Results

LADIES 1ST XI - 18/11/2017 VS NEWMARKET 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 1st XI 
DATE: 18/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Womens 1st XI VS 18/11/2017 
HEADLINE: A journey to the races, however, city struggled to get out of their gate. 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 NORTH 
VENUE: Newmarket 
RESULT: 1-1 Draw 
 
REPORT: 
The 1st half was frustrating for city as we struggled to keep possession, and Newmarket used that to their advantage attacking our circle repeatedly. City didn't give up and kept fighting, with plenty of chances to score, however, at half time the score was still a disappointing 0-0.  
 
After a stern talking to from Pies, we went into the second half with renewed determination to pick up our game. Fongy and Sally continued to pick up balls from the back, with some good leading runs from the midfield allowing us to build an attack. But we continued to struggle to find that final pass and to penetrate their D.  
Eight minutes before the final whistle City were caught on the back foot, and an unlucky deflection from our defender meant that Newmarket went 1 up.  
The goal shook City and thankfully woke us up a bit. Then came some fast leads into the corners by the wingers and inners, our chance was coming. 
With about 5 minutes to go a short corner was won after a counterattack from City, this was our chance to equalise. A fast drag out to the top of the D and a slick slip to Micayla on the right gave her the time to strike the ball powerfully onto the keeper, where Fongy was waiting and finished the play, putting the ball into the goal.  
Not one of Cities finest performances, but the womens worked extremely hard to get out 1 point. 
Final Score, Newmarket 1 City 1.  
Player of the Match : Alice Gill. 

LADIES 3RD XI - 18/11/2017 VS HARLESTON MAGPIES 4 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 3rd XI 
DATE: 18/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Womens 3rd XI VS 18/11/2017 
HEADLINE:  
LEAGUE: NORFOLK PREMIER DIVISION 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 1-0 Win 
 
REPORT: 
NCHC Womens 3s made a strong start against Harleston 4s, keen to return to winning form after a disappointing result the previous week.  
 
City immediately pressured the Magpies defence, with several short corner opportunities being won. Emily Spencer came close with a straight strike just wide of the goal.  
 
Magpies were finding it hard to penetrate the strong city defence, with Fiona Spencer, Jenny Brine and Kathy Sinnamon working hard to stop any breakaway attacks.  
 
Abi Bourne, Frankie Birkenhead and Kirstin Aitken fought tirelessly in midfield to provide the forwards with further opportunities, with Holly Robinson making some lovely runs into space. 
 
Despite a convincing performance from the city 3s the half time score was 0-0.  
 
The 2nd half saw much of the same, with Magpies testing Emily Waldron in the city Goal a few times. 
 
Eventually City were rewarded for their efforts when Jenni Stanghan drove the ball down the right hand side and slipped the ball across the goal for Liv Greenway to smash home. 
 
The last few minutes of the game saw several more attempts from City, with a skilful reserve stick goal from Abi Bourne unfortunately disallowed.  
 
The final whistle blew and City were pleased to come away with all 3 points. 

LADIES 4TH XI - 18/11/2017 VS EVERGREENS 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 4th XI 
DATE: 18/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Womens 4th XI VS 18/11/2017 
HEADLINE: Momentum grows for Womens 4's 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK PREMIER DIVISION 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Gresham's School 
RESULT: 4-0 (win) 
 
REPORT: 
A really cold day with sun in our eyes first half. We kept our form and used a strong press which put Evergreeen’s under lots of pressure. We had a strong defence which stopped the long hard through balls, rebounding back to a fast paced attacking mid/forward.  
By the end of the first half we were 2-0 up with goals from Ellie Hobden and Caroline Illing. 
Going into the second half we still had our energy up and pushed through to allow us another goal from Amelia Ellis-Baumber and then a great save from Anna Linsmith where she was one-on-one with a player and saved the goal. When the last whistle was blown we were 4-0 up thanks to Caroline Illing for a second great goal. Fantastic all round team performance and well deserved win. 
 
Player of the match : Ellie Hobden  
 
 

LADIES 5TH XI - 18/11/2017 VS HARLESTON MAGPIES 5 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 5th XI 
DATE: 18/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Womens 5th XI VS 18/11/2017 
HEADLINE: Womens 5s vs Magpies 5s 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK LEAGUE DIVISION 1 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Norwich City Hockey Club  
RESULT: City 1 - Magpies 2 
 
REPORT: 
Norwich City Womens 5s lost 1-2 against 4th in the league, Harleston Magpies Womens 5s. 
 
Magpies took first push back and they started strong. City quickly stepped back to defend and take possession. It wasn't long though until Magpies managed to push past City's defence and take the first goal.  
 
