Category: Senior School News
Last weekend saw the traditional block fixtures against Royal Hospital School kick-starting the boys hockey season. Delivering some solid team performances, the matches offered lots of learning opportunities and gave the teams lots to look forward to the rest of the term. The support from family and friends on the side lines was also fantastic and really spurred our teams on!
Woodbridge 1st team vs RHS
This was a very exciting, high paced and end to end home match to start the season with too many highlights and good performances to single out. In perfect conditions on a Saturday afternoon, with great support on the side lines, the team delivered a performance which will hopefully fill them with confidence for the rest of the term. It took consistent hard work, skill, team play, good decision making as well as precision to make the result happen and never letting the their guard down or taking the foot off the gas.
RHS scored first deep into the first half with a field goal when they were outrun on the left flank, and the overload was too big to recover from. Woodbridge answered in the perfect way, when Year 11’s Alfie scored from a broken-down penalty corner seconds before the half time whistle. The score was doubled early in the second half when Year 12’s Edward scored from a PC (penalty corner) rebound, just reward for an outstanding personal performance. Five minutes later RHS benefitted when a speculative high reverse hit into the D ricocheted off the post and landed perfectly to be put into the goal, much to Woodbridge’s frustration. Yet another five minutes later team captain, Year 13’s Henry cleverly flicked the ball over the desperate keeper, following up well after the initial shot was saved.
Both teams had chances in the remainder of the match but defences stood strong. Well done to the team and every player on this fantastic first performance. Player of the match was Henry, leading from the front.
Credit to all the players who made their first team debut, but looked like seasoned pros: year 12’s Theo and Zaid, year 11’s Luca, Oscar, Bash and Joe, and special mention to Year 9 debutants Tom, Jasper and Alex H.
Woodbridge 2nd team vs RHS
This was a proverbial ‘match of two halves’ which saw RHS dominate the first half and Woodbridge the next. Being the first game of the season, it took a while for the boys to find their feet and gel. Unfortunately, in this time RHS scored a well worked goal. In the second half, Woodbridge dominated possession and had the better of the chances but RHS scored two break away goals, despite the best efforts of Year 11’s Oscar in goal. Well done to Year 10 boys who played up and did a great job.
Woodbridge U15A vs RHS
The U15s seem to follow the trend of the 2nd team. Taking time to get into things after their first fixture of the season had to be postponed due to frosty pitches. RHS dominated the first 20 minutes and Woodbridge the next 30. Woodbridge conceded two goals before they started to gel and string passes together and play with more confidence. It was not possible to overcome the goal deficit but much experience gained and learning setting the team up nicely for the next matches.
Woodbridge U15B vs RHS
Playing the last home match late in the afternoon and under the lights, the U15B team definitely did not disappoint with their spirited performance. The game was evenly poised throughout the opening stages with chances at both ends. Year 10’s Ethan made a couple of excellent saves and telling clearances to keep the scores level at half time. Ten minutes into the second half, the U15s broke the deadlock through a deft finish by Year 10’s Henry following a short corner. The boys defended resolutely to close out an excellent win. A great start to the season! Well done to Ethan for an excellent performance in goal.
Woodbridge U14A vs RHS
This was an equally fought contest between two strong teams. The first half saw both teams having strong chances, but our defence held firm. Year 9’s Alex H took control of the back, and not much got through him and, when it did, he remained cool and calm. His interplay with the rest of the defensive team, coupled with the strong midfield play of Year 9’s Jasper and Tom, meant we owned much of the midfield. The Year 9s will look forward to being more clinical with their goal finishing when they next face RHS. This time there was nothing to separate the teams in the score line, yet a very entertaining end to end match.
It was a team performance, and each and every person listened to instruction at half time, then acted on it. We look forward to the rematch. Alex was named player of the match.
Woodbridge U14B vs RHS
As the afternoon wore on and the temperature dropped, a faithful band of parents stayed to watch their sons play a decent game at RHS. RHS had the best of the first half and they had a couple of dynamic and skillful players. Both goals came from penalty corners that were hit with enormous power and accuracy; nothing the keeper could do in either case. Woodbridge gave a much better account of themselves in the second half and profited most when using the space out wide. Woodbridge then managed a number of promising entries into the D and finally worked the RHS goalie after good build up player by player of the match Year 9’s Josh. There were no more goals in the second half to give RHS ‘bragging rights’ this time round!
Our Junior hockey teams were in action on Wednesday 25 January, with all our Year 7 and 8 boys in matches against Framlingham College.
