Dereham U18 Girls 9, Bury St Edmunds Girls U18 0This well deserved win put Dereham them into the next round of the East of England U18 Cup.The team played terrifically together as a unit, battling for each other and really wanting the win.

Dereham U18 Girls 9, Bury St Edmunds Girls U18 0

This well deserved win put Dereham them into the next round of the East of England U18 Cup.

The team played terrifically together as a unit, battling for each other and really wanting the win.

Four great goals in the first half really boosted their confidence, leading to another five in the second half.

Goal scorers were: Jess Ollington (2), Lulu Humberstone (2), Lauren Healy (2), Jess Shand, Rebecca Taylor, and Charlotte Reeve.

The defence were solid with Emily Crisp, Hannah Turner, Rebecca Colman, Annie Shayles (GK) and Fran D'Souza having great games.

Polly Lockhart and Georgie Edwards in midfield played brilliantly, running throughout and contributing greatly.

Dereham U15 Girls 1, Pelicans Girls U15 10

This third round England Hockey Association Cup tie played at Greenfields Road was Dereham's first match in the competition and was always going to be difficult for them, with most of the Pelicans team aged 14 and the majority of them county players.

With seven of the home side represented by players aged between 10 and 12, Pelicans had the advantage of age and experience. Dereham's youngest pair (both aged 10) were keeper and player of the match Ellen Affleck and the busy Bex Hazell - who both performed magnificently and did not seemed overawed by the occasion.

Captain and sweeper Hannah Tarry gave a sterling performance in an unaccustomed position, especially blocking at short corners.

Chloe Cushion-Swales rescued Dereham several times with some last-ditch tackles and Alice Tarry, normally a forward, performed stoically at centre-defence.

Beth Redpath worked hard in her marking role and in midfield, Fran Leverett, Kim Harvey and Sarah Newey all gave 100 per cent. Ellie Boyce always looked dangerous on the break and has added a much-needed competitive edge to her game.

Up front, Fran Grapes and Hannah Dewing both had chances, with Hannah scoring a well-taken late consolation goal.

The spirit of the Dereham players was never broken and they never gave up working.

Although the Dereham girls are now out of the competition, their very young squad will continue to grow and develop.

The young players will have several more years in this age group to learn to play together and gain strength and confidence.

Within two or three years they will be quite a force to be reckoned with, especially if they retain the spirit and grit that they displayed in this match.