Norwich Dragons suffered a disappointing 3-2 defeat against second-placed West Herts in the Premier Division of the East Women's League.

The Dragons started the stronger of the two teams as they took the game to the visitors; they were organised, disciplined and played some attractive attacking hockey creating some good chances to take the lead.

However, it was West Herts that took the lead against the run of play but Dragons did not let this dampen their positivity. They were equal to the visitors and got a thoroughly deserved goal through player of the match Kate Trelawny-Gower taking her first chance of the match by drilling the ball home after a brilliant run and cross from young Dragon Olivia Thomas.

The visitors scored a second just before the break, an early unexpected sweeping strike by Louise Smith from the top of the D left the Dragons keeper unsighted and wrong footed.

The second half was as exciting as the first with end to end play and fast flowing hockey. However, as Dragons went searching for an equaliser they were caught as West Herts made it 3-1.

The Dragons fought bravely throughout and with three minutes to go Trelawny-Gower got her second, an outstanding individual effort saw her skilfully glide past the visitors defence before burying the ball in the corner of the goal.

The last minutes were nervous moments for West Herts who tactically kept possession of the ball without making progress to run the clock down.

The match ended 2-3 to the visitors but this was an excellent performance by the Dragons who proved that on their day they are not far from the top guns in this league and in truth were unlikely not to take something from this match.

In Division 1N Dereham lost out to Cambridge University to leave the title race wide open.

Cambridge hit the front early on after some uncharacteristic defending from the hosts. Both teams then cancelled each other out for a period before Gardner got Dereham back on level terms with an opportunistic strike.

The students took the lead again in the 24th minute and they would hold on to their advantage to take victory as Dereham missed a last-gasp penalty flick.

Elsewhere in 1N, Watton beat St Ives 5-4 in a thriller and North Norfolk were also successful, albeit it slightly less exciting circumstances. They beat Bedford II 3-1.

Norwich Dragons II enjoyed a 2-0 win over Norwich City in a top-of-the-table clash.

Dragons player of the match was Marcy Windsor-Waite who despite struggling with injury recently was superb the whole game.

In addition, the Dragons midfield were superbly marshalled by Karen O'Neil-Simpson and Gail Thomas, who worked tirelessly to breakdown everything coming through the middle, yet also supporting the forwards when in attack. Both Hollie Limmer and Hannah Ellis also gave everything in their roles in the midfield, breaking down play and providing some excellent balls for the willing forward runners. Emma Tabrett's drag-flick and Aoife Lowe-Davies' fine solo effort proved the difference between the two sides.