Woodbridge Junior 1 vs. Framlingham
The Junior 1s continued their good form with a superb performance against a very strong Fram College team. The team knew it would be a tough game but relished the chance to be the underdog and work for an upset. What resulted was an end-to-end game where both teams’ goalkeepers stole the show. Year 8’s Arthur in the Woodbridge goal was a metaphorical wall, making one great save after another, keeping us in the game. Woodbridge had chances of their own with Year 8’s Oliver Y using his pace to good effect, Harry his skill and Toby and Elijah excellent forward positioning, but were denied by equally good saves by the Fram goal keeper.
Year 8 defenders, Barney and Oliver M, played very well but eventually Fram managed to find the back of the goal, once in each half. The result was not to be, but the performance is up there with the best and the Woodbridge players stole the hearts of everyone watching, showing their own big hearts and character. Every player played their best match with Arthur being unanimously awarded player of the match.
Woodbridge Junior 2 vs. Framlingham
The Junior 2s also came up against a strong Framlingham team. A slow start from us saw the opposition score three quick goals. Despite conceding early, the boys played some great hockey in the first half and created a number of chances that weren’t converted. The second half was just as entertaining, with some excellent link up play resulting in lots of action in the opposing D, before one of the chances was finished well by player of the match, Year 8’s Toby.
Woodbridge Junior 3 vs. Framlingham
Another Wednesday and another cracking game of hockey for the Junior 3s. The team, with a new addition in year 7’s Frank, worked hard throughout the game and made significant inroads into the Framlingham defence in the initial ten minutes. Unfortunately no goals were scored in this time and once Framlingham had weathered the storm they came back strongly and they then had possession of the ball in our half for the next 10 minutes, which resulted in a goal by the big front man.
Early in the second half, Fram doubled their lead, however a few changes in position and Year 8’s Tom started making inroads down the right-hand-side. One of his powerful runs ended in a great cross and Lade scored with 15 minutes to play. Woodbridge were now on the attack and more strong runs by Tom saw the Woodbridge forwards hitting the post on two occasions and narrowly missing the goal on a further three occasions. Pushing for the equalising goal in the closing minutes, Woodbridge threw caution to the wind, playing with an attacking formation, however a lucky break away meant that Framlingham scored another to seal the win. And round up an excellent end to end game of hockey and some fantastic performances. Well done to Year 8’s Tom on his player of the match performance.
Woodbridge Junior 4 vs. Framlingham
The match started slowly in the first half, with neither team dominating. An opportunistic deflected goal by year 8’s Sam P in only his second hockey match gave the small band of dedicated supporters something to cheer about. The second half saw some hockey with attacking intent break out! Woodbridge had a series of one-on-ones that resulted in Year 8’s Oscar R bagging two quick goals and we also forced a number of promising penalty corners. Yes, we conceded a sloppy goal but generally year 8’s Edward made good goalkeeping decisions at the back assisted by a stout and dependable player of the match performance by Year 7’s Alex H. Year 8’s Ted settled everyone’s nerves by bagging a well-taken late goal. This was a great squad performance and it was good to see urgency, hunger and desire in the second half.
Woodbridge Junior 5 vs. Framlingham
The Junior 5s had a very close, competitive game against Fram which was an excellent challenge for both sets of players. Two contrasting styles saw Woodbridge with a good amount of territory and possession pushing numbers forward and Fram looking to counter quickly against the exposed defence. This led to some exciting goal mouth action at both ends but without any end product. Deep into the second half the game was decided; a strong attack by Woodbridge was denied by a superb save by the opposition goalkeeper and moments later the winning goal was scored. Woodbridge again attacked but Fram defended well, won the ball back and rapidly transitioned forward, winning the game with a composed finish.
This was a game that could very easily have been won by either side and we should be rightly proud of our performance, strong play throughout and a wonderful response to going behind so late in the game. Special mention to Year 7’s William and Pranav who defended so resolutely throughout and set up many attacks.
Woodbridge Junior 6 & 7 vs. Framlingham
The Junior 6 and 7 teams played Framlingham with the 6s playing the first half. Woodbridge started the game with some good speed getting the ball back early from the hit off. Some good play from the attack moved the ball out wide and played a good ball into the nine-yard area and tapped in by Year 8’s Callum. Some good defending saw Woodbridge keep Framlingham out and Woodbridge kept up the pressure with Callum scoring a hattrick before half time. After half time the Junior 7s took to the field and Woodbridge carried on the attack with a good run down the right wing from Year 7’s Jamie and a tap in by Year 7’s Max. Framlingham scored two goals in quick succession with some good link-up play. Both teams managed one more goal before the final whistle and Woodbridge holding on for the win.
