Results

WOMENS 2ND XI - 01/04/2023 VS CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 01/04/2023 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 01/04/2023 
HEADLINE: Newly promoted 2s finish 5th! 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 NORTH 
VENUE: Cambridge 
RESULT:1-1 draw 
 
Norwich womens twos travelled to Cambridge University for a late afternoon game ready to take on the last game of the season.  
 
Both teams came out strong with a fast pace game from the start with end to end play.  
Norwich were working well together with lots of great runs from the forward line-Charlie Hudson-Madge, Sophie Bendon, Rosie Ringer and Grace Hanworth-Knights with a number of shots on goal but with near misses.  
 
Captain, Georgia Cleveland holding the middle with Lauren Lawrie as our screens cutting out passes and moving the ball round well with the midfield- Emma Hewitt, Emily Leeming and Emily Francis. 
 
Norwich defence were kept on their toes as Cambridge attacked with speed. The back line working really well together with Hannah Jarvis holding the middle along with Leigh-Ann Worrall, Uma Patel & India Fox. After a number of great saves by Summer Haylock and great defence from the Norwich side Cambridge were able to get a deflection past making the score line 1-0 at half time.  
 
Norwich knew they were doing some great stuff but also knew we can do more. So came back strong in the second half with quick passing around the back & up the line creating lots of team attacks again with near misses from the forward line. There was a change of formation giving us a push to get that goal back. Norwich passing well around the mid field with Helen Harper & Emily Francis making runs toward the 25. Sophie Bendon dibbled the ball into the D and turned onto her reverse, taking a shot & hitting top right hand corner to make the score 1-1.  
The whole game was back and forth with both teams holding several short corners each. No other goals were scored leaving the score line at a draw.  
 
A great performance from our womens twos lead by their great captain who has done a wonderful job in placing them in the top half of the league after only being promoted last year.  
 
Thank you to all our supported for cheering us on and the traveling! Our team coach Chris for all his hard work. And of course to all the womens within the team, making it a great team! 
 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 18/03/2023 VS IPSWICH 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 18/03/2023 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 18/03/2023 
HEADLINE: Ipswich finally get one over Norwich  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 NORTH 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 2-1 Loss 
 
REPORT:  
As the season enters its final phases, the Women's 2s travelled to Ipswich, Ipswich were looking to get one up on City after loosing points in their last 3 meetings (2 wins for City and 1 draw).  
 
Ipswich football club thought they would help their hockey counterparts by playing a 3pm game making traffic heavy and key players running onto the pitch as the game started. However, for some, little warm up time is key to a good game as shown in the starting 10 minutes.  
 
City started strong and with high energy, making keen attacks left right and centre. Captain Georgia Cleveland created the link up play to Milly Brown out wide. Perfectly timed balls were put through for Charlie Hudson-Madge to run on to up high, she eased passed Ipswich defense, getting lots of shots away. City pressed high and won several short corners, but drag flicks, 1 2s, and even the infamous Libby Thorne slider wasn't enough to beat Ipswich's fantastic GK.  
 
City didn't give up and continued to relentlessly attack Ipswich, which paid off after some lovely triangular passing all the way up the pitch into the D, the ball was passed across for Emily Francis to first time smash it into the bottom corner, a stunning finish. 
 
The deserved lead for City continued as they looked for another, Emma Hewitt was making leads up high as India Fox held her own on the wing and passed it through.  
 
But, Ipswich fought back and started to make attacks of their own, but City defended well, Leigh-Ann Worrall was cutting out balls and stopping counter attacks. When Ipswich did manage to squeeze through, POTM Summer Haylock was able to keep them out, making several 2nd and 3rd phase saves.  
 
This was an evenly matched game with both sides making attacks, whilst Sophie Bendon ran the ball along the base-line and walloped the ball at the keeper (who would've felt it through the foam!), Sabina Baker (returning from injury) stayed strong in defense, marking tight and making life difficult for the Ipswich strikers.  
 
City went into half-time with their heads held high, captain Georgia was super proud of City's performance and asked for more of the same.  
 
