Results

LADIES 5TH XI - 03/02/2018 VS BROADLAND 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 5th XI 
DATE: 03/02/2018 
FIXTURE: Womens 5th XI VS 03/02/2018 
HEADLINE: A 0-0 draw we'll settle for that! 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK LEAGUE DIVISION 1 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: 0-0 Draw 
 
REPORT: 
Norwich took to the pitch knowing they had to put in a good performance to get anything from a game against a second in the table Broadland 2’s who have only lost 2 games all season (mind you, one of them was against us!). 
We weren’t rich in numbers this week, but all the girls pulled together and city soon got into their stride, with great surging runs through the middle from Rosie Osborne, and Lucy McNarry and Charlotte Jeffers, as always, causing problems to the opposition’s defence straight from the start. 
City had a few short corners, and Gillian Allen did convert, only for it to be disallowed (as apparently) the ball hadn’t travelled outside the box! 
The match was very evenly balanced throughout and city had to call on it’s strong defence of Jessica Taylor-Balls, Gillian Allen and Annette Peters, to ensure we maintained a clean sheet. Clair Richardson in goal made a couple of timely saves to deny Broadland attacks (in addition to entertaining us, as only Clair can!!). 
Josine Van Den Berg slotted into the team nicely and did a lot of good runs, as did Carolyn Lumley.  
The “old guard” of Carol McNarry, Bev Cushion and Jane Loughridge brought wise heads and calm to the game, ensuring city kept their shape and played to their strengths.  
This very tight match ended 0-0 (but I’m sure the spectators felt more entertained than a mere 0-0 draw?!). 
Maybe not our best performance of the season, but non the less a good team effort and another point to keep us strongly placed 5th in the league. 
Man of the match went to Jessica Taylor-Balls – well done. 
Match report by Bev Cushion  
 

LADIES 5TH XI - 20/01/2018 VS CARROW 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 5th XI 
DATE: 20/01/2018 
FIXTURE: Womens 5th XI VS 20/01/2018 
HEADLINE: City 5s hungry for a win ! 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK LEAGUE DIVISION 1 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Taverham  
RESULT:win 2-1  
 
REPORT: 
City 5's were hungry for a win having played brilliantly the last two weeks but failed to secure victory. The 5ths were determined they would not make this mistake again. 
 
First 10 minutes saw us competently moving the ball around in an organised fashion with speed and finesse. Lots of action in our attacking D but the ball just would not cross the line. We came close to scoring from a short corner with a rocket of a ball from Alli Mclellan which was disallowed as it flew passed the keepers left ear ! 
We blinked and the ball escaped to Carrows end and a neat hard short corner squeezed between our keeper Clair Richardson and defence putting Carrow ahead. We responded within minutes with a lovely shot from Molly Crabtree deflected in by Charlotte Jeffers. Tragically Netty Peters pulled up with an injury and had to retire to supporting us from the bench . 
 
Half time 1-1. A rousing team talk from our captain Carol McNarry with a plan to attack more down the right. 
A lovely long corner from Carol McNarry to Alli McLellan deflected in by Lucy McNarry marked our winning goal. 
 
Tight defending, good pressure and pushing up saw us hold the lead. Enjoyable game, sporting opposition and good quality umpiring made it a tasty 2-1 victory. 
Player of the match: Jane Loughridge. 
 
March report kindly written by Jane Loughridge. 

LADIES 5TH XI - 13/01/2018 VS WATTON 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 5th XI 
DATE: 13/01/2018 
FIXTURE: Womens 5th XI VS 13/01/2018 
HEADLINE:  
LEAGUE: NORFOLK LEAGUE DIVISION 1 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Watton Sports Centre 
RESULT: Draw 3-3 
 
REPORT:It was a very cold and blustery day that met us at Watton Sports Centre, along with a very much younger Watton 2’s team, since we played them last time. They only had two players over the age of 19! The City 5’s has a few more over the age of 19, (ahem..).. but as they say, with age comes wisdom and in the City 5’s case, plenty of grit and determination. The 5’s were on fire from the off and whilst the first Watton attack left 2 players injured within the first 10 minutes, City were hard to penetrate with Jessica Taylor-Balls, Gillian Allen and Ali McLellan putting up a skilful wall of defence and redistributing the ball well to give City plenty of breaks. Jane Loughridge dropped into defence, from her usual midfield position, to replace the injured Netty Peters, and did a brilliant job. 
 
