Results

LADIES 1ST XI - 13/01/2018 VS WISBECH TOWN 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 1st XI 
DATE: 13/01/2018 
FIXTURE: Womens 1st XI VS 13/01/2018 
HEADLINE: NC draw unprecedented 5th game in a row.  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 NORTH 
VENUE: Wisbech 
RESULT: 2-2 
 
REPORT: NC L1s travelled to Wisbech for their 3rd meeting this season and were hoping for another win to kick start a stuttering season after a run of 4 draws.  
 
With a period of sustained pressure in the Wisbech 23m, NC won their first short corner of the game. After having her initial strike well saved by the keeper, the ball rebounded straight back to Krystal Bishop and she unleashed a thunderbolt of a strike into the top corner of the goal. 0-1 to NC. 
 
The midfield trio of Alice Gill, Angela Hindle and Jo Staines worked hard to control of the midfield. Linking up well with the forwards and working back when the ball was lost. 
 
Ellie Pitcher made a welcomed return to 1st team action and was instrumental in creating space for cross field switches with fellow defenders Pui Chung, Harriet Johnson and Dani Sizer.  
 
After winning the ball in our own half, a long ball by Micayla Tootill found Abbie Ingham who skilfully eliminated the lone centre back, which allowed Olivia Williams to draw the keeper and pass square for Ellie Brine for a simple finish. 0-2 to NC at half time. 
 
Wisbech started the 2nd half strongly, using the pitch to their advantage as NC struggled to control the ball. Summer Haylock in goal made some important saves to keep the home side at bay.  
 
A melee in the D led to the home side being awarded their 1st short corner. NC was unlucky to concede with the strike making various deflections before deceiving Summer and trickling across the goal line. Score 1-2.  
 
Play continued end to end, with both sides making chances. However, with the ball lost at the half way line, a speculative long pass found a high forward unmarked at the P spot to score the equaliser. Score 2-2. 
 
NC upped their game to avoid another draw and were camped in the opposition 23m and won a short corner just before the final whistle. However, with Micayla’s reverse shot on goal, a massive stick on stick noise was adjudged by the umpire to be a strike on the defensive stick and the game finished in confusion. 
 
NC have now drawn an unprecedented 5 games in a row.  
 
POTM went to Pui Chung 

LADIES 3RD XI - 13/01/2018 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 3 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 3rd XI 
DATE: 13/01/2018 
FIXTURE: Womens 3rd XI VS 13/01/2018 
HEADLINE:  
LEAGUE: NORFOLK PREMIER DIVISION 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Dragon's Den 
RESULT:3-1 to City 
 
REPORT: 
This fixture was a tough encounter away against top of the league Norwich Dragons 3s. 
City started the first half strongly, with lots of possession and some forays into the opposition D, with Sophia Bassett gaining the early first goal.  
Another goal from Sophia Bassett followed the first, but this was followed by a short corner opportunity for Dragons. This was cleanly put away, following a precise routine from Dragons, leaving the scoreline at half time 2-1. 
Coach Nick reminded the team to channel the spirit of Gandalf (‘you shall not pass’) and maintain a strong defence in the second half. The team indeed held fast, with some tenacious defending from Kim, Fiona, Emily, Jenny and Kirstin across the back. Keeper Rosie was called upon to make some saves, but the Dragons were kept at bay. City continued to work hard, with some great passing through midfield, giving Sophia another opportunity at a tight angle, which she ably put away for her hat-trick.  
The score at full time was 3-1 – a great result for City and a testament to a strong team performance and hard work all round.  
The team was delighted with the win, and also delighted with the prospect of pizza for match teas – a good day for us!  
 
 

LADIES 4TH XI - 13/01/2018 VS LOWESTOFT RAILWAY 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 4th XI 
DATE: 13/01/2018 
FIXTURE: Womens 4th XI VS 13/01/2018 
HEADLINE: Dazzling New Year's start for Womens 4's 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK PREMIER DIVISION 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE:TRF 
RESULT:3-1 (Win) 
 
REPORT: 
We started strong and made some good attacking moves and kept possession of the ball. We scored our first goal from a straight strike from a short corner by Amelia. We continued to stay in control of the game and made some good transfers round the back. We were then awarded another short corner where Amelia scored from a deflection off the keeper. 
 
After half time Lowestoft came back in the game with a goal. Despite this we continued to work hard and Grace made an excellent run, beating a defender and the goalkeeper to score a solo goal. 
 