City went into the second half with the same high energy however had seemingly spent most of it in the first half and struggled to maintain it. Ipswich were determined to score and pushed hard, but City continued to defend well. Hannah Jarvis stuck tight to players and made great last second jabs.  
 
Ipswich won several short corners, Summer Haylock dealt with them calmly and with a KA-CHOW! However Ipswich were relentless and after their striker stick-blocked managed to trickle the ball into the goal.  
 
Another goal came in quick succession through a well-drilled short corner. This did not deter City as they continued to fight hard with Helen Busfield making crucial tackles outside and inside the D. Lauren Lawrie pursued the ball, made a beautiful tackle and was rewarded with a green card... 
 
As a team City defended well with some highlights including: Leigh-Ann coining a new dance move away from the ball, Summer seeing how long she could stretch out shouting READY, Lauren running 5 seconds too early on a short corner, Libby to the umpire "please could you watch the backing in please??", umpire "yeah sure" (proceeds to ignore all pushing and backing in).  
 
City kept their spirits high, continuing to make the occasional attack down the wings, drive the ball into the D but struggled to find the goal. Despite the final score, City maintained their determination and desire to win which should be commended.  
 
Looking into the final 2 games City have some questions to ponder: How many will they thrash Wisbech by? Who will top the goal-scoring table? Will their politeness towards the umpires ever pay off? Finally where will City finish in the table?  
 
 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 25/02/2023 VS CAMBRIDGE CITY 3 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 25/02/2023 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 25/02/2023 
HEADLINE: Red City, Yellow City, Red City, Yellow City, Red City, Yellow City 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 NORTH 
VENUE:TRF 
RESULT:3-3 Draw 
 
REPORT: 
After a good week of preparation, City were ready to host top of the league Cambridge City.  
 
Norwich started the game strong and proved their worth, creating a couple of chances on goal in the opening minutes. The midfield of Lauren Lawrie, Helen Harper-Lambert, Georgia Cleveland and Milly Brown, linked up well with both the defensive and forward lines. Emma Hewitt, sent several balls down the line for the Norwich forwards to chase onto as City continued to demonstrate their ability as the underdogs going into the fixture.  
 
As time went on, however, Cambridge showed why they are top of the league and with several attacks on the Norwich goal, took the lead from a deflected shot across the goal which was then converted. Norwich were unfortunate to find themselves a goal down.  
 
Norwich City kept their heads high and after several quick attacks and good link up play, Norwich won a well earned short corner. Cambridge City’s goalkeeper was determined to try and distract the home side with some loud vocals, but this did not deter Rosie Ringer who found the top corner of the net after her initial shot was blocked. 1-1.  
 
Play remained even as both teams continued to create chances and despite Norwich’s defensive resilience and some vital saves from Summer Haylock, Norwich were unable to keep Cambridge City out and they regained their advantage.  
 
Although going back to being a goal down, Norwich didn’t let this deter them. A great ball was played from the back, through the midfield and up to Sophie Bendon, who threaded a ball through to Grace Hanworth-Knights. Graces smart play brought the Cambridge goalkeeper out from her goal and found the far corner of the net with a slick reverse hit. Bringing the game back to 2-2 at the end of the first half.  
 
City continued the start of the second half with the high tempo they had set in the first half and continued to work on their build up play. As the half went on, chances went to both teams, with each trying to find the winner. Norwich’s defensive players Ella Gill, Rosie Jackson, India Fox, Leigh-Ann Worrall and Sabina Baker remained composed and Norwich managed to see out several Cambridge short corners in succession.  
 
Heading into the final 10 minutes, Cambridge City caught Norwich on the counter attack with 3v1. Summer Haylock made a great diving save for first shot on goal, but was unfortunately was unable to keep out the rebound. Cambridge City regained their lead again. 2-3.  
 
