Month: January 2015

Score: Woodbridge 20 – 11 Ipswich School

Although it was an extremely cold and frosty Saturday morning, we were all hyped up ready for our first league match of the season. Although we had to wait for a decision to be made as to whether we could play, finally, the game got under way. After a shaky first quarter where the girls were trying to find their feet and were timid on court, we went 6 – 5 down.

Heading into the 2nd quarter after a little team talk and some coaching points, the girls fought for absolutely everything and played with feistiness and determination, preventing the opposition from scoring therefore turning the score around 12 – 6 to us. 

We were lucky to keep hold of the lead; 15 – 11 at the end of the 3rd quarter and finally 20 – 11 at the final whistle. Victoria B and Saffron H’s shooting was consistent and when they missed, they managed to fight for the rebounds and Neve W and Minnie W had a great game dominating in defence. Annabel Y supported her defenders and picked up lose players, whilst Nell P, Sophie G and Ianthe H fed our shooting circle effectively and dominated the centre court. A great team effort and a very pleasing first game. Well done!

Woodbridge 5 -2 Felsted

The U18 team’s confidence was high following a big win against RHS and some productive training sessions focusing specifically on using defence to attack.

We were now familiar with the style of play that Felsted use (fast, counter attacking hockey). Suffering a defeat at the same point of the cup this time last year added to the desire and motivation for a victory this time around.

The game started at a fast pace with Sam L converting a well worked move two minutes into the game to make it 1-0 Woodbridge. The next 33 minutes saw Woodbridge play the best hockey I’ve seen since arriving at the school (3yrs); it was controlled, skilful, composed and flowing. The score was 4-0 at half time with Ed R adding two to make it 11 in three games, and Callum A adding the fourth.

A 15 minute spell in the second half saw the home side lose focus and become complacent, conceding two soft goals. Woodbridge still maintained control and discipline ending the game with a fine solo effort from Myles K to settle the tie at 5-2.

There were many performances worthy of mention including the tireless midfield work by Will N and Callum A and the intelligent leads and chance conversion by the forwards. Another special mention must go to Ben K (Yr 11) who receives his second Man of the Match in a row for another mature, solid display at centre back.

We now play Ipswich in the second round of the cup; this is set to be a great game and the Woodbridge boys must maintain their belief and set out to turn over last year’s semi-finalists.

Woodbridge 30 – 29 Ipswich High School

With the toughest opposition being our first league fixture of the season, nerves were evident among the team, especially having lost to Ipswich High in the County tournament, so the girls knew it would be a challenging but an evenly matched game, with everything to play for.

From the starting whistle, we played with everything we had; Esmee S made some fantastic interceptions against her 6ft odd shooter and distributed the ball effectively out of our defending circle to Ellisse M, Tara K, Ella B and Imogen B who were waiting with anticipation to pass it into our attacking third. These four also made some excellent interceptions and composed themselves before finding the next important pass. Imogen C had a storming game at centre and controlled the speed of the game, (although a little too fast at times!!) but always managed to pressurise her opponent and intercept or chase down every loose ball. Bella C worked hard feeding both Lily F and Olivia W, who shot with confidence and determination – even if a couple of shots were missed!

Snatching the rebounds enabled us to gain possession, therefore being able to convert the missed shots into goals. It was an extremely even match with the score 8 – 8 at the end of the 1st quarter, 16 – 16, then 24 – 21 to Ipswich High going into the 4th quarter, we had to give everything we had left to give. In the last minute of the game, with the score 29-29 and their centre pass, the pressure was on. Esmee fought hard and intercepted the ball. It then worked its way down the court to our shooters, but unfortuantely we missed the shot. Luckily, we had a sideline.

With only 10 seconds left, the ball was fed perfectly into Olivia W…who scored the final and winning goal!!! To say this game was nail biting (whilst giving me heart palpitations), is an understatement!! The best performance I have ever seen from this team!! Well done!!

Thank you to all the parents for their support – your encouragement empowered the girls to give everything until the final whistle and not give up! Also, special mention to Laura M and Verity J who supported from the side-line…the girls could not have done it without you shouting at them…so thank you!!

Congratulations to all the Woodbridge School competitors at the Suffolk County Athletics Championships (Clubs) at Ickworth House last week. Great to see so many runners from The Abbey and Woodbridge competing on a difficult course in tough conditions. With a team silver (U13 girls) and an individual bronze (Henry D) as well as 14 top 10 finishes, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that we are just one school and fantastic to see us all working together. Well done all!

Good luck to all competing at the Suffolk Schools on Thursday!