Norwich Stingers 2009

So another tournament in Norwich and another trip to A&E, but we’ll come on to that later.

We arrived in Norwich (some of us taking over the expected 1hr 15mins travelling time) with the black storm clouds gathering low on the horizon (a poignant omen of things to come?). However, City didn’t let the weather get to them, getting off to a flyer – beating UEA II 4-0, a strong Highbury team 2-1 and a physical Luton Hatters 2-0. Also goals were coming from all over the pitch with five different people scoring in the first three games.

However, despite this there was also a 3-0 loss to Norwich Knights. On a brighter note - the rain was holding off and the boys were getting lots of games for Phoenix.

Lunch brought a spate of burgers, jaffa cakes and a game of Perudo (won by Cam – the face of radio).

After lunch City had their traditional ‘after-lunch’ game, dominating Norwich Dragons (even playing with 7 players as Nicki was detained in the toilet – may have something to do with the burger at lunch (Huh!! ed.)) but only getting a draw. The game also saw a beautiful long shot scored by John.

The next game was better, beating Norwich City 3-2, courtesy of goals from Jonathon (complete with celebration of riding Antony like a horse), Sam and Hannah.

The final pool game was probably the best of the day. City played against the undefeated and strong Norwich Ice. The defence by Cam, Yan, Sian, and Hannah was sublime, whilst Antony, Jonathon, Lucy and Nicki attacked brilliantly with Antony sinking a long wind-assisted shot (the only goal of the game). However, the game was marred by firstly Nicki going off with a shoulder injury, then Sam (her replacement) turning her ankle (which to be fair we all thought initially was a cunning ploy of time wasting). 

Antony and Nicki took Sam to Addenbrookes as the rest of the team played in the 3rd/4th place play-off (we were beaten to top spot in the pool by Norwich Ice by 1point). City won comfortably, with even Simon managing to get on the score sheet, and Hannah scoring the goal that made her tournament top-scorer (despite Antony’s interventions by constantly starting her in defence). So a very good 3rd place finish in the first summer tournament.

Afterwards we celebrated with a BBQ (even Sam – get better soon), which involved Moose’s, blond wigs, Vikings helmets, gold pants, cloaks and mead. A good day all round.

Thanks to John for organising and Simon, Sian and Hannah for reffing.

Pool Games:

Cambridge City 4 v 0 UEA II
Cam, Yan, Hannah (1), Sian (1) (first attack)
Antony (1), Jonathon, Nicki (1), Sam

Cambridge City 2 v 1 Highbury I
Simon, John, Sian, Hannah (1) (first attack)
Cam, Yan, Lucy (1), Nicki

Cambridge City 2 v 0 Luton Hatters I
Antony (2), Jonathon, Sam, Lucy (first attack)
Simon, John, Hannah, Sian

Cambridge City 0 v 3 Norwich Knights
Simon, Yan, Sam, Sian (first attack)
Cam, Jonathon, Nicki, Lucy

Cambridge City 2 v 2 Norwich Dragons
Cam, Yan, Sam, Hannah (1) (first attack)
Antony, John (1), Sian, Nicki

Cambridge City 3 v 2 Norwich City II
Antony, Jonathon (1), Sam (1), Nicki (first attack)
Simon, John, Hannah (1), Lucy

Cambridge City 1 v 0 Norwich Ice I
Antony (1), Jonathon, Nicki, Lucy (first attack)
Cam, Yan, Sian, Hannah

3rd/4th PLAYOFF:

Cambridge City 3 v 0  Norwich City I
Simon (1), John, Sian (1), Lucy (first attack)
Cam, Yan, Hannah (1), Lucy Purser (Phoenix)

Goal Scorers:

Hannah – 5
Antony – 4
Sian – 2
Nicki – 1
Lucy – 1
John – 1
Sam – 1
Jonathon – 1
Simon – 1

And, then the after party: