Results

WOMENS 1ST XI - 21/09/2019 VS WAPPING 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 1st XI 
DATE: 21/09/2019 
FIXTURE: Womens 1st XI VS 21/09/2019 
HEADLINE: Onwards and up! 
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION 
VENUE: 
RESULT:1-0 L 
 
REPORT: After a zen yoga warm-up by Harriet Johnson, it was a cool start to the season by Norwich Womens 1s, with some excellent movement, communication and determination throughout the first half. With a 0-0 half time, Wapping came back with some fiery play, but city remained calm and pursued on with Helen Busfield distributing excellent balls from the middle and the Womens positivity for an exciting season ahead spurring on want for a goal... but Wapping snuck one passed our committed defence, including Micalya Toothill who with a chest infection took a ball to the head but played on! City are a team to watch... skilled, cool and calm... nothing will stand in their way this season!  
 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 21/09/2019 VS CHRISTCHURCH 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 21/09/2019 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 21/09/2019 
HEADLINE: Launching Into the League with a Win 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Christchurch  
RESULT: 0-5 Win 
 
REPORT: 
 
With a bare eleven and many niggling injuries Norwich arrived to face Christchurch in the launch of their league season. Some would be put off by this, but on the back of last week's quality friendly performance with only ten on the teamsheet Norwich knew they had the hockey to get the result.  
 
The first hurdle to this was the heat, once again making it even more daunting stepping out with no subs. The second was the pitch, which added to the seaside feel of the weather with a good layer of sand. This was not ideal for Norwich's style of play, but by halfway through the first half we seemed to have adapted to the slow pace of the ball as the back four held possession round the back and the short corners started to come for forwards Millie Brown and Emma Hewitt.  
 
Stepping up from defence captain Leigh-Ann Worrall got Norwich off the mark with a perfectly executed short corner strike. Both Rosie Ringer and Rosie Humphrey made tireless efforts attacking on the left, and Rosie Humphrey was next on the scoresheet refusing to give up on a loose ball under the keeper's feet. Rosie again took the scoreline to 3-0 before the whistle went for half time.  
 
With an increasingly physical opposition the Norwich team were starting to take effect. Thankfully Frankie Birkenhead, Karren Dagless, Leigh-Ann Worrall and Hannah Jarvis were fully in control at the back but not long into the second half Emma Hewitt was forced to rest an injury leaving Norwich undeterred with just 10 women.  
 
Georgia Cleveland and Hannah Jarvis didn't bat an eyelid at the reduced numbers, working hard to support the defence to keep a clean sheet. City were still repeatedly in the Christchurch D with Abbie Ingham (thankfully not yet at uni) winning repeated short corners for City. Rosie Ringer was there on the post to seal one such short corner and Rosie Humphrey wrapped up the win - and her own hat-trick! - winning one final battle under the keeper's feet. 
 
POTM Frankie Birkenhead 
 

WOMENS 3RD XI - 21/09/2019 VS NORWICH CITY 4 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 3rd XI 
DATE: 21/09/2019 
FIXTURE: Womens 3rd XI VS 21/09/2019 
HEADLINE: Positive start for NCHC 3rds 
REPORT: 
A beautiful day for the first league match of the season saw us take on Norwich City 4’s at home in Taverham.  Always a difficult game and this week, commitments outside of hockey, meant a lack of available players and fielding two teams a challenge.  
 
The first half was fairly evenly balanced with us pressing forward at every opportunity and lots of play in their D resulted in a 2-0 score going in to half-time. 
 
After the break we came back fighting strong and looking the better team, there were plenty of shots on goal with some strong defensive work needed from the 4’s goalie. Our continuous pressing and determination with the ball resulted in another three great goals.  
 
Scorers today were Olivia Greenway, Emma Richardson, Gabby Sharp (2) and Emily Spencer.  A really positive start to the opening game of the season. 
 

WOMENS 4TH XI - 21/09/2019 VS NORWICH CITY 3 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 4th XI 
DATE: 21/09/2019 
FIXTURE: Womens 4th XI VS 21/09/2019 
HEADLINE: Unlucky score but some good plays 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK PREMIER DIVISION 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: TVR 
RESULT: 0-5 
 
REPORT: 
A sunny, warm morning was the backdrop to an epic battle between the Norwich City 4's and 3's. Player availability was low across many teams which meant that both teams could only field 10 players. 
 
