Results

WOMENS 4TH XI - 16/09/2023 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 5 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 4th XI 
DATE: 16/09/2023 
FIXTURE: Womens 4th XI VS 16/09/2023 
HEADLINE: Fun in the Sun (Not)! 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST (NORTH) 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: Dragons 4, City 1 
 
REPORT: Firstly, Congratulations to Captain Harriet who gave birth to baby Archie Wednesday, 13th September.  
 
On a bright warm September morning, NC4’s hosted Dragons 5’s in a keenly contested, competitive game where both teams struggled to get the measure of a very bouncy pitch, where the ball bobbled with a mind of its own.  
 
It was Dragons who started the stronger, in the first 10 minutes, as NC4’s chased the ball, gradually developing into the game, and competing well. Dragons took the lead midway through the first half, but City responded quickly finding the equaliser after a strong attack from the right which eventually fell to Sarah Louden who batted the ball high into the Dragons net after the ball came out from the keeper. City were awarded several short corners in the first half but couldn’t penetrate the Dragons defence. Dragons scored their second goal on the whistle of half time. 
 
Good advice from coach Ali at half time, we all felt this game was ours for the taking. League debuts with 4’s for Lucy Polak, Chloe Green, Molly Crabtree and Sofia Hancy who all stepped up to the task and worked tirelessly in the heat. Susan Matthews did her marathon training running end to end in support of attack and defence and stand in Captain Cary Briggs made some deft touches to create some attacking play. With only one sub the heat and effort started to take its toll on City. The swift accurate passing hockey which we had played in the first half changed through tiredness, leaving us pressured into making mistakes often too keen to give the ball to the opposition, putting the defence of Jenny Brine, Jess Tunnard, Karen Hobden, Sue Tomlinson and Chloe Green under pressure. Anna Linsmith made some essential saves to keep us in the game. 
 
It was Dragons who scored twice more leaving the chase well out of touch for City, final scoreline 4.1 to Dragons. 
 
POTM votes shared between Jen Brine and Sue T, with the casting vote coming in favour of Sue. 
 
Valuable side line support from Molly Scott and El Jarvis, very much appreciated.  
 
 
 

WOMENS 4TH XI - 02/09/2023 VS NORWICH CITY 5 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 4th XI 
DATE: 02/09/2023 
FIXTURE: Womens 4th XI VS 02/09/2023 
HEADLINE: 4s hold on to win in interclub pre-season friendly 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST (NORTH) 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 3-2 
 
REPORT: 
Norwich City 4s had their first pre-season friendly against City 5s. Both sides approaching the game with intensity and competitiveness created end to end play and on a scorching afternoon it was exhausting work for both teams. It took a little while for the 4s to settle, but it was the 4s who opened the goal scoring, with some creative work though the middle of the field from Chloe and Amelie, and picked up by Anna Horsley showed skillful play to work through the 5s defence and put away the first goal. In a break of play the 4s moved the ball quickly up the pitch to Summer who was waiting at the far end to put away a fantastic 2nd goal of the game. The third goal was again scored by Summer taking the score to 3-0. The 4s defence of Karen and Jenny broke down play when they could and GK Anna clearing anything which made it through. There were some great moments of play where the 4s midfield linked up well, with Susan, Millie and Frances creating pressure for the 5s. Carey, Sue and Vicki all staying strong and calm coupled with Winnie's speed and movement with the ball the 4s maintained pressure on the 5s for a good portion of the game. However, the 5s continued to battle hard and make the 4s work, using their width the 5s worked the ball beautifully around the back and Lucy Wimhurst scored their first goal. This seemed to spur on the 5s and lift their game, putting continued pressure on the 4s for a short period and following a short corner breakdown, Marie Hood picked up the ball and with a little lift found the corner of the goal just out of reach of the defenders and GK Anna to score the final goal of the game.  
 
A good start for both teams and competitive right to the end. Final score 3-2 to Norwich City 4s.