Students have been meeting with Miss Norman for tea and cake, recognising various team events and personal accomplishments in School this week, to celebrate their Head’s Commendation. This reward is recognised throughout School as not only a treat but an opportunity to share and celebrate your success with others, and something students and Miss Norman look forward to enormously.
Last Friday, Year 11’s Phoebe, Eloise and Ellen, alongside Year 12’s Izzy and Year 13’s Amy received and celebrated their Head’s Commendation for achieving third place in the Regional Finals of the cross country cup, going through to the National Finals which take place on 3 December.
Meanwhile Year 7’s Ella joined Miss Norman for tea and cake to celebrate her fabulous efforts with Inktober earlier in the School year; students were invited to create and share a drawing in ink for each day of October.
Having prepared and presented a superb short lecture for Year 10 students on Of Mice And Men, Year 12’s Sophie, Lala, Jack, Isla and Rufus were invited to receive their Head’s Commendation this week; while Year 12’s Amy, Faith, Xander, Lulu and Arthur were joined by Year 13’s Henry, Sasha, Isla, George and Marnie to recognise their superb help in creating the Art department’s video.
And finally, several students joined Miss Norman to celebrate their contributions to the English Essay competition. Year 11’s Bea won first place, with an essay on the way human failings are explored in Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina. Year 10’s Katie was the runner-up, with a fascinating essay exploring the way power is shown to be dangerous in two highly contrasting texts. Year 11’s James, Amelie and Ellen also joined Miss Norman, having provided excellent entries for the competition.
On Wednesday Woodbridge School had two Girls teams compete at the 51st Annual Cross Country Relays at King Henry School in Coventry. The relays are a national event, the largest schools cross country relays in England, with strong cross country schools competing from around the country. The format is teams of four, with each athlete running 2.3 miles; pur Running Coach Mark Goddard reported on the event.
Mark Goddard’s Report
For the fifth year in succession our Girls A Team (Year 13’s Amy, Year 8’s Romilly, Year 9’s Charlie and Year 10’s Phoebe) finished in the top ten, coming home in 9th place.
For Amy this will be her last ever cross country in a Woodbridge School vest and fittingly she recorded our fastest school leg of the day. Such is the consistency amongst our top athletes that all four in the team competed their legs within half a minute of each other.
Our second team (Year 10’s Rose and Poppy, along with Year 8’s Sophie and Felicity) went one better to record the best ever finish for our seconds, coming home in 19th place. Again consistency across the team with a blistering last lap from Felicity.
Whilst this is the final race for Woodbridge School teams this winter, there are still a number of regional and national events to follow, the first of which is this Saturday 4 February, where 24 of our athletes will race for Suffolk Schools at the Anglian Schools Championship in Northampton. A five county event with 80 athletes in each race and for Juniors (Year 8) and above the final selection race to compete for Suffolk at English Schools in Nottingham in March.
Congratulations to our relay runners and good luck to everyone competing on Saturday.
Our U14 and U16 netball teams travelled to Stanborough School last Friday, ahead of the East Regional round of the National Schools Championships. One of only two schools representing Suffolk in both age groups, the teams did incredibly well.
Our U14s won three out of their six matches, their losses only by a tiny margin, one game by only one goal! They took joint 4th place out of their pool of seven, going on to take joint 9th place overall in the final placings.
Our U16s followed suit by winning three out of their six matches too, again with losses by a very small margin. Taking joint 4th place in their pool of seven, the final placings saw them in joint 7th place overall.
The girls should be incredibly proud of themselves and their performances, as well as how they conducted themselves; they faced some very tough and at times very physical opposition, but rose to the occasion and played very well indeed, it was a real team effort (we even had four pairs of siblings playing) and the girls thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
Special thanks to everyone who helped organise and take the teams away overnight as well as getting them ready for the matches.
Last weekend will definitely be etched in the memory of our young athletes for some time to come. On Saturday, Woodbridge School was proud to host the National IAPS Cross Country Championship with some incredible results for our Prep School athletes.
Our U11 boys were National Champions for the second year in succession, with Year 6’s Dexter taking individual Gold and Year 6’s Otis winning the silver medal. Not to be outdone, our U11 Girls, who took third place last year, went one better to take a well-deserved team Silver this year.