City made sure to pick up the pace with some great line runs from Maria Marsh and Lucy McNarry. Bev Cushion instructed play well from the middle. With the team coming together, Molly Crabtree took possession, she passed to Maria Marsh running the back line, with a final cross to the right, Lucy McNarry finished play with a beautiful strike on goal to equalise the score line.  
 
City began the second half with the hunger to lead the game. The defence were put to the test as a few short corners were awarded against them. However, with great clearances from Gillian Allen, Allison McLellan and Mhairi Doble, Magpies were unable to score.  
 
City made attempts to pull ahead, but the shots made were off target. A lucky break by Magpies left the score line City 1, Magpies 2 on the final whistle.  
 
Player of the match was awarded to Jessica Taylor-Balls.  
Match report written by Jessica Taylor-Balls. 

LADIES 6TH XI - 18/11/2017 VS HARLESTON MAGPIES 6 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 6th XI 
DATE: 18/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Womens 6th XI VS 18/11/2017 
HEADLINE: A tough match 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK LEAGUE DIVISION 2 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Magpies, Harleston 
RESULT: 3-1 
 
REPORT: 
Harleston 6s came out strong in what proved to be a challenging match for City 6s. The City team’s defence battled hard to keep the score down, helped by some amazing saves by POTM keeper Claire Richardson. However, eventually two of the opposition’s strikes found the net and the game went into half-time with City two nil down. 
After the break, City regrouped and upped their game, making more attacks and providing more outlets for the defence. A timely pass from Katy Walker found Josine Van Den Berg who sent it into the net – timing it with precision to lift over the advancing keeper. 
Unfortunately, despite battling hard City conceded another goal towards the final stage of the match, leaving the final score 3-1 to Magpies.  
 

LADIES DEVELOPMENT XI A - 18/11/2017 VS NORWICH CITY B (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens Development XI A 
DATE: 18/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Womens Development XI A VS 18/11/2017 
HEADLINE: Deceptive scoreline in clash of the Cities 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: TRF  
RESULT: Norwich City B 6-1 Norwich City A 
 
REPORT: 
 
Norwich City B got the better of Norwich City A in an incredibly competitive match in which the 6-1 score did not accurately reflect how very evenly-matched the two sides were. Goals from player of the match Niamh Campbell (2), Loulou Ford (2), Millie Hay and Tabitha Witte were enough to take the spoils for the B’s and despite creating a hat-full of chances, it just was not the A’s day with debutant Madeleine Ebbage scoring the consolation goal and Imogen Basset taking the player of the match award. 
The early exchanges suggested a re-run of the previous match between the two sides with Niamh Campbell dominating the midfield and creating the opportunities for Tabby Witte to superbly finish off a lovely move down the left before playing Loulou Ford through to slam the ball home from the right of the opposition D for the B’s 
As apprehension began to spread throughout the spectators, the A’s began to find their feet and looked stronger and stronger as the half wore on. Amelia Waghorn was a constant threat down the right flank and the midfield trio of Emily Leeming, Abbie Watling-Brucki and Livi Tighe were winning their personal battles and creating good chances for Evie Thorpe and Madeleine Ebbage up front. However, a speedy and crisp counter attack was completed in some style by Loulou Ford to give the B’s a 3-0 lead somewhat against the run of play. 
 
Half Time B’s 3-0 A’s 
 
The second half began with the teams trading blows as the ball went from end to end whilst Daisy Clabburn for the A’s and Hannah Possener for the B’s began to assert their authority as defensive leaders for their respective teams. The second-half deadlock was broken by Millie Hay, who scored from the right after consecutive short corners had been foiled by a string of wonder-saves by Imogen Basset. The A’s were not going to take this lying down and came out all guns blazing after the restart. After several good chances, Madeleine ran half the length of the field to slot the ball beautifully in to the B’s net before Zara Hunter was quick off her line to thwart first Evie, then Amelia. 
The fourth quarter was almost a mirror image of the first, with Niamh in control whilst faced by a tiring A’s midfield and subsequently scoring a quickfire brace, which on balance was very well deserved. Imogen somehow got a foot to a thunderous shot from Sabina Baker and just when it looked as if the A’s would capitulate, they found an extra gear and spent the last few minutes of the match almost permanently camped in the B’s D in search of an ultimately elusive second goal. 
 
Well done and thank you to all the girls. The consensus amongst the parents and coaches was that this was a hard-fought, sometimes nail-biting, but fantastic match to watch and that you all played very well indeed. 
 