Despite conceding so late into the game after the team had been pushing and pushing for a winner, Rosie Jackson ensured the team remained positive for the final few minutes. This was shown on the pitch as City won a short corner in the final few seconds of the game after a barrage of stick tackles from the Cambridge City players in the final quarter. With the full time whistle gone Norwich City had a great opportunity to get a well deserved equaliser. A call from coach Tapin on the side of the pitch to go straight left to Sophie Bendon was perfectly executed and the ball hit the back of the net, ending the game 3-3.  
 
A well deserved point and great team performance against top of the league. However, more pleasing was to see how far the team has improved and adapted to their new league following a 4-1 loss in the reverse fixture at the start of the season.  
 
Also special shout out to Sabina Baker making her return after a long period out with injury. 
 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 21/01/2023 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 21/01/2023 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 21/01/2023 
HEADLINE: A game of two halves 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 NORTH 
VENUE: 
RESULT: 
 
REPORT: 
Match report 21/1/23 Dragons vs Norwich  
 
Both teams were ready to play on a very chilly Saturday after awaiting the go ahead with an icy pitch. As the pitch defrosted both Norwich & Dragons began their warm up preparing themselves for a hard, competitive game ahead.  
 
Dragons pushed up big with fast passing. Norwich worked together well to defend with a strong back line with Leigh Ann, Libby & Hannah holding strong as well as norwich goalkeeper, Summer making some great saves. Norwich were unable to clear all the shots as Dragons scored their first goal against the back board through a well drilled short corner routine.  
 
Norwich did their best to attack from the front with shots slightly off target but still putting pressure on the dragons defence, by forwards Sophie, Milliy, Rosie & Emma.  
 
Another couple of breaks by dragons forwards resulting in two further goals.  
 
Half time 3-0 to dragons  
 
Norwich came in hard and ready to fight back. 
With sharp passing through the centre line by Helen, Georgia, Emily, Alice and Lauren. Moving to the forward line who were able to make some trouble in the attacking D. 
 
The norwich defence were still on high pressure from dragons with a number of over loads. Rosie, Hannah & Libby stayed strong and worked well as a back line to slow down the attack, keeping the ball out of the goal. Along with some amazing one on ones by Summer who took the ball off the dragons players with ease.  
Norwich played a much better second half were able to keep it 0-0. 
Full time 3-0 
POM- Hannah Jarvis 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 03/12/2022 VS CITY OF PETERBOROUGH 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 03/12/2022 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 03/12/2022 
HEADLINE: On the first game of December…. 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 NORTH 
VENUE:Taverham  
RESULT:1-2 Loss 
 
REPORT: 
It was a very chilly start for Norwich as they warmed up to take on Peterborough 2s womens team. 
After a good win the week before, city were ready to go for another three points. 
City started well, holding the ball and pushing up the pitch as a whole team. Midfield were passing the ball around well with strong support from centre midfield Georgia Cleveland along with Sophie Sidgwick, Angela Hindle, Helen Lambert Harper & Emily Leeming running up and down the pitch.  
Peterborough were fighting back with quick runs and some passes on their side, making it a good game indeed! They were able to push through into Norwich City’s defence where they had to battle through a solid line with Libby Thorne making great tackles along with Leigh-Ann Worrall, Hannah Jarvis (player of the match) & Gillian. 
There was a few shots on goal which Norwich Goalie, Summer made several great saves with a rebound dive as well. Sadly, the ball bounced towards the post where a Peterborough player was waiting to tab it into the back of the goal. Making the score line 1-0. 
Half time came were the teams split to take on water and sugar sweets! Norwich spoke about some positive and also what they needs to do to come back in the game, fighting back.  
Which is what they did! 
Both teams were refuelled and were hungry for more goals. Peterborough pushed forward but Norwich were not ready to let in another goal just yet. City took the ball back in their control and passing the ball round & forward to the hard working forwards, Stacey Lee, Milly Brown, Sophie Bendon who were making great runs with lots of shots on target but not able to get past the goalie just yet. 
Norwich were able to get a couple of short corners but still unable to get to the back board. Another sort corner game where a fast drag out to Libby on the left who took on the number one runner & turned & hit the ball on her reverse lifting the ball up, past all the defence, top right hand corner. We all celebrated, knowing it wasn’t a goal as it was too high but it was such as great shot it deserved to be celebrated by the whole Norwich team. 
The game was end to end then Peterborough got through to create a short corner opportunity, the defence line set up ready to not let the ball across the line. Norwich midfield ready to run back to help. Both teams battled within the Norwich 25 and the defence were able to get the ball out with no trouble. Shortly after Peterborough took the ball back and passed the ball into the back of the net. Making the score 2-1. 
Norwich were not able to give up so came back with strong passes down the lines from the defence, through the midfield then meeting Milly at the baseline who then passed the ball to Stacey Lee, taking on players finishing with a flat pass across the goal where Sophie Sidgwick & Emily Leeming were waiting to tap the ball into the corner, bringing the score line to 2-1. 
The clock was ticking down as Norwich celebrated and picked the ball up to bring it back to the centre to start the push back again. Peterborough held the ball trying to keep the three points. 
The battle between the two teams was end to end and Norwich were given a last short corner in the final minute of the game. They lined up ready and took on the Peterborough defence where another short corner was given to Norwich for one more chance to reach a drew. 
The short corner was turned over and the final whistle went, sadly bringing the score line 2-1 to Peterborough A great game by both teams. 
 
