Results

MENS 3RD XI - 26/03/2022 VS BURY ST EDMUNDS 3 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 26/03/2022 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 26/03/2022 
HEADLINE: Sunshine hockey 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Taverham  
RESULT: 5-0 
 
REPORT: 
From kit - 26th March 3s Vs Bury St Edmunds  
 
Match Report: We started the game very strongly, dominating and winning lots of short corners on the trot in the first 10 minutes. Unfortunately we could not find the back of the net or an end product from these. After this series of corners, i think we stepped off the gas and let the opposition back into the game a little bit, being hit on the counter attack by their youth upfront. Thankfully we kept our shape and prevented them from putting any past us. Shortly after we won another short corner, which was slipped right and Rio lifted the ball over the goalkeeper to make it 1-0. Next we won another short corner and Paul Roy struck the ball into the bottom left corner. We went into half time 2-0 up and dominating the possession.  
 
At the start of the second half we first made it 3-0 through Lingy which forced Bury to push for goals more, breaking through our defence a couple of times with through balls, Seb making a set of great saves which kept the opposition exposed and open behind the back. We proceeded to take advantage of this Lingy playing a great ball straight through them, cutting the defence in half, into Kit and back to Lingy again who in turn played it to Simon for a great tap in. We continued to dominate and made it five after a drive down the line from Kit and a pass to Matty at the back post for a well worked goal. Changing our press to a half court, we stepped off the gas and finished the season with a 5-0 win as champions. Man of the Match: Kit Pallister. 

MENS 3RD XI - 19/03/2022 VS UNIVERSITY OF EAST ANGLIA 3 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 19/03/2022 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 19/03/2022 
HEADLINE: City crowned champions 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: UEU 
RESULT: Norwich City 3s 4 - 2 UEA 3s 
 
REPORT: 
Norwich M3s visited UEA on the back of a hard fought, but disappointing defeat against North Norfolk. The team knew that a win today, would give Norwich a great opportunity for taking the title and securing promotion, other results depending. 
 
The match started brightly, with chances being created both ends. But it was Tom Franks in the Norwich goal who was forced into some early saves, keeping the score level. After some further pushing from UEA, the hosts won a short corner which was converted after some frantic defending. 
 
It was clear more goals were coming, from both sides, but UEA doubled their lead with a superb volley after some excellent skills at the top of the D evading the Norwich defence. Norwich then gave themselves hope with Luke Corden pulling one back just before the halftime break. 
 
Halftime Score: UEA 2 : 1 Norwich 
 
With a constructive team talk ringing in the Norwich ears, the boys knew that if they kept their composure, they would get something from this game. 
 
With pressure reining down on the students defence, Norwich managed to get level with a goal from Matthew Brine. However, the game was still wide open with UEA causing havoc on the break, but finding the Norwich back line and Franks in inspired form to keep the scores level. 
 
As the second half progressed, the wind was firmly in the Norwich sails. The 3s took the lead with Ethan Rushton finding a way, with another goal from Corden giving us a healthy two goal lead with not long to go. 
 
 
 
Final Score UEA 2 : 4 Norwich 

MENS 3RD XI - 12/03/2022 VS NORTH NORFOLK 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 12/03/2022 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 12/03/2022 
HEADLINE: City’s unbeaten run comes to an end 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: 
RESULT: 0-1 
 
REPORT: 
 
City went into the match undefeated but knowing that it would be a tough game against a strong North Norfolk side. 
Although having a lot of possession, City struggled to make many clear-cut chances and eventually went 1-0 down. City responded well to this with some good play but missed a number of chances to level. After some good work from Pallister around the D, Brine missed from close range with a mishit shot. This was followed shortly after by Fretwell’s shot being stopped on the line by Rushton who had been knocked down by the onrushing goalkeeper. Jeffers was arguably unlucky to see his goal disallowed after the umpire had judged his shot to have been backstick. 
City continued to apply pressure with several drag flick short corners from Curtis. However, the North Norfolk keeper continued his fine performance, keeping everything out. 
Although having the better chances in the second half, City were lucky not to go 2-0 down when the umpire blew for a short corner as the ball was goal bound. 
Although City’s unbeaten run came to an end, there were lots of positives that could be taken from the game which should give them confidence going into the final few matches of the season.  

