Results

LADIES 1ST XI - 10/03/2018 VS DEREHAM 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 1st XI 
DATE: 10/03/2018 
FIXTURE: Womens 1st XI VS 10/03/2018 
HEADLINE: The Womens 1s win the Dereham derby 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 NORTH 
VENUE: Dereham 
RESULT: 2-0 
 
REPORT: 
 
As the season draws to a close the womens 1st team had an upper table clash against old enemies, Dereham. After playing them twice already this season (a win and a draw) both teams were out for blood. After a quick warm up City were raring to go and had a strong start, linking passes across the pitch through Ange in the middle and looking strong on the wings with both Jo and Alice running up and down the pitch relentlessly. The forward line pressed high and won a short corner, although slightly improvised, the ball slipped to the right to Jo who shot it across the face of goal to a hungry Fong on the left post, she put it away effortlessly and City took the lead. Unfortunately for Fongy her celebrations didn’t last long, Dereham came back hard and won a short corner, Fong ran out hard but an attackers stick hit Fong’s chin drawing blood (at least she left her mark on Dereham’s pitch). Flic dropped to centre back with Sally and made a formidable defence with Rachel and Ellie P either side, however City struggled to play the ball out and Dereham made strong attacks forcing POTM Summer to make some crucial saves including a dive across the line. The half-time whistle came with relief as City re-grouped and took a breath, they were ready for the second half. 
 
They started the second half well, with a surprise appearance at central defence for Jo leading from the back. The wing play from Rachel, Alice and Emily on the right and Ellie P, Ellie B and Oli on the left was unstoppable and Abs holding the middle. Dereham struggled to cope and after a scramble in the ‘D’ City won another short corner. It went to Emily initially who slipped it to Ellie B on the p-spot who put it away, City were taking charge of the game but Dereham hadn’t given up yet. They pushed hard but City fought back, Dereham had numerous amounts of short corners but City’s short corner defence let loose with Summer making more saves, Dereham couldn’t do anything about it. The opposition grew tired and City sprung whilst they had the chance winning a short corner and subsequently a penalty flick, although we didn’t convert it, Dereham’s morale dropped and we owned the rest of the game. A well deserved win as the Womens 1s sit comfortably in 3rd place. 
POM - Summer Haylock. 

LADIES 3RD XI - 14/03/2018 VS NORWICH CITY 4 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 3rd XI 
DATE: 14/03/2018 
FIXTURE: Womens 3rd XI VS 14/03/2018 
HEADLINE:  
LEAGUE: NORFOLK PREMIER DIVISION 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: NCHC (A) 
RESULT: 0 - 7 (W) 
 
REPORT: 
The rescheduled rival inter-club match of NCHC womens 3s vs 4s was on a cold mid-week evening. The first half saw the 3s on top, gaining most of the possession through lovely transferring all over the pitch, accurate passing into space, communication among players, and overall hard work and determination. The 4s put up a good fight using Charlotte Gundry’s pace on the right wing, posing a threat to the 3’s defensive line. Staying strong and calm, the 3s were able to manoeuvre the ball to the forwards, who then skillfully eliminated the 4s defenders, scoring a number of goals through both individual strength and linking play from Olivia Greenway (x2) and Sophia Basset. Emily Spencer also converted a short corner with her trademark straight hit into the back of the net. 
 
The second half saw no slacking from City 3s, still eager to obtain more goals. Heather Tasker’s magnificent goal made the score 0-5 after successfully dribbling past several opponents. The 4s did not give up; continuing to attack the 3’s D and winning a number of short corners, only to be stopped by 4s goalkeeper Milly Hyatt. Further goals from Sophia Basset and Rachael Phillips ended the game 0-7 to NCHC 3s.  
 
Everyone should be proud of their efforts and sportsmanship.  

LADIES 3RD XI - 10/03/2018 VS HARLESTON MAGPIES 4 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 3rd XI 
DATE: 10/03/2018 
FIXTURE: Womens 3rd XI VS 10/03/2018 
HEADLINE: The 3s win again with three games to go 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK PREMIER DIVISION 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Harleston Magpies (A) 
RESULT: 1 -4 (W) 
 
REPORT: 
NCHC womens 3s took a trip to Harleston with a strong team and high energy levels. The first half was end to end physical hockey and it was a while before the first break came from City; the build up starting in defence, driven up by midfield and into the D, where Sophia Bassset flicked the ball up over the goal keeper to open the scoring. 
 
