Results

WOMENS 1ST XI - 11/09/2021 VS DEREHAM 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 1st XI 
DATE: 11/09/2021 
FIXTURE: Womens 1st XI VS 11/09/2021 
HEADLINE: Unbeaten Run Continues! 
LEAGUE: EAST PREMIER DIVISION 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 6-1 
 
REPORT: 
NC W1s started their last friendly hoping to continue their fine run of form. The match was evenly contested in the first half but Dereham were awarded a penalty stroke following a short corner. GK Georgina Barratt got a touch but was unable to make the save and NC fell behind 0-1. 
 
NC regrouped and pressurised the Dereham defence in the last 10 minutes of the first half, leading to 2 short corner second phase goals scored by Pui Foung Chung for 2-1. However, they were not finished as Krystal Bishop ghosted behind the Dereham defence to reverse stick finish for a half-time scoreline of 3-1. 
 
In the second half, Jo Staines, Lucy Tilbrook, Felicity Williams and Helen Busfield worked hard to win their midfield battles, leading to another short corner scored by Olivia Williams for 4-1. 
 
Great offensive work by the forward line of Ellie Brine, Stacey Lee, Rosie Ringer and Olivia Williams made the Dereham defence resort to the long ball. Which were intercepted by the strong defence of Pui Chung, Micayla Tootill, Ella Gill and Hannah Nunn. 
 
Stacey Lee with her trade mark tight space stick skills found both the net and defenders on the ground for 5-1. 
 
With the clock ticking down, NC did not relent and kept possession, with Ella Gill finding space in the D to smash home for a 6-1 final scoreline. 
 
As with all pre-season games, it was another great team performance with goals being scored across the team. NC now look forward to start the new season in East Premier next week. 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 11/09/2021 VS BROADLAND 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 11/09/2021 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 11/09/2021 
HEADLINE: Stunning day for stunning goals! 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT:5-0 Win 
 
REPORT: 
On our last friendly before the season began Norwich City were looking to build on their win from the previous week. NC started out strong and pressed hard against Broadland forcing multiple short corners won by the well worked forwards Emma Hewitt, Mia Moore, Milly Brown and Rosie Humphrey. Finally, a clinical short corner which saw the ball go to the top of the D and then passed back to the injector Rosie Humphrey who slapped the ball into the back of the goal. 
Shortly after a second goal came from the captain Georgia Cleveland who hit one home from the top of the D through another short corner. At half time we sat 2-0 up but knew we had more in us to give. 
The second half followed a similar story to the first half. Mia Moore calmly pushed the ball passed the keeper from the left hand side to make it 3-0. Short sharp attacks came from Broadland but these were well covered by the defence of Sally Rose, Leigh-Ann Worrall, Ellie Hobden and Lucy Walton and GK Georgina Barratt. 
Hanna Hall, Lauren Laurie and Dani Sizer in the midfield worked tirelessly till end, pushing for more goals. Two more outstanding goals came from Norwich City before the final whistle. Lucy Walton connected with the ball from a second phase attack of a short corner to make it 4-0. Emily Francis scored a beautiful reverse stick curler that left even coach Chris Wardale speechless. 
All in all a fantastic team performance from NC who look forward to starting the season against magpies next week. 
 

WOMENS 3RD XI - 15/09/2021 VS UEA 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 3rd XI 
DATE: 15/09/2021 
FIXTURE: Womens 3rd XI VS 15/09/2021 
HEADLINE: Local Away Day 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST NORTH 
VENUE: UEA 
RESULT: 2-2 
 
REPORT: 
A squad of twelve met at UEA Sportspark ready to find our game of hockey from the first whistle. It was obvious from the outset that the L3’s were starting to gel and work together as a squad, passing well, utilizing the wings, triangle passes and switching through the back three with strong consistency. 
 
L3’s fitness shone through, beating UEA youngsters to the ball, and winning 90% of tackles. Our analysis of the UEA play coming mainly down the middle proved to be correct, enabling L3’s to play the ball down the wings creating chances and maintaining possession. 
 
A strong constructive attack on the UEA D led to a short pass in front of the keeper from Claire Snelling to find Ellie Alderton who back stick flicked the ball over the keeper who had gone to ground. The ball found the backboard and City were 1-0 up. 
 
UEA were fired up and pressurized the attacking D, but were thwarted by some fantastic saves from Serena Scott and consistent excellent defending from Gillian Allen, Gemma Sargent and Karen Dagless.  
 