The day was an amazing community event, with over 100 entrants in each of the U11 races and our own Year 12’s Henry handing out medals and trophies at the presentation.
And just as the dust began to settle, on Sunday morning Suffolk Schools Athletics announced their team to compete at Anglian Schools in Northampton on Saturday 4 February.
Woodbridge School had a previous school record of 18 athletes selected across the age groups, but this year our young athletes surpassed that with ease, with 24 earning County selection and a further two on short reserve lists. With almost 80 schools having entered the first trial, 41 schools make up the team of 128 athletes selected across the age groups, and the next highest contingent selected from a single school is 9 compared to our 24.
Congratulations to every athlete and good luck for the regional and national events remaining this season.
Students selected to represent Suffolk Schools:
Minor Girls:
India (Year 6)
Ella (Year 6)
Alexandra (Year 6)
Marina (Year 7)
Grace (Year 7)
Alice (Year 7)
Minor Boys:
Dex (Year 6)
Alfie (Year 6)
Ollie (Year 6)
Otis (Year 6)
Charlie (Year 6)
Digby (Year 7)
Reserve:
Oscar (Year 7)
Junior Girls:
Romilly (Year 8)
Felicity (Year 8)
Charlie (Year 9)
Junior Boys:
Jasper (Year 9)
Inter Girls:
Phoebe (Year 10)
Poppy (Year 10)
Ellen (Year 11)
Reserve:
Rose (Year 10)
Inter Boys:
Angus (Year 10)
Bruce (Year 11)
Senior Girls:
Isobel (Year 12)
Amy (Year 13)
Senior Boys:
Henry (Year 12)
Mrs Brown, Assistant Head (Pastoral) at Woodbridge School has been working hard introducing proactive, positive measures to support students’ mental health.
Mindful of students’ experiences throughout Covid, lockdowns and the lasting impact this has had on many of our students, Mrs Brown has put various measures in place to support the promotion of positive well-being throughout the School. Covid added to the usual stresses and strains of being teenagers and our young people are often surrounded by the pressures from and, the impact of, social media. Equipping students to navigate these waters is a key aim.
Alongside an open-door policy allowing students to drop in to see her for support, she has also introduced specific support through tutor sessions. Students from every year group are encouraged and given the opportunity to spend time focusing on a number of proposed topics when they meet with tutors during the week, and during January those topics have included:
- Understanding anxiety and why it’s not a bad thing
- Guide to stressful situations for young people
- Guide to managing social media for young people
- Playing sports benefits your body and benefits to mental well being
Outcomes from these tutor sessions can be shared with Mrs Brown by teachers and/or students, or students can approach her individually, to put in place action plans for those who want and need additional support.
Future plans include podcasts focusing on different areas associated with well-being, broadening the buddy system and a well-being check-in platform that is currently being trialed by Year 10 students.
Through increased accessibility and visibility of support, further planned activities and those that will be developed throughout the year, Mrs Brown will support students as they navigate life in and outside of School. We look forwarded to reporting on further developments throughout the year.
Ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day students from Year 9 watched a live webcast from the Holocaust Educational Trust, hearing from Ruth Posner, a Holocaust survivor. Broadcast to tens of thousands of students in schools all across the UK and lasting an hour, Ruth shared her frank, harrowing yet intriguing testimony of her life during the second World War, explaining how she survived and came to live in the UK, going onto become a famous actress and dancer, and to meet and marry her husband of 73 years.
Ruth spoke passionately and painfully about her life before, during and after the Nazi invasion of her home country Poland on 1 September 1939. Students were captivated and yet saddened and horrified to hear her remember how she came to escape the Nazis, a fate that sadly her parents were unable to avoid, both killed in Treblinka extermination camp by Hitler’s soldiers.
Hearing of the bravery shown by her and the Aunt who chose to help save her life after both of her own very young children were shot and killed by Nazis, of their journey living undercover and hiding their Jewish identities in order to save their own lives, our students were clearly moved by her account. She recalled many moments that she had experienced that no child should ever have to endure in their lives, until finally she told of the moment of liberation and her life living with a German family ahead of allies discovering and rescuing them.
Students were reminded that in a few years’ time, live interviews like this will become a thing of the past, and that today offered them a truly unique opportunity to see and hear from someone who has lived through and survived the horrors that many came to suffer during the second World War.
