Results

WOMENS 2ND XI - 26/03/2022 VS HARLESTON MAGPIES 4 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 26/03/2022 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 26/03/2022 
HEADLINE: LADIES 2s BECOME UNBEATED CHAMPIONS! 
 
Norwich City Womens 2 vs Harleston Magpies 4s 
Venue: TRF 
Result: Win 11-0 
 
A sunny day for the last game of the season resulted in an undefeated season for the Womens 2s.  
 
Coach Chris and Captain Georgia Cleveland gave a positive team talk which motivated the team after a couple a couple of difficult wins against previous opponents. The team were ready to go with the mantra of having fun for the final game of an amazing season.  
 
The game started slow with Magpies having lots of possession and breaking towards the D however the strong defence of Lucy Walton, Ella Gill and Georgia held off the pressure who then gave lovely passes to the wings, a returning Emily Leeming and Milly Brown.  
 
Quick passing around the 23 allowed the ball to fall to Sophie Bendon who reversed the ball to through the Magpies Keeper’s legs to make it 1-0 to City. After this the flood gates opened with great passing through the midfield once again with Hanna Hall and Emily Francis creating opportunity after opportunity and mopping up any attempt of a Magpie through ball to their forwards.  
 
Some lovely team goals were created with Mia Moore making runs down the wing taking on the Magpies defenders and passing the ball into the D, after a bit of tennis with the Magpies goalkeeper resulted in Lauren Lawrie scoring her first goal of the match.  
 
A City short corner created their 6th goal of the game with a well worked team goal which slipped to Grace Hanworth-Knights who then shot and ricocheted into the path of Mia Moore who tapped it in for her first goal of the game 
 
At halftime the team were 6-0 up and in high spirits congratulating the goals everyone has scored. Chris asked for more of the same and to keep the high pressure.  
 
Grace Hanworth-Knights scored some amazing solo goals, most notably running outside from the 23 to take on 3 defenders and rounding the keeper to complete her hat trick and Sophie Bendon rounded off her 4 goals with a rebound off the keeper after being peppered with shots from the City forwards. Once again City were on the attack with passes from the defenders finding the midfielders who found an unmarked Emma Hewitt on the penalty spot to slot it home for 9-0.  
 
Even though goalkeeper Georgina Barrett didn’t have to do too much today, she continuously guided her defence which helped her to not concede which allowed her to meet her goal of conceding 10 goals in the season.  
 
The game finished 11-0 to the home team. Overall the 2s met all their goals they set half way through the season. After the game the team had an emotional end to the season celebrating in the sun and watching the rest of the club with Prosecco and cake ?? 
 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 12/03/2022 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 12/03/2022 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 12/03/2022 
HEADLINE: Tussel at Taverham to take the league 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE:TRF 
RESULT:WIN 
 
REPORT: 
 
Excitement in the changing rooms before the match was high as Norwich City 2s knew that a win against Dragons 2s would see them crowned league champions. This energy was channeled well in the opening minutes of the game with City putting on the pressure. This culminated in a short corner which was swiftly injected by Emily Francis and a slick stop from Georgia Cleveland set up Sophie Bendon to drag flick the ball straight through the legs of the Dragons keeper. Dragons did not drop their heads, however, and put pressure on the back three of Sally Rose, Leigh-Ann Worrall and Lucy Walton but solid defending and a few saves by POM Georgina Barratt ensured City left the pitch 1-0 up at halftime.  
 
The pressure of the occasion grew in the second half and tensions rose with each minute that passed without a further goal from City. Some great runs by Milly Brown and Mia Moore ensured continued pressure on the dragons defence but no one could find the backboard. Despite the frustration continued hard work by Danielle Sizer, Lauren Lawrie and Hanna Hall ensured the forwards could keep testing the dragons keeper, who put in some impressive saves. Dragons won a short corner and tensions were building and some taunting in the midfield led to a raucous which resulted in both team captains having to speak to their teams as the umpires paused the game. The game resumed a dragons attempted a drag flick to the right of the goal but this was saved by Georgina Barratt and swiftly dealt with by the defence. A robust tackle by Sophie Bendon saw a green card but city survived this. Ella Gill had been causing Dragons problems all game with a string of key tackles and drives through the midfield which ensured city remained in an attacking mindset. More short corners were won but non were converted and tension rose further still. Dragons then won another short corner but again were denied by the city defence. With 10 minutes to go Sally Rose made an excellent pass into the D which was met by Hollie Joyce who turned it into the goal while running at pass, a superb finish. Finally the tension lifted and City knew they just needed to hold on for the final few minutes. The whistle blew and there was pure elation from the city players now crowned league champions, as well as a shower of champagne. Onto the last two games of the season and the aim to finish the season having won all their league matches. 
 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 05/03/2022 VS COLCHESTER 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 05/03/2022 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 05/03/2022 
HEADLINE: Promotion Party in the making 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: 
RESULT: 
 
REPORT: 
 