MENS 3RD XI - 05/03/2022 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 3 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 05/03/2022 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 05/03/2022 
HEADLINE: Another clean sheet  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Dragons Deb 
RESULT: Norwich Dragons 0 - 4 Norwich City  
 
REPORT: 
In the first 5-10 minutes of the game Norwich faced an organised Dragons defence but with quick transfers and good leads City were able to score a short corner by Clive. Crichton.  
With the quick transfers across the back through Simon Black, Clive, Sam Hancock and Ed Beake and good leads into pockets from Rio Iaccarino, Oli Millett and Dan Jeffers City were able to gain another well finished goal from Ethan Rushton.  
 
In the second half Dragons legs began to fade with good movement of the ball and an assist from Ed , Oli was able to burst through thanks to his pace and skill and power the ball through the Dragons keeper’s right hand with a delightful reverse hit. 
 
Late into the second half City had a short corner that Jim Pallister slipped to Jack Luther to hammer a thunderbolt that was tapped-in by Ethan to secure the game.  
 
Ed Beake was named player of the match.  

MENS 3RD XI - 29/01/2022 VS EAST COAST 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 29/01/2022 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 29/01/2022 
HEADLINE: City youngsters enjoy trip to the seaside  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: East Coast Academy  
RESULT: City 3-1 East Coast 
 
REPORT: 
Final score 3-1 win. The first half was irritating as City couldn’t break  
through East Coast’s defence, although we had the lion’s share of  
possession and won lots of short corners against a physical but fair  
opposition. In addition the pitch was slow, and didn’t fit City’s  
possession style of play. Unfortunately, the opposition broke through and  
scored a scrappy goal past Tom Franks’s near post. On the stroke of  
half-time, Norwich won another short corner - the ball was pulled out to  
Jim Pallister and slapped at the far post but saved by the keeper with the  
second phase shot unfortunately hitting Clive Crichton’s head. (A hasty  
trip to the hospital thanks to Al Paterson’s taxi service later revealed a  
minor cut and and some bruising to Clive’s ear - could have been much  
worse.) Our 12 were now down to a bare 11. 
 
The second half started very well, our ball pace was much higher, and  
things seemed to be going our way. About half way through the half, Rio  
Iaccarino made a devastating run through the opposition, before slipping a  
ball into Kit Pallister who calmly levelled the score. Five minutes later,  
another short corner variation saw Ollie Millet strike the ball from the  
shoulder of the D into the far corner. City we’re well and truly on top  
and soon after taking the lead made it 3-1? When Ethan Rushton received  
the ball from Richard Silvester on the top of the D, and hammered the ball  
under the keeper. 
Final score 3-1. 
 
Whilst City spent much of the second half in their opponent’s half they  
were indebted to a fine double save by Tom Franks when the score was 1-0. 
 
Man of the Match Kit Pallister. 

MENS 3RD XI - 15/01/2022 VS NORWICH CITY 4 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 15/01/2022 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 15/01/2022 
HEADLINE: Sporting City 3s claim deserved 1-1 draw 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 1-1 
 
REPORT: 
City 3s & 4s both fielded strong line-ups for this inter-club game. The 1st half was played at a high pace with chances for both teams. City 4s started in determined fashion and gained a number of short corners that they were unable to convert, with T.Franks making a number of smart saves. City 3s came back into the game with strong passing and moving in midfield between O.Millett and M.Fretwell. City 3s then came close to taking the leading after a short corner was half cleared to K.Pallister whose run down the line resulted in a cross to C.Crichton, who's shot somehow cleared the crossbar from 2 yards out. An entertaining first-half ended 0-0, with both teams ruing missed chances.  
 