 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 26/11/2022 VS CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 26/11/2022 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 26/11/2022 
HEADLINE: BACK WITH A BANG! 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 NORTH 
VENUE: Norwich City 
RESULT: 3-0 Win 
 
REPORT: 
 
After not quite the result we wished for against Wisbech last week, we came back out and played some excellent hockey to take the 3-0 win against Cambridge University.  
 
Within the first 5 minutes of the match we went 1-0 up, with Sophie Bendon scoring an absolutely fantastic goal off her reverse stick from the top of the D into the bottom right corner.  
 
Following the goal, our defence worked hard as Cambridge University tried to counter. Libby Thorne, Hannah Jarvis, Ella Gill and Gillian Allen made some lovely transfers round the back as we built the play up again, as well as Summer Haylock in goal making some vital saves. We won a couple of short corners in quick succession, with the second one being successful when we slipped right to Milly Brown, who put the ball perfectly back on the P spot for Rosie Ringer to sweep in, making the score 2-0 before half time.  
 
The second half showed some of the best hockey we have played so far this season, with the whole team showing excellent work rate and determination. We formed some brilliant triangles in the midfield with Georgia Cleveland, Emily Leeming,Sophie Sidgwick, Helen Harper, Lauren Lawrie and Helen Busfeild finding some great space to put the ball into for the forwards to run on to. Our third goal came when Emma Hewitt fired the ball in which deflected off Milly Browns stick and went up, then from the top of the D, Rosie Ringer volleyed the ball into the goal.  
Everyone played brilliantly, and secured the well deserved win.  
Thank you very much to the umpires who where excellent. 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 12/11/2022 VS IPSWICH 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 12/11/2022 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 12/11/2022 
HEADLINE: A close game against old rivals 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 NORTH 
VENUE:Taverham 
RESULT:1-1 Draw 
 
REPORT: 
A late morning game saw City play their old rivals Ipswich, who got promoted with them but sit at the top of the table. City knew they had a tough game ahead but pre-game nerves were settled with a confident warm up and changing room talk from captain Georgia Cleveland and pre match chat from Tapin, they were raring to go. 
 
City started with possession however Ipswich quickly turned over the ball and applied heavy pressure on City. City struggled under the pressure and POTM Summer Haylock was called upon early to shot stop. City's defense clicked into gear and kept the ball outside the D as best they could with some impressive marking from captain Georgia Cleveland and Gillian Allen which allowed Helen Busfield to tuck neatly in and make some great tackles. But Ipswich were relentless and managed to win and subsequently convert a short corner.  
 