Magpies responded and City goalie Grace Thrower made some great saves against their attempts. The visitor's defence worked hard, managing to stop a short-corner that followed. Eventually, however, Magpies scored and it was 1-1 going into half-time. 
 
After a team talk by injured captain Kim Lusher, City came out with spirits high and went up a gear. The game continued to be physical and the hosts had a few chances from some strong runs up the wing. Yet, most of the possession was City’s and with some strong passes forward by Ellyn Roberts and Fiona Spencer, the ball was picked up by midfield and driven forward again, where a second goal came from Sophia following a great cross into the D from Rachael Phillips. 
 
Magpies fought back hard, until City scored again from a short corner, as player of the match Sophia completed a hat-trick. In the last ten minutes, Rachael converted another short corner to finish the game 1-4. 
 
It was a fantastic team performance from the defence, midfield and forwards all working tirelessly to get yet another great win in City's undefeated run since Christmas. 

LADIES 4TH XI - 10/03/2018 VS EVERGREENS 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 4th XI 
DATE: 10/03/2018 
FIXTURE: Womens 4th XI VS 10/03/2018 
HEADLINE: City dominate match against Evergreens 
LADIES 4TH XI - 10/03/2018 VS EVERGREENS 1 (H)  
 
TEAM: Womens 4th XI  
DATE: 10/03/2018  
FIXTURE: Womens 4th XI VS 10/03/2018  
HEADLINE: A dominant City 4s score four against Evergreens  
LEAGUE: NORFOLK PREMIER DIVISION  
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED  
VENUE: Taverham  
RESULT: 4-0  
 
REPORT:  
City 4s had the best of the play throughout the match. However, despite repeated attacks on goal, City struggled to find the net in the early stages of the match – held off mostly by a strong performance from Evergreen’s goalkeeper.  
 
But the attacking play eventually paid off when the first City goal was scored by Ellie Hobden who made an impressive slap into the net from a short corner slip.  
An amazing goal-line save by Ella Kassulke meant that City went into the break one nil up.  
 
Norwich started the second half determined to score more goals so that the final scoreline would reflect how dominant they were in the match.  
The second half brought three more goals for City. Two skilful shots from Caroline Illing that found the net and the fourth a shot in the top of the net by Ella Sharrock.  
Final score 4 – 0  
Match report by Kate Houldey  

LADIES 6TH XI - 10/03/2018 VS HARLESTON MAGPIES 6 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 6th XI 
DATE: 10/03/2018 
FIXTURE: Womens 6th XI VS 10/03/2018 
HEADLINE: Tough battle for City 6s 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK LEAGUE DIVISION 2 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE:Taverham 
RESULT: City 2 - Magpies 3 
 
REPORT: 
The Harleston visitors opened on full throttle punishing City 6s with two quick-fire goals in the opening few minutes.  
City, short of their customary centre midfielders and trialling a new more attacking formation that perhaps needs a little more drilling, were caught out by the unexpected strength of the opposition.  
 
A repeated overload in the home 25, with wave after wave of circle penetrations and powerful balls through, proved an impossible task for the City D-unit.  
 
However, City steadied themselves and gradually began to find their feet with some more attacking play. The home team then pulled back a goal when a great cross into the D from Frances Byrne on the right was netted into the left corner by Liz Hollis.  
 
Half time score City 1 – Mapgpies 2 
 
After the break, City reverted to their more familiar formation and managed to stave off several dangerous attacks. Yet still the home team struggled to find the attacking and passing momentum they have been used to playing in the last few weeks.  
 
Hard-working defenders Vicky Myhill, Emma Guyton, Karen Paterson and Rose Byrne were constantly called into action and had to give it their impressive all to keep Magpies away from the home goal. To their credit, despite some skilled attacking, Magpies only netted one more goal in the second half. 
 
City managed to up their game a bit after the break and have a lot more of the play as a result. Indeed, the second half was far better for City and the home teams’ more attacking game saw Frances Byrne net a powerful goal from a short corner. 
 
The game was beginning to turn in City’s favour as they found their feet but unfortunately it was too late for a win or even a draw.  
 
A tough game but City held on and had enough of the play to ensure it was a respectable finishing score.  
 
Player of the match Maddie Smith, midfield.  
Full time City 2 – Magpies 3.  
 