The second half started with controversy when a City 3s short corner stuck by H.Gill was cleared of the line by H.Ingham. However, the umpires gave a penalty flick, despite H.Ingham appearing to clear the shot with his stick. In very sporting fashion S.Black put the subsequent penalty flick wide. City 4s then took the lead after a goal bound shot was deflected to P.Gallop who finished into an empty net from 2 yards. City 3s came back strongly with a number of chances, but were lacking the clinical finishing to make these chances count. With time running out, a scrappy short corner resulted in the ball popping up in the air, with E.Rushton managing to poke the ball home from close range. A competitive match finished 1-all, with a draw probably being a fair result for both teams.  

MENS 3RD XI - 11/12/2021 VS THETFORD TOWN 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 11/12/2021 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 11/12/2021 
HEADLINE: Festive feelings 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Thetford 
RESULT: City 11 - 0 Thetford 
 
REPORT: 
As expected given the team’s respective league positions City dominated from beginning to end with Thetford struggling to get the ball into the City half (Tom Franks kicked the ball once, a perfect pass to Simon Black rather than watch the ball go out for a 16). 
 
Whilst City dominated the first half their 20+ shots were almost always directed at the keeper, who had an excellent game, coul,Ed with an element of selfishness as players were keen to get on the scoresheet. To be fair whilst Thetford struggled to provide an attacking threat they defended with great resolve and tenacity. At half time City had just 2 goals to show for their endeavours. 
 
After a strong team talk reminding players about tempo and encouraging them not to shoot at the keeper City completely overwhelmed their hosts scoring 9 goals in the second half. 

MENS 3RD XI - 04/12/2021 VS BURY ST EDMUNDS 3 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 04/12/2021 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 04/12/2021 
HEADLINE: Goal Rush(ton) 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Culford School 
RESULT: City 3s 6 - 0 Bury 3s 
 
REPORT: 
After being tragically reduced to 11 players after a heroic trip to the hospital by Aaron, City started strong with good forward momentum with Ethan Rushton being able to scrounge an early goal in the 5. Bury pushed back however tight defending and pressure in the mid-field with great performances from both Max Wilson and Oli Millet as inside forwards enabled city to keep the ball firmly in their half with Ethan Rushton smashing another on in from the top of the D and a well worked short corner saw Clive Crichton put away a lovely deflection in to the bottom corner as well as Max Wilson rounding off a city dominated first half with a well worked team goal. City picked right up where they left off in the second half with some beautiful play between the mid-field and the front line creating several chances on goal and keeping the opposite firmly on the back foot. The defensive transfers enabled smooth flowing moves down the wings again creating some wonderful attempts on goal from Silvy, Oli Millet and Boycie. Even with many substitutions City’s bare 11 still kept on top of Buru wrapping up the game with two more excellently choreographed goals by the team with Ethan Rushton putting both into the back of the goal. All in all a good win and a solid performance from the whole team that they should all be proud of. 

MENS 3RD XI - 27/11/2021 VS UNIVERSITY OF EAST ANGLIA 3 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 27/11/2021 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 27/11/2021 
HEADLINE: Battling draw for City 3s in appalling conditions 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: TRF 
RESULT: 2-2 
 
REPORT: 
Despite the driving wind and rain, City 3s started well dominating possession with some slick passing. This pressure told when City 3s carved through the UEA defence, with Max McEwan linking well with Freddie Paterson, before passing to Max Wilson to finished sharply from 10 yards out.  
 
UEA’s response to going behind was swift, when a quick free hit from just outside the D allowed the UEA striker to score with a neat reverse stick finish. A harsh yellow card followed for Ethan Rushton when he was deemed to have tripped a UEA defender. City defended well with 10 men, with Jonty Down making a number of key tackles. Unfortunately, with only seconds of the sinbin left, UEA managed to break through the City defence, with the UEA strikers shot finding the back of the net via the post. City dominated the rest of the half, but were unable to find an equaliser, with the UEA keeper acrobatically saving an Oliver Millett shot. 
 
City continued to dominate the second half but were unable to convert several half-chances into goals. At the other end, City limited UEA to very few chances. Despite this, Tom Franks was called into action, with a sharp double save keeping a rare UEA short corner out.  
 