With a late game at Ipswich we were all ready to get the game going with a couple of delays. We were raring to go and in our first five minutes we were completely dominating with a quick run from Sophie B we all thought a repeat of her East Coast game was going to happen, unfortunately the keeper saved. With Colchester applying a very high press witch we weren’t used to we panic and started to lower ourselves to their level. Colchester were quick on the attack and won a short corner, in this case the umpire made a controversial decision to give a flick. Georgina went the right way and got her pad to it but the power still went in.This was an unfamiliar situation for City as we had only been done 3 times this season! Quickly after the grit and determination of City Emma H was on a mission shot at the keeper and got the deflection and smashed it in from close range. Half-time came and a brilliant talk from Emily F got us raring today and reminded us what our goals are and our Number 1 Supporter (Rosie) gave us the energy we needed.  
Our start to the second half we had majority of possession we got another controversial decision and the umpire awarded a short corner from a misunderstood foot of the other team and we went 2-1 down. The defence of Leigh-Ann, Sally and Dani kept Colchester Quite. Another short was awarded to Colchester due to to Dani S’ “best tackle of my hockey life” and luckily Georgina was on flying form and denied. A lovely run from debutant Hollie slipped it to Grace who scored 2-2!!!! Millie Brown was relentless in the middle and won ball and passed it to Hollie who then slotted the goal in 3-2!!!! After a hard battled game the team bond quickly showed and working for each other under high pressure we kept our 100% winning record going.  

WOMENS 2ND XI - 12/02/2022 VS IPSWICH 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 12/02/2022 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 12/02/2022 
HEADLINE: Top of the table battle! 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Ipswich (Away) 
RESULT: 1-2  
 
REPORT: 
 
Some would say Norwich Womens 2’s were heading for the most important game of their 2021-2 season, the changing rooms were full of nerves and excitement ahead of the top of the table clash. 
After a cold and well drilled warm up the game began and Norwich threw themselves straight in, pressing high from the start, making Ipswich work hard in defence. Mia Moore, Emma Hewitt, and Grace Hanworth- Knights pressed the oppositions attacking D, winning a flurry of back-to-back short corners, none of which Norwich could convert. 
Shortly followed some amazing midfield blocks from Lauren Lawrie and Georgia Cleveland putting the pressure on Ipswich who were building momentum.Goalie Georgina Barratt structured her defence effectively keeping the ball out, attack after attack, however a well worked pass and strike from a confident Ipswich player hit the backboard leaving Norwich trailing early in the game. 
Norwich was trying to respond and some great runs from Emily Francis plus some lovely tackles from Uma Patel enabled Norwich to start to build pressure again and shortly before the half time whistle Norwich won a short corner. A fast drag flick towards the Ipswich defence was saved and deflected but a well-placed Emily Francis was on hand and scored a reverse flick into the goal. 
With the score line in an even state it as all the play for in the second half. Norwich came out strong with Sophie Bendon working hard to win balls from the Ipswich defence. With Norwich pulling together in this second half Ipswich were struggling to break through and tensions were building. 
Ipswich did see some wonderful breaks of play however Lucy Walton was strong at the back and nothing was getting through especially with Leigh-Ann Worrall sweeping up balls and enabling a super-efficient Hanna Hall to make some nice distribution passes out to Milly Brown and Dani Sizer. 
As the game neared the final five minutes of play a through ball reached a highly placed Sophie who after firstly hitting the keeper produced a quick reaction and hit the ball with absolute determination to smash the backboard and bring the win home for Norwich. 
Norwich now found themselves ahead, a stark contrast to the start of the game and the feeling of elation swept across the team. A well battled and challenging game! 
 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 05/02/2022 VS FRAMLINGHAM 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 05/02/2022 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 05/02/2022 
HEADLINE: GOALS GOALS GOALS 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: 8-0 Win 
 
REPORT: 
Eager to remain top of the table and add to their goal difference, City played beautiful passing hockey and scored some wonder goals despite having a few key players missing.  
 
From the start, City started on top pressuring the Framlingham defence and peppering the keeper with shots. Off a long corner, Ella Gill took the opportunity to capitalise off Framlingham not setting up quick enough, driving the ball straight into the D and scoring.  
 
The goals seemed to flow at this point with Mia Moore passing a lovely ball through to Sophie Bendon for a first time shot to make it 2-0 to start her tally of goals 
 
City dominated the midfield with Emily Francis and Georgia Cleveland positioning the press and making some expert tackles to stop any Framlingham attack from happening, threading the ball left and right to Danielle Sizer and Lauren Lawrie to drive into the D to win a succession of short corners 
Lucy Walton passed some lovely balls down to Grace Hanworth-Knights and Emma Hewitt who skipped past defenders and had some amazing shots saved by a busy Framlingham goalkeeper 
The defence of Leigh-Ann Worrall, Sally Rose and Lucy Walton stopped crash balls from their 16 to mount more pressure back onto the visiting team and making impressive tackles to stop a counter attack.  
 
After a quick team talk from coach Chris Wardale, the second half resulted in City pressing the away team into their half creating many more chances, with goalkeeper Georgina Barratt even getting a touch in.  
 
