Results

WOMENS 3RD XI - 23/03/2024 VS IPSWICH 3 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 3rd XI 
DATE: 23/03/2024 
FIXTURE: Womens 3rd XI VS 23/03/2024 
HEADLINE: A Great End to the Season 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Ipswich 
RESULT: Ipswich 1 - 2 NCHC Womens 3s 
 
REPORT: 
Match report: 
Our last game of the season we all wanted to end on a win!  
Despite the early start we were raring to go. Took us a bit of time to get into the game but with amazing skill work from Helen, she managed to strike an awesome shot at goal. 1-0 up, Ipswich were panicking and started to become a bit verbal between themselves. Ipswich got a few short corners but with great defence from Jess, Sofia, Emma and Amalie (who stepped into to play defence and did an excellent job) managed to save all the short corners and any shots at goal throughout the match. With the goalie getting angry at Helen we came together and kept on having shots at the goal, to annoy the goalie even more. The whistle blew for half time. After fuelling up with sweets we got going again. A sudden outbreak from the attacks from Ipswich, meaning they got an early goal in the second half. We realised we could not let Ipswich beat us and so with great play from Kate passing the ball up to Lola managing to have a few shots at goal. Helen, Rachael and Ana playing excellent hockey up front and were running onto the balls that were passed from Alice and Lola who did some great runs on the wings. With minutes to go we managed to receive a flick which was saved by Ipswich’s goalie. A few minutes before the end of the game Lola did an excellent run up the right hand side of the pitch who passed it across to Vicky who was able to take a shot at goal meaning the game ended 2-1 to Norwich.  
A great end to the season! 

WOMENS 3RD XI - 16/03/2024 VS HARLESTON MAGPIES 3 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 3rd XI 
DATE: 16/03/2024 
FIXTURE: Womens 3rd XI VS 16/03/2024 
HEADLINE: An eventful day! 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: City 3s 0 - 2 Magpies 3s 
 
REPORT: 
Match Report - apologises I couldn’t remember much of the match!  
 
An eventful day! 
 
A lovely sunny day welcomed us for our last home match of the season against Harleston Magpies.  
 
With very low availability across the club this weekend we still managed to have a squad of 12.5 players with a mixture of youth and experience.  
 
We were in a relaxed but silently confident mood as we utilised the very short warm up time we had due to the umpires wanting to start on time!  
 
The weather was ideal hockey weather, we had a squad of youth and experience and we were relaxed and ready to give the opposition a good match. However from the very start our opposition were quick and focussed and we knew we would have to work very hard to get any sort of a result. 
 
Our defence of Jess, Kim, Chloe and Karren were constantly kept on their toes as wave after wave of attacks were met by calming defiance. Sadly Harleston found a way through and we were 1-0 down at half time but we still had hope. 
 
However not to be deterred our screens Evie and Kate were distributing the ball wide where Winnie, Sofia, Lola and Hollie were waiting to make themselves a nuisance by making driving runs on each side of the pitch. Our forwards Vicky and Rachel were sniffing out any opportunities which may come our way. 
 
Sadly Harleston scored again from a short corner and we were 2-0 down. 
 
However we weren’t deterred and kept working and supporting one another against a very attacking team.  
 
Harleston were pushing hard for another goal when Kim received a head injury which quickly quietened the mood of the players. After ensuring Kim was okay she was walked off the pitch to the sounds of sportsmanship clapping from Harleston Magpies.  
 
The match was restarted with only 15 minutes remaining. The defence worked right to the final whistle to ensure that the score remained 2-0 by making some great goal line saves.  
 
Thanks to Ali for coaching tips on how we could break through Harleston’s defences and to Bambi for just being there! 

WOMENS 3RD XI - 09/03/2024 VS BROADLAND 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 3rd XI 
DATE: 09/03/2024 
FIXTURE: Womens 3rd XI VS 09/03/2024 
HEADLINE: City looking for a win 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: Broadland 3 - 2 City 
 
REPORT: 
W3s vs. Broadland 1s: 
Saturday rolled around again and the *phenomenal* women’s 3s came together to take on Broadland 1s, looking to enact revenge following a 3-1 loss in November.  
 
