Boys Hockey Report – Feb 2026
The week leading us into half term brought a mixed bag of performances and results for our Boys Hockey teams. Hear more about our Junior, U14A, and U14B teams, players and matches in our report from our Head of Hockey, Mrs Rix.
Woodbridge Year 7 and 8 Juniors vs Orwell Park
The Year 7 and 8 Junior teams played a full block against Orwell Park which proved to be the challenge we have come to expect from this rivalry. It was not to be the clean sweep of victories that were achieved last year, but the performances from our teams made us proud for sure.
The Junior 1s played their best match of the season, in what was the match of the season so far, with both teams using all their players and moving the ball with skill and efficiency. Orwell Park struck first before Year 8’s Jack deflected brilliantly at a corner – the goal of the season so far. Orwell went ahead again but this time Year 8’s James drew us level with a cracking strike. All square at half time.
Both teams had good chances in the second half, but Orwell was the team who converted theirs, while their goalkeeper delivered a Player-of-the-Match performance to deny Woodbridge more goals. Every one of our players probably had their best performance, also resulting in a three-way tie for the Player-of-the-Match award, going to Year 8 Captain, Ollie and Year 7’s Walter and Charlie.
The Junior 2s can be very proud of their resilience and performance. Much to their frustration the game got taken away from them in the first half as a 1st team player got another match on the day, scoring too many quickfire goals to claw back.
Orwell got off to a great start thanks to some individual brilliance which ended in a couple of early goals in as many minutes. Woodbridge then composed themselves and got back into the game. With the passing quality increasing, Year 7’s Christian managed to finish off a fine move. The second half saw the teams square up evenly.
Our team showed grit and determination with another goal scored by Year 8’s Miles. The match ultimately ended with Orwell Park the winners, but with our boys holding their heads high and a few learning areas to take away.
Player-of-the-Match voted unanimously by the team was Christian.
The Junior 3rd team just can’t seem to change their goal scoring fortunes, as they played another good game with plenty of chances created but not much to show for it. Orwell Park were more clinical in front of goal to get the victory, despite some strong saves from Year 7 GK Oli. Year 7’s Nathaniel was strong throughout and was named Player-of-the-Match for the second match in a row.
The Junior 4s changed our fortunes with a great win, thanks to a solid all round team performance and a good first half defensive effort from Year 7’s GK, Harrison. Goals for Woodbridge came from Year 7’s Joshi, Year 8’s William D and a brace from Year 8’s Luke. William was also named Player-of-the-Match for his work rate and impact in attack and defence.
Woodbridge U14A and U14B vs Ipswich High School
The Year 9 U14A and U14B teams took us into half-term with two excellent performances. The U14A team hosted Ipswich High School U15A team at home while the B team played against a strong U14A team from Ipswich High School at Ipswich Hockey Club.
First, news from the U14A team’s win over Ipswich High U15A. The team got out the blocks in great form, moving the ball all over the pitch, transferring play, making high leads and using the wide midfielders – targets set before the game. Captain Joseph led from the front with great play in possession, creating exciting attacking play alongside Josh in midfield, and winning the ball back with great tackles. Woodbridge were rewarded for dominating the opening phase of the game with a penalty corner move being wonderfully converted by Alfie P, courtesy of a nifty deflection. Shortly after Joseph’s skill proved too much and he smashed our second goal into the corner. Joseph made it three to Woodbridge before the break.
It looked like the game was done and dusted but Ipswich High School had different plans. Despite Woodbridge still controlling most of the possession, the opposition started to create some really good chances, only to be denied by some equally good saves from our goalie, Olly B! It was ultimately pretty much a match-winning display of goalkeeping as Olly kept out certain goals which could have taken the game away from Woodbridge. Joseph and Olly were the main contenders for Player-of-the-Match, and this time it was GK appreciation as Olly took the honors for his spectacular clean sheet.
Mr Flatt reports from the U14B games against Ipswich High School U14A at Tuddenham Road.
The game got off to a quick start with both teams keen to attack. It was Ipswich High School that made the breakthrough and scored the first two goals, with Hexi in goal being busy from the start. Woodbridge continued to build positively and looked after the ball better and better to go into half time with positive momentum.
A change of formation solidified the team’s performance after the break. Player-of-the-Match, Toby C-N was involved in every turnover gained and attacking play due to his determination. Frustratingly, Ipswich High scored again on a quick counter, however Woodbridge kept pressing and eventually they scored a chance of their own, and the best goal of the game! Tom F was given the ball on the right flank and did one of his trademark quick runs down the sideline before cutting in on the baseline to connect with Tom C on the back post. Goal time! A brilliant end to an entertaining game and a performance the team can be very proud of. Well done to each of the boys.