In the end four impressive goals from Sophie Bendon (player of the match) , a creative hat trick from Grace Hanworth-Knights, and a strike from Ella Gill finished the score 8-0 to the home team. 
 
 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 29/01/2022 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 3 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 29/01/2022 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 29/01/2022 
HEADLINE: City fought against the wind and Dragons to claim another victory!  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Dragons Den 
RESULT :5-0 win for NCHC 
 
REPORT: 
 
City arrived at Dragon's Den still in top position in the table and eager to continue their winning streak, 15 games unbeaten. However, both Dragons 3s and the weather were keen to put a spanner in the works.  
 
From the whistle, City seemed unable to play their usual confident, passing hockey. A combination of gale force winds and glaring sunshine made making even the simplest of passes effortful. With a confused Lauren Lawrie managing to tackle her captain Georgia Cleveland causing much hilarity on the bench, City desperately needed to reset and take control of the game. 
 
Unfortunately, City's first ten minutes was going to get worse before it got better. One searching ball forward found a sprinting Rosie Humphrey, who turned and twisted her knee leading to an early exit from proceedings. Being the team's top goal scorer to date, this was a massive loss to the City team. However, after a small reshuffle, Sophie Bendon stepped up to the plate to score the first goal and awaken the City team. 
 
Amongst the slaps to the face by flying leaf debris, City began to ramp up the pressure on the Dragon's defence. Danielle Sizer seized the opportunity to use her speed and drive along Dragon's backline, winning the first of a succession of short corners. Once the ball had been found in the growing leaf pile behind the goal, Lucy Walton struck a near perfect shot, saved only by the Dragon's keeper's left post. 
 
City worked hard to set up a solid press from a Dragon's hit out. This proved lucrative, as Sophie Bendon intercepted and struck a perfect reverse strike to the bottom left hand corner. The half time whistle blew with City in the lead, 2-0. 
 
Following a reminder of last week's training from Captain Georgia Cleveland, City began the second half with fresh vigor, passing the ball with the composure they usually apply. Hanna Hall found her stride, driving the ball into the top of the D and occupying three defender's before they eventually were able to clear their line. 
 
Recalling Georgia's half time talk, Ella Gill passed a long reaching cross to the far post for Mia Moore to deflect in. Unfortunately, the ball skimmed past the right post but served Dragon's with an unheeded warning of what was to come. 
 
Within 10 minutes of the restart, City had scored two goals in quick succession. Emily Leeming drove the ball down the left and crossed to the perfectly positioned Mia Moore who slipped it home, 3-0. From the restart, Sophie Bendon, hungry for her Hattrick, smashed the ball at goal only for the Dragon's keeper to deny her. However, the rebound was calmly tapped home by Mia Moore for her second of the game.  
 
City's defence of Leigh- Ann Worrall, Sally Rose, Ella Gill and Lucy Walton were unfazed by Dragon's limited attacks. They stepped up confidently to dispossess the oppositions attackers and redistribute the ball into space. City were focused on increasing their goal tally. Emma Hewitt's movement into the channels created space into the circle that was rapidly exploited by Emily Francis for a cracking strike at a tight angle. Once again the Dragon's keeper kicked the ball clear of the goal. 
 
 
The fifth and final goal of the game came from a much more successful link up between Georgia Cleveland and Lauren Lawrie. Georgia struck at the heart of the Dragon's goal and Lauren stole the ball from the keeper's pads, putting it away. 
 
 
 
Alongside her usual confident communication and organisation, keeper Georgina Barrett spent much of the second half attempting to position herself at the correct angle to the wind so as to prevent take off.  
 
Despite tricky conditions, City added another 3 points to the tally and kept another clean sheet, 5-0. Next game, Framlingham. 
 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 15/01/2022 VS BROADLAND 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 15/01/2022 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 15/01/2022 
HEADLINE: City come from behind for the first time.. 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 6-2W vs Broadland 1s 
 
REPORT: 
This week was a first for City womens 2’s, the first time this season they’ve ever been behind in a game. Broadland took an early lead through a breakaway from our early pressure and were 1-0 up within 10 minutes. This spurred city into action and very soon after a string of short corners were won.  
 
The first converted by Rosie Humphrey after her call of ‘no’ because she was covered by a defender. Emily Francis did not listen and knew she’d pounce into the space in front and calmly placed it there for her to convert. The second Emily Francis slid onto the far post for Lauren Super Speed Lawrie to deflect in! 2-1 within a few minutes.  
 
Great open play continued with some beautiful linking play and quick movement from Emily Leeming, Emma Hewitt and Hanna Hall. Emily Francis picked up the ball and turned her defender, slipped the ball through to Rosie Humphrey to rocket it home. 3-1 at half time. 
 
The defensive unit held strong and transferred the ball calmly around the back, waiting for opportunities to move the ball into space going forwards. The next attack came from great play from Dani Sizer picking out Lucy Walton in space who threaded the ball through to Hanna Hall, forward to Rosie and then to Emma Hewitt who found her space in the D and calmly slotted home. This followed with many more opportunities including great shots from Sophie Bendon, Milly Brown and dedication from Emma Hewitt who got her second goal from pouncing on a rebounded save and putting it away.  
 