The City Mids : Maria Marsh, Carolyn Lumley, Carol McNarry, Lucy McNarry worked even harder than usual, constantly driving up to attack and dropping back in defence; no mean feat with the ever energetic Watton Yoof! Jessica Taylor-Balls and Gillian Allen played a vital role in supporting the mids by being so dependable in defence yet driving the ball to initiate the attack. 
 
Watton scored the first goal after a fast break and good strike from the young forward who went onto score all 3 of Watton’s goals. Molly Crabtree, a hat trick scorer for City this week scored her first superb goal from a pass initiated by Jane Loughridge way back on the half way line and picked up by Lucy McNarry on the wing who then gave a strong pass into the Watton D. Molly’s spinning and flicking technique had the Watton defence baffled! 
Half time 1:1. 
 
It was end to end play in the second half. Very exciting and both City and Watton played a strong attacking game with many chances and a few short corners on both sides. Two more goals were scored in the second half. Then 10 minutes before the end, Molly did her spin in the D and made a goal from nothing, to the amazement and surprise of all and Norwich were 3:2 up. A tough, intense match was drawing to a close and Norwich looked to dominate. 2 minutes before the end of the match the Watton super striker made a break from the half way line and scored the equaliser.  
 
Shame it was a draw and so close to a win. However, City 5’s look stronger and stronger every week. Play was disciplined and determined and passes were efficient. Great play by all.  
 
POM – Molly Crabtree. 
Match report kindly written by Annette Peters 

LADIES 5TH XI - 06/01/2018 VS REEPHAM 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 5th XI 
DATE: 06/01/2018 
FIXTURE: Womens 5th XI VS 06/01/2018 
HEADLINE:  
LEAGUE: NORFOLK LEAGUE DIVISION 1 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: Norwich City 3- 3 Reepham Draw 
 
REPORT:It was a cold and wet January morning and the 5's knew they were in for a tough first game of 2018 against Reepham. Five minutes into the game Reepham stunned the defence with a great strike from the top of the D, the 5's were 0-1 down!! It was clear the Xmas hangover hadn't cleared and maybe that extra slice of Xmas pudding and glass (bottle) of wine wasn't such a good idea. Luckily the cold winter morning cleared our heads and it wasn't long before we were back on form. Fantastic work from the midfield led to lots of pressure on the Reepham defence, Lucy McNarry repeatedly causing trouble for them on the right wing. It wasn't long before a well worked piece of running from Lucy McNarry and a great ball across goal was calmly slotted home by Fran Cooke for an amazing first goal. Back in it 1-1!! City's confidence grew and with wave after wave of attacking play from both sides of the field, it looked like City were rewarded when another goal was put away by Fran Cooke but it wasn't to be, Carol McNarry's charm hadn't worked on the umpire just yet and the goal was disallowed. It was end to end action with City's defence standing strong against some very skilful Reepham players. City continued with some fantastic attacking play and Lucy McNarry, with a great run, broke through the Reepham defence and put the 5's ahead 2-1. A tough first half!!  
The 5s were feeling positive going into the second half and within a few minutes, great teamwork was rewarded with a fantastic goal from Sharon Phillips. It seemed like City had the upper hand and a win was in the bag.  
Reepham however had other plans and continued with fast breaks on both wings, City seemed to tire and after another Reepham break they were awarded a short corner. The defence were unlucky not to clear the ball and suddenly Reepham were back in the game 3-2. Reepham were inspired by the goal and pressed hard, a scrap at the front of the goal resulted in another quick goal for Reepham, 3-3!! City were left wondering what had happened. The final 10 minutes saw chances at each end, with Citys best opportunity for the win a well worked short corner between Bev Cushion and Sharon Phillips, Bev Cushion was unlucky not to score with the ball flying past the post. Reepham weren't quite finished either and it was only thanks to a brilliant goal line clearance from Jess Taylor-Balls that City earned the point. A challenging first game that could easily have gone either way.  
Well done to Lucy McNarry the well deserved POTM . 
 
Match report kindly provided by Allison McLellan 

LADIES 5TH XI - 25/11/2017 VS DEREHAM 4 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 5th XI 
DATE: 25/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Womens 5th XI VS 25/11/2017 
HEADLINE: Goal Bonanza !! 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK LEAGUE DIVISION 1 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Dereham Hockey Club 
RESULT: 11-0 win 
 
REPORT:It was freezing conditions when the womens 5s turned up to Dereham. Nevertheless we all warmed up, preparing both mentally and physically for what we believed to be a tough game ahead.  
 