City started strong with good passing and ball pace, and were able to swiftly win some short corners. With a confident start and great teamwork, Liv was able to score from a deflection in a short corner, making the score 1-0 to city.  
 
The rest of the first half was hard fought, and city’s defence were amazing at keeping Broadland at bay. Some beautiful saves from Jess and strong balls out from Kim, Longy, and Jenny meant that city finished the half in the lead.  
 
City were ready and raring to start the second half and desperate to score more goals to secure a win. Skilful passing between the midfield whilst feeding wide showed Broadland that city were not to be messed with today.  
 
Despite some lovely play, some unfortunate short corners for Broadland saw a 1-0 lead turn into city tailing behind at 3-1 with 10 minutes left.  
 
Regardless of their strong lead, Broadland demonstrated some baffling behaviour, most notably by picking up the ball and walking away with it when it was Evie’s free hit. City stayed cool, calm and collected in the face of this and managed to secure more short corners. A straight strike by Helen saw a save by the keeper, which Rachael managed to pick up and reverse into the goal, making the score 3-2.  
 
The final whistle blew soon after this, with the score ending at 3-2 to Broadland. City fought well and didn’t make it easy for Broadland, and will be looking for a win next time. 

WOMENS 3RD XI - 10/02/2024 VS WATTON 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 3rd XI 
DATE: 10/02/2024 
FIXTURE: Womens 3rd XI VS 10/02/2024 
HEADLINE: Eager for Revenge  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 0-4 LOSS 
 
REPORT: 
We went into the match eager to make up for our disappointing previous match against Watton. We started off strong, but unfortunately Watton got an early goal. Despite our continued efforts at their goal from helen and Sophia, along with strong defence from Bambi, Longy, Kate, Niamh and Jess, we went into the second half 3-0 down. We started the second half positively, with support from Claire on the side, and continued to fight for a goal. Despite excellent efforts from Kim and Hollie to get the ball up the pitch, and a few hopeful short corners, we ended the match 4-0 down, but in good spirits because of our improvement from the previous match against Watton and Amber's hilarious appetite. 

WOMENS 3RD XI - 03/02/2024 VS EAST COAST 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 3rd XI 
DATE: 03/02/2024 
FIXTURE: Womens 3rd XI VS 03/02/2024 
HEADLINE: A return to winning ways  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: WON 2-1 
 
REPORT:L:  
Much anticipation on arrival playing East Coast who were currently 2nd in the league. After a slightly late start we were raring to go. 1st half there was exceptional play from our defence:Jess, Longi, Bambi and Kate who stopped many of East Coasts shots at goal, with great play from Sofia and Niamh clearing the ball out of the D for the mid and forwards to receive. Great links and passing of the ball between our mids who made it hard for the opposition to intercept, great play from Kim with many block tackles and gave great support throughout the game. East Coast were slowly creeping back into play, but luckily we had Winnie and her speed to stop them from intimidating us. Amazing leads on the wing from Sophia H who did some amazing passes up to Helen who was able to have some powerful shots at goal. Lola on the wing who did some amazing links and was putting herself in fantastic positions to get the ball who played it up to Alice. Alice with her power pushed through the defence to get in the D. Second half with 15 minutes to go we had a big urge to win and with just 15 minutes to go Emma H saw her opportunity to go around the defence in the D and hit an amazing shot right past the goalie into the goal. 1-0, East Coast than started to panic and fought back with a goal with 5 minutes of play left. This is when we realised we can’t let it be a draw and so with 2 minutes left we got 1 short corner which we didn’t manage to get a goal but we did receive another foot, with the whistle blown we realised this was our only chance to win, we brought everyone up and with an excellent push out from Emma Hewitt to Kim, than with a slip from Kim to Emma Ford, who than did a very powerful sweep into the back of the goal. The end of the game was 2-1 to NCHC 3s. We celebrated like we had just won the Olympics! 
 
