Results

WOMENS 1ST XI - 03/11/2018 VS CAMBRIDGE CITY 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 1st XI 
DATE: 03/11/2018 
FIXTURE: Womens 1st XI VS 03/11/2018 
HEADLINE: Cambridge vs Norwich  
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION 
VENUE: 
RESULT: 
 
REPORT:  
The result does not reflect the match, we fought and worked hard, we also had lovely passing and combinations at some points.  
 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 03/11/2018 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 3 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 03/11/2018 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 03/11/2018 
HEADLINE: City slay dragons 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: 2-0 win 
 
REPORT: 
 
NCHC W2 hosted Norwich Dragons W3 on Saturday in almost perfect hockey weather. Following a rousing team talk in the changing rooms by captain Helen Busfield, City headed out to warm up a player short of the 13 expected to take the pitch as Matilda had left her shin pads behind. With the regular warm up of the now customary home-pitch game of 'dodge the rabbit holes' and stretching almost complete Matilda decided to show up having turned back to retrieve them. My eagle-eye noticed that she only had a stick, drink bottle and said shin pads with her when she arrived, so how could she forget them? I don't know, but this sort of behaviour is usually reserved for Hannah Jarvis and Matilda unanimously picked up the never desired FOF award.  
 
I digress. Following the thorough and slightly longer on-pitch warm up, City defended the first push back and promptly went on the attack. With forwards Milly Brown, Hannah Jarvis and Rosie Humphrey closing down the Dragons defence we were able to win possession and take control. Following the earlier instructions from Captain Busfield, the inside forwards Georgia Cleveland and Lucy Tilbrook and midfielders/defenders Frankie Birkenhead, Busfield and Kathy Sinnamon were able to thread delightful balls through to others making leading runs and generally causing problems themselves. The pressure soon paid off with a short corner being awarded in our favour. Unfortunately a defensive foot on the line inside the post following a strike by Leigh-Ann Worrall was deemed to not be on target (!!) and another short awarded instead of the anticipated penalty flick. Oh well. Fast-forward a few minutes and after some probing runs by the forwards, they were able to upgrade to deservedly win another PC. This time Worrall was not to be denied and following a neat move, slotted the ball in at the far post. City continued to dominate the battle between the 23's and by changing the points of attack, rapidly transferring the ball around the back between Birkenhead, Megan Conway, Worrall and Sinnamon, Dragons hardly had a look in but when they did foray into our defensive D, Serena Scott in goal had everything under control commanding the area and delivering instructions to the defenders as usual resulting in no troubles. 
 
The half time whistle and well deserved break came with no further goals. 
 
The 2nd half started and we were immediately back on the attack where we'd left off earlier. Alice Gill and Matilda Warde-Aldam made nuisances of themselves putting Dragons firmly on the back foot creating many changes in the attacking D. Several more penalty corners were awarded and Worrall was able to place a mis-timed shot inside the far post in almost identical fashion to the first making it 2-0. Keeping up the pressure by playing a high defensive line, the City defence were hardly troubled and were able to create further attacks resulting in more chances created by those up front but unfortunately the score was to remain 2-0.  
 
This was a great team effort built upon recent good performances with unlucky results and hopefully the turning point for the rest of the season. Next up UEA away and we’ll be aiming for another 3 points. 

WOMENS 3RD XI - 03/11/2018 VS UEA 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 3rd XI 
DATE: 03/11/2018 
FIXTURE: Womens 3rd XI VS 03/11/2018 
HEADLINE: City still winning 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK PREMIER DIVISION 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: UEA (a) 
RESULT: 2-3 (w) 
 
REPORT: On a crisp autumnal day, NCHC women’s 3s visited UEA 2’s to continue their winning streak and, although hard work at times, they got the result they wanted.  
 
The game was a little scrappy to begin with and UEA took early advantage of some sloppy City defending to go 1-0 up. But the visitors equalised soon after when Olivia Greenway got on the end of a drilled-in cross. City began to settle and play some fluent hockey, culminating in a goal from Jenni Stangham.  
 