With time running out, a mazy Richard Silvester dribble won a short corner when one of several poor UEA tackles was penalised. The City short corner was worked to Clive Crichton, whose shot was cleared off the line, but onto a UEA defenders foot. City 3s took a no-nonsense approach to the next short corner with Ross Pitcher's first time strike equalising at the death with the ball arrowing into the bottom right corner of the goal. This was the last action of the game, with City 3s being relived to get a draw, but disappointed not to gain a win considering their dominance throughout the game. 
 

MENS 3RD XI - 20/11/2021 VS NORTH NORFOLK 1 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 20/11/2021 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 20/11/2021 
HEADLINE: City edge battle of titans 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Sheringham School 
RESULT: city 5 x North Norfolk 3 
 
REPORT: 
Games can be won with a moment of skill, brilliance or just determination……. It was 3-3 and midway through the second half. The ball was drifting harmlessly off the back and Ollie Millett was on the halfway line…. 
 
Norwich mens 3s had taken a bare 11 (with semi fit or semi injured Simon Black in reserve- just in case) to North Norfolk for a top of the table clash on a rather flat sandy pitch. 
 
North Norfolk started well with their 4 man midfield dominating. They took the lead early but a Max Wilson solo effort put Norwich level. North Norfolk took the lead again before Norwich dropped Aaron Curtis back into a withdrawn centre forward role. With 4 on 4 in midfield Norwich started to control the game with their more skilful players. Aaron Curtis scored from an penalty flick and Norwich took the lead with a long ball from Jim Pallister to Aaron Curtis who picked out Ethan Rushton in the D who finished smartly.  
 
Against the run of play North Norfolk equalised with a miss-hit short coned just before half-time. The second half continued much as the first had done with Norwich controlling the game and North Norfolk looking dangerous on the break. 
 
The moment came midway through the second half ….. the ball drifting harmlessly off the back and Ollie Millett on the halfway line; 5 players between him and the ball with a 30m head start…. Ollie decides it is not a lost cause…. Moments later a metre from the base line Ollie smashes the ball into the corner of the goal 3-4 …. Pure pace and determination… 
 
Ollie set up Ethan’s second lovely finish with a couple of minutes of the game to go. 
 
Not all of the team are as fast as Ollie but the whole team showed his desire and determination to win…. 
 
Special mentions - Henry Baker great tomahawk; Adam Sayer always in the right place to snuff out North Norfolk attacks and great cameo (semi fit or semi injured) Simon. 
 

MENS 3RD XI - 13/11/2021 VS NORWICH DRAGONS 3 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 13/11/2021 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 13/11/2021 
HEADLINE: Pallister junior provides icing on the cake 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Taverham  
RESULT: City 4 - 0 Dragons 
 
REPORT: 
Due to illness, work commitments and a communication mess up City had just 10 players for this home fixture an hour before push back. Huge thanks to Ian Andrews for stepping up from the 6s and Kit Pallister (the youngest of the Pallister hockey production line) City had 12 players towards the end of the first half (Kit changing from his school rugby kit on the side of the pitch!). Despite this somewhat unusual approach to team selection, City dominated the game with a Max Wilson stick skill master class opening the scoring, closely follwed by that rarer than hen’s teeth event, a Clive Crichton goal following a slick penalty corner routine. Half time 2-0 
With City upping the pressure in the second half thanks to dynamic displays from the midfield and forwards Kit Pallister scored a tremendous goal when it looked like City had thrown away a glorious opportunity - slick passing between Jim Pallister and Ethan RUSHTON seemed to go awry as each successive pass became harder and less directed, nevertheless Rushton recovered the ball on the by line, somehow managed to cross the ball for Kit Pallister, having run 40m in the vain hope a cross might arrive , to tap in. Max Wilson completed an excellent day with his second goal towards the end. Oli Millett was named player of the match for his excellent and tireless contribution throughout. 

MENS 3RD XI - 06/11/2021 VS SUDBURY 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 06/11/2021 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 06/11/2021 
HEADLINE: Butler hat trick leads dominant City 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Sudbury 
RESULT: City 5 -0 Sudbury 
 
REPORT: 
City continued their excellent form in this tricky away fixture with Ross Butler scoring another hat trick and further enhancing his credentials for a promotion to the the 2nd team, a stylish drag flick from Aaron Curtis and a delightful, individual goal from Freddie Paterson contributing to a comprehensive victory. 