This did not deter City and they put their defensive shields up, led by Summer at the back, Libby Thorne sat in front tackling left right and centre. A nervy moment came when Ipswich won a short corner and a couple of eager beavers broke the line too early leaving Summer, Libby and Gillian to defend against upwards of 8 Ipswich attackers. The pressure was on, but they remained calm and dealt with the short corner with ease (who needs 5 defenders anyway??). City were back in the game, Hannah Jarvis played some lovely balls up the line to Emily Leeming who was cutting inside and connecting with Sophie Bendon up front. She made some lovely runs into the D and created some great opportunities.  
 
On the other side of the pitch Lauren Lawrie was using her sick stick skills to get around several Ipswich players and then passing it to Grace Hanworth-Knights who was sitting up top. Grace also used her amazing skills within the D to take some great shots and win short corners but Ipswich defense was sharp and City couldn't quite convert their chances into goals.  
 
City went into half-time 1-0 down but this definitely didnt mean they were out of the game. A quick pep talk from Tapin surrounding possession and a reminder from Helen B that the team was playing amazingly and to keep positive set City up for the second half.  
 
Ipswich pushed hard at the beginning of the second half and City did well to absorb the pressure, Helen Harper-Lambert was working tirelessly through the middle and most of the play was around the centre of the pitch. City's strong back line allowed the rest of the team to push hard, Milly Brown connecting nicely with Rosie Ringer who casually spinted (one-handed) up the line and cut into the D winning free hits and short corners. City knew a goal was coming, they were playing beautifully in and around the D, and Emma Hewitt was working their keeper hard.  
 
Finally, around 10 minutes before the final whistle, City's determination paid off. Some great link up play from the defense through every line up the pitch resulted in Grace with the ball top D, she took a shot, the keeper tried to save it but simply slowed it down and City equalised!  
 
City had gained momentum for the last 10 minutes and were pushing for the win however Ipswich weren't finished yet and made a last ditch effort within a short corner. But Summer wasn't having any of it and calmly saved the shot. The final whistle blew and City took the point.  
 
A great performance from City saw them take a deserved point as they sit 4th in the table. They maintain their unbeaten run against Ipswich and didn't have to rely of kicking the ball over the line this time. 
 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 05/11/2022 VS WATTON 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 05/11/2022 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 05/11/2022 
HEADLINE: 3 points=3rd place 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 NORTH 
VENUE: Watton 
RESULT:9-1 Win 
 
REPORT: 
This week saw another away trip for City to the sandy sandy beaches of Wattons pitch. With a solid team of 14 City we’re raring to go from the whistle and that is just what they did! 
Within the first 5 minutes a lovely ball was played from Hannah Jarvis at the back up the sideline to Sophie Bendon. Sophie then crossed it in to on running Helen Harper who with one sweep slotted the goal in (her first goal for City!). After this City settled in to continued pressure which saw 3 more goals scored in the first half by Helen Busfield, Rosie Ringer and Emma Hewitt. 
 
Half time came and Coach Chris Wardale, like us, was hungry for more goals. Spurred on by half time sweets Helen Busfield also wanted more and stated ‘let’s double it!’.  
And this is exactly what City did.  
The second half started as the first half did with Rosie Ringer (knowing she had just missed a great opportunity in the first half) absolutely smash one past the goal keeper in true Ringer style. 
However, you could not falter the Watton positivity who started putting the pressure on. However the defensive line of Gillian Allen, Libby Thorne, Uma Patel, Hannah Jarvis and goal keeper Summer Haylock worked hard to keep the ball out of the goal. Just a cheeky scoping short corner which took everyone by surprise saw Watton get their only goal of the game. 
 
Despite this City picked up the pace again and the ball was worked tirelessly through the middle by player of the match Angela Hindle (first game for the 2s this season!) on to captain Georgia Cleveland, Helen Busfield, Lauren Lawrie and Helen Harper. 
In total 5 goals were scored in the second half by Rosie Ringer, Lauren Lawrie, Helen Busfield, Sophie Bendon, but most notable was Milly Browns who calmly dinked the ball over a grounded keeper.  
 
All in all a great win for City who are now solidifying their place in this new league and proving they deserve to be there. 
 