POTM: Hollie Blackham 

WOMENS 3RD XI - 20/01/2024 VS UEA 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 3rd XI 
DATE: 20/01/2024 
FIXTURE: Womens 3rd XI VS 20/01/2024 
HEADLINE: City hope to repeat victory  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: City 3s 0 - 3 UEA 1s 
 
REPORT: 
Norwich City 3s arrived in force in the icy conditions hoping to repeat their victory against UEA 1s from the first half of the season. With 16 players and lots of enthusiasm, City started the first half positively and looked the most likely to open the scoring. Mollae Scott showed impressive pace up front and Lola Morford worked hard for the team both attacking up the right wing and working back to help defend. There were several chances where UEA managed to somehow scramble the ball off their goal line. Unfortunately, UEA were then able to score first and soon followed this up with a second when awarded a penalty flick. Jo Di-Corpo made a valiant effort to save this but the UEA player placed the ball perfectly. 2-0 down at half-time but City were still confident of a comeback.  
The first 10 minutes of the second half were unfortunately all played in City’s half of the pitch. City were strong in defence though with Emma Bambridge and Hollie Blackham making several essential interceptions. As the half continued City made some promising attacks. Charlie Hudson-Madge showed impressive stick skills and strength speeding her way through several players and evading their tackles. In the end though, City were unable to find the back of the net and were disappointed with a final score of 3-0 to UEA. Hopefully, back to winning ways next week! 

WOMENS 3RD XI - 13/01/2024 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 3rd XI 
DATE: 13/01/2024 
FIXTURE: Womens 3rd XI VS 13/01/2024 
HEADLINE: City Ready to Fight the Dragons  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Dragons Den 
RESULT: Dragons 7 - 0 City 
 
REPORT: 
After a week without training city was ready to get back on the pitch and fight some dragons. A strong start meant that city could put together many attacks from Lola Morford slipping it past the defence along the right wing. However, some counterattacks from dragons left city 2-0 down early in the first half. But we weren’t ready to give up yet and some excellent defending from Emma Bambridge and Niamh Rushton stopped many balls coming into the circle and great buildups from Emma Ford in defence to Kim Cleave and Kate Ford in the middle made some promising opportunities but it wasn’t enough and city left the first half 5-0 down. City’s heads weren’t down just yet as we entered the second half. Some fantastic tackles from Sofia Hancy on the left stopped dragons attacking multiple times and strong clearances from Kim Cleave pushed dragons back so city could attack into the circle. A run up into the D by Helen Brockington meant that she had to be escorted off the pitch by the excellent Claire Snelling to have a sit on the bench so she could recover from a twisted ankle. A pause in the game meant that city had time to regroup and piece together one last attack. We left the second half just 2-0 down making the score 7-0 at the final whistle. Overall it was a disappointing game but city fought until the very end and we’re ready to learn from our mistakes and take home a win next week. 
POTM: Evie Brockington  

WOMENS 3RD XI - 06/01/2024 VS IPSWICH 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 3rd XI 
DATE: 06/01/2024 
FIXTURE: Womens 3rd XI VS 06/01/2024 
HEADLINE: 3 points to start 2024 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: WON 3-1 
 
REPORT: 
3 points to start 2024 
Norwich City 3s approached their first match of 2024 quietly confident but ready for a tough opposition in Ipswich 3s. 
The match was pretty even to start with and both teams made promising attacks. Emma Bambridge, in her first game as our new captain, made some great tackles in defence and Kim Cleave provided an excellent outlet on the right defence, weaving her way through players to launch our attacks. Charlotte Fern, playing her first match for City 3s in goal, was kept busy and made some solid saves. City eventually broke the deadlock with a well worked short corner slotted home by Helen Brockington. Not long after, Molly Crabtree scored an impressive solo goal, evading 2 defenders before beating the keeper.  
City were disappointed to lose a goal early in the second half but were determined not to let this game slip away. Lola Morford, in just her second match for City 3s, showed her pace and skill on the ball down the right wing as City pushed to get their 2 goal lead back. City’s efforts were rewarded with a short corner and a straight strike got a lucky deflection off a defender’s stick and ended up in the roof of the net. 3-1 the final score and City move just 6 points behind top of the table. Great to welcome some new players to the squad over the last few matches and of course thank you as always to Ali Wardale and Claire Snelling for their sideline support, especially when organising subs for a squad of 16! POTM goes to Helen Brockington! 