Broadland then made a break for it and an interesting decision sadly meant city switched off and a goal slipped through.  
 
Leigh-Ann Worrall and Sally Rose remained strong and in control for the rest of the game with Georgina Barrett in goal being unfazed for the remainder but providing her continued vocal support and guidance.  
 
Georgia Cleveland held strong through the middle and distributed well. A couple of chances later she fed the ball through to Sophie Bendon who fooled the keeper but the ball was stopped on the line for a flick. The Broadland keeper made a good save to keep the tally to 5.  
 
Milly Brown on the other hand wasn’t content with just 5 goals and snuck in on the post to flick a ball past the onrushing keeper. Taking our tally to 6-2 for the game.  

WOMENS 2ND XI - 08/01/2022 VS HARLESTON MAGPIES 3 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 08/01/2022 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 08/01/2022 
HEADLINE: New Year, Same Ambition 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 2-0 Win 
 
REPORT: 
Thankful that the midweek ice had disappeared, City 2s took on Magpies 3s at home to start the second half of the season. The team were excited for Sophie Bendon's debut in City colours. 
 
As the whistle sounded it was clear the Christmas break had taken a toll on City's movement. The team were not playing with their usual energy and sharpness. City dominated much of the play, but were struggling to find much needed space in a very congested Magpies D. The Magpies keeper remained solid, kicking away every City shot. However, City remained focused and knew such constant pressure would eventually lead to rewards. 
 
An early chance on goal saw a stunning cross from Emily Leeming on the right into Emma Hewitt who struck the ball cleanly on her reverse, forcing a save from the Magpies keeper. 
 
Magpie's managed to formulate a number of breaking attacks, but found themselves face to face with City's determined and confident defence of Ella Gill, Sally Rose, Leigh-Ann Worrall, Lucy Walton and keeper Georgina Barratt. Magpies most successful passage of play culminated in a save off of the line from the cool, calm and collected Lucy Walton. 
 
With the rain getting heavier, the second half got under way. City was focused on improving their movement to aid a break through. Well timed runs from City's midfield engines Hanna Hall and Emily Francis created much needed movement and space. As a result, Georgia Cleveland was able to use vision to distribute the ball wide to an on the move Mia Moore in the bottom right hand corner. Mia delivered a thundering cross to a perfectly placed Danielle Sizer, who ensured the ball crossed the line. City had finally broken through the Magpies defence.  
 
Citys persistent drives into the Magpie D were rewarded with frequent short corners, Magpies number one runner repeatedly and bravely put her body on the line to deny City a second goal. 
 
However, City's perseverance eventually paid off and led to a perfectly executed short corner routine. The cracking sound of the backboard from Rosie Humphrey confirmed City 2s as the victors in what was a hard fought game. City 2s remain undefeated and march on towards their goal of promotion. 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 04/12/2021 VS HARLESTON MAGPIES 4 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 04/12/2021 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 04/12/2021 
HEADLINE: Scoring 11 to make 11 wins from 11!  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE:Harleston Magpies 
RESULT:11-1 
 
REPORT: 
Norwich City Womens 2s set off down to Harleston searching for another win to complete a perfect start to the season. 
 
Never under estimating Magpies as their reputation precedes them Norwich City set straight to work. A beautiful one two down the line saw Hanna Hall slide the ball past the keeper within 35 seconds, 1-0. Little did we know this would open the flood gates. A second came from current top goal scorer Emily Francis whose straight strike from a short corner was deflected in making it 2-0. Emma Hewitt then decided she wanted to join in with some beautiful stick skills at the top of the D and a sliding reverse which saw the ball lift over the keeper, 3-0. Then again a little later she deflected in her second in to make it 4-0. Following more pressure from Norwich city Mia Moore made it 5-0. A well timed solo run from magpies saw a goal sneak past a very cold spectating GK Georgina Barrett, 5-1. One final goal in the first half came from Captain Georgia Cleveland who dragged the ball from the top right through the keepers legs making it 6-1 at half time.  
After a quick half time team talk Norwich City were quickly back at it. Shortly into the second half Rosie Humphrey (another top goal scorer of the season) ensured a very carefully placed push at a tight angle hit the back of the goal, 7-1. City kept pushing for more and Moore came in the way of a short corner, she was placed in the perfect position to mop it up on the post, 8-1. A well timed run from Hanna Hall who hit the baseline and pulled it back to P spot for Emily Francis to sweep in (a manoeuvre that would have even made coach Chris Wardale smile), 9-1.  
The very solid defensive line of Leigh-Ann Worrall, Ella Gill, Sally Rose and Lucy Walton saw that no more goals were scored in the second half by Magpies. 
 
City continued to with their ruthless attack with Emily Leeming making some lovely leading runs and Lauren Lawrie linking the play between midfield and forwards. Emma Hewitt then got her hero hatrick from a lovely hit in her back foot space making it 10-1. And last but not least a final short corner where captain Georgia Cleveland pushed in a goal bound drag flick which was guided in by Lauren Lawrie meant the game finished on 11-1. 
 