 
 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 29/10/2022 VS ST NEOTS 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 29/10/2022 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 29/10/2022 
HEADLINE: Another 3 points! 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 NORTH 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT:4-1 win 
 
REPORT: 
City were raring to go on a warm Saturday in October. Starting with attacking flair and great composure there were many chances that skimmed just wide or were thwarted by the brilliant St Neots keeper. It was about 20 minutes until the deadlock was broken with the first goal knocked home by Rosie Ringer after a super speed drive. 1-0 to the hosts at half time, the team talk by coach Chris was more of the same, with maintance of possession and a clinical finish. It wasn’t city who found the net next though, with St Neots who had been kept at bay by a solid defensive line sneaking a goal in. This buoyed the home team who made it 2-1 shortly after with a wonderful Sophie Bendon strike. The play then remained firmly in the St Neots defensive half with City calmly passing the ball and creating many opportunities, a short corner followed and Emily Francis rattled it home to make it 3-1. With the final minutes of the game upon City, a short corner was given and the whistle went, everyone piled forward to partake and Lauren Lawrie pounced on the rebound of Sophie Bendon’s effort and gave 300% to ensure that ball went through the keepers pads into the goal! 
 
 
 
A great 4-1 win over a good St Neots side for City womens 2s. 
 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 22/10/2022 VS CITY OF PETERBOROUGH 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 22/10/2022 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 22/10/2022 
HEADLINE: Fun in the Sun 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 NORTH 
VENUE: Bretton Gate 
RESULT: 3-0 Win 
 
REPORT: Norwich city played their second consecutive away again this week and made the long journey to Peterborough, looking to avoid consecutive defeats and score their first points on the road this season. Spurred on by a number of travelling suppporters and the pre match encouragement Norwich started well and after just 3 minutes scored their first goal of the game, a long ball played out of City’s defence found its way to Grace Hanworth-Knights just inside the Peterborough half, and beyond the home sides defence, swiftly carried the ball into the circle rounded the keeper and finished smartly from an angle. The rest of the half saw City absorbing lots of pressure from Peterborough in the early afternoon sun, but unfortunately for the home side their attacks were dealt with well but the back line of Gillian Allen, Player of the Match Uma Patel, Jess Taylor-Balls and Libby Thorne, and goalkeeper Summer Haylock handled any incoming shots with ease. Milly Brown had the best chance of the half to extend City’s lead but in this occasion was not able to turn her effort goalwards. With the October heat and Peterborough bigger squad taking its toll, City were glad of the half time break to give themselves a chance to recompose and work out how to gain control of the game. This came from more use of the wide midfield players Lauren Lawrie, Mollae Scott and new signing Nicola Ralph, who all worked well with Georgia Cleveland and Helen Lambert-Harper in central midfield and managed to move the ball around a high Peterborough press with more success to give the forward line more attacking opportunities. City’s new signings combined just under 15 minutes into the city half with Ralph injecting a short corner and the ball found its way to Thorne who slapped low and hard past the keepers right foot to double the visitors lead. The 2nd goal saw the home sides spirit drop and Norwich continued to control the game with Sophie Bendon creating a number of scoring opportunities for both herself and the team but the home teams goalkeeper managed to keep her at bay for the rest of the game. It was one of these chances that saw city score their final goal of the game with the keeper only managing to parry the ball into Grace Hanworth-Knights’ path who hit home her second of the game. Just before the final whistle Peterborough won a short corner and were hoping a consolation goal, but Norwich’s defence stood firm to keep their first clean sheet and first away win of the campaign.  
 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 15/10/2022 VS CAMBRIDGE CITY 3 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 15/10/2022 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 15/10/2022 
HEADLINE: A Learning Curb in Cambridge 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 1 NORTH 
VENUE: Cambridge, Wilberforce Road 
RESULT: 4-1 Loss 
 
REPORT: 
On Saturday the 2s travelled to Cambs and played Cambridge City W3s, injuries and availability meant a reduced squad but a great opportunity for a couple of 3s players to play and pulling Jo from her country life retirement, the draw of a trip to Cambridge, 15 hot showers to chose from and a yummy pasta bake for teas was too much to resist!  
 