Describing the holocaust at “The greatest human stain in history”, Ruth’s testimony was truly moving and captivating, yet educational and something that undoubtedly will stay with these young minds for their whole lives. Ruth shared her hope that the holocaust and those that died as well as those who survived will be remembered, that lessons will be learned. She finished by explaining that she wanted everyone to know, to understand, to remain inquisitive and to remember. Despite everything she’s been through she explained, “Hate has not stayed in my heart. Talking to you about my life gives me hope – the only hope I have.”
Ruth Posner BEM (Source: The Holocaust Educational Trust)
Ruth Posner BEM was born in Warsaw in 1930 and lived with her parents Anna and Marian. Ruth’s family saw themselves as Poles first and foremost and she attended a Catholic school. By the end of the Holocaust, Ruth’s parents, uncles, aunts and cousins were all killed. After the Germans invaded, Ruth remembers being thrown out of her home and being sent to the Warsaw Ghetto. Ruth’s father arranged for her and an aunt to work in a factory making leather goods. It was hard, slave labour. The factory was located outside of town and helped keep Ruth away from the deportations from the ghetto for a time. Once a week the workers were marched to the town baths and on one of these occasions Ruth and her aunt escaped to the non-Jewish side. Ruth hid with a Catholic family but during the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising in 1943, she was taken prisoner and sent to Germany. She was imprisoned as a Polish Catholic as opposed to being imprisoned for being Jewish. Towards the end of the war, the Germans put Ruth on a train which ended up in the large town of Essen. The Allies were bombing the town and many around Ruth were killed. She hid on a local farm until the end of the war. After the war, Ruth came to the UK at the age of 16. She did not speak the language and for a while she lived in a hostel with other refugees. Despite her experiences, Ruth was determined to start a new life, learn English and go back to school. She was helped by the two German Jewish refugees who ran the hostel. Ruth eventually went to a good school and later to a college. After three years at the college she continued her training with the London Contemporary Dance Theatre. She became a member and stayed with them for 18 years, performing and teaching. Ruth married her husband Michael, who worked for UNICEF, and they moved to New York. Ruth first went to Hunter College (part of New York University) and after 2 years obtained an MA in Theatre Arts. She then changed profession and studied acting, forging a successful career which has lasted until the present. Miss Emily Tattoo Head of Philosophy, Religion and Ethics
Our U12, U13, U14, U15 and U16 netball teams have played various matches recently, more details on each match can be found in our reports below from Mrs Richardson.
U13 and U12 netball
Last Wednesday the U12 and U13 netball teams had their first block fixture of the season against RHS. Unfortunately, due to some unplayable courts a couple of matches had to be cancelled, but will hopefully be re-arranged; however, the remaining matches and teams produced some very positive results. Our U12A, U12B, U13A and U13B teams all won their matches, playing some great netball around the courts in extremely cold conditions. The U13C lost their match unfortunately but there were a lot of encouraging moments. A promising start to the season for all the girls!
This Monday, the U12A and B teams were back in action in a league tournament at St Jo’s. Again, the girls played really well in tough conditions and against some very tall opposition, with the U12A only losing one match (by one goal!). The U12Bs worked incredibly hard and learnt a lot playing against mainly A teams. They showed bundles of determination to be rewarded with a deserved win in their final match of the tournament. All the girls were supportive of one another and were great ambassadors for the School.
The U12A and B teams returned to St Jo’s on Wednesday and both teams improved on their previous matches against the hosts. The U12B team defended amazingly well, preventing the opposition from scoring, whilst tight defensive work meant the U12A team only conceded two goals.
The U12C team played their first match of the season on Wednesday against Framlingham Prep, winning in style and proving the depth of talent across our Year 7 netballers.
Meanwhile, the U13A, B and C teams played in triangulars with Fram Prep and Orwell Park – the U13B winning both their matches. The U13C secured their first win of the season against Orwell Park and lost a close match against Fram Prep. Our U13A convincingly won against Fram before losing a nervy, shortened game against Orwell Park.
U15, U16 and Senior netball
Off the back of a tough but tight loss last week to Greshams in the second round of the National Cup, the U15A team travelled to East Bergholt for their first league match of the season, determined to get back to winning form. The girls played some lovely netball to secure an impressive win. Also playing their first match of the season, the U16A team had good win against Kesgrave – a very positive result considering the girls have just finished their mocks and haven’t been able to train together for a while.
On Tuesday, the U16A, B and C teams all played at home against Finborough; the U16A winning in an exciting and very physical match. U16B team had a close match against Finborough winning two quarters, unlucky not to draw . The U16C also lost but played some brilliant netball and showed great team spirit in their first match of the season, especially considering this was the first time some of the team had ever played netball.