A valiant team effort which saw 7 different goals scorers get themselves on the score sheet, and Norwich City 2s solidify themselves at the top of the league at the half way point. 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 27/11/2021 VS DEREHAM 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 27/11/2021 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 27/11/2021 
HEADLINE: Dancing in the Rain 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE:TRF 
RESULT:6-0 Win 
 
City undertook an energetic warm up in glorious sunshine before the starting whistle signalled a dramatic change in weather. Despite this, City were focused on continuing their unbeaten run of games. Within the first 5 minutes of the game, City had won a penalty corner which was calmly converted with a stunning strike from Emily Francis, 1-0. The pressure on Dereham's defence remained high. A skillful run and strong strike by Lucy Walton, brushed the stick of Emma Hewitt before beating the Dereham keeper, 2-0. Dereham were finding it difficult to break down City's press and a lifted ball from a hit out into Rosie Humphrey, saw her shrug off the impact and beat the keeper one on one, 3-0 at half time.  
 
The second half saw much of the same fast paced hockey from City, with the ball moving effortlessly from left to right via Georgia Cleveland. Utilising the space at the top of the circle, City pulled the ball back from the baseline to a waiting Emily Francis, who slotted it home for her second goal of the match. However, City were not content with a four goal lead and an overlapping run from Ella Gill, saw her skillfully drive along the baseline and wrong foot the keeper for City's fifth.  
 
 
Still City remained lively, with some well timed leading runs from Milly Brown and Emily Leeming creating space in Dereham's circle for Hanna Hall to take advantage of.  
 
 
The defensive line of Ella Gill, Lucy Walton, Leigh-Ann Worrall and Sally Rose remained switched on to any Dereham attack and stifled all opportunities, redistributing the ball with pace and precision to City's attack. With the ball now spending much of its time in the attacking circle, crowding was becoming a problem. However, Rosie Humphrey was able to create her own space with a spin around the defender and pushed the ball into the bottom corner scoring City's sixth and final goal of the match. 
 
Such was the team performance that POM was well contested, with Danielle Sizer, Ella Gill, Hanna Hall and Lauren Lawrie all receiving an equal number of votes. Keeper Georgina Barrett managed to bag herself a POM vote (thanks to the trusty wheel!!) for keeping yet another clean sheet.  
 
Some beautiful hockey on display, despite the conditions. Next week City take on Magpies 4s looking to complete their clean sweep of the first round. 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 20/11/2021 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 20/11/2021 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 20/11/2021 
HEADLINE: Our Winning Streak Continues 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Dragons Den 
RESULT: 2-0 Win 
 
REPORT: 
City had a later start on a windy afternoon ready to smash dragons to continue our title of top of the league. 
 
We had our team talk with Captain Georgina Cleveland giving us positivity and support to win this game. The game was a strong and aggressive one where we played well and kept the ball in their half throughout the first half of the match. We had a breakthrough where Emily Francis passed a lovely precise ball to Rosie Humphrey were we scored out first goal placing us 1-0 up against dragons. 
 
The second half started where dragons came back fighting which made us push harder as a team. We had many short corners however couldn’t seem to score with dragons coming out hard and fast but, with great play from city Emily Francis got the ball and skilled through dragons towards the top of the D where she scored an amazing goal which was a hard flick into the corner of the goal placing us 2-0 up. City continued fighting and playing the ball well even though we became a bit frantic at times, we still pulled through winning the game 2-0 overall. 
 
The teams effort was amazing and played skilfully and clever earning us the title of notorious winners once again.  
Well done girls!! 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 06/11/2021 VS EAST COAST 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 06/11/2021 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 06/11/2021 
HEADLINE: 100% Win Record Continues 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: East Point Academy 
RESULT: 7-0 win 
 
REPORT: City had an early start this week and travelled to the chilly seaside town of Lowestoft. Keen to get moving they warmed up clearing the firework debris off the pitch from the evening before.  
 
Team talk from captain Georgia Cleveland was pretty much keep up the good work, and so we did. Within, 5 minutes Emily Francis threaded a beautiful weighted ball to a lone Rosie Humphrey who rounded the keeper and slotted home the first goal of the game. 0-1 to the visitors. City continued to hassle East Coast’s defence, Emma Hewitt battled to keep a loose ball in play on the baseline and tucked it away to double the lead. 0-2. Forwards; Milly brown, Emily Leeming and Mia Moore continued to make a nuisance of themselves in the D and shortly a short corner was rewarded. Emily Francis and Rosie Humphrey mirror imaged the goal from last week with a back to the injector routine, for Rosie to bury the third. 0-3 to City.  
With time and space on the ball, Georgia, Hannah Hall, Lauren Lawrie and Dani Sizer played some lovely hockey in midfield. Lauren continuously closed down play and battled hard to turnover the ball. Hannah with her high intensity and work rate distributed the ball well out to Dani and Lauren either side and before they knew it City were knocking again on East Coast’s door. After multiple shots on goal Emily Francis picked up one of the rebounds, spun and pushed it past the keeper. 0-4 to City. City continued their goal campaign with a lovely ball in from Francis for Emma to smash home the fith. 0-5 to City. Mia Moore won City a penalty flick before half time, Rosie stepped up but unfortunately, poorly aimed straight down the middle. Half time.  
 