After a positive team talk at half time, L3’s came out fighting, but, a messy attack from UEA found the back of the net and the score was levelled at 1-1. Undeterred City came back fighting winning numerous short corners and chances, including some epic flicks from Hollie Joyce and great insertions into the D by Claire Snelling and Lily Couborough. 
 
At the other end of the pitch a flick was given and found the back of the net, however, there was contention due to the player taking a double step. The goal was upheld, and UEA took the lead at 2-1. 
 
As we have come to realise, this kind of scoreline only puts fire in city’s belly, and the attacks came thick and fast leading to a short corner being awarded. The routine worked seemlessly with a clean injection from Ellie Alderton, received by Gemma Sargent, laid off to Marie Hood who slammed the ball into the bottom right-hand corner. 2-2. 
 
There was a lot to take away from this game, some positive consistent play with communication and skill from all players. A real squad effort. Special mention and thanks to Nathan xxxxxx who came to support us and coach from the sidelines – it made so much difference! 
 

WOMENS 3RD XI - 11/09/2021 VS DEREHAM 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 3rd XI 
DATE: 11/09/2021 
FIXTURE: Womens 3rd XI VS 11/09/2021 
HEADLINE: Bring on the league  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 1-0  
 
REPORT: 
An early Saturday morning meet saw the L3's meet at TRF in good spirits, looking forward to the game. Introductions were made as both new and established members of the team are still getting to know each other! This aside, NCHC came out hard and focussed on the whistle. The dereham play was frenetic, but NCHC gathered themselves, stayed focussed and calm and it was clear we were the stronger squad by the end of the first quarter. The quarter saw a fantastic attack down the right, with an excellent pass hit home by Claire Snelling. 
 
The second quarter saw a number of short corners won by NCHC, one of which struck the backboard with a bang delivered in the form of an amazing drag flick from Emma Richardson. Sadly, it was disallowed, but showed form and the capacity we have to convert corners. We just need more practise! This quarter also saw us apply an excellent attacking press which scuppered the opposition again and again! 
 
The second half was dominated by NCHC with some amazing play down the wings and well considered play from the attackers creating space and a number of opportunities in the D. The defense were kept on their toes with a couple of corners, but each time proved impenetrable thanks to the defense and Summer Haylock in goal. NCHC found their shape and their voices, talking well, communicating and supporting eachother with positive reinforcement.  
 
As the final whistle blew, although NCHC were elated by the win, it was hightened further by what the season will hold once we have played together more and truly united as a team. BRING ON THE LEAGUE!!! 

WOMENS 5TH XI - 11/09/2021 VS DEREHAM 4 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 5th XI 
DATE: 11/09/2021 
FIXTURE: Womens 5th XI VS 11/09/2021 
HEADLINE: A strong win for thes 5s.  
LEAGUE: NORFOLK LEAGUE DIVISION 1 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Dereham HockeyClub 
RESULT: 4-0 Win 
 
REPORT: 
The womens 5s really came together in this match to gain a great win against an experienced Dereham side. The first period of the first half was evenly matched with Dereham having more possession and looking strong on the break. As the game progressed improved passing by Norwich and some great runs resulted in a goal from Lucy Wimhurst. A great individual run from Evie Brockington netted Norwich a second goal.  
 
Norwich dominated the second half with a goal from Susan Matthews and a well worked short corner from Helen Brockington. A fifth goal was unluckily disallowed. Dereham manage a few forays into the Norwich half but great defending meant keeper Jo had little to do. 
 
A great effort from all the players.  

WOMENS 7TH XI - 11/09/2021 VS DEREHAM 5 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 7th XI 
DATE: 11/09/2021 
FIXTURE: Womens 7th XI VS 11/09/2021 
HEADLINE: A game of two halves 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK LEAGUE DIVISION 3 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE:TRF 
RESULT:Lost 1-4 
 
REPORT: 
A rather young Dereham team took to the pitch at TRF this afternoon but there were also a couple of quite experienced players intermingled in. 
City started well with a lot of possession but unfortunately one of the more experienced Dereham players found the ball & made an impressive run through nearly every city player to start the scoring. City then lost a bit of composure & Dereham seemed to put in attack after attack which resulted in 3 more goals before half-time & City were 4-0 down. Jess Westbury in goal made some fantastic saves in the midst of all this & defenders Jan Kennard, Karen Paterson, Sam Harvey & Cat Thompson were all outstanding in trying to stave off the attacks. 
 