The Senior team had a friendly against Farlingaye on Tuesday, Miss Sanders had a large squad which she rotated to ensure all the girls had time on court. Everyone played extremely well, giving Miss Sanders some tough decisions about future selections.
U14 Netball
The U14A and B teams travel to Finborough for their first matches on Thursday and we will report next week on how they got on.
The coaches are incredibly proud of all of the girls and excited about the season ahead.
Our Junior Boys hockey teams (Year 7 and 8) started their season with a bang against Royal Hospital School this week, and although conditions were extremely cold the play was anything but! Seven matches, every boy in lower School playing!
Junior 1 Team
The Junior 1s had a confident start and dominant display. Although they were disappointed to not have scored more goals after creating many opportunities, especially in the first half, they were very pleased with an impressive and well-earned clean sheet.
Highlights from the match included a good and disciplined press and defensive structure, excellent one-on-one defence at the back, multiple chances created by good passing and circle play, and a debut goal for Year 8’s Toby in his first match for Woodbridge School! Top performers were Year 8’s Harry, Oliver, Barney and Arthur in goal, with player of the match going to Year 8’s Elijah.
Junior 2 Team
The Junior 2s boys started their season with an exciting draw. An excellent opening half, saw Year 8’s Charlie score twice after some superb team hockey, with assists from Year 8’s Ambrose and Toby. After missing a few chances to put the game to bed before the half, RHS scored twice in quick succession halfway into the second (against the run of play). The quick pace of the game continued up to the final whistle with both sides missing chances to win the game. An enthralling and very promising start to the season!
Junior 3 Team
What a cracking first game of the season for the Junior 3s with a great mixture of Year 7 and 8 students representing the team. For some students it meant their first opportunity to represent the School in hockey and show their ability. Year 8’s Jago and Zac held their position at the back, allowing Year 8’s Lade, Tom, Isaac and Jack K to exploit the spaces in front of them. It was an excellent start to the match, with the ball regularly making its way to the right hand side of the pitch where we were able to take advantage of our strong side and make an early lead with Year 8’s Jack sliding the ball into the corner. The subs came on and continued the impressive display with Year 7’s Oscar W moving especially quickly up and down the right hand side of the field, showing great effort in attack and defence. The only negative to the first half was that we didn’t score more goals.
Into the second half and a few changes in position meant that RHS were then able to attack a little more, however a few alterations and a little more composure saw Year 8’s Tom strike the ball into the goal for a two goal lead. With some more great defence we secured a solid win with Year 7’s Oscar W being voted man of the match.
Junior 4 Team
The Junior 4s had to settle for a low scoring draw in their first match. Both sides put their hearts and souls into this combative and close first fixture, but the match was crying out for a bit of composure. The frenzied activity on the pitch never ceased with plenty of goalmouth action and robust challenges in midfield. Players were trying out different positions and testing out their teamwork in the crucible of competition. The goal went to Year 8’s Oscar R, and Year 7’s Tahir was voted player of the match. There is a lot of promise looking ahead at future matches for this team.
Junior 5, 6 and 7 Teams
The Junior 5, 6 and 7 teams played their first matches together against an equally inexperienced RHS teams. Huge credit must go to the boys for approaching the matches with such spirit and enthusiasm, especially in the freezing conditions.
The Junior 5s were very impressive, taking ownership of their own positions and substitutions, they were dominant throughout and recorded a comfortable win, scoring plenty of goals whilst also keeping a clean sheet. Excellent work all round! Special mention to Year 7’s Jacob for a double hattrick and Year 8’s Noah for his all-round performance.
The Junior 6s were quick off the mark to get the ball from the opposition and some great link up play meant they scored very early in the first half. From then on in Woodbridge had the upper hand over RHS for most of the first half. RHS got a score early in the second half however their attack was soon stopped with some great defending. Woodbridge responded quickly with some good play getting the ball wide, with a good cross into the box for an easy tap in. They went on to win comfortably without conceding again.
The Junior 7s scored first in their game after converting a quick counter-attack. More good play saw them score a second and third not long after. RHS put together some good attacking play forcing multiple saves from Year 7’s Kaell in goal, however they did eventually manage to score in the corner. Woodbridge got the final goal of the game to round off an excellent afternoon for our teams.
Seven matches, five wins and two draws – a pretty great way to start the season. Hopefully the experience and knowledge gained will stand all our players in good stead for the matches ahead. Well done to all and big thank you for the fantastic parent support on a very cold afternoon.