MENS 3RD XI - 30/10/2021 VS IPSWICH EAST-SUFFOLK 3 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 30/10/2021 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 30/10/2021 
HEADLINE: Big home win 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: 
RESULT: 
 
REPORT: 
Norwich City Mens 3rd XI welcomed another 3 points after the half term break after a thumping home win over IES 3rd XI. City were 3-0 up after 10 minutes after an electric start following goals from Ethan Rushton, Ross Butler and Max Wilson. City added a fourth from another excellent Butler PC before IES scored from their one attack of the half (Poor Tom Franks in goal! P.s Shut your legs!!!) City regained composure to add a fifth before half time with an excellent move which saw Ethan Rushton tap home on the post. HT: 5-1 
 
After the break City struggled to find their rhythm they had in the first had often choosing the wrong options and finding flat sticks however City kept working hard and scored a further three goals through Butler, Jeffers and a rare goal from Pallister J! IES did score another consolation through a penalty corner as the game finished 8-2.  
 
A good all round positive performance with City's fire power proving again to strong for this league.  

MENS 3RD XI - 16/10/2021 VS HARLESTON MAGPIES 4 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 16/10/2021 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 16/10/2021 
HEADLINE: Millett mastery 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE:Harleston 
RESULT: Norwich City 8 - 3 Magpies  
 
REPORT: 
On a lovely day, City 3s traveled to Magpies HC for a game that would prove to be very entertaining. We played well and were clinical, scoring 5 in the first half and 3 in the second. With one of the last touches of the game Ross Butler received the ball and with his mind firmly set on the goal, smashed the ball into the top corner putting the icing on the cake of a brilliant City performance. Final score 8-3 to City. Goalscorers: Ethan Rushton 2, Ross Butler 1, Oli Millett 3 and Aaron Curtis 2.  

MENS 3RD XI - 09/10/2021 VS EAST COAST 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 09/10/2021 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 09/10/2021 
HEADLINE: Lively draw in Costa del Taverham 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 4 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: Norwich City 3s 0-0 East Coast 1s 
 
REPORT: Confidence was high for Norwich, with some impressive previous results and an unbeaten run which the team wasn’t ready to give up just yet. Starting with our usual strong squad, the 3s demonstrated some quickfire pace which forced the East Coast keeper into some solid saves to keep the score goalless. The game quickly developed into an end to end barrage of shots and attacking moves which forced Norwich’s own goalkeeper Tom Franks to read the game well and pull off a string of fine saves. The Norwich defence was anchored in the middle with Clive Cricket Crichton and Freddie Royall putting in fantastic performances, repelling East Coast attacks and playing the ball well out of the back. The pattern of the game was set, it was end to end with plenty of goal mouth action and drama to keep the spectators happy. Norwich’s strength and resilience in midfield saw them begin to out play the opposition and feed the ball through to the forwards who were queuing up to have a shot on goal. But still, the East Coast keeper remained defiant. Half time was here, and both keepers would have been wondering how they still had a clean sheet. 0 – 0. 
 
Norwich started the second half with a wave of attacks and short corners. Ethan Rushton, Ross Butler and others having excellent chances to put the 3s ahead, but just couldn’t break the deadlock. It was here that East Coast began to lose their cool slightly and engage in some dangerous communications with both Norwich, and the umpires. They were now relying on the counter attack, and on the rare occasion that Coast did make it through, Tom Franks was there along with his defence to keep them at bay. Norwich’s attacking prowess became constant, in the desperate hope that a winner could be found, it was not to be. Even with short corners and numerous attacks, Norwich could not find a way through. The match finished 0 – 0, with East Coast celebrating like they had won the game. It was a good point away from home for them, and Norwich will be disappointed not to have put the game to bed. MOTM: Tom Franks.  

