02/2018 VS BROADLAND 3 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 6th XI 
DATE: 03/02/2018 
FIXTURE: Womens 6th XI VS 03/02/2018 
HEADLINE: Three goals, three much-need points 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK LEAGUE DIVISION 2 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: 3-2 
 
REPORT: Norwich City had the best of the play for the opening stages of the game, pushing high and making repeated circle penetrations. However, in their eagerness to attack, City left space for an against-the-run-of-play break from Broadland 3s which found the back of the net - leaving the home side one-nil down.  
City continued to dominate the play and were eventually rewarded when a powerful lifted cross, sent in from the left by Frances Byrne, was deflected into the top left corner of the net by Liz Hollis to make it 1 - 1.  
Jess Ball scored another City goal – netting a pass from centre midfielder Kate Houldey with an impressive signature-style reverse stick shot. However, yet another goal from Broadland on the break, saw the teams even again at 2 -2. 
Desperate for three points City pushed hard, with player of the match Rose Byrne working all out to send the ball through from midfield.  
Most of Broadland’s 16s were stopped dead by City high up the pitch and sent back again as Norwich made full use of the high press system they had been swotting up on at a white board theory session with coach Dave Skinner earlier in the week. This week defensive play started higher up the pitch, with the whole team blocking passes and marking meaning that City’s pressing and outletting were vastly improved.  
However, it looked as if City would have to make do with a draw until Kate Houldey scored with a top-of-the-D shot which thankfully found the net and gave the home team a much-needed 3.2 victory after a great battle.  
 
 

FILLIES XI - 04/02/2018 VS CITY OF PETERBOROUGH U18G (H) 
 
TEAM: Fillies XI 
DATE: 04/02/2018 
FIXTURE: Fillies XI VS 04/02/2018 
HEADLINE: City U18 Girls Win 4-3 on Penalty Flicks 
LEAGUE: U18s England Hockey Cup Competition 
VENUE: Taverham, Norwich 
RESULT: 4-3 WIN on Penalty Flicks 
 
REPORT: 
 
Norwich City U18 Girls v City of Peterborough U18s (result Norwich City won 4-3 on flicks) 
 
Peterbough started much the brighter of the two teams with some strong running from their mid-field players. Norwich City defence was resolute and combined well as a unit to thwart the waves of attacks. Several early short-corners for Peterborough showed the threat that they posed, but super pressure from the defensive runners prevented any success for the opposition. Norwich City's wide forwards continued to offer an outlet as they caused problems for the opposition defenders with fast counter-attacks. Peterborough finally made the break through with a well worked goal. This did little to dampen the City spirits as the girls came out fighting. Abbie bossed the middle of the pitch. The defensive unit worked well together to continually transfer the ball around the back and move the opposition players. City then managed to gain the upper hand and had the majority of the possession which resulted in a number of short-corners. It was not long before City equalised and then hunted down a possible victory. With City dominating the game, a yellow card and short-corner reversal, gave Peterborough a way back into the game. The opposition gained confidence and started to create chances of their own. City still pushed, and a mad goal line scramble saw City thwarted from taking the lead. The game ended 1-1 with 'flicks' to follow. Peterborough stepped up first only for City's keeper to push it wide. City's opening takers were cool as cucumbers as they slotted home. City's keeper then guessed correctly for the second and pushed another Peterborough flick wide. With nerves jangling, there were two saves from the Peterborough keeper and another save from City which resulted in a final City flick to take the victory - without any hesitation, Sophia stepped up and slotted home to take the win. The girls should be really proud of their performance against a strong Peterborough side. They played some super hockey throughout and were a real credit to the club.  
 