The second half was well matched and UEA equalised early on, catching City on the break. In response, a quickly-taken long corner saw player of the match Marie Hood seal the victory, striking home from the top of the D to make it 2-3. A well fought win sees City continue their winning streak.  

WOMENS 4TH XI - 03/11/2018 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 4 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 4th XI 
DATE: 03/11/2018 
FIXTURE: Womens 4th XI VS 03/11/2018 
HEADLINE: So near..... but yet so far! 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK PREMIER DIVISION 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Taverham - H2O 
RESULT: 0-1 
 
REPORT:Bright sunshine again today for a morning of hockey as City Women’s 4's hosted Dragon’s 4’s at Taverham. The first half was an evenly matched affair with only a few chances for both teams and some lovely, fluid passing hockey on show. We went in half time with the honours even at 0-0.  
During the second half Dragon’s camped out in the City half and City showed great resolve with some fantastic interceptions, saves and clearances from all over the defence; with one driving, overhead save to note which the Dragon’s team congratulated City on.  
With a fantastic defensive performance but the relentless pressure by Dragon’s eventually paid off with a well taken goal two minutes before the end. A fantastic game of hockey from both teams! 
 
POM: Anna Linsmith  
 

WOMENS 6TH XI - 03/11/2018 VS BRECKLAND 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 6th XI 
DATE: 03/11/2018 
FIXTURE: Womens 6th XI VS 03/11/2018 
HEADLINE: Match conceded, City take points 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK LEAGUE DIVISION 2 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: n/a 
RESULT: 3-0 
REPORT: Breckland couldn't field a team, so conceded the match and City took the three points.  
 
 

WOMENS MASTERS XI - 04/11/2018 VS NORWICH DRAGONS O45S (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens Masters XI 
DATE: 04/11/2018 
FIXTURE: Womens Masters XI VS 04/11/2018 
HEADLINE: City take on Dragons 
LEAGUE: Masters 045 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: L 0-4 
 
REPORT: 
At a time when most civilised womens would be taking tea and tiffin the City 045 ‘girls’ turned out to take on Dragons. After having to go through introductions (‘who are you??’) City headed out to take on a (much) more organised opposition. 
Enthusiasm and team spirit were running high – we just had to keep running… 
Fiona and Longy our stalwart defence soaked up the pressure from Dragons but a nasty injury early on saw us lose Longy (some people will do anything to get back to the clubhouse) 
We had moments of sheer brilliance and some lovely passing play but alas couldn’t make the chances and work-rate from all count. 
Dragons’ kept on the pressure and even with the awesome defending and clearances from City, they got the ball in the net a few too many times. City never lost their grit and determination working hard to the final whistle – it was a valiant effort from all. 

MENS 1ST XI - 03/11/2018 VS WEST HERTS 1     (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 1st XI 
DATE: 03/11/2018 
FIXTURE: Mens 1st XI VS 03/11/2018 
HEADLINE: Eventful 3-3 Draw for City Against West Herts 1's 
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION A 
VENUE: Taverham H20 
RESULT: 3-3 
 
REPORT: This week City faced top half of the table side West Herts 1's, hoping to get a result after the disappointment of losing at the Lee Valley last week, despite playing some good hockey.  
 
City started well controlling the early stages of the game, moving the ball well round the back and getting the ball down the sides of the pitch when the opportunity arose. It was, however, the away side that struck first with a goal. Despite the frustration in conceding, after being the more dominant team in the opening minutes, City did not panic. After a well worked move from City, Pete Morgan found the ball at his feet around the p-spot and finished calmly, putting City back in the game. It wasn't long before City got a second, a sublime drag flick from Tom Cooke was fired into the top right corner of the West Herts net, giving City the lead. Some resilient defending from City was required towards the end of the half to keep the opposition from levelling the scoreline. In the dying minutes a City counter attack lead to a third goal. Cameron Cooke on the score sheet again this week, finishing well from a tight angle to put City in a good position going into half time. 
 
Half Time 3-1 City. 
 