WOMENS 3RD XI - 16/12/2023 VS UCL RUMS 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 3rd XI 
DATE: 16/12/2023 
FIXTURE: Womens 3rd XI VS 16/12/2023 
HEADLINE: 3's victorious at Lee Valley 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: LEE VALLEY 
RESULT: UCL RUMS 2 NORWICH CITY 3 5 
 
REPORT: 
Excitement had been rising all week as the 3s prepared for their Cup match at Lee Valley. We arrived early, warmed up carefully, the stands were full (well, at least 6 seats were taken!)… and then we forgot everything we knew about hockey for the first 20 minutes and allowed our opposition to score 2 goals! City kept their heads up however and refused to give up. Millie and Alice Brown linked up perfectly on the right wing and Georgie Evans began to dominate the midfield with some powerful runs and the chances began to come. City scored their first goal from a short corner. Evie Brockington skilfully evaded the defenders and then reverse flicked the ball beyond the keeper’s reach. The score remained 2-1 at half-time.  
City came out clearly determined to dominate the 2nd half. Helen Brockington (who couldn’t let Evie be the only Brockington to score on the England pitch!) slipped the ball past the keeper to make it 2-2. With all to play for, both teams attacked with renewed energy. Emma Ford expertly saw off any any opposition attacks. Jess Westbury was busy in goal and rose to the occasion confidently with many strong saves. Alice Brown then scored an amazing goal for city giving us a lead of 3-2. There was talk of ‘parking the bus’ but the 3s just love to attack! Liv Broadway placed an excellent through ball into the D, tricking the unfortunate keeper as it hit the post. Evie Brockington leapt on the ball, slipping it (selflessly) to Helen to score our 4th goal. Victory was secure but Amelie Horsley added to the opposition’s misery with a smooth finish that was impossible for the keeper to save. A memorable match for the 3s and a great testament to our resilience as a team. Huge thanks to Ali Wardale for his guidance from the sideline and to our supporters for cheering us on, especially Kate Evans for her incredible videos (somehow managing to video 4 out of the 5 goals!). 
POTM: Helen Brockington  
 

WOMENS 3RD XI - 09/12/2023 VS NORTH NORFOLK 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 3rd XI 
DATE: 09/12/2023 
FIXTURE: Womens 3rd XI VS 09/12/2023 
HEADLINE: A wet and windy game of hockey  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: WON 4-1 
 
REPORT: 
In a rain-soaked showdown against North Norfolk, the Women’s 3s emerged victorious securing a 4-1 win.  
 
Half-time rolled around with the scoreboard reading 2-0 with Helen stealing the show converting not one, but two short corners into goals - leaving the opposition scratching their heads as the rain continued to pour.  
With Bambi showcasing her skills with vital tackles from the back, and Jess acting as our guardian of the goalposts, the womens began the second half strong, whilst North Norfolk were left in awe of the determination of our defenders.  
 
Although North Norfolk managed to sneak a goal past our formidable defence, City continued the show with Kate dribbling into the D and striking leaving the team now 3-1 up.  
 
But we weren’t done there. The grand finale came with a spectacular cross in front of goal which Susan masterfully sent soaring to the top of the net.  
The opposition dripping and 4-1 down, they continued to attack but their fate was sealed when we gained yet another short corner on the final whistle. Although Helen didn’t get her hat-trick and Susan couldn’t quite send the ball top corner again, the womens finished the game with their heads held high.  
 
In the end, despite the persistent rain, Norwich City demonstrated their dominance throughout, leaving the pitch with a 4-1 victory. 
 