City regrouped at half time & came out determined not to let Dereham get the better of them. A run early on down the left side resulted in a cross to Sarah Bird who slammed it away for City's first goal! City really found their stride after this & there were numerous short corners & near misses off the goal line to follow. A penalty flick was even awarded but unfortunately Sarah Bird's excellent flick was saved by the Dereham goalie. 
Dereham didn't score at all this half & City can take a lot away from this game & have some excellent game play to build on. 
POTM was well-deserved to Paschka Da Costa who battled on for the whole game. 
Well done everyone. 
 

MENS 1ST XI - 11/09/2021 VS SPALDING 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 1st XI 
DATE: 11/09/2021 
FIXTURE: Mens 1st XI VS 11/09/2021 
HEADLINE: Men's 1s End Preseason with a hard fought win 
LEAGUE: Pre-Season Friendly  
VENUE: Taverham  
RESULT: 4-3  
 
REPORT: 
The weather was hot. Very hot.  
Definitely more cricket weather than hockey, which probably explained both teams warmup involving a bat and ball.  
 
When we did get on the pitch, either the weather or very bobbly astro led to some sluggish hockey from both sides. Both sides won plenty short corners but struggled to get used to the bobbly sticky pitch and both had to have a 2nd go to score. End of Q1: 1-1 with 2 identical slaps into bottom left corners, ours from Club Captain and Birthday Boy(a day late) Thomas Cooke.  
 
After a much needed break we started more positive, trying to get the ball moving but getting caught in possession a few times, leading to some messy turnovers in our own 23 which Spalding eventually made us pay for with a tidy reverse from the top of the D giving them the lead. Another Tom Cooke slap brought us straight back but almost immediately Spalding had a pitch length breakaway that lead to a 4 man pile in our D and a Penalty Flick to Spalding of which they planted into the corner and went into halftime with a deserved 3-2 lead as we hadn't really switched on yet.  
 
The 2nd half was much improved as we dominated possession and territory with only a few hiccups. Great wide play from Tom Harris, Stu Wardle, Jeremy Elliot & Harry Gill and with Chris Wardale and Cam Cooke suffocating their CBs and Screen down the middle we eventually made the pressure pay off with a pair of goals for Pete Morgan and held on for last 3minutes to end pre-season with a 100% win record and very much looking forward to some rain on the Taverham pitch ASAP and more importantly our big away day to Hitchin to start the season vs Blueharts next week. 
 

MENS 2ND XI - 11/09/2021 VS DEREHAM 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 2nd XI 
DATE: 11/09/2021 
FIXTURE: Mens 2nd XI VS 11/09/2021 
HEADLINE: Dereham Deservedly Defeated... Eventually 
VENUE: Dereham 
RESULT: 2-1 Win 
 
REPORT: 
Following last week's captivating match report, plenty of people will be eagerly anticipating this report to see whether it can live up to those heights!  
 
Stand in captain, Hindle, organised his troops after being pleasantly surprised to see Monty upon his arrival though still unsure if more were arriving. The warm up took in the sights and new developments of Dereham where we bumped into the friendly tea lady for Mattishall youth football as she exited her house who proceeded to mistake us for footballers. A chatty lady nonetheless who appeared to take a liking to the muscular calves of some of the younger members of the team!  
 
The very warm afternoon combined with just 11 plus Jim returning from the odd niggle was not welcomed by the older squad members. City started reasonably well trying to play the right kind of hockey while keeping Dereham's danger players quiet with what is still a new formation for most of us. Dereham set out to make it difficult and often physical. City though were rewarded after a pinpoint ball from the back was received by Land who turned to beat one before playing a one-two with Monty taking out the final defender and the GK for a simple finish. City had other spurned chances in the first half before seeing their lead diminished after a Dereham aerial that went straight out of play was given as a Dereham sideline. They quickly found their forward who beat three City players to equalise. City will be disappointed with the nature of the goal from many aspects. The unusual decision was only the start of a high number of confusing decisions. City need to improve their conduct although they would hope this is not a standard of umpiring seen regularly this season. However much we may have disagreed we must acknowledge that umpires do give up their time so we can play which we must be grateful for.  
 
At half time, the messages painted a generally positive picture with a tweak in players' positions made. City dominated most the play in the second half with Jim adding experience at the back allowing Sam to control more of the play and giving Toby freedom up top. On another day City could have had 6 or 7 or more but were in fact thankful that no more were conceded. Dereham had plenty of short corners and the odd chance from open play. These were well thwarted by Simon who was excellent throughout in the away goal. A green card for Mark came as a shock to him after he was bumped to the floor trying to defend a short corner. That was followed shortly after with another green but for Krish this time. City kept plugging away and were eventually rewarded with the winner from a short corner played in from the left by Hindle for Sam to deflect in. 
 
