Category: Sport

The Woodbridge U14B team played Kesgrave in a league match on 21 January. It was Kesgrave’s final match after playing matches since September and the U14B’s first match of the season. We had a big squad of 11 people (5 of whom were shooters) and everyone played very well. Well done to Tessa Lye who as a shooter played half the match as Goal Keeper and a quarter of the match as Goal Shooter during which she scored five goals. All the shooters were on top form in the match so a huge well done to them! We had a really strong and determined defence which led Woodbridge to win. A special well done to Emily Buchanan for playing really well. Player of the match was awarded by Kesgrave to Tessa. Well played everyone.

By Ellie Kilburn
Woodbridge U15B stepped up against Kesgrave on Thursday evening. The team became more discouraged as the first quarter went on, ending with a loss of 1-6. Determined to change this, Woodbridge fought back in the second quarter, scoring 4 goals this time. However, Kesgrave was still in the lead and Woodbridge knew it needed to change tactics. Rosa McInerney in defence battled throughout against her strong opposing player, constantly delaying, blocking and snatching the ball from her. This finally allowed Woodbridge to get the ball up the court, giving Ella Holliday the chance to score again and again, ending the third quarter with a much closer 9-12. In the final quarter tension rose and Kesgrave began to panic as the scores drew even. All the other sports teachers gathered round to watch, anxious, as the thrilling game continued. Unfortunately, the exhausted Woodbridge girls just lost with a score of 13-15, yet they had played with aggression, determination and great team work.

By Ellie Kilburn
Woodbridge U15B was looking for its first win of the season after two close encounters in the previous week. The temperature dropped and Woodbridge knew it needed to fight hard. After an even exchange Woodbridge stretched ahead with a 5-2 lead thanks to Ellie Kilburn (3) and Ella Holliday (2). Lily Proudfoot and Flo Jackson worked tirelessly in the midfield linking a great deal of quality ball. Whilst in defence Rosa McInerney and Jemima Hill fought hard, delaying many of the RHS attacks. Woodbridge started to use the space on court and complete more efficient passes up to Ella Holliday with Zara Lye shooting, stretching the lead even further. With a lead of 8-3 at the halfway point Woodbridge knew they needed to dominate the final half. RHS took control of the third quarter and pulled the score line back to 2 points. In the final quarter Woodbridge fought hard and maintained its two goal lead and took the win. A good effort but much to work on.

Our second match of the season was a tough one, as we were expecting after previous games against RHS. We had 2 less players, so only one reserve. After the first quarter, we were leading by just 2 goals (5-3), after some hard work and perseverance from Maddie Felton and Katy Garnett, against a challenging defence. By the second quarter, there was a one goal difference, but we still managed to stay in the lead, with particularly excellent play from Eleanor Berridge as GK, intercepting so many passes. Flora Johnston worked hard to offer passes down the court, and Mollie Biddle was a great back up from behind, always giving an extra option. After a tense moment in the last quarter when the score was equalled, the team suddenly pulled away by scoring 6 consecutive goals, finishing up with a great win of 25-20. Player of the match was Maddie Felton, as her shooting was pinnacle to our victory. Another fantastic win!

The U15A team played its first netball match against Ipswich. We had a squad of 9 players, led by Captain Chloe Outen. We started the first quarter confidently, gaining an 8-3 lead. Excellent and reliable shooting from Maddie Felton, Katy Garnett and Jemima Hill, combined with tight defence from Eleanor Berridge, Mia King and Louise Farthing kept us at a steady pace throughout the game as we continued to score more goals, whilst keeping our opponent’s goals to a minimum. Mollie Biddle, Flora Johnston, Georgia Harrold and Chloe Outen worked well together in the middle of the court, marking tightly and feeding the ball to our attack. Katy Garnett was player of the match due to her outstanding shooting. The final score was 20-8, which is a great start to the season.