POTM goes to Kate Ford for her amazing skills in the screen.  

WOMENS 3RD XI - 25/11/2023 VS HARLESTON MAGPIES 3 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 3rd XI 
DATE: 25/11/2023 
FIXTURE: Womens 3rd XI VS 25/11/2023 
HEADLINE: A cold and late game! 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Magpies 
RESULT: Lost 1-3 
 
REPORT: 
A feisty womens 3s lined up with all guns blazing against Magpies 3s this week. With a bit of a jumpy start one goal slipped through early in the game and forced city to gain some composure. Sally and Emma F kept up with the speedy opposition and were able to stop getting another goal. Work rates were up throughout the whole team with screens Kim and Jenn moving into space to receive passes and move the ball up the pitch. Midfielders Winnie, Sofia, Kate F and Amelie did not stop running in what felt like a defensive heavy game.  
 
Half time saw us 1-0 down with everything still to play for. City were pumped, and Helen and Sarah had one thing in mind- a goal and that’s exactly what they got a well saved shot from Sarah rolled the ball to Helen who fired the ball to the back of the goal. Despite best efforts from the entire team, especially Molly who ran relentlessly throughout the whole game, there must’ve been something shiny in the back of our goal that Magpies were attracted to. GK Jess saved incredible shots from left, right and centre, but the Magpies slick and clinical game play was too much for anyone to defend and another 2 slipped past. An amazing effort and performance from everyone on the pitch, with a scoreline that does not reflect the team we were on the day.  
 
POTM- goes to our superheroes defender Bambi!  

WOMENS 3RD XI - 18/11/2023 VS BROADLAND 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 3rd XI 
DATE: 18/11/2023 
FIXTURE: Womens 3rd XI VS 18/11/2023 
HEADLINE: A local derby!  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: LOST 3-1 
 
REPORT: 
The womens 3’s had a very unlucky game on Saturday losing 3-1 against Broadland 1’s. City started strong on the offensive and had a few chances on target. A few great saves from Jess kept the score level. The midfield players worked well together to create a few attacking opportunities that lead to city winning a short corner and Emily Holloway slipping it past the keeper and bringing city to 1-0 up. Another few attacking short corners that narrowly missed kept the possession with city and held off Broadland. However a quick counterattack from the Broadland forwards took city by surprise and the score was level again, city finished 1-1 at half time. 
 
The second half started in favour of city and they had the majority of the possession, creating a few scoring opportunities and keeping the ball in the attacking half. However two more quick breakthroughs which led to 2 more goals took the score to 3-1. City kept on fighting and continued to make opportunities but none were converted. A spontaneous decision at the end to swap out our goalie for another player saw city coming close to a goal in the final short corner however they could not find the back of the net and the score remained at 3-1, the score did not reflect how well the womens played today. 

WOMENS 3RD XI - 11/11/2023 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 3 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 3rd XI 
DATE: 11/11/2023 
FIXTURE: Womens 3rd XI VS 11/11/2023 
HEADLINE: Nothing like a good Dragon slaying to get back on track 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: DRAGONS DEN 
RESULT: DRAGON 3 2 NORWICH CITY 3 3 
 
REPORT: 
 
City 3s were determined to get back to winning ways playing away at Dragons 3s, and the promise of the post match pizza spurred us on.  
 
City started confidently and applied early pressure, but due to a bit of defensive confusion, Dragons managed to slip the ball past city keeper Anna Linsmith at her far post. Rather than letting this get to us, the team dug deep and were able to equalise by way of a super goal from Molly Crabtree just before the half time whistle. 
 
The second half saw more hard work and determination from city, with several short corners won and one of these resulted in a 2nd goal for city slotted in at the near post by injector, Emma Ford.  
 
Team top scorer, Helen Brockington was working tirelessly to achieve her promise of a hat-trick and after a few near misses, she secured a penalty flick for daughter Evie Brockington to step up and convert. 1-3 City!  
 