We had a strong team performance today and the result reflected this. Thanks must go to Hannah for stepping up to play in goal for us at the last minute and to Bev for coming up to support us today (again at very short notice). 
 
Match Report kindly provided by a well deserved POTM Amelia Ellis-Baumber 

LADIES 5TH XI - 13/01/2018 VS WATTON 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 5th XI 
DATE: 13/01/2018 
FIXTURE: Womens 5th XI VS 13/01/2018 
HEADLINE:  
LEAGUE: NORFOLK LEAGUE DIVISION 1 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Watton Sports Centre 
RESULT: Draw 3-3 
 
REPORT:It was a very cold and blustery day that met us at Watton Sports Centre, along with a very much younger Watton 2’s team, since we played them last time. They only had two players over the age of 19! The City 5’s has a few more over the age of 19, (ahem..).. but as they say, with age comes wisdom and in the City 5’s case, plenty of grit and determination. The 5’s were on fire from the off and whilst the first Watton attack left 2 players injured within the first 10 minutes, City were hard to penetrate with Jessica Taylor-Balls, Gillian Allen and Ali McLellan putting up a skilful wall of defence and redistributing the ball well to give City plenty of breaks. Jane Loughridge dropped into defence, from her usual midfield position, to replace the injured Netty Peters, and did a brilliant job. 
 
The City Mids : Maria Marsh, Carolyn Lumley, Carol McNarry, Lucy McNarry worked even harder than usual, constantly driving up to attack and dropping back in defence; no mean feat with the ever energetic Watton Yoof! Jessica Taylor-Balls and Gillian Allen played a vital role in supporting the mids by being so dependable in defence yet driving the ball to initiate the attack. 
 
Watton scored the first goal after a fast break and good strike from the young forward who went onto score all 3 of Watton’s goals. Molly Crabtree, a hat trick scorer for City this week scored her first superb goal from a pass initiated by Jane Loughridge way back on the half way line and picked up by Lucy McNarry on the wing who then gave a strong pass into the Watton D. Molly’s spinning and flicking technique had the Watton defence baffled! 
Half time 1:1. 
 
It was end to end play in the second half. Very exciting and both City and Watton played a strong attacking game with many chances and a few short corners on both sides. Two more goals were scored in the second half. Then 10 minutes before the end, Molly did her spin in the D and made a goal from nothing, to the amazement and surprise of all and Norwich were 3:2 up. A tough, intense match was drawing to a close and Norwich looked to dominate. 2 minutes before the end of the match the Watton super striker made a break from the half way line and scored the equaliser.  
 
Shame it was a draw and so close to a win. However, City 5’s look stronger and stronger every week. Play was disciplined and determined and passes were efficient. Great play by all.  
 
POM – Molly Crabtree. 
Match report kindly written by Annette Peters 

LADIES 6TH XI - 13/01/2018 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 6 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 6th XI 
DATE: 13/01/2018 
FIXTURE: Womens 6th XI VS 13/01/2018 
HEADLINE: Tough battle in local Derby 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK LEAGUE DIVISION 2 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Taverham 
City 0 - Dragons 2 
REPORT:City 6s met their counterparts from Dragons for an early morning fixture at Taverham. The first half saw an end-to-end battle with each team frequently penetrating the opposition D and making dangerous attacks. However, a hungry-for-promotion Dragons found the net 20 minutes into the game and City went into the break one-nil down despite having plenty of the play. 
City came back out fighting hard and began by pushing the game into the Dragons 25 for the first few minutes. However, City lost momentum as a determined Dragons pushed hard again and exerted a high press that City found it hard to eliminate. Dragons eventually won a series of short-corners, one of which eventually found the net.  
 
 

LADIES DEVELOPMENT XI A - 13/01/2018 VS NORWICH DRAGONS (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens Development XI A 
DATE: 13/01/2018 
FIXTURE: Womens Development XI A VS 13/01/2018 
HEADLINE: The secret of getting ahead.... 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: Norwich City 5-1 Norwich Dragons 
 
REPORT: 
Mark Twain said ‘The secret of getting ahead is getting started’ and the NCH Development Womens team got started with a precision and fluency that got them ahead enough to finish with a final score that perhaps does not reflect some great effort by an impressive Dragons team, who put up a fierce resistance in the third quarter that could have resulted in a somewhat different final score line. 
 