Full Time B’s 6-1 A’s 
 
 

LADIES DEVELOPMENT XI B - 18/11/2017 VS NORWICH CITY A (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens Development XI B 
DATE: 18/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Womens Development XI B VS 18/11/2017 
HEADLINE: Deceptive score in clash of the Cities 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: Norwich City B 6-1 Norwich City A 
 
REPORT: 
 
Norwich City B got the better of Norwich City A in an incredibly competitive match in which the 6-1 score did not accurately reflect how very evenly-matched the two sides were. Goals from player of the match Niamh Campbell (2), Loulou Ford (2), Millie Hay and Tabitha Witte were enough to take the spoils for the B’s and despite creating a hat-full of chances, it just was not the A’s day with debutant Madeleine Ebbage scoring the consolation goal and Imogen Basset taking the player of the match award. 
 
The early exchanges suggested a re-run of the previous match between the two sides with Niamh Campbell dominating the midfield and creating the opportunities for Tabby Witte to superbly finish off a lovely move down the left before playing Loulou Ford through to slam the ball home from the right of the opposition D for the B’s 
As apprehension began to spread throughout the spectators, the A’s began to find their feet and looked stronger and stronger as the half wore on. Amelia Waghorn was a constant threat down the right flank and the midfield trio of Emily Leeming, Abbie Watling-Brucki and Livi Tighe were winning their personal battles and creating good chances for Evie Thorpe and Madeleine Ebbage up front. However, a speedy and crisp counter attack was completed in some style by Loulou Ford to give the B’s a 3-0 lead somewhat against the run of play. 
 
Half Time B’s 3-0 A’s 
 
The second half began with the teams trading blows as the ball went from end to end whilst Daisy Clabburn for the A’s and Hannah Possener for the B’s began to assert their authority as defensive leaders for their respective teams. The second-half deadlock was broken by Millie Hay, who scored from the right after consecutive short corners had been foiled by a string of wonder-saves by Imogen Basset. The A’s were not going to take this lying down and came out all guns blazing after the restart. After several good chances, Madeleine ran half the length of the field to slot the ball beautifully in to the B’s net before Zara Hunter was quick off her line to thwart first Evie, then Amelia. 
The fourth quarter was almost a mirror image of the first, with Niamh in control whilst faced by a tiring A’s midfield and subsequently scoring a quickfire brace, which on balance was very well deserved. Imogen somehow got a foot to a thunderous shot from Sabina Baker and just when it looked as if the A’s would capitulate, they found an extra gear and spent the last few minutes of the match almost permanently camped in the B’s D in search of an ultimately elusive second goal. 
 
Well done and thank you to all the girls. The consensus amongst the parents and coaches was that this was a hard-fought, sometimes nail-biting, but fantastic match to watch and that you all played very well indeed. 
 
Full Time B’s 6-1 A’s 
 

MENS 1ST XI - 18/11/2017 VS WALTHAM FOREST (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 1st XI 
DATE: 18/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 1st XI VS 18/11/2017 
HEADLINE: Frustrated Norwich Let Three Goal Lead Slip 
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION B 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 4-4 
 
REPORT: 
Norwich City Mens 1s had one of their more frustrating days at Taverham when, having started really well to be 4-1 up at half time, they allowed Waltham Forest back in the game for an ultimately unsatisfying 4-4 draw. 
 
City started brightly but, after the initial skirmishes, it was Waltham Forest who took the lead with a drag flick at a short corner. City fought back, however, and soon equalised from a short corner of their own when Ed Sutton was ready to poach after the initial drag flick was saved. City were now dominating the proceedings, playing quick, passing hockey. City’s second came when the ball was won in defence and passed through to Josh Bailey at the 23 yard line. Josh drove into the D, beat a couple of defenders and chipped the ball over the oncoming keeper and into the net, with a little help from the covering defender on the line who edged the ball in. City continued to press and won a short-corner, which Tom Cooke converted into the bottom right corner with a well-placed ‘drag-push’. City then rounded off the half when, after a goal-line scuffle, Louis Preston was fastest to react and bundled the ball home from a yard out after Raunaq Rai did well to win the ball in the opposition D. 4-1 at half time, City could be proud of an excellent first half. 
 
City continued in the same vein for the first few minutes of the second half, but then Waltham Forest fought back. Under pressure, City lost a little shape and Waltham Forest scored from the top of the D for their second, before converting their third following a short corner. Worse was to come as Waltham Forest found an equaliser with 15 minutes to go. City tried desperately to get back on top and spent the last 5 minutes camped in the opposition half and very nearly scored in the dying seconds when Cameron Cooke struck the ball goalwards, with the keeper out of position, only to hit a Waltham defender. Sadly, City couldn’t find the winner they desperately needed. After holding a commanding 4-1 lead at half time and having played some good hockey, the 4-4 draw felt more like a loss. 
 