A strong performance from both teams, with some very good plays from the 4's. Lots to build on in the coming weeks. Some great attempts on goal; however, none made it past the goalie. Final score 0-5. 
 
 

WOMENS 5TH XI - 21/09/2019 VS HERLINGS 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 5th XI 
DATE: 21/09/2019 
FIXTURE: Womens 5th XI VS 21/09/2019 
HEADLINE: A great kick start to the season! 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK LEAGUE DIVISION 1 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE:Taverham 
RESULT:7-1 
 
REPORT: Another hot sunny day lead to a great team play from the whole team with everyone giving their all. Great defence kept Herlings on their toes while the mids worked hard as a unit driving the ball down the pitch. The forwards had a amazing game with Amy scoring a first hat trick, Maria and Lucy's team work on the right resulted in 2 more goals and a great short corner strike for Carol saw city win 7:1. A great team result and start to the season. 

WOMENS 6TH XI - 21/09/2019 VS PELICANS 3 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 6th XI 
DATE: 21/09/2019 
FIXTURE: Womens 6th XI VS 21/09/2019 
HEADLINE: Bare 11, 26-degrees heat - why a draw actually felt like a win! 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK LEAGUE DIVISION 2 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Lynnsport 
RESULT: 1-1  
 
REPORT: 
An away match at Pelicans with just the bare 11 in 26-degree heat. It was never going to be easy. Pelicans had subs and youth on their side, but City 6s were utterly determined to dig deep and play together as a unit. As a result, the team played some of their best-ever hockey, passing neatly, having the best of the possession and keeping the ball away from their D despite the heat and their fatigue. At one point an injury meant that City went down to 10 players for a few minutes but they still battled on. Pelicans scored first, but City kept pushing with an impressive press in the second half that made it difficult for Pelicans to outlet on 16s. Eventually, the hard work paid off when Liz Hollis took the ball to the right baseline and hit a powerful ball across which was brilliantly picked up by player of the match Susan Matthews who then sent it towards goal to be deflected in by Julia Marchant. City came away with a draw, but in the challenging circumstances it felt like a win! 

WOMENS 7TH XI - 21/09/2019 VS PELICANS 4 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 7th XI 
DATE: 21/09/2019 
FIXTURE: Womens 7th XI VS 21/09/2019 
HEADLINE: City hit Pelis for 6! 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK LEAGUE DIVISION 3 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Lynn Sport 
RESULT: 6-1 Win 
 
REPORT: 
City Womens 7s recorded a fantastic opening day victory as they beat Pelicans 4th XI at LynnSport, City were 2-1 up at half time before City ramped up another 4 goals in a dominate second half. Goals from Alex Woods, Helen Lewis, Emily Winter and a hattrick from Kate Bayfield.  
 

WOMENS DEVELOPMENT XI - 21/09/2019 VS YARMOUTH (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens Development XI 
DATE: 21/09/2019 
FIXTURE: Womens Development XI VS 21/09/2019 
HEADLINE: A change of positions 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Taverham Recreation Facilities 
RESULT: Norwich City Girls Development 7 Yarmouth Girls Development 0 
 
REPORT: 
City's girls were boosted by the inclusion of first team player Oli Williams who forsook her normal attacking role for one in defence. This was to be a theme for the morning. City started strongly with Emily Hicks, Lucy Walton and Obie Hansell controlling midfield and by the end of the first quarter were three goals to the good, the first a Lucy Walton short corner strike, the second a strike from the top of the circle by India Fox following a nice pass from Emily Hicks, the third a Lucy Walton strike following a quick free hit by Obie Hansell. 
 
City added two further goals in the second quarter through Obie Hansell and Emily Hicks at which point the team changed positions allowing the players to gain experience in different areas of the pitch. This led to Ava Ingram scoring in the third quarter with a first time slap at goal. There were further attempts at goal as those that usually play in defence created chances but just weren't able to apply the finishing touch. 
 
The final goal was scored by Alice Marjoram who had moved from her usual centre forward position to centre half. Player of the match went to Emily Hicks who played some lovely passes around the back and across the pitch following her switch to full back.  
 