The second half began with West Herts coming out on top during the early stages of the half. However, City held on and had a few chances of their own. Midway through the second half Jeremy Elliot received a very harsh yellow putting City down to ten. The pressure mounted from the away side but the City defence held strong once again, keeping out some well worked short corners from the opposition. With City back to 11 it took a few minutes before another card was brandished. This time Tom Cooke was shown a yellow and in the new few minutes Jack Ingham and Pete Morgan also received a yellow card. City were down to 8! Frustratingly for City, West Herts used their man advantage well and using the space that had opened up with 3 City players in the bin, they managed two goals in quick succession. For the final minutes of the game it was City's turn to have the man advantage with a West Herts playing been shown yellow. Unfortunately for City there wasn't enough time to punish the opposition and the game ended all square. 
 
 
Full Time 3-3 
 
Overall, City will be disappointed with the result as the 3 points was definitely there for the taking. If City can keep up this level of performance and keep 11 men on the pitch they will definitely start getting the results they deserve. 
 

MENS 2ND XI - 03/11/2018 VS WAPPING 3 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 03/11/2018 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 03/11/2018 
HEADLINE: Dogged performance but no outcome at Lee Valley 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 
VENUE: Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis centre 
RESULT: 2-0 loss 
 
REPORT: 
After an early start and a 10 minute wait in the freezing cold for Richard “grizzly” Silvester, City travelled down to Lee Valley Hockey centre to play Wapping 3s, who were 2nd in the league coming into the game. After Clive had “lost” his phone coming out of the changing room, we warmed up and set foot onto the pitch; not the Olympic one unfortunately but still a slick, blue water-based pitch. The game started with city definitely in the game, creating a few good chances in the process; including a flick from Perry hitting the post off a short corner. However, we were defending for most of the first half, and would have been a few goals down if it hadn’t been for the heroics of Millett and his defence. Despite this, we went into half time 1-0 down, as another one of their breaks found it’s way through to the top of the D, and their forward caught Millett off guard in goal to score.  
 
Second half was yet more defending for City, and the midfield line worked especially hard to dampen the threats, certainly deserving their “engine” status. After another sloppy goal conceded by us, we started to push forward again and deserved a goal, as a couple of chances just went the wrong side of the post. 
 
Overall a dogged performance but a disappointing 2-0 loss in the end, as if a couple of mistakes had been erased then we may have got something out of it.  

MENS 4TH XI - 03/11/2018 VS NEWMARKET 2     (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 4th XI 
DATE: 03/11/2018 
FIXTURE: Mens 4th XI VS 03/11/2018 
HEADLINE: City in Seventh Heaven against Newmarket 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 4 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: Won 7-1 
 
REPORT: 
A welcome return to home hunting grounds for City's 4th XI as they welcomed a struggling Newmarket 2nd team for the 7th league game of the season. It was a strong start to the game for City with a large spell of pressure leading to a beautiful run by Ben Withers and an equally sweet finish for City’s first goal. A streak of domination followed with another class finish from Withers extending City’s lead. Then came a goal by Dan Jeffers and yet another goal by Withers for his 1st half hattrick giving City a comfortable lead heading towards halftime. However a small lapse in concentration gave Newmarket a small chance in a short corner, which they promptly took, albeit deflected in. 
City started the second half quickly and soon had their fifth by, guess who, Ben Withers. With a rotating midfield of Land, Pyatt, Tomkinson, Corden and Black(J) bossing Newmarket, City managed to get another goal in the form of a Jeffers deflection. With pinpoint passing and creativity in the middle Tomkinson sent Simon Dale a perfect ball to put the game to bed, a dodgy first touch bobbled the ball away from Dale but a composed half-volley launched the ball into the top corner.  
All in all a strong performance for City with an unwavering defense (special mention Jag Saran), creative midfield (SM Alex Tomkinson) and decisive attack (SM Ben Withers). City look to be remaining strong this season with a few critical matches coming up City will need to keep this form up. 
Final score 7-1 to City 
POTM: Alex Tomkinson 
 
 