City warmed up well and were ready to play some awesome hockey, however, once that first whistle blew, City fell apart and forgot what they were doing. Cambridge had hit then hard, the 2s scrappily tried to organise themselves and Sally did some great defending supported by G, but the ball rarely left City's defending 25.  
 
Despite some excellent defending during short corners, Cambridge managed to sneak one past the defence and go ahead.  
 
POTM Summer was called into action numerous times, making many 2nd and 3rd phase saves before the ball was cleared by the defense. After 10 minutes City found their feet and were beginning to play some nice hockey, Emily made some lovely runs down the wing supported by Milly up front.  
 
Some neat play from Cambridge left an overload in defence and a 2vs1 situation in the D and Cambridge scored.  
 
City were determined to fight back, the ball came out from defence and along the left hand, passing between several players, Sophie charged into the D with the ball and beautifully passed it to India, making her 2s debut in absolute style, deflected it perfectly into the bottom corner of the goal. City used this as the boost they needed and faught hard for the rest of the half. Helen pushed the ball high in the middle and there were a few opportunities but none converted.  
 
At halftime City were reminded of their capabilities and to keep battling and they entered the second half ready to continue their comeback. Unfortunately this didnt come, Cambridge continued to apply the pressure however Jess and Libby put up a good fight, preventing many circle entries and hassling the forwards allowing Summer to make easier saves. Despite their best efforts, the team couldn't hold out forever and Cambridge managed to score 2 more goals.  
 
City continued to push back and played some lovely hockey starting from Jo at the back, up the line to Lauren and finally to Emma in the D showing some lovely play across the goal but the ball wouldn't quite cross the line.  
 
The final whistle blew and City accepted their second defeat of the season, they had worked their socks off and knew that they done what they could. Onwards and upwards, City look forward to their trip to Peterborough next weekend and are hoping to achieve their first away win of the season. 

WOMENS 2ND XI - 01/10/2022 VS DEREHAM 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 2nd XI 
DATE: 01/10/2022 
FIXTURE: Womens 2nd XI VS 01/10/2022 
HEADLINE: Relegation Vs Promotion  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Dereham 
RESULT:2-1 Loss 
 
REPORT: 
The womens 2s had a tough game on Saturday against a side which was 2 leagues above them only a few months ago. City started strong and managed to have a couple of early attacks. However Dereham came back hard and strong with many attacks in and around the D, the defensive halfs Uma, Lucy and Leigh-Ann held strong whilst captain Georgia and Libby controlled the midline. However Dereham managed to get through requiring POTM Summer to make some saves. Despite city's best defensive efforts, Dereham managed to sneak 2 goals past City (although a questionable short corner led to a goal).  
 
City went into half-time needing to regroup, Tapin and Emma rallied the team reminding them to make easy passes, use the wing and make the leads up front. City were raring to go in the second half and started strongly, there was some lovely link up play between inners Helen, Lauren and Emily, whilst triangles were created using Alice and Milly in the middle. Starting from the back and connecting every line of play, City scored a beautiful goal, a cool and calm Grace took on the keeper in the D and 'grace'fully played the ball around her and into the goal! City had started their come-back and were raring fo go, but not before Dereham had a few more attacks (not just playing attacks but physical attacks too...) requiring Summer to make even more saves including a couple of short corner drag flicks which she shook off like nothing. City were playing hard and in it to win it, the midfield playing the ball to forwards Sophie and Charlie who desperately tried to put the ball in the goal but with little avail. As City tried with all their might to score in the final minutes (by winning a penalty flick which was never given) luck was not on their side and the game finished in a 2-1 loss.  
 
City may have finished with a loss, 2 broken fingers, a steri-stripped eye, an injured hip, a green card, and a disallowed goal but they won the moral battle, their spirits remain high, and look forward to their upcoming game against Spalding.