With 10 minutes left City were keen to protect their lead and worked hard defensively to keep out any Dragons attacks. Unfortunately Dragons pounced on a stray pass inside the D and closed the gap to 3-2. Thankfully city were able to hold out until the final whistle and secure the much longed for 3 points. 
 
An impressive performance from the whole team, with special thanks to Anna Linsmith, Jenny Brine, Emma & Kate Ford, Susan Matthews, Vicky Myhill & Molly Crabtree for stepping up to help us out this week. And to caretaker captains Kim & Longy for organising the team in Claires absence, and of course to Ali for his usual invaluable coaching input from the bench.  
 
POTM went to Jen Czerwinski. 

WOMENS 3RD XI - 21/10/2023 VS WATTON 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 3rd XI 
DATE: 21/10/2023 
FIXTURE: Womens 3rd XI VS 21/10/2023 
HEADLINE: A tough day at the office  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Watton 
RESULT: Lost 8-1 
 
REPORT: 
 
The team arrived a soggy Watton full of positivity, hoping to get back to winning ways after last week’s disappointment. The team started well with early short corners showing promise, but our final touches couldn’t find the corners and meant no goals early on from City. Watton seemed to grow into the game quickly with a series of strong counter attacks leading to them scoring the opening goal. Some rapid dribbling from Emily Winter down the right wing provided chances for City but a strong Watton defence denied any shots on goal. Watton continued to look dangerous on the attack and having won a short corner, scored their second with a powerful and clinical strike from the top. City managed to hold on towards the end of the first half with brave defending from Niamh, Danni and Emma stopping Watton from scoring another goal. 
At half time wise words from coaching dream team of Ali and Chris Wardale and captain, Claire the team returned to the pitch with renewed resolve. City started the second half hoping to find the goals to mirror their first half performance, but a Watton side filled with momentum soon build on their lead with a rapid run through the midfield followed by a strong finish. In a challenging period of the game Watton showed their experience and quality with more goals going past the city defences and it seemed that we had no answers for the pace and strength of their attacking runs despite the heroic efforts of goalkeeper Jess. However, City never gave up and determined runs from Amelie, Helen and Evie meant that further chances were created and eventually Helen was able to slot a follow up shot over the keeper for a consolation goal. The score line did not reflect what was on the whole a competitive and hard-fought game by both teams. With a slip date next Saturday there is time to rebuild confidence and come back fighting in two weeks’ time. 
POTM: Amelie Horsley 

WOMENS 3RD XI - 14/10/2023 VS EAST COAST 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 3rd XI 
DATE: 14/10/2023 
FIXTURE: Womens 3rd XI VS 14/10/2023 
HEADLINE: An early away day  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: east coast  
RESULT: lost 3-1 
 
REPORT: 
Norwich turned up eager to continue their unbeaten streak. Despite early pressure from Norwich and a short corner won by Emily Winter East Coast were the first to score. City had to soak up a lot of pressure from and attacking East Coast and despite the best efforts from Niamh Rushton and Emma Bambridge we left the first half 2-0 down. Ali Wardail and Claire Snellings excellent team talk at half time meant that city entered the second half with their heads up, although unfortunately there were many short corners for East Coast following the starting whistle. A questionable tackle from Emily Winter meant that she spent two minutes on the bench, however city were still able to keep the ball out of the goal from excellent saves from our keeper Jess Westbury. East Coast manage to score their third goal of a straight strike from the top. Following some more pressure from East Coast, Longy joined Emily Winter in taking a green card and visited the sin bin. City carried on playing with Helen Brockington filling in defence for Longy, we managed to attack for the last minutes of the half and a superb ball into the D from Emily Winter meant that Esme Abbott could slip it behind the keeper into the backboard. East coast felt left out and were keen to join city on the bench earning a green then shortly after a yellow. We were disappointed with our first loss of the season but are keen to carry on next week and take home another win! Thank you to all the players that stepped up to help us out today - Anna Horsley, Jess Westbury, Sofia Hancy, Esme Abbott.  
Our player of the match went to Jess Westbury. 