MENS 6TH XI - 03/11/2018 VS DEREHAM 3 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 6th XI 
DATE: 03/11/2018 
FIXTURE: Mens 6th XI VS 03/11/2018 
HEADLINE: Another tough game 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 5 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Dereham  
RESULT:lost 5-0 
 
REPORT: 
We arrived at Dereham with no keeper so Derek Dack agreed to put on the keepers kit. We were soon on the back foot against a strong Dereham side . After some brave goal keeping Derek Dack had to retire with a twisted ankle ,so we finished the first half with a kicking back and we were 3-0 down and further injuries to John Grange and Simon Deakin. At half time Simon Deakin agreed to put on the keepers kit. 
The second half was a more even half and there was some good goal keeping from Simon Deakin and some good defending which kept Dereham at bay until the last few minutes when they scored two more goals. 
There were some good performances from many of the players but man of the was Dominic Copping . 
 

COLTS XI - 04/11/2018 VS SAFFRON WALDEN U16 (A) 
 
TEAM: Colts XI 
DATE: 04/11/2018 
FIXTURE: Colts XI VS 04/11/2018 
HEADLINE: Tough day at the office  
LEAGUE: EHA U16 Championship 
VENUE: Saffron Walden 
RESULT: Saffron Walden 10 - 1 Norwich City  
 
REPORT: 
This is proving to be a tough season for our relatively young U16 boys. To the 11 players that were available I thank them (and the fantastic parental support) for fighting to the bitter end and never giving up. 
 
In terms of the game we started slowly and allowed the home team to dominate possession and territory. Whilst the opening goal was a result of some poor marking and half-hearted tackle attempts it was pleasing to see our young guns show steely resolve and improve as the game progressed. When we we kept possession through neat triangles in and out of centre midfield to both flanks we looked good but sadly we always looked vulnerable when Saffron attacked at pace and fluency. This should take nothing away from our defence who yet again put in a major effort but more to do with the high quality linking play of the opposition. 5-0 at half time was tough. 
 
Not surprisingly we tired in the second half (with no substitutes) yet still we never gave up and when the score reached 10-0 you could forgive a few down cast heads but did we see any? No we didn’t and in a true credit to our resolve a delightful move down the right saw Robert McCall score following a half save by the keeper. 10-1 with 55 seconds left and Freddie Paterson declares “it’s a great time for a comeback!” 
 
Saffron were hospital hosts with a very good set of players who continued to play the game properly despite their comfortable winning margin. 
 
Robert McCall was nom8nated as our man of the match. 
 
 
 

COLTS XI - 04/11/2018 VS HARLESTON MAGPIES U14 (H) 
 
TEAM: Colts XI 
DATE: 04/11/2018 
FIXTURE: Colts XI VS 04/11/2018 
HEADLINE: Under 14 boys win again 
LEAGUE: Under 14 Cup  
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: 6-1 
 
REPORT: 
Another good victory for the City under 14s; this time against Harleston Magpies. City took an early lead when Jack Whitlam took a reverse stick shot from close to the base line which ended up in the roof of the net. City stretched the lead when (man of the match and captain for the day) Freddie Smith put away a rebound from a short corner. The third goal created by Ollie Millett’s delightful pass was calmly finished by Max Wilson. Toby Pallister completed the first half scoring with a solo effort which saw him carry the ball from the half way line leaving the Magpies defenders in his wake before lifting the rebound following the Magpies’ keeper’s initial save. 
 
City’s dominance in the first half was build on the outstanding performances from Sam Hyatt, James Cross, Krishna Patel and Cameron Hansell. The patience and good decision making of the “defensive” unit created the space and gave the forwards the opportunities to score. 
 
The second half was tighter. Magpies came out hard and converted an early chance. City’s control of the match was quickly re-established with Jamie Granville, Sam Hancock, and Mattie Roy harrying the Magpies from the front to the back. Then the tireless Henry Baker picked out Ollie Millett for the fifth goal and Jack Whitlam reverse stick completed the scoring. 
 
Despite the good team victory they boys felt they could play better! 
 