City won by a convincing 5 - 1 but they certainly didn’t always have the upper hand.  
They began the game with exceptional efficiency, with all the players deployed according to their strengths. They scored 4 of their 5 goals before half time. They were clinical in their attack from the start, with the centre of the field being held with great strength and determination by Claudia Hudson-Madge, who had an outstanding match from start to finish, and Captain Effie Bowley, between them effectively passing to Tilly Butterworth on the right wing and Loulou Ford on the left. Tilly’s first athletic drive was effectively finished with a swift pass across the D that found an opposition foot, resulting in the first of the short corners, which was driven sharply into the goal by Tilly with a clinical strike. Norwich continued to pass fluently, playing some exceptional hockey and retaining the upper hand throughout the first half. Effie scored the next goal with a well coordinated reverse strike from the back of the D. ‘I megsd the keeper’ the captain declared! Another short corner upped the score once more as Tilly found her way past the Dragons goalie, and the first half was concluded with another superb goal from Maddie Hallam. 
 
Despite a conclusive first half, the second half of the match saw sustained action for goalkeeper Sophie Colman whose boots saved the day many times as the girls allowed themselves to be forced onto the back foot, with some weaker passing and a loss of shape that could have resulted in a much closer score line. NCH found themselves defending against an aggressive and prolonged Dragons attack. Goalie Sophia was joined in defence by Izzy Morgan -Evans and Millie Beard who were called to arms and managed to fend off the advance, conceding only one goal during a third quarter that was nail biting as the ball crossed in front of the goal, short corners failed to find their mark and near misses abounded.  
Finally, the team began to find their mojo once again, and mounted a last offensive in the fourth quarter, managing to garner a last short corner, slotted in by the ever clinical Tilly Butterworth.  
A great result and a hard fought match. There was some good hockey on show from both teams. It is fair to say that during the first half, there was some exceptionally fluid passing from the NCH team, and the ball was moved around with speed, intelligence and an accuracy that bodes well for the remainder of the season. Tilly deservedly won Player of the Match. 
 

LADIES DEVELOPMENT XI B - 13/01/2018 VS PELICANS (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens Development XI B 
DATE: 13/01/2018 
FIXTURE: Womens Development XI B VS 13/01/2018 
HEADLINE: Improved Pelicans provide tough test for City Girls 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: LynnSport 
RESULT: Pelicans 0-3 Norwich City 
 
REPORT: 
A much improved and well-drilled Pelicans side proved difficult to break down, but the City girls were once again up to the task and eventually turned their domination into a well-deserved victory. 
 
The diversion in place around LynnSport was the biggest threat to the Norwich defence as the first quarter got underway. Goalkeeper Sophia was stuck in traffic as Pelicans pushed forward to make the most of their advantage. As always through, the City defence of Tabitha, player of the match Sabina, Daisy and sweeper/keeper Imogen were the immovable object of Dev’s hockey and did not allow the opposition to have any shots on goal. At the other end of the field, the irresistible force of Niamh, Evie-Mae, Amelia and Emily were creating chance after chance but were repeatedly foiled by a splendid Pelicans goalkeeper. 
 
The second quarter was notable for Sophia’s belated but welcome appearance in the City goal and an almost infinite amount of shots on the Pelly’s goal with saves made from Niamh, Evie, Evie-Mae, Emily, Sabina, Lucy, Kate and Imogen. 
 
Half Time Pelicans 0-0 Norwich City 
 
The City girls began the second half in complete control and continued to create multiple chances through excellent work by Niamh and Emily down the right and left flanks respectively. Pelicans had their only chance of the match when a long ball through was convincingly cleared by Sophia moments before the attacker arrived. A collective sigh of relief went up seconds later when Amelia’s fabulous run and cross was tucked in at the far post for a well-deserved goal from Emily. 
 
The final quarter began with wonderful poise from Emily on the left as she controlled the ball and passed infield to Evie-Mae who subsequently dribbled half the length of the field and slotted the ball past a helpless Pelicans goalkeeper. Much as they did for the preceding 45 minutes, Norwich controlled possession and the Pelicans goalie was the busiest player on the pitch. Finally, with their ninth short corner of the game, Niamh shaped to shoot but craftily cut the ball sideways to Evie-Mae who hit a reverse shot in to the far corner of the goal. 
 