 

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 2ND XI - 11/03/2018 VS CAMBRIDGE UNI 3 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 11/03/2018 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 11/03/2018 
HEADLINE: PROMOTION HEROES!!! 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH 
RESULT: 3-4 
 
REPORT: 
City travelled to Cambridge with a bare 11, but spurred on by the knowledge that a win would seal promotion and by the sight of Stu Wardle in a charming yellow sock, jean and shirt combo. There were a few tired legs from Saturday’s trip to Horncastle so a good warm up was vital. 
 
City started off well and deservedly took the lead as Tom Hindle expertly used a defender’s foot to deflect the ball into the goal from a short corner. While City’s play was full of energy, it lacked a little in quality, which led to a number of missed chances for the visitors. City were made to pay for these missed opportunities when Cambridge levelled the score through a lucky deflection off an attackers stick. City continued to move the ball well around the back through Jack and Clive, with the full backs, Rich and Dan Cheeseman making good attacking runs.  
 
In spite of Tom Hindle’s hundreds of missed reverse stick attempts, City started to dominate the game after halftime. The pressure finally paid off when Ben Plumb put away City’s second with a smart turn and finish after another well worked move. With City thinking they had done enough to seal promotion, Cambridge did their best to spoil the party by equalising with less than 10 minutes to play. City fought back with tireless work from the midfield trio of Matt Fretwell, Ben Plumb and Rich Green, and eventually managed to grab a late winning goal with Harry ‘pins’ Gill, just about managing to get the ball over the line with minutes to go. City travelled home with all 3 points and promotion in the bag…bring on Div 1!  
 
MOTM- Matt Fretwell  
 
TYFC- Tom Hindle 

MENS 4TH XI - 10/03/2018 VS IPSWICH 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 4th XI 
DATE: 10/03/2018 
FIXTURE: Mens 4th XI VS 10/03/2018 
HEADLINE: Ip Switched Off 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Tuddenham Road, Ipswich 
RESULT: 3:2 
 
REPORT:After a cold and miserable weagther effected couple of weeks Norwich City Men's 4s looked forward to a return to league action against Ipswich 2s at the weekend. With no recognised striker available due to call ups and unavailability, City found themselves fielding a lopsided team against a confident Ipswich team. City however started the brighter side and took the lead after good work by the midfield resulting in Dan Jeffers scoring from close range with a cheeky chip over the sprawling home keeper. This was the best of the first quarter of an hour from City as they then struggled to keep the home side's talented midfield duo under wraps. Ipswich equalised midway through the half and then took the lead with a some what fortunate goal as although Dim Ives in goal for City made a brilliant Penalty flick save, he was adjudged to have moved before the stroke was taken and Ipswich scored from the retaken flick. 
The second half saw City regain their control over the game and equalised from a short corner through the dependable Jamie Higginbotham. This wasn't enough to stamp their control on the rest of the match and once again, Ipswich's midfield pair ran the show. Finally after many opportunities to regain the lead, the home side duly took their chance when they took the ball around the outside of the City area probing for a weakness and edged a shot inside the far post. City tried in vain over the final 10 minutes to equalise again but a lack of composure and a recognised striker saw the game ebb away. City MOM Toby Pallister 
 

U18 BOYS XI - 11/03/2018 VS WARWICK (A) 
 
TEAM: U18 Boys XI 
DATE: 11/03/2018 
FIXTURE: U18 Boys XI VS 11/03/2018 
HEADLINE: Heartbreak for U18 Boys 
LEAGUE: EH U18 Cup 
VENUE: Warwick HC 
RESULT: 3-3 Draw (Lost on Flicks) 
 
REPORT: 
City’s U18 boys team travelled across England to Warwick on Sunday full of hope for their quarter final against Warwick HC in the U18 Cup. Ultimately it was to be a gutsy yet disappointing performance with City desperately unlucky to lose out. 
 
After a week of making sure we had enough players for the fixture, City travelled with a strong but small squad of 11 players to Warwick HC. City started strongly and within 5 minutes Josh Bailey had dribbled into the D on the left and found Harry Paterson who calmly slotted the ball for a 1-0 win. City weren’t playing their best but still were strong enough to be comfortably on top. The coaches were just preparing their half time talk when one of the umpires made a decision that was to change the match and have a huge influence on the result. Warwick were attacking our goal, when City Keeper Billy Buckingham made what appeared to be a great challenge for the ball. For reasons which no-one else could see (including the opposition coaches), the umpire awarded a penalty flick to the opposition as well as giving Billy a ten minute yellow card.  
 