Man of the Match went to Nick Jones, who led from the front, distributed well and defended manfully in a tough game. 
 

MENS 2ND XI - 18/11/2017 VS BURY ST EDMUNDS (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 18/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 18/11/2017 
HEADLINE: City 2’s back to winning ways 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH 
VENUE: Culford School 
RESULT: Won 0-1 
MOTM: Alex Scott 
TFC: Ben Plumb 
 
REPORT: 
A hard fought and well deserved 3 points was brought back from Bury at the weekend. Captain Tom Hindle was impressed with the effort that all put in particularly the back line keeping a clean sheet.  
 
The team got off to a flying start kicking the ball from the push back and scoring within 20 seconds. Jeremy Elliot broke down the left and pulled an inch perfect reverse stick cross across the goal where Stuart Wardle protected his face and glanced the ball into the roof of the net. An excellent start. In truth we should have been a couple more up at the change of ends but as in previous weeks we were not able to convert the numerous chances created. Half time 0-1. 
 
The second half saw City under a bit more pressure as the well drilled Bury team pushed high up the pitch. The defensive unit held strong however keeper Ben Millett only had one shot to save in the whole match. City retained a foothold in the game by keeping possession and creating chances but as has been the case previously failed to capitalise. The last 5 minutes became a bit frantic particularly with Ben Plumb deciding to pass the ball directly to the opposition when there were plenty of simple balls on. City held on and 3 points was the minimum they deserved. 
 
 

MENS 3RD XI - 18/11/2017 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 18/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 18/11/2017 
HEADLINE: City top table toppers Dragons and take their place! 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Taverham - Sand 
RESULT: 2-1 Win 
 
REPORT: 
In this top of the league clash it was City who maintained their unbeaten record in Division 3NE as they snuck out a 2-1 victory in a close and tense game at Taverham.  
 
Dragons has some good early play with their aerial long ball tactic and then have midfield running onto their strikers in support. This did catch City out early on in the match and let Dragons have a couple of circle penetrations, however the dust was settled when a mistake along the backline let in Jack Luther who finished a low strike into the bottom corner of the goal. City had some more chances with Rees Leonard firing a reverse stick shot just wide and Joe Koniecnzy went narrowly wide from close range. HT 1-0 
 
In the 2nd half City played some much better hockey and were much tighter in midfield not giving Dragons much going forward at all. Joe K had a great chance to make it 2 as he went round the goalie only for him to fall over at the last and most inconvenient moment! George Brine also had two good efforts to make it 2 both were well saved by the GK however eventually City did get the 2nd goal as Chris Perry converted a penalty flick after POTM Tom Nichols had been fouled. Dragons then applied the pressure with nothing to louse and started to leave men forward and press City really high, they struggled to create however any clear cut chances until with 3 minutes to a scruffy short corner goal found its way into the bottom corner. However despite Mark Fletchers best efforts City managed to keep the ball well enough to seal out a 2-1 victory. 
 
City are now top of the pile in Division 3NE with games against Sudbury, NCHC 4s, Pelis 2s and Newmarket 1s before the 2017 calendar year comes to an end. However many points City pick up now till Christmas they must be happy with the number of points they have collected so far.  
 
POTM: Tom Nichols (Another solid display in the middle) 
TYFC: Chris Perry (Had a hand in both the winning goal and Dragons goal!!!! 
 

MENS 7TH XI - 18/11/2017 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 6 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 7th XI 
DATE: 18/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens 7th XI VS 18/11/2017 
HEADLINE: City produce a candidate for team goal of the season 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 6 NORTH EAST (NORTH) 
VENUE: TAVERHAM RECREATION FACILITY 
RESULT: NORWICH CITY 7 2 NORWICH DRAGONS 6 1 
 
REPORT: 
City 7’s held on to a half time lead to defeat bottom of the table Dragons after scoring one of the team goals of the season to put themselves two up at the break. 
City had the better of the exchanges in the first half going ahead when James Dorling scored from a short corner. His initial shot was saved and following a bit of a scramble the ball fell kindly to James who, with the goalkeeper out of position was able to slap home. 
City kept the pressure up and when they moved the ball quickly made inroads deep into the Dragons defence. Keinan Barber and Luke Keeley were causing the Dragons defence problems and it was no surprise that they were both involved in City’s second goal. Nathan Dixon picked up the ball on the half way line moving the ball swiftly to Keinan Barber who in turn moved it on to the advancing Lee Allsop who travelled into the circle and lifted the ball over the oncoming keeper. With the ball going marginally wide Luke Keeley was on hand to tap in. 
Dragons attacks were being ably dealt with by the City Defence where man of the match Malachy MsDonnell was prominent. 
After the break City relaxed a little and allowed Dragons back into the game. Dragons reduced the arrears, but were unable to secure a second as the City defence stood firm. 
 