Full Time Pelicans 0-3 Norwich City 
 

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

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

MENS 2ND XI - 13/01/2018 VS UEA (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 13/01/2018 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 13/01/2018 
HEADLINE: 6 of the best from city! 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH 
VENUE: UEA 
RESULT: 6-0 City Win 
 
REPORT: 
City 2’s went into this game full off believe and confidence off the back of 5 straight wins and 3 consecutive clean sheets.  
City started well, pressing high when they didn’t have the ball and maintain good possession with it. City took the lead when Tom Cox fired home from close range. He put so much force on the ball that it almost ripped through the net. Clearly some pent up frustration in those bulging biceps!  
Hindle and Cheesman combined to score city’s second. A nice one two around the UEA goal keeper left Cheesman with a simple tap in… 2-0.  
It was then the same pair again that created the third. This time Hindle with a Gerrard-esk, pass to find Cheesman alone in the D to get his second of the afternoon.  
City went into the break 3-0 up and very comfortable. 
The second half started well for city and after 10mins or so they found the net again. Another searching pass from Hindle finding Cox on the right post whose delicate (not fortunate) touch steered the ball passed the on rushing keeper… 4-0 
City then had 5 minutes of great pressure and could easily have scored another two or three if it were not for Hindle clearly missing good chances from close range… the words barn and door spring to mind!  
City then got their 5th… this time Brine made space on the right and fired at goal. The shot was going high and wide but fortunately Cox was in the way and was able to divert the ball back towards goal and get his third of the afternoon… Drinks all around cried City! 
As the game was coming to a close it was the team’s elder statesman Jim Pallister (who had conveniently bough himself on up front) who bagged himself a goal and City’s 6th. A good pass from the right finding the false number 9 at the back post to tap home. 
A 4 way tie between Hobson, Cox, Scott and Hindle was left to Hindle to decide Man of the match. After being informed he couldn’t vote for himself the nod went to the teams SA right half Hobson. A tireless display both in defence and attack!  
City now prepare to face league leaders Magpies 2’s in a top of the table clash.  
 

MENS 4TH XI - 14/01/2018 VS UEA 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 4th XI 
DATE: 14/01/2018 
FIXTURE: Mens 4th XI VS 14/01/2018 
HEADLINE: UEA OK 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: UEA SPORTS PARK 
RESULT: 1:5 
 
REPORT: This rearranged match from before Xmas saw both sides returning to the field barely 24 hours after their last games which could have took it's toll on wary legs but for a srong squd from City 4s. Starting like they had nothing to lose and everything to prove, City went a goal up inside the first minute. Jim Pallister scoring from a penalty corner routine straight from the City archives. This was the boost the side needed to calm the nerves and City began to play some very good fluent passing hockey. Another goal arrived minutes later when an excellent interception by the ever busy Freddy Hooper found Ben Chapman, his persistance down the left saw a neat pass received expertly by Matthew Brine, who buried his effort with confident ease. As UEA looked to get bak on terms they left big gaps at the back and were punished in quick succession by the imressive Dan Jeffers scoring a quickfire brace to take the game away from the home side. Uea scored what turned out to be a conselation goal just before the break when City failed to hold onto the ball and gave cheap possession away for them to score at the first attempt. The second half was a different ballgame altogether as City struggled to retain possession for large parts of it and they found themselves under considerable pressure throughout. Finally having weathered the storm City scored from a well worked short corner routine as Jim Pallister fed Alfie Cooper on the left at the top of the area and the latter drilled his shot across the keeper and into the corner. Finally City were able to celebrate their first win in the league and a much deerved 3 points. City MOM: Daniel Jeffers 
 

MENS 4TH XI - 13/01/2018 VS BURY ST EDMUNDS 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 4th XI 
DATE: 13/01/2018 
FIXTURE: Mens 4th XI VS 13/01/2018 
HEADLINE: Buried again 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Culford School 
RESULT: 4:0 
 
REPORT: A bright start to this return fixture had all the hall marks of a decent afternoon for the winless Norwich City Mens 4s side, but a lack of composure and decision making saw the visitors frustrated and slowly Bury came into the game. Sneaking a goal inside the nearpost on 20 minutes the home side never looked back. The writing was on the wall from the start of the second half as Bury pressed home their advantage and scored again to extend their lead. A fortunate Penalty Flick award to the City team was squandered and sadly this was the hilight of the half for the visitors as the home side scored twice more to take the game away from City. City MOM: Freddy Hooper