COLTS XI - 04/11/2018 VS CAMBRIDGE CITY U18 (A) 
 
TEAM: Colts XI 
DATE: 04/11/2018 
FIXTURE: Colts XI VS 04/11/2018 
HEADLINE: Awesome win for City U18 Boys against Cambridge City 
LEAGUE: U18 Boys Cup 
VENUE: Cambridge City 
RESULT: Won 3 - 2 
 
REPORT: 
Norwich City u18 Boys played brilliantly in beating Cambridge u18s 3-2 in an entertaining and high quality game in the England Hockey Competition yesterday. 
 
City’s u18 Boys travelled to Cambridge on Sunday primed for a really competitive match against premier opposition. The game started at breakneck speed, with City quickly taking the ascendancy as the midfield of Dan Phillips, Harry Paterson and Cameron Cooke began to dominate. Cambridge were quickly penned into their own half but remained a danger through smashing long balls forward for their speedy forwards to run onto. It was City who carved out the initial chances with forwards Ben Withers, Ben Chapman and Ross Butler in irrepressible form. Withers came close with a thunderous shot, before Butler’s lob beat the keeper but unfortunately also the bar. Despite some great efforts from the Cambridge keeper, a City goal was coming and it was to be Cameron Cooke who made the most of a bobbling ball in the D and smashed it home. Butler then made it two when he patiently waited for the ball to come under control before slotting it home. It was not all one way traffic and defenders Harry Bassett, Alex Merron, Tom Bailey and George Harrad had to be very alert to snuff out the Cambridge breaks. 
 
2-0 up at half-time, City were very much in the driving seat. Coaches Al Paterson and Tom Cooke urged the boys to keep up the work rate, to move the ball earlier and to keep up the marking in defence. With new boys Willem Wibaut and Gautham Narayanan providing much needed fresh legs, City continued to press hard and created several changes before scoring a third. This time, Cameron Cooke smashed a ball from the right into the D. Harry Paterson deflected the ball with great skill but was denied by the post and Butler was first to react to net the rebound. At this point City should have been home and dried. All credit to Cambridge who kept going, with keeper Ben Nkrumah having to make several smart saves. At 3-0 up with 10 minutes to go, City were surely in the clear, when Cambridge managed to score twice in quick succession through rapid breaks to set up a nervy ending. City managed to hold out for a 3-2 win, which keeps City in the Tier 1 competition alongside many of the top clubs in the country. 
 
Many of the team have played together since Minis and it is impressive and rewarding to see how far they have come. There were numerous candidates for Man of the Match, but it goes to George Harrad who was always alert in defence, made some excellent tackles, took the ball out of the air imperiously and had an excellent workrate. We wait with baited breath to see who we will be up against in the next round. 
 
 
 
 
 
 

MENS DEVELOPMENT XI - 03/11/2018 VS HARLESTON MAGPIES (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens Development XI 
DATE: 03/11/2018 
FIXTURE: Mens Development XI VS 03/11/2018 
HEADLINE: Fireworks? 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Harleston 
RESULT: 3-0 Win 
 
REPORT: 
Bangers. A faint smell of cordite on the wind, sticks cracking and temperatures rising – you’ve guessed it: our Devs were back in action once more, this time taking on the mighty Magpies.  
 
Some lovely passing hockey - quick and to stick – saw off this otherwise resourceful Harleston team. We had a few sparklers up our own sleeves with the pacey and skilful Harvey up front stretching their defence and allowing the able and capable Duncan to weave some magic with 2 goals and Joel on his determined debut to score one and provide an assist – excellent effort from the whole team and in particular these three – Duncan being voted POTM.  
 
Midfield had a good day at the office too although a temporary lack of gumshield provided the comedy moment of the game with the quickest sprint ever coming from the dentist’s son matched only by his wide-in-disbelief eyes registering the profound silence and, for once, having to admonish himself with a self-rollicking. Still a clean sheet was had with Josie having his finest game this season and the excellent captain Angus magisterially organising from the back and providing a near impenetrable defence in the second half. The only other possible and remote explanation was the hoolie that had started to blow in, it was Harleston, after all.