MENS 3RD XI - 02/10/2021 VS COLCHESTER 2 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 02/10/2021 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 02/10/2021 
HEADLINE: Butler bonanza  
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 3 NORTH EAST 
VENUE: Colchester 
RESULT: City 4 - 2 Colchester 
 
REPORT: 
Having overcome the fuel shortage that gripped the nation City travelled to Colchester in plenty of time for their 2pm game only to find out that the game was at 1:30. After a bit of negotiation City started at 1:40 with just 9 players which was soon swelled to 10. Despite this less than ideal start City took the lead through an excellent Ross Butler strike. Bouyed by the goal and the arrival of their 11th player City were feeling positive until Richard Silvester picked up a (15 minute) yellow card for having his foot inside the D at an attacking penalty corner. 
Colchester equalised through a well worked move only for City to take the lead via Ross Butler’s pile driver reverse stick shot from the edge of the D. 2-1 at half time. 
City continued to gain the upper hand in a well contested second half, extending their lead when Ross Butler latched onto a second phase ball following a penalty corner to hammer home a glorious front foot drive that would not have been out of place at Lords. With Colchester pressing, Butler scored his 4th via a clinical penalty stroke. Colchester reduced the arrears with 10 minutes to go to set up an entertaining finale. 
 
 

MENS 3RD XI - 25/09/2021 VS NORWICH CITY 4 (A) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 25/09/2021 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 25/09/2021 
HEADLINE: Clash of the Titans leaves grandstands wanting more. 
LEAGUE: EAST DIVISION 4 NORTH EAST 
VENUE:TRF Mainstage  
RESULT: City 3s 6 - 3 City 4s 
 
REPORT: On what can only be described as a tropical September afternoon the early season East Division 4 North East interclub bout took place on the main stage at TRF. Led by Simon ‘John Stones’ Black and supported by this week’s sponsor Tom Franks’ legal services, use code FRANKSY for 15% off at checkout. The 3s started dominantly but failed to put away any chances, much to the capacity crowd’s disappointment, the game opened up as the heat clocked 100 degrees, but just as the chants of ‘nil-nil all over it’ came from the crowd of 15 Will ‘The Dynamo’ Kidner found some space in the D and skillfully took it round the keeper to finish into an empty goal. Clinging onto a slender 1-nothing lead at half-time Mr Stones was clear in that the 3s could dominate the entire game, that if we scored too many we would have to take it easy, Loving the confidence chief. Spurred on from such an invigorating team talk the 3s began the second half by scoring 3 beautifully crafted goals, from Max Wilson twice and Silvey unfortunately the crowd had been depleted by the 1s rudely leaving for their game, so all 9 of them were in full voice. When the 3s then went 5-0 up moments later, the moment the prophecy had foretold came true. ‘play possession hockey’ ‘no more goals’ said the true club-man Simondo, and so in true city fashion of old the 3s began to crumble, conceding 3 goals and giving life to a game that was all but over, credit where it is due, the grandstand came to life, on 606 after the game one man said it was ‘the most exciting hockey I’ve seen at the club’ another ‘already got the value for my season ticket’ in the dying stages silvy grabbed another it what can only be described as the finish of the week. A well worked short corner routine almost made him look like a defender as he got on the end of a Monty ‘I hate hockey’ Platt thunderbolt. All in all deserved 6-3 winners, and Simondo and his troops can now march to Colchester in fine form for next Saturday. Or, At least he can pick a team now. 

MENS 3RD XI - 11/09/2021 VS NORTH NORFOLK 1 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 11/09/2021 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 11/09/2021 
HEADLINE: City narrowly. Miss out in entertaining friendly 
Friendly 
VENUE: 
RESULT:Norwich. city 3s 4 - 5 North Norfolk 1s 
 
REPORT:  
On a searingly hot Saturday afternoon, City 3s entertained North Norfolk 1s for the latest in a lineup of pre-season friendlies. In a battle between two heavyweights trading punches, it was North Norfolk who came out on top in a 5-4 thriller. But the real winners were the spectators who didn’t have to run around in the heat and enjoyed an entertaining game in the afternoon sun. 
 