City step out hard and within 8 minutes of the second half, Hannah fires a precision ball into the D to Francis for a reverse deflection. 0-6 to City. For a good spell in the second half the home side fought back putting City under more pressure than they would have liked. However, City’s solid defence comprised of Sabina Baker, Lucy Walton and Sally Rose calmly saw to any incoming threats. Keeper Georgina Barratt only had to make one save of the game but was a fabulous diving stick save to keep her clean sheet. City turned it over in the last 5/10 mins seeing Sabina chuck some ariels out from defence and Lucy distributing high up the pitch. 2 minutes before the final whistle Lauren drove the baseline and threw a perfect ball across the goal mouth for Rosie to deflect, the keeper saved it but committed to ground, Rosie picked up the rebound and hit home the final goal to seal her hat-trick. 0-7. 
 
Well done to the whole team for another great performance in the promotion campaign. 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 30/10/2021 VS IPSWICH 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 30/10/2021 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 30/10/2021 
HEADLINE: Top of the Table Clash 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE:Taverham 
RESULT:1-0 Win 
 
REPORT: 
With only goal difference separating undedeated Norwich City 2s and Ipswich 2s at the top of the table it was all to play for. City had a full squad of 15 and were ready to go from the off with the midfield of Georgia Cleveland, Emily Francis, Helen Busfield and Dani Sizer working hard and linking up well. Ipswich felt the pressure as City played a very attacking game which resulted in a penalty corner early in the half. A swift stop and pass from the duo of Georgia Cleverland and Emily Francis found Rosie Humphrey who slotted the ball into the back of the goal past the Ipswich keeper. Both teams were battling hard in midfield and a lifted ball straight to the head of Hanna Hall sparked a moment of worry for City, but after a short break on the sideline Hanna was back in action and causing Ipswich problems alongside Lauren Lawrie. Pressure by Milly Brown, Emily Francis, Emma Hewett and Grace Hanworth-Knights led to a few more shots on goal, the best of which was Emma's strike to the bottom left hand corner of the goal which was saved by the Ipswich keeper.  
 
The second half saw City under more pressure than the first with Lucy Walton, Sally Rose, Sabina Baker and Leigh-Ann Worrall taking turns to thwart the efforts of Ipswich. This period of attack from Ipswich saw a series of shots on goal and a short corner but none of these made it past goalkeeper Georgina Barratt. City stepped their game up again and continued to work hard for the remainder if the match, with everyone giving maximum effort to ensure the 1-0 win to take the team clear at the top of the table. 
 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 16/10/2021 VS FRAMLINGHAM 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 16/10/2021 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 16/10/2021 
HEADLINE: Castle Under Siege  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Framlingham College 
RESULT: 9-1 W 
 
REPORT: 
The womens second team headed down to Framlingham, unsure of the opposition they were about to face with very mixed results thus far. With both excitement and apprehension (at the sandiness of the pitch!) they got straight to work piling the pressure onto Fram. City converted their first goal through a short corner, with Rosie Humphrey putting the ball onto the post for Emily Leeming to calmly slot home. Framlingham then made a couple of breaks against the run of play and a short corner resulted. A well worked routine resulted in a goal, 1-1.  
 
City piled the pressure onto Fram and it was not long before more goals resulted. Milly Brown, Lauren Lawrie and Emily Leeming created opportunities with their pace and quick passing breaking apart the defence. Rosie had a great attempt saved, but her rebounded shot met a foot on the line – unphased she skilfully converted the flick, 2-1. It was captain Georgia Cleveland’s turn next spotting the space in the D, weaving amongst the defenders and placing the ball past the onrushing keeper. Then was the mazy run of Dani Sizer following great build up play from Lucy Walton to Emily Francis who drove the baseline and sent a ball across the D for Dani Sizer to swiftly sweep up into the back of the net, 4-1. The first half finished 5-1 following a brilliant link up between Rosie Humphrey and Emma Hewitt who worked tirelessly upfront to find Emily Francis running into the D for a 1 on 1 with the keeper, the keeper saved the first attempt but Emily followed up and slotted home the rebound.  
 
The defensive unit of Sally Rose, Sabina Baker, Leigh-Ann Worrall held strong and composed to keep at bay anymore counter attacks. Linking up well with Georgia Cleveland in the middle and with the overlapping runs of Lucy Walton. Many more opportunities on goal occurred, with great diving deflections from Hanna Hall and Dani nearly converting. It was Rosie Humphrey who made it 6-1 when another ball from Emma found Rosie on the P spot, who spun and beat the last defender to score. Hanna Hall followed Rosie’s lead sprinting into the space in the D and converted a reverse shot. Emily Francis finally managed to complete the illusive hattrick of the last two weeks with a mazy run through the D to slot the ball on her reverse past the keeper, 8-1, followed by a reverse sweep into the goal after pouncing on a rebound. Final score 9-1.  
 