MENS 1ST XI - 21/09/2019 VS CHELMSFORD 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 1st XI 
DATE: 21/09/2019 
FIXTURE: Mens 1st XI VS 21/09/2019 
HEADLINE: Positive Opening Day for City 
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION A 
VENUE: Chelmer Park 
RESULT: 2-2 Draw 
 
REPORT: 
City took an opening day squad of 15 to Chelmsford under new manager Iain Martin. Chelmsford were one of the few teams who remained in Premier A from last season so City knew they were in for a tough game. City started slowly and found themselves a goal down through poor marking. City responded well and worked hard to start to retain possession and create some chances of their own. City equalised however through a Tom Cooke penalty corner. At 1-1 the game began to become quite open and through this Chelmsford regained the lead and at half time City trailed 2-1. 
 
In the second half City upped their tempo and began to really dominate, create several chances but found the Chelmsford keeper in inspired form. City played some lovely hockey as the game started to open up both teams created chances and had penalty corners with Ali Cooke saving well in the City goal. City kept working hard and finally were deserved with an equalising goal with Louis Preston deflecting home a Chris Wardale cross. Full Time a deserved draw for City, a draw which could of been a lot more!  

MENS 2ND XI - 21/09/2019 VS UEA 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 21/09/2019 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 21/09/2019 
HEADLINE: Opening Day Point For City 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH 
VENUE: Taverham - H20 
RESULT: 1-1 Draw 
 
REPORT: 
On the opening league day of the season City 2s took on the students as UEA produced its finest XI at Taverham, City had a squad of 15 as they look set to take on the challenge. City started the brighter with a few early chances going a miss, UEA took the lead through there only short corner of the game. Millett made his other and only save in the first half as the half finished even.  
 
City then dominated the second half with Millett left a spectator with City winning several short corners and creating several chances but it felt it was going to be one of those days when City just wouldn't score. However the goal did finally come when great hold up play from Richard Silvester set up Harry Gill for an easy finish. City continued to create several chances but had to settle for a draw and pick up a point from the opening game.  

MENS 3RD XI - 21/09/2019 VS UEA 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 21/09/2019 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 21/09/2019 
HEADLINE: Honours even 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: UEA 
RESULT: UEA 2s 1 - 1 NCHC 3s 
 
REPORT: 
City started well with Rio Iaccarino, Dan Jeffers and Alex Tomkinson creating all sorts of problems for the students’ defence ably supported by some intelligent link up play from the inners, Ed Taylor and Monty Platt. Whilst the early attacking threat came mostly from City, their defence (Adam Sayer, Will Riddleston, Lloyd Sayer, Henry Baker and Simon Black) were organised in philharmonic-esque style by Ben Nkrumah in goal.  
 
City deservedly took the lead when Alex Tomkinson converted a well worked penalty corner. With regular substitutions the order of the day it was particularly pleasing to see Harsharan Singh, and Toby Pallister linking with the midfield field controlled by Mark Fletcher. City continued to let the ball do the work but were thwarted by some excellent defending and to some extent less than clinical decision making. Half time 1-0 to the good guys. 
 
Sadly a recurrence of a knee injury for Toby meant were were down to 2 substitutes (I know we should think ourselves lucky to have subs!) just when we most needed fresh legs, and with the youth of the opposition being slightly older than our youth we started to lose shape and opted for glory balls where simpler options were available (and yes I was guilty of one particular glory ball....moral of the story...just DON’T.) 
 
Despite the growing ascendency of the home side, City’s defence stood firm with Henry Baker consistently turning defence into attack down the right flank. Yes, the UEA probably did deserve their equaliser which finally came from a penalty corner (of which they’d had many) but we never stopped trying, and we created several genuine opportunities in the dying minutes. 
 
Well done to Henry for his man of the match performance. There were lots of positives, with that old adage, let the ball do the work being a lesson learned as legs tired. Well done all...the 3s have a point on the board. 
 
 

MENS 4TH XI - 21/09/2019 VS NEWMARKET 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 4th XI 
DATE: 21/09/2019 
FIXTURE: Mens 4th XI VS 21/09/2019 
HEADLINE: Last minute disappointment  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Taverham  
RESULT: NCHC 4s 3: 4 Newmarket 1s 
 
REPORT: 
Optimism started high with the City side keen to carry on the form from last year into the league above, and looking across at what seemed a depleted Newmarket team it looked like 3 points were coming our way.  
 