COLTS XI - 19/11/2017 VS WEST BRIDGFORD U18B (A) 
 
TEAM: Colts XI 
DATE: 19/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Colts XI VS 19/11/2017 
HEADLINE: A Hat-trick of Hat-tricks for City U18 Boys 
LEAGUE: EH Boys U18 Plate Competition 
VENUE: West Bridgford 
RESULT: WON 10-0 
 
REPORT: 
 
After a fortnight of scrabbling around to make sure we could field a full team, City Boys made the long journey to West Bridgford worthwhile with a convincing 10-0 win, including three hat-tricks. 
 
City started exerting pressure from the very beginning and within 5 minutes had taken the lead with a powerful Josh Bailey reverse stick shot. City continued at pace and, when Ben Withers was taken down by the keeper when through on goal, skipper Bailey stepped up and converted the penalty flick. Bailey then finished off one of the fastest hat-tricks you will see by smartly smashing home his third after good work on the right by Dan Phillips. City were well in control now and, with no substitutes, started slowing the pace down to conserve energy. Ben Withers scored the next goal before Harry Paterson got in on the act following some really good work on the right by Nathan Sharp. 
 
5 up at half time, City could afford to close down the match – or so the coaches thought. However, the players felt otherwise, and the West Bridgford goal was soon under siege again. Having hit the post and then had a great effort saved, Withers smashed in his second before Paterson did the same with a smart reverse stick shot. Withers made it a hat-trick with a shot from close to the byeline on the left hand side of the goal, before Paterson got the third hat-trick, dribbling through 3 players before nutmegging the keeper. 
 
With Rob Duffy surging forward from the back, it was to be Phillips who scored the tenth and final goal with a really well taken effort. City had played well for a convincing win which made the six hour round trip worthwhile. However, credit is also due to a West Bridgford side who kept going until the final whistle. 
 
Man of the match was a really difficult choice following a really good performance and with all the front five being strong contenders, but it goes to Harry Paterson for three really good goals, great passing and continuing to run into space right up to the final whistle. 
 
The final word has to be a thank you to all the players and parents who gave up their day for such a long journey – you are all stars! Fingers crossed for a home tie in the next round. 
 
 

MENS DEVELOPMENT XI - 18/11/2017 VS DEREHAM (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens Development XI 
DATE: 18/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Mens Development XI VS 18/11/2017 
HEADLINE: Mature City outgun brave opposition 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Dereham 
RESULT: Dereham 1 - 9 Norwich City 
 
REPORT: 
Special thanks to Caroline Illing who stepped in to umpire at a moment's notice.! 
 
City dominated this fixture from the off scoring 4 goals in the first quarter courtesy of Joseph Roy, Ethan Rushton, Henry Baker and Freddie Paterson. Whilst City were always the stronger of the two teams some of their hockey, particularly in this first quarter, was delightful, blending pace, passing and dazzling stick skills. Henry Baker, Joseph Roy and Ethan Rushton making telling contributions. 
 
The second quarter saw City add 3 more goals thanks to Sam Hyatt, Jonty Black and another from Sam. There were some wonderful moments in this period of play with a number of players playing in unfamiliar positions in an attempt to make players think and work on and off the ball. Jonty, Corey Rushton, Krishna Patel and Freddie linked well to create numerous chances. Henry Baker continued to impress with a mature period at centre half. 
 
The third quarter was the scruffiest with too many players dribbling and trying to score wonder goals. Having opened with a negative comment there were some very good performances with Angus Irving and Alex Illing Jack Whitlam and Archie Ward showing their true versatility. Highlight of the quarter was an awesome clearance from Will Morrissey who almost kicked the ball 'drop-kick" style to the half way line...A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. 
 
With just about everybody playing out of position and Dereham sensibly adding an additional adult the home team scored a consolation goal thanks to a quick long ball down the right. Undeterred City responded with two further goals from Krishna and Sam Hyatt to make the final score 9-1. 
 
This team continues to improve and impress both in terms of the player's versatility of position and, even more pleasingly, in the way they play with their heads up. True there will be tougher tests ahead but if they can retain their passing fluid style I have high hopes. 
 
City's player of the match was awarded by Dereham's coach who selected Jonty.