A shout out to Georgina Barratt in goal who despite having little to do, kept strong, engaged and was the cheerleader we all needed throughout the game. 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 09/10/2021 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 3 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 09/10/2021 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 09/10/2021 
HEADLINE: Cool play on a hot day 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 3-0 
 
REPORT: 
 
 
With captain Georgia Cleveland back at the helm City 2s set out determined to retain their winning ways against a side that have been known to throw up a few surprises but not today… 
City started out confident with the intention to upset the opposition early on. Lots of pressure and clever play saw City awarded a short corner. A perfectly executed routine and straight strike from Emily Francis put City up 1-0 within the first 10 minutes. Continued pressure and some nifty stick work saw City achieve several short corners but just could not capitalise on them.  
 
City forward line-up of Emily Francis, Gabby Sharp, Rosie Humphrey, Emma Hewitt and Milly Brown kept working relentlessly and were eventually rewarded with the next goal from a ball delivered by Gabby Sharp coming across from the right to be put in the back of the net by Emma Hewitt 
 
City’s well organised and quickly set presses gave Dragon’s few opportunities to get the ball away cleanly and only the bounce allowed for the escaping ball to reach the midfield being quickly shut down by the tireless efforts of Georgia Cleveland, Dani Sizer, Emily Leeming and Lauren Lawrie who linked well with the forwards to create some nice passages of play. 
Dragon’s rarely threatened and the few break away attacks that did reach City’s circle were swiftly dealt with by the solid defensive unit comprising Leigh-Ann Worrall, Sabina Baker, Sally Rose and ‘super sub’ Suzy Edwards under the clear vocal direction of keeper Georgina Barrett. 
 
The energy sapping heat started to take its toll in the second half and the play became stretched with some periods of end to end play but City never gave up, pushing for more and spending a lot of the game in the oppositions half. Another short corner routine saw Emily Francis again taking the ball and beating several players to tuck it away for goal number 3 with a ‘touch’ from Rosie Humphrey just to make sure. 
 
 
Another great team effort and successful mission 
 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 02/10/2021 VS BURY ST EDMUNDS 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 02/10/2021 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 02/10/2021 
HEADLINE: No fuel, no problem! 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Bury St Edmunds 
RESULT: 1-5 Win 
 
REPORT: 
 
The current fuel shortage wasn’t going to stop a determined Norwich City side travelling to Bury to collect their next 3 points.  
 
With captain Georgia Cleveland away for the weekend, vice captain Emily Francis lead the team to this weeks victory. In fact, within 10 mins she found herself on the score sheet. She sailed passed 3 defenders and with time and space she struck the ball cleanly and confidently firing it passed the keeper 0-1 to City. City continued to press the ball in Bury’s half and dominate possession, being rewarded with a short corner. The rebound found its way to Emily on the edge of the D who added to her goal tally by lifting it into the corner of the goal. 0-2 to City.  
 
Hannah Hall and Lauren Lawrie worked tirelessly in midfield with nice link up play on the right from Dani Sizer and Lucy Walton. Their efforts soon paid off with a quick well timed pass to a lone Mia Moore at the top of the D who calmly slotted it passed the keeper 0-3 to City.  
 
It wasn’t long before the rattled Bury side found their way into City territory and won themselves a short corner. They managed to convert with a straight strike getting themselves on the scoresheet before the half time whistle. 1-3.  
 
After a quick break, a feisty Norwich side wasn’t going to allow any more room for error with forwards Rosie Humphrey, Emma Hewitt and Emily Leeming setting the press early and hassling Bury’s back line. Lauren slipped a straight ball through to Rosie who was swiftly closed down by bury’s keeper yet, still managed to thread it through her legs hitting the back board. 1-4 to City.  
 
Bury didn’t give up too easily and began to have more possession and opportunities in the second half however, City’s solid defence of Sabina Baker, Leigh-Ann Worrall and Sally Rose saw to any possible threats. With not having much to do for most of the game Keeper Georgina Barratt kept out Bury’s best chance with an incredible save.  
 
Nearing full time, City transferred the pressure back onto Bury. Continuing to play like it was 0-0. Hard work and determination to increase the goal difference saw another short corner being awarded. This time it was Milly brown who tucked the ball away from the P spot ending the game on a 1-5 win. Well done to the whole team for another sterling performance. 
 
POTM:Rosie Humphrey 
 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 25/09/2021 VS BROADLAND 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 25/09/2021 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 25/09/2021 
HEADLINE: Another Win for City 2’s!  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE:Taverham 
RESULT:3-0 Win 
 
REPORT: 
City took to the pitch eager to continue their storming start to this season's campaign. With the humidity high, we knew it would be a game where hardwork and resilience would triumph. From the off, City put pressure on Broadband. Great stick work from the forward line of Milly Brown, Mia Moore, Emma Hewitt, Grace Hanworth-Knights and Rosie Humphrey, saw many corners awarded. However, City were unable to capitalise. Broadland's defence remained inpenteratable until the the closing minutes of the first half when Dani Sizer released a quick free hit to the top of the circle to find Emma Hewitt who smashed the ball home, 1-0. 
 