City will be happy overall but will be looking for more improvement next week when the league starts.  
 

MENS 3RD XI - 11/09/2021 VS NORTH NORFOLK 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 11/09/2021 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 11/09/2021 
HEADLINE: City narrowly. Miss out in entertaining friendly 
Friendly 
VENUE: 
RESULT:Norwich. city 3s 4 - 5 North Norfolk 1s 
 
REPORT:  
On a searingly hot Saturday afternoon, City 3s entertained North Norfolk 1s for the latest in a lineup of pre-season friendlies. In a battle between two heavyweights trading punches, it was North Norfolk who came out on top in a 5-4 thriller. But the real winners were the spectators who didn’t have to run around in the heat and enjoyed an entertaining game in the afternoon sun. 
 
City started the match the stronger, dominating the early chances and unlucky to score. But against the run of play, it was North Norfolk who scored first, converting from a short distance. City fought back to level, with Ethan Rushton getting the ball over the line. 
 
City were playing some great hockey, keeping the ball moving around the back as they probed away and held most of the possession. North Norfolk on the other hand were quick and dangerous on the break, making this a very two evenly balanced match. City scored next, with Freddie Paterson sliding a diagonal ball through to an unmarked Ethan Rushton who scored his second of the game. Meanwhile Tom Franks in City’s goal was called on to make an impressive reaction save to prevent a strong opposition shot However the lead was not to last long, with North Norfolk making a break and Franks’ desperate tackle at the top of the D on the last man adjudged to be late. The umpire rightly awarded a penalty which North Norfolk put away. 
 
City continued to put on the pressure, with James Hewitt bossing the midfield and some strong running from Cameron Hansell and Freddie Paterson drawing desperate fouls and winning a succession of short corners. City converted one with a beautifully taken short corner where a sharp 1-2 between Matthew Brine and Boycie ended with Brine scoring with a sharply struck shot. The first half drama was not over and North Norfolk scored once more, although City claimed there had been a foot involved. 
 
City only had one sub, and several of the North Norfolk opposition were on their second game of the day. So it was with much relief when the half time whistle went and the players had time to draw breath and take on water. 3-3 and all to play for. 
 
With players tiring, the second half was never going to be such good quality. However, it remained end to end fare, with much space opening up. North Norfolk continued to look good on the break, putting pressure on the City team. They were to score twice in the half, with Cameron Hansell scoring for City. City continued to fight to the end but North Norfolk held on to be the narrow winners in this high scoring game. 
 
Overall this was a very useful practice match for City with everyone putting in a good shift, and some very good hockey, particularly in the first half. Cameron Hansell and Ethan Rushton both got man of the match votes. However, the winner was Freddie Paterson, who playing in an unfamiliar position for him of right half back, held his position well and caused the opposition all sorts of trouble when he ran at them with the ball. 

MENS 7TH XI - 11/09/2021 VS DEREHAM 5 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 7th XI 
DATE: 11/09/2021 
FIXTURE: Mens 7th XI VS 11/09/2021 
HEADLINE: Much better second half 
VENUE: DEREHAM HC 
RESULT: DEREHAM 5 2 NORWICH CITY 7 3 
 
REPORT: 
With a team put together late on Thursday and some playing their first match of the season City struggled to find any rhythm in the first half and found retaining possession and creating chances a problem. Unsurprisingly Dereham opened the scoring with a good short corner variation and then adding a second before half time. 
 
With the instruction to keep it simple and retain possession City started to play much better in the second half. Good use of the right flank in the second half with some good overlapping runs by player of the match Angus Williamson led to a number of circle penetrations and chances being created. However, it was a long ball down the middle to the evergreen Dave Woodward who had time to pick his spot and open City's account. Further combinations down the right involving Harry Morgan, Harsharan Singh and Shaun Ferris led to a number of crosses and following a goal mouth scramble Simon Derrick managed to get the final touch to draw City level.  
Good defensive work by Henry Wanchoo, Angus Williamson, , Colin Brown, Angus Irving and goalkeeper Guy Thrower kept Dereham largely at bay. City secured the win when Harsharan Singh unleashed a reverse stick shot into the top right corner. 
The second half was a huge improvement from which City can take heart.