City had first push back and within minutes, Molly Crabtree stylishly put away the first goal of the game. After this, City got into their stride. The passes were clean and fast which led to Molly putting away yet another goal from the penalty spot. Dereham stepped up their game and City gave away a short corner. The fearless defence; GK Anna Linsmith, Gillian Allen, Allison McLellan and Karen Hobden defended superbly and cleared the ball with poise. Molly was hungry for another goal and with great accuracy, put another away, completing her hatrick!  
 
Bev Cushion and Carolyn Lumley were a force to be reckoned with, always in a good position to receive and quickly release the ball to the attackers. Lucy McNarry took full advantage of this, making great runs down the right wing. She then put away a cracker of goal, lifting it over the goalies shoulder into the left corner. City made the most of the space in the attacking half, passing the ball to Carol McNarry who hit the ball from the top of the circle with power and precision into the left corner, scoring yet another goal. The half time whistle blew with City leading 5-0. 
 
City didn’t want to become complacent and entered the 2nd half with a 0-0 mind frame. Dereham has a some strong hitters but City were quick to intercept the longer passes. The second half saw Dereham sit more players in their defending half, giving city players less time on the ball. Molly Crabtree composed in the D passed to Charlotte Jeffers who put away City’s 6th goal. Lucy McNarry still wanting more put away two more! City weren’t tiring. Jane Loughridge and Maria Marsh worked well together to work the ball up the left hand side to Charlotte Jeffers who scored another pleasing goal, putting city up 9-0. Carol McNarry found herself in her perfect position at the top of the D and put away another cracker! 10-0 up, City were looking strong. Passing and communication was only getting better and better. Ellie Hobden had worked hard, making break after break up the right wing. Moving around the defenders, she found enough space to slap the ball into the left corner of the goal. The final whistle blew, City winning 11-0. 
 
An excellent performance by womens 5s. A well deserved player of the match went to Molly Crabtree!  
 
Match report kindly written by Charlotte Jeffers. 
 

LADIES 5TH XI - 18/11/2017 VS HARLESTON MAGPIES 5 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 5th XI 
DATE: 18/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Womens 5th XI VS 18/11/2017 
HEADLINE: Womens 5s vs Magpies 5s 
LEAGUE: NORFOLK LEAGUE DIVISION 1 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Norwich City Hockey Club  
RESULT: City 1 - Magpies 2 
 
REPORT: 
Norwich City Womens 5s lost 1-2 against 4th in the league, Harleston Magpies Womens 5s. 
 
Magpies took first push back and they started strong. City quickly stepped back to defend and take possession. It wasn't long though until Magpies managed to push past City's defence and take the first goal.  
 
City made sure to pick up the pace with some great line runs from Maria Marsh and Lucy McNarry. Bev Cushion instructed play well from the middle. With the team coming together, Molly Crabtree took possession, she passed to Maria Marsh running the back line, with a final cross to the right, Lucy McNarry finished play with a beautiful strike on goal to equalise the score line.  
 
City began the second half with the hunger to lead the game. The defence were put to the test as a few short corners were awarded against them. However, with great clearances from Gillian Allen, Allison McLellan and Mhairi Doble, Magpies were unable to score.  
 
City made attempts to pull ahead, but the shots made were off target. A lucky break by Magpies left the score line City 1, Magpies 2 on the final whistle.  
 
Player of the match was awarded to Jessica Taylor-Balls.  
Match report written by Jessica Taylor-Balls. 

LADIES 5TH XI - 11/11/2017 VS BECCLES 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Womens 5th XI 
DATE: 11/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Womens 5th XI VS 11/11/2017 
HEADLINE:  
LEAGUE: NORFOLK LEAGUE DIVISION 1 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE: Hobart High School 
RESULT: 2-2 
 
REPORT: It was a beautiful bright autumn day for a game of hockey for the Norwich City Womens 5s away against Beccles 1. City played a strong game throughout and dominated possession in the first half. Within two minutes of the starting whistle City won an early short corner. The direct shot by Allen was saved by the Beccles keeper. City maintained pressure however and won another short corner in the thirteenth minute with McNarry finding the back of the goal.  
 