 
City were finding space in the attacking circle hard to come by, being camped in Broadland's half. However, the midfield of Georgia Cleveland, Hanna Hall and Emily Francis moved the ball confidently around the attacking circle edge, patiently waiting for an opening. A searching cross into the circle saw Rosie Humphrey pounce, firing the ball home and increasing City's lead. Broadland seemed determined to catch City on the break, but City's defensive line of Lucy Walton, Leigh-Ann Worrall and Sally Rose cooly saw to it that any Broadland advance was quickly terminated. Keeper Georgina Barratt remained switched on to Broadland's threat on the break, smothering some strong shots to keep her clean sheet in tact. Keeping up the pressure on Broadland's defence, City scored a third as Mia confidently pushed the ball home from Grace's shot. 
 
An amazing team performance to break through Broadland's strong defence. 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 18/09/2021 VS HARLESTON MAGPIES 3 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 18/09/2021 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 18/09/2021 
HEADLINE: Team work makes the dream work 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Harleston Magpies 
RESULT: 6-0 Win 
 
REPORT: 
 
NCHC Womens 2s travelled to Harleston for their first league fixture of the 2021/22 season.  
Pre match nerves were evident in the changing room but with a good set of pre-season wins and training sessions behind us we were feeling confident for the task in hand.  
City started the match with a huge amount of intensity and pressure which lead to several chances at goal, it was Leigh-Ann Worrall who clinically put the first two into the back of the net with crosses from the right hand side. The front line of Rosie Humphrey, Emma Hewitt, Leigh-Ann Worrall and Emily Leeming all worked tirelessly to create many chances. Magpies worked well to block entrance to the D, making it hard for city to penetrate, but city used this to their advantage and were rewarded with a serious of short corners. Lucy Waltons strike saw the back of the net to make it 3-0 at half time.  
After a positive team talk from captain Georgia Cleveland, the message was ‘same again’. City went out again with the same fantastic work rate from every single player. City were very rarely troubled, with our wonderful keeper Georgina Barratt constantly talking from the back, Sally, Sabina Baker, Harriet Preston and Lucy Walton were always in fully control from the back, the only issue was Sabina Bakers glove, which the umpire took a disliking too.  
Once again, city continued to attack at pace, with Lauren Lawrie and Dani Sizers silky skills in midfield proving too good for the opposition to stop. Lucy Walton and Harriet Preston provided such great support from the back making citys attacks pretty much unstoppable. Rosie Humphrey started her goal campaign off with a fine finish, followed with one by Hanna Hall. Which saw the ball carefully worked up the right hand side and crossed in but unfortunately no one was there, however to everyone’s surprise Hanna Hall came sliding through the D on the magpies well watered pitch picking a reverse stick deflection which saw it swoop into the back of the net. A goal even Alex Danson in her glory days would have been proud of. Then Dani Sizer completed the goal scoring making sure Emma Hewitts strike reached the back of the net in the final few minutes.  
Boom… 6-0. A positively glowing start to the season for the womens 2s. An absolutely incredible team performance. 
 
 

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 2ND XI - 04/09/2021 VS BURY ST EDMUNDS 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 04/09/2021 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 04/09/2021 
HEADLINE: Cool play on a hot day 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE:Taverham 
RESULT:3-0 Win 
 
REPORT: 
With captain Georgia Cleveland back at the helm City 2s set out determined to retain their winning ways against a side that have been known to throw up a few surprises...but not today... 
City started out confident with the intention to upset the opposition early on. Lots of pressure and clever play saw City awarded a short corner. A perfectly executed routine and strike from Emily Francis put City up 1-0 within the first 10 minutes. Continued pressure and some nifty stick work saw City achieve several short corners but just couldn’t capitalise on them.  
City forward line up of Emily Francis, Gabby Sharp, Rosie Humphrey, Emma Hewitt and Milly Brown kept working relentlessly and were eventually rewarded with the next goal from a ball delivered by Gabby Sharp coming across from the right to be put in the back of the net by Emma Hewitt.  
City’s well organised and quickly set presses gave Dragons few opportunities to get the ball away cleanly and only the bounce allowed for the escaping ball to reach the midfield being quickly shut down by the tireless efforts of Georgia Cleveland, Dani Sizer, Emily Leeming and Lauren Lawrie who linked well with the forwards to create some nice passages of play. 
Dragons rarely threatened and the few break away attack’s that did reach City’s circle were swiftly dealt with by the solid defensive unit comprising Leigh-Ann Worrall, Sabina Baker, Sally Rose and ‘super sub’ Suzy Edwards under the clear vocal direction of keeper Georgina Barrett.  
The energy sapping heat started to take its toll in the second half and the play became stretched with periods of end to end play but City never gave up, pushing for more and spending a lot of time in the oppositions half. Another short corner routine saw Emily Francis again taking the ball and beating several players to tuck it w away for goal number 3 with a ‘touch’ from Rosie Humphrey just to make sure.  
Another great team effort and successful mission. 
 
POTM: Sally Rose