Unfortunately City couldn't seem to find their feet in the first 10 minutes, and with Newmarket taking advantage of this struck with a long ball forwards to their forward lurking in the D. Their second followed a similar long ball tactic, but with the committed Mally in goal "tripped" the Newmarket player, the penalty flick was converted.  
 
City were revitalised after this, with more pressure put onto the Newmarket but no chances were finding the back of the opposition goal. 2-0 down going into the second half.  
 
Following a boost from Pies joining the team at half time, and a slight formation change, City were back on the front foot again. A a nicely timed finish from Gautham in front of the goal gave us the reward we deserved.  
 
Newmarket struck back with a very unmemorable goal (apologies for forgetting), restoring the 2 goal cushion. 3-1 
 
Following this City were very much on top of the opposition with chances coming thick and fast, with the second goal bound to come soon. The half time acquisition of Pies came as a benefit on the score sheet with a cross/ shot setting up Ben Chapman nicely on the back post with a cross/ shot. 3-2. 
 
City continued to press and cause issues with for the Newmarket back line, Rafe Lochore got his reward for his persistent running in the midfield with a lovely Tomahawk finish into the bottom left hand corner. The onlooking crowd couldn't believe the comeback, 3-3! 
 
City were then caught in two minds, whether to push for the 4th goal which seemed certain or to hold out for the draw. Unfortunately the first option was the decision this week, and Newmarket's long ball tactic was the undoing of the hard work. A 3 on 1 situation at the back against Jags, the crowd held their breath. The subsequent short corner falling to the Newmarket forward who miss hit the ball, sending it bobbling past the defence.  
Seconds later the full time whistle went and Newmarket stole away with the 3 points.  
 
Man of the Match - Ben Chapman.  
 

MENS 5TH XI - 21/09/2019 VS HARLESTON MAGPIES 4 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 5th XI 
DATE: 21/09/2019 
FIXTURE: Mens 5th XI VS 21/09/2019 
HEADLINE: Depleted 5s find it hard work! 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 4 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Harleston HC 
RESULT: 6-0 Loss 
 
REPORT: 
A depleted 5s team struggled on the opening day against a very strong Harleston home side. City only had a bare 11 with Josh Bailey joining the team very last minute. City were 5-0 down at the break and most feared what was to come but a much better effort and performance in the second half meant Harleston only mustered one more goal with City very unlucky not to add to the score line in the second half.  

MENS 7TH XI - 21/09/2019 VS UEA 4 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 7th XI 
DATE: 21/09/2019 
FIXTURE: Mens 7th XI VS 21/09/2019 
HEADLINE: Opening day victory for the 7s! 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 6 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: UEA  
RESULT: 5-3 Win 
 
REPORT: 
City Mens 7th XI picked up their first 3 points of the season away against UEA 4th XI. City trailed 1-0 early on but in a frantic and open game of hockey with goals for Ollie Millett, Ethan Rushton, Geoff Spencer, Dave Woodward and player of the match Jack Whitlam, UEA mustered another 2 goals as the game finished 5-3.  

MENS DEVELOPMENT XI - 21/09/2019 VS WATTON (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens Development XI 
DATE: 21/09/2019 
FIXTURE: Mens Development XI VS 21/09/2019 
HEADLINE: Ain't no I in team 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Home 
RESULT: 9-0 Win 
 
REPORT: 
Norwich started strongly playing crisp hockey, passing firmly to stick or into space with good movement off the ball. This pushed Watton to defend deep allowing us to occupy the middle ground with ease. A further improvement for next time is add the switch to use the width rather than ploughing on through congestion where even handy players often lost possession, bringing pressure to bear on our defence. On this outing Will had to make two whole saves but didn’t he make them well! 
 
2nd half players either reverted to regular positions or were posted into new roles to stretch their skills and strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the bigger picture. This willingness to try out is a terrific experience for many though presents initial trepidation for some. As a coaching team we are there to serve the player’s and the team’s best interests so do feel free to discuss the learning points if they are not apparent or clear, or, send your representative! 
 
We defended reasonably deeply despite the impulse to always get involved and that discipline we showed plus because we won our races meant, in the main, we didn’t trouble the umpire’s whistle in defence, much. During cup games that luxury will be in scarcer supply so we must work on through training, thinking, eyes open in the games Tom creates to test you. And tested we will be in the coming weeks with higher standards to measure ourselves against. 
 
Well played guys, nice spirit, good tempo.