 

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 2ND XI - 03/02/2018 VS HARLESTON MAGPIES 3 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 03/02/2018 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 03/02/2018 
HEADLINE: City's Promotion Push Continues 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH 
VENUE: Harleston Magpies Hockey Match 
RESULT: 2 - 1 Win  
 
REPORT: 
A half-fit bare 11 players turned up to Magpies following a strong win the previous week, with centre-back legend Clive Crichton looking like an extra from a horror film after a week long spell of man flu. However, this did not stop City from starting the game incredibly positively, with link ups between the three front men saw Cheeseman receive the ball in front of the Harleston goalkeeper, calmly taking it round and slotting it home. 
 
1 – 0.  
 
City created a plethora of chances for the remainder of the first half, that they were sadly unable to convert. After recovering from a career stalling back injury, MOTM Jack Ingham saw a prodigious shot tipped wide by the keeper’s pads, best save we have seen all season. Other chances were started from the wise owl of the team Jim Pallister, using fancy link-ups between Fretwell and Shapland on the right hand side. An ever available Pete Morgan used his Xavi-esque style of play to thread beautiful passes left, right and centre. 
 
At half-time, a non-playing Tom ‘Mourinho’ Hindle shared his tactical genius from the side-line which spurred City on to create even more chances. After listening to Maroon 5 on his Walkman before the game, Silvy found himself not seeing red (again), but instead winning several short corners, one of which Gilly was able to bury in the bottom right corner – unstoppable.  
 
2 – 0.  
 
City found themselves a slightly under the cosh for a small period of time after Ingham and Cheeseman were carded for being naughty. This left City performing outside of their usual, Barcelona style of play and Magpies taking advantage by slotting a goal past young buck keeper Millett.  
 
2 – 1.  
 
Perry dealt with the oncoming pressure by throwing the crowd pleasing ariels. However, the home fans soon got agitated with their team’s inability to cope with the full pitch chucks that were hunted down by the poaching forwards. Calls of “boring” could be heard from the side-lines, however boring hockey sometimes wins games. After a long period of squeaky bum time, the umpires blew the final whistle to confirm the win and City 2’s cement their league position and their quest for promotion.  
 
MOTM – Jack Ingham  
TYFC – Dan Cheeseman 
 

MENS 3RD XI - 03/02/2018 VS UEA 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 03/02/2018 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 03/02/2018 
HEADLINE: City winners against exuberant students! 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 2-0 Win 
 
REPORT: 
City continued their title push with a game against the local students of UEA. City started the game well and dominated the first ten minutes. There were chances aplenty, but all were squandered with mis-hits, poor first touches the main culprits. The game soon settled into a stale mate, and the only real excitement was when UEA managed to win themselves a short corner, which was easily defended. A draw at half time... 
The second half saw City revitalised and determined to get goals. It wasn't long until a couple of short corners were won, and after a bobbly injection for the first, Rees (41 goals) Leonard put the ball in the back of the net. Soon there was another for Leonard, who expertly knocked the ball in from open play. Yes, a goal not from a short corner! City continued to push to extend their lead but it wasn't to be. UEA never really looked dangerously and struggled to get shots off in the City D. MOM: Mark Fletcher for tireless running and effort during the game. 
3 points again for City, who face Newmarket tomorrow in a rearranged fixture.....  

MENS 4TH XI - 03/02/2018 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 3 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 4th XI 
DATE: 03/02/2018 
FIXTURE: Mens 4th XI VS 03/02/2018 
HEADLINE: Dragons Flames Extinguished 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Dragons Den 
RESULT: 2:3 
 
REPORT: Needing to make up for lost points last week, City 4s started brightly and were quickly on top of this Division 3 NE match. An aerial ball over the play saw the Dragons Defence split and a missed clearance presented Brine with an opportunity inside the first couple of minutes. His quick thinking and deft touch slammed the ball past the onrushing keeper for the lead. Within minutes of the restart, City were back on the score sheet again as a mazy run and diving cross from the impressive Hooper saw Fletcher tap in at the far post. No sooner had the home side restarted the away side stole the ball in midfield and strong interplay from Brine, Jefford and Painter saw Fletcher score from the top of the area as the home keeper found himself in no man's land and out of his goal. A strong run and pull back from the by line from the home side saw them pull a goal back before the break and give them hope of a recovery. The second half was hotly contested and although the home side smuggled a goal back midway throught he half, it was too little too late and City took all three points back to Taverham to keep their hopes of Division 3 hockey alive for next season. City MOM: Nick Hooper  
 