City started the match the stronger, dominating the early chances and unlucky to score. But against the run of play, it was North Norfolk who scored first, converting from a short distance. City fought back to level, with Ethan Rushton getting the ball over the line. 
 
City were playing some great hockey, keeping the ball moving around the back as they probed away and held most of the possession. North Norfolk on the other hand were quick and dangerous on the break, making this a very two evenly balanced match. City scored next, with Freddie Paterson sliding a diagonal ball through to an unmarked Ethan Rushton who scored his second of the game. Meanwhile Tom Franks in City’s goal was called on to make an impressive reaction save to prevent a strong opposition shot However the lead was not to last long, with North Norfolk making a break and Franks’ desperate tackle at the top of the D on the last man adjudged to be late. The umpire rightly awarded a penalty which North Norfolk put away. 
 
City continued to put on the pressure, with James Hewitt bossing the midfield and some strong running from Cameron Hansell and Freddie Paterson drawing desperate fouls and winning a succession of short corners. City converted one with a beautifully taken short corner where a sharp 1-2 between Matthew Brine and Boycie ended with Brine scoring with a sharply struck shot. The first half drama was not over and North Norfolk scored once more, although City claimed there had been a foot involved. 
 
City only had one sub, and several of the North Norfolk opposition were on their second game of the day. So it was with much relief when the half time whistle went and the players had time to draw breath and take on water. 3-3 and all to play for. 
 
With players tiring, the second half was never going to be such good quality. However, it remained end to end fare, with much space opening up. North Norfolk continued to look good on the break, putting pressure on the City team. They were to score twice in the half, with Cameron Hansell scoring for City. City continued to fight to the end but North Norfolk held on to be the narrow winners in this high scoring game. 
 
Overall this was a very useful practice match for City with everyone putting in a good shift, and some very good hockey, particularly in the first half. Cameron Hansell and Ethan Rushton both got man of the match votes. However, the winner was Freddie Paterson, who playing in an unfamiliar position for him of right half back, held his position well and caused the opposition all sorts of trouble when he ran at them with the ball. 

MENS 3RD XI - 04/09/2021 VS BURY ST EDMUNDS 3 (H) 
 
TEAM: Mens 3rd XI 
DATE: 04/09/2021 
FIXTURE: Mens 3rd XI VS 04/09/2021 
HEADLINE: Shooting practice required 
LEAGUE: Friendly  
VENUE: Taverham 
RESULT: Norwich City 3s 2 - 0 Bury 3s 
 
REPORT: 
This entertaining pre season friendly provided an opportunity to give pitch time to a number of players that are now off to university and for others to put forward their case for third team selection. 
 
The game was played in excellent spirit fuelled by a home favourite “Mickey” playing for the opposition (to be fair it was his home club before he moved to City and then to the UEA where he studies). 
 
At the beginning of the match, manager for the day, Simon Black, declared he was going to count D entries to encourage the team to attack, this they did with great aplomb, but more on that later. City played very well as a team and created countless opportunities with Freddie Royall’s pace and decisiveness in defence enabling the midfield and forwards freedom and confidence to express themselves.. Young Tom Ling supported by the even younger Alex Tomkinson and Sam Hancock provided a constant source of space and potential for the attacking 5, most notably Monty Platt, Max McEwan, Ethan Rushton, Max Wilson and Freddie Paterson to harass the Burry defence and midfield. 
 
Somehow the score at half time was 0-0 despite City having 27 (yes twenty seven) entries into their opponent’s D. hmm!!! 
 
The second half saw Rob McCall and Andrew Bell, come into the ascendency and fortunately with goals room Monty Platt and Max McEwan City deservedly won but only two goals from a total of 59 D entries is nowhere near good enough and provides an easy focus for the week’s training! 
 
There really were some excellent performances, with Monty Platt’s maturity shining through in attacking midfield, Sam Hancock producing a debut to be proud of at half back, Seb Kimber making some fine saves and keeping a clean sheet, and Max’s McEwan and Wilson demonstrating their potential. However, the player that really caught the eye (apart form Young Tom Ling) was Freddie Royall who dovetailed very well will Adam Sayer at the heart of defence. This led to Freddie being named player of the match.