City valiantly fought to keep Warwick out of our D for the ten minute sin bin, but Warwick not only scored the flick, but also two other goals in the period to lead 3-1. City had a mountain to climb but, moved up several gears to put all the pressure on Warwick. Eventually, after good work from Paterson, stand-in striker Ross Butler scored City’s second. Then with five minutes to go, the ball was crossed from the right and Alex Merron imperiously drove the ball home to level the scores. City attacked relentlessly for the last five minutes and when Josh Bailey’s reverse stick shot just missed the goal at the end, we knew we were going to flicks.  
 
The flick competition was tight but someone had to win and it was Warwick 4-3. We wish Warwick well in the next round. However, City justifiably felt hard done by in a match where we had scored three times and the opposition did not score any when we had a keeper on the pitch! Man of the match was Billy Buckingham who was imperious in goal, including making a couple of saves that seemed nigh on impossible, and who took the umpire’s decision in a very mature way. 
 
Thanks are due to all the parents for their support, everyone who searched high and low for players during the week, and to Frosty for his calm support on the bench. But most of all thanks to all the players in the squad, each of whom have been a pleasure to coach – and particularly those for who, after so many years representing City in the Minis and Juniors, this was their last junior game. It has been a great journey and all of us who have been on the journey with you (Al, Frosty, Geoff, Pies, Nigel etc….) have enjoyed it! 
 
 
 

MENS DEVELOPMENT XI - 10/03/2018 VS DEREHAM (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens Development XI 
DATE: 10/03/2018 
FIXTURE: Mens Development XI VS 10/03/2018 
HEADLINE: Dominant Devs destroy Dereham 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Dereham 
RESULT: Dereham 0-11 Norwich City 
 
REPORT: 
Perhaps the most pleasing aspect of this convincing win was the way the four U12 players inter linked with the older “proper Dev” (i.e. U14 players) and the way the older players trusted and supported the young pretenders. 
 
The match was played as four quarters to allow the coaches maximum time to engage with their teams. City opened the scoring when an excellent penalty corner strike was equally well saved by Jayden Bourges in the Dereham goal only for Jonty Black to clinically flick the ball into the roof of the net. Henry Baker, Sam Hyatt and Jonty Black were particularly dominant in this first period, creating some stylish linking play with the wide forwards (Ethan Rushton and Alex Illing). It was entirely fitting that Henry should extend the lead following a dynamic run and a slightly scruffy shot that eluded the keeper. With Sam and Jonty intelligently passing the ball backwards as well as forwards this allowed Archie Ward and Krishna Patel to switch play intelligently and to great affect. 
 
A quick team talk focusing on maintaining positional sense and on passing seemed to work as Corey Rushton made it 3-0 following a nice passing move down the right (Mattie Roy, Henry Baker and Alex Illing), Jonty made it 4 and then 5 in quick succession with good finishes to flowing passing moves. Alex was unlucky not to add his name to the scoresheet when a delightful run by Jack Whitlam won a penalty corner just as his pass was tapped in by Alex. (Sometimes the umpires just can’t win!). Whilst Corey and Mattie had quietish first quarters they really showed their class on and off the ball in this second quarter. They also showed great awareness of each other’s games....a great advertisement for playing up and coming youngsters in twos or more as their familiarity with each other’s games was very evident. Whilst the quarter was dominated by City there were a few lapses that led to some scrambles in the visitor’s D. Seb Kimber made two back to back saves that given City’s dominance should not have come about. However, what it did show was the level of concentration top keepers have to have....out of the game for long periods, but there when you need them. Well done Seb! 
 
With the score 5-0 at half time it was time for some positional changes. To be honest, moving Archie up to inside forward was a success, he showed exactly the right amount of energy and got the dribble to pass ratio just about spot on but the other changes were less of a success. Fortunately Mattie Roy scored a good goal to extend the lead, but the quarter was scrappy. The highlight was the wonderful interplay between Henry and Alex .... Henry was the conductor and Alex the responsive orchestra...he listened he reacted he never gave up! 
 
Fortunately the final quarter saw a lot of very unselfish passing and moving with Archie (twice) and Jonty (once) playing defence splitting passes to die for...sadly none resulted in a goal. Corey made it 7, Krishna 8, a brace by Alex (including a very good far post chest high deflection) made it 10-0. Throughout the quarter Jack had either been thwarted by the keeper or had his target set just wide of the goal so it was somewhat fitting that he finally finished off a neat passing move to make it 11-0. 
 
The opposition were asked to name a man of the match, and whilst there were a number of worthy contenders, they elected Archie Ward.