MENS 7TH XI - 03/02/2018 VS WATTON 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 7th XI 
DATE: 03/02/2018 
FIXTURE: Mens 7th XI VS 03/02/2018 
HEADLINE: City 7's return to form 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 6 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TAVERHAM RECREATION FACILITY  
RESULT: NORWICH CITY 7 7 WATTON 2 0 
 
REPORT: 
Following last weeks disappointing performance City returned to form displaying their usual passing game with lots of good movement. City used both wings to good effect and transferred the ball well across the pitch in order to create numerous circle penetrations with goals coming at regular intervals. Man of the match Josh Thody was on hand to pick up rebounds off the goal keeper and defenders scoring five as a result. Nathan Dixon scored at the far post after being set up by Adie Land, whilst James Dorling converted a penalty stroke having been denied by a foot on the line. The defence mopped up any Watton attacks to the extent that keeper Max Cocks didn't touch the ball. 
 

COLTS XI - 04/02/2018 VS SAFFRON WALDEN U14B (H) 
 
TEAM: Colts XI 
DATE: 04/02/2018 
FIXTURE: Colts XI VS 04/02/2018 
HEADLINE: City slickers show no mercy 
LEAGUE: East tier 
VENUE: Taverham Recreation Facility 
RESULT: NCHC 9 - 0 Saffron Walden 
 
REPORT: 
Wow what a fantastic display showing control, versatility, some clinical finishing, some great defending and some fanstastic saves. I could stop there but that would be a disservice to a great bunch of U14 hockey players. 
 
Hand on heart I can’t remember the order of the goal scorers so I will celebrate some excellent play. Yes we dominated large parts of the game but we actually started by looking a bit congested in midfield, however normal service was resumed after about 5 minutes and City never looked back. Flowing moves down both flanks, aggressive and tenacious running and tackling in midfield and some splendid fast and dynamic running from a very quick forward line created numerous chances.. Rafe Lochore proved a real thorn in the visitor’s side throughout the first half without quite managing to get 9n the scoresheet. In terms of the score, City finished the first half 4-0 up with two goals sticking in the memory (I) a fierce shot from the top of the D flew high and wide of the right hand post where Richie Mann used an overhead “tennis” hit high towards goal where Ethan Ruston utilised the same “tennis” style shot to hit the ball into the goal, and (ii) on the stroke of half time Pedro Salcines Rueda somehow managed to beat three players at the top of D before reversing a shot into the opposite top corner. 
 
The score line suggests City were dominant from start, but this was far from the truth. The home defence of Archie Ward and Sam Hyatt, plus the ever alert Will Farrow in goal made sure there was not even a glimmer of a consolation goal. Our defenders set the standard and the rest of the team stepped up to the plate! 
 
Despite multiple substitutions and positional changes City played some fantastic hockey in the second half. Oliver Moore was commanding at centre half with Henry Baker, Rocco Iaccarino and Jack Whitlam all providing attacking options as outside halves whilst being disciplined enough to thwart just about every counter-attack. Being able to rotate Jonty Black, Pedro and Toby as insides meant we retained our energy and attacking flare throughout whilst the forwards, Rafe Lochore, Richie Mann, Ethan Rushton, Freddie Paterson and Jack Whitlam just never stopped running, moving with purpose and pace on and off the ball. Without an excellent display by the visiting keeper City could have racked up a cricket score. 
 
For the record the scorers were: Toby Pallister; Ethan Rushton; Freddie Paterson (2); Pedro Salcines Rueda; Oliver Moore; Richie Mann (2); and Sam Hyatt. 
 
In such a complete performance there were a number of genuine candidates for man of the match with Sam Hyatt being the worthy winner. 
 
 

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