WOMENS 3RD XI - 07/10/2023 VS DEREHAM 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 3rd XI 
DATE: 07/10/2023 
FIXTURE: Womens 3rd XI VS 07/10/2023 
HEADLINE: Another win!  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: WON 3-0 
 
REPORT: 
Another win! 
Emily Holloway made NCHC 3’s intentions clear from the first touch of the game by powering skilfully through the whole Dereham team to earn a penalty corner. Four corners later, we were disappointed not to have scored. Dereham also attacked well but our defence kept out any danger. Most notably, our on-pitch captain, Longy, was inspirational in shutting down the runs of one of their talented forwards. Following a period of intense pressure by NCHC, Helen Brockington was able to fire home a loose ball in the D. Half-time involved a tactical talk from Ali and encouragement from our Captain Claire. The second half saw an incredible run by Emily Winter, taking the ball along the back line and then slipping to Emma Hewitt who confidently scored to give us a 2-0 lead. Dereham did not give up but again our defenders held firm and our screens Liv Broadway, Danni Sizer and Maddie Anthony dominated the middle of the pitch. The icing on the cake came near the end of the game where a well worked short corner resulted in a powerful shot from Maddie Anthony giving us a 3-0 lead and to our delight (and surprise!) our 4th consecutive league win (out of 4) and still top of the league! 
Player of the Match went to Evie Brockington. 

WOMENS 3RD XI - 30/09/2023 VS UEA 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 3rd XI 
DATE: 30/09/2023 
FIXTURE: Womens 3rd XI VS 30/09/2023 
HEADLINE: A day at university!  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: UEA 
RESULT: WON 1-0 
 
REPORT: 
the Womens 3s had a tough battle against UEA 1s on saturday. Lovely sunny weather had put us in good spirits for the match ahead. Both teams started off strong with UEA showing threatening runs putting our defence under pressure. We worked back and with great high and wide runs from Helen we put their defence under the same pressure. Kim and Evie did a great job as screens, helping the defence out. At half time it was still 0-0 and very evenly matched match. Our energy levels were kept high and Longy was a great rock in our defence keeping the score line down. As we had our last push, Emily won a great couple of short corner within the last 10 minutes of the game. An amazingly strong strike came from Emily which put us up 1-0. We knew we had to just keep possession and play safe to win the match. As the full time whistle went, it stood as 1-0. Well played to all involved with high energy levels throughout. 
 
POTM goes to our super forward Chloe!  

WOMENS 3RD XI - 23/09/2023 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 3rd XI 
DATE: 23/09/2023 
FIXTURE: Womens 3rd XI VS 23/09/2023 
HEADLINE: How to slay the dragon! 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: WIN 2-0 
 
REPORT: 
Buoyant from a great start to the season an early morning fixture beckoned against our local rivals Norwich Dragons. 
 
With some changes to the squad being made due to unavailability, the squad was greatly strengthened by appearances of the Anthony sisters, Maddie and Emily, daughter and mother combo Anna and Amelie, Emma and Niamh.  
 
We started confidently and had much of the play throughout all areas of the pitch by exploiting the spaces with excellent flowing hockey. The defence were never really troubled by the attacking force of the opposition which gave them the opportunity to push high up the pitch with some attacking moves of their own (and possible nose bleeds!) which resulted in linking up well with the screen players.  
 
Our forwards, wide and screen players were on form today which saw them constantly driving into opposition‘s defence from all angles! One such attack saw a short corner being awarded which resulted in Maddie Anthony thumping the ball into the back of the net with a straight strike - 1-0! Another goal shortly followed when the defence’s opposition were scrambling to clear the ball which saw Anna pounce on their confusion and slotted the ball into the back of the net - 2-0.  
 
We went into the break at 2-0 up knowing that the opposition would come back hard at us in the second half but we needn’t have worried! With the new formation bedding in well for our squad and all areas working and communicating well together we squandered chances to improve on the score. Final score 2-0. 
 