Beccles came back strong and it wasn’t long until they had an opportunity on goal but City’s defence held strong and kept the ball out. Cushion fed the ball up the field and Phillips skilfully took the ball around the Beccles defence to score City’s second goal. City maintained control of the ball and achieved several short corners but they were unable to convert them. City went into half-time 2-0. 
 
City started the second half strongly and had two early goal opportunities but they could not find the backboard. Beccles managed to get a break away ball and with some disjointed defending from City, Beccles were on the scoreboard. Taylor-Balls had some great runs up the right side of the pitch, working well together with Marsh. A wild swing from a Beccles player led to another unconverted short corner for City. In the tenth minute Beccles managed to orchestrate a goal from nothing and the score was 2-2 and it was game on. 
 
The game entered a critical period for both teams and some frayed tempers led to a Beccles player and McLellan and Cushion for City receiving green cards all within the space of 15 minutes. Five minutes left and a Beccles player stopped the ball on the line with her feet giving City the chance to take the lead from a penalty flick. McLellan stepped forward, however the Beccles goalkeeper made an impressive diving save to keep the ball out. The game ended 2-2. 
Player of the Match: Gillian Allen 
 
 

LADIES 5TH XI - 04/11/2017 VS DISS 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Womens 5th XI 
DATE: 04/11/2017 
FIXTURE: Womens 5th XI VS 04/11/2017 
HEADLINE:  
LEAGUE: NORFOLK LEAGUE DIVISION 1 
LEAGUE SPONSORS: EMPRESA LIMITED 
VENUE:Taverham 
RESULT: Norwich City Womens 5s 3- O Diss 
 
REPORT:An enigmatic performance from Norwich City Womens 5s against worthy opponents Diss 1 with game play utilising the whole of the Taverham home ground pitch space. In the first half, throughout patches of hard rain, City demonstrated positivity attacking and defending as a unit, contributed to by Gillian Allen playing high and excellent subbing strategy planned by our captain Carol McNarry and implemented by Edie Mason...to give City the chance to understand the game play of our opponents and keep momentum going. Charlotte Jeffers was a force to be reckoned with, playing right half and running the line on the right, to offer us chances to score - we just needed to convert these. Despite achieving several short corners, it was goal-less first half despite several attempts from most of our attack; constructive, strong play and much appreciated coaching off the sideline from Pies, put us in the right mindset to give it our all.  
 
With movement towards the goal ending in the umpire giving a flick. A strong attempt from Fran Cooke, yet a great save by Diss Keeper prevented our first goal.  
 
After a positive half time team talk with input from Pies, our captain and Bev Cushion, identifying our strengths on the wings and the need to quicken our free hits. We forgot about the rain and geared ourselves up for the next 35 minutes.  
 
The anticipated first goal, came in the second half from a free hit taken quickly and accurately by Carol McNarry, two touches later and Sharon Phillips stick outwitted the keeper to slip the ball across the goal line. City players erupted with joy, the hard work was paying off.  
 
Excellent defending from City came into priority and we were able to close down Diss' fast breaks where they tried to seize the opportunity for a short corner. Our keeper Maz Doble, putting in effective saves with excellent work from Alli McLellan, Netty Peters, Carol McNarry, Jess Taylor-Balls, Gillian Allen, and Karen Hobden. It was clear that Diss had the capability to score; we had to prevent them entering the 'D' and Maz was to 'work her magic' on the attacks and short corners that Diss achieved.  
 
Second goal came not too soon after, from a quick break and plenty of passing via Maria Marsh, Lucy McNarry, Charlotte Jeffers and to Fran Cooke, hooking the ball just away from the keeper's reach over the goal line. Hugs all round - we were happy with 2-0.  
 
Great runs on the left hand side of the pitch with Netty Peters beating 4 players in succession to make a lot of ground, enabling Birthday girl Jane Louhridge in midfield to get the ball down to Ellie Hobden, whom equally had several attempts on goal.  
 
Our third goal came from well managed subbing in the last 10 minutes of the game, with the ball being sent into our attacking 'D' and rebounding out, setting up a perfect opportunity for Carolyn Lumley to strike a lifted shot to the right side of the goal keeper.  
 
Final score 3-0. Such a buzz for City to play Diss 1s for the first time (5th place in the league), who gave it their all and brought a real challenge to us. Despite the rain, we appreciated the support from the sidelines which added to pleasure of a well earned home win and notable good standard of umpiring in the game. Looking forward to our next game with the same energy.  
Player of the Match: Charlotte Jeffers 
 
Match report kindly written by Carolyn Lumley