On a beautiful Saturday morning the U16As went out from the first whistle and although it took us a while to score, we dominated from the beginning. Victoria Williams had an excellent game as WD and C, and she was well supported by Georgina Warren and Jemima Potter in the mid court. Emma Harrington and Chloe Neall put some good shots away although we now need to aim for consistency and getting the ball as close to the post as possible. Nancy King had an outstanding game as GK and Katja Longbon took some great interceptions as GD. A great display of team work and it all bodes well for the rest of the season, well done! (Won 19-9)

We had our second game of the season against a good RHS team. Despite losing the toss, we dominated the first 10 minutes and kept RHS in their own half. However, we were unable to capitalise and RHS forced their way back into the match. Eventually, our diligent attacking paid off as Alex Weir-Simmons slotted home the ball in the right corner from the edge of the box assisted by Nathan Goddard. Through the remainder of the first half the teams were evenly matched. Neither side created any clear cut chances. As the second half started RHS came out all guns blazing scoring two goals in quick succession, both arriving from counter attacks down the right with the ball being moved into the centre before being put past our goalkeeper. However, as the half went on we forced our way back and scored an equaliser with Alex Weir-Simmons’ shot being deflected in at the back post by Danny Davies. Just after that goal RHS had a great chance of its own, but in a one on one situation with their right wing, Oliver Juzst made a great sliding save diving to his right and swiping the ball away. We finished the final 10 minutes on the attack just as we had started. Some great chances were created but we were unable to score leaving the game at a 2-2 stalemate. All in all, a good competitive match to continue our unbeaten start.

The game kicked off and Woodbridge was dominating having a few chances which sadly weren’t put away. Tom Benoist-Wilson with some great dribbling down the left wing almost created a great scoring opportunity but frustratingly the RHS player intercepted. About ten minutes into the game RHS scored a goal however confidence was still high after a good start. Tom Turner and Arthur Bartlett kept the score 0-1 with some great defending. The score stayed the same throughout the first half with Woodbridge still on top with chances falling to Tobias Juszt and Mauricio Corfe which forced some good saves out of their keeper.

The second half began and Woodbridge was quick of the mark but opportunities were difficult to convert. RHS won themselves a short corner and an unlucky deflection from Tobias sent the ball the opposite way to Giles Kellaway (Goalie) and into the bottom corner. From this point onwards heads started to drop and we conceded another 2 goals in quick succession. Some more excellent defending from Tom Turner kept the match at 0-4. Some great link-up play from Prem Pohl, Freddie Simpson and Tobias Juszt sadly ended in nothing. RHS went on to score one more goal just before the final whistle leaving the score 0-5. Hopefully we will learn from this defeat and improve for the games ahead. Player of the match goes to Prem Pohl.

The Junior 1 hockey team played some excellent hockey at the U13 County Cup this week.  Unfortunately the team started slowly against OBH, being ill-disciplined in defence allowing OBH to receive the ball with only the goalie to beat. Despite the best efforts from Alfie Franklin the team went 1-0 down. Jack Leith drew the scores level with a well taken team goal. But again the defence in the D let the team down, missing tackles and eventually a scramble goal resulted.  Not enough time in the short tournament format matches to come back, Woodbridge had to settle for a 1-2 loss.

Next up was RHS.  Woodbridge played the better hockey and was rewarded with two good goals by Charlie Eaton and Jack Leith. Alfie Franklin had some work to do in goal, as again the defence was a bit scrappy at times. But Alfie was up to the test. The RHS goalkeeper played a great game and kept the score respectable. 2-0 to Woodbridge.

Woodbridge completely outplayed Culford in the 3rd pool game, and did everything right, except for scoring.  Someone had put clingfilm around the goal and the Culford goalkeeper stopped every shot, and was also helped by defenders clearly balls off the line.  A near perfect team performance from Woodbridge but luck was just not on our side when it came to converting the many chances.

Next up was a crunch game against Ipswich, who had been dominating every opponent so far.  The Woodbridge boys were not to be intimidated and took the game to Ipswich.  The team played to the tactics and this time also defended with all it had. Alfie Franklin was a clear player of the match, making countless saves and keeping Woodbridge in it.  Woodbridge built play up patiently and created some chances and forcing saves from the Ipswich GK.  Finally a set of passes was just too much for Ipswich to deal with and Sam Betteridge slotted in a decisive goal.

With 4 minutes left to go, Ipswich threw everything at the team, but the defences stood strong.  Everyone played to their best and the final whistle went 1-0 to Woodbridge.

Unfortunately Woodbridge had to settle for third in the pool