Thanks to our umpires Ali and Fongy. Oh and not forgetting our captain Claire for encouraging and supporting all players during the match 
 
Great work womens - let’s continue the good work and continue to work together as a squad which will make us a very hard team to beat! 
 
POTM goes to Longy!  

WOMENS 3RD XI - 16/09/2023 VS NORTH NORFOLK 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 3rd XI 
DATE: 16/09/2023 
FIXTURE: Womens 3rd XI VS 16/09/2023 
HEADLINE: A hot trip to the seaside 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: North Norfolk 
RESULT: WON 4-3 
 
REPORT: 
Another hot day for city 3s as they take on the first game in the league against North Norfolk. The pitch felt like we were on the Sherringham coast, but we started applying pressure early. First goal came from a short corner that Evie did a left slip to mother Helen, who tactically left the ball leaving Emily (POTM) to slip it past the goalie. However, North Norfolk fought back and equalised just 2 minutes later in a short corner. Helen hungry for a goal got one in, followed by Chloe. North Norfolk kept defence busy with bambino (Emma) showing impressive composure to clear into space and away from threats. Just before half time North Norfolk got awarded a penalty stroke which got past goalie Joe leaving it at 3-2.  
 
2nd half started with the ball going up and down the pitch and both teams working well to make the ball do the work. Half way through Emily drove to base line, two hands on stick, and fed an unintentional aerial to Helen who secured her second goal and ice cream. In such enthusiasm for the icecream, or goal it's unclear, she leaped for joy and had to sub herself off due to a self inflicted injury. Again defence were under pressure with some dangerous drives from North Norfolk. Holly showed true grit tackling players to keep them away from goal. One tackle was slightly off and she was given a green card and got a few moments rest on the side. One player down we kept them away and midfield worked hard to keep the ball traveling up the pitch in the heat. North Norfolk got one more goal in 5 mins before the end and closed the game as a win to city at 4-3. As like last week, the energy and determination wouldn't have been as high without captain Claire, mascot Bella , and loyal supporter Gemma 

WOMENS 3RD XI - 09/09/2023 VS LODDON 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 3rd XI 
DATE: 09/09/2023 
FIXTURE: Womens 3rd XI VS 09/09/2023 
HEADLINE: Too hot for hockey! 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: WON 2-0 
 
REPORT: 
On the most horrendously hot day the womens 3s hid out in the cool of the changing room for as long as possible before reluctantly warming up in the only patch of shade available. Keen to get more practice at our new formation, but not overly confident about facing our ‘Bogey’ team, Loddon 1s. 
 
City started reasonably strong, trying to let the ball do the work to minimise running around in the heat. Unfortunately the ball didn’t particularly want to do the work either and both teams struggled to move it around cleanly, with city unable to get the ball out of the D on the first two short corners. Luckily City eventually found the backboard, with Helen Brockington scoring first from a rebound off the keeper.  
 
City were dominating the game, despite the heat, but Loddon fought their way towards citys goal, causing keeper, Jess, to make a frankly amazing save having gone to ground only to spring back to her feet and dive to the other side of the goal with impressive speed! 
 
Both teams were grateful to be playing quarters and City benefited from bench mascots Gemma and Serena icing us down with cold compresses in the breaks, and captain Claire providing sugary treats as well as the team talks. 
 
City continued to attack Loddon, with a superb second goal from Helen; a rocket of a hit which almost took the goalies hand off! Helen was then unfortunately denied her hat-trick with a third goal disallowed. Daughter Evie almost made the scoresheet with a confidently executed reverse stick shot which only narrowly missed the goal. Final score 2-0. 
 
Overall city were pleased with their performance, starting to feel more comfortable with the new formation and looking forward to the first league game at the seaside, in hopefully more favourable temperatures. 
 
POTM goes to Jenn C 

WOMENS 3RD XI - 02/09/2023 VS DEREHAM 2 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 3rd XI 
DATE: 02/09/2023 
FIXTURE: Womens 3rd XI VS 02/09/2023 
HEADLINE: Drew 2-2 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 2 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: 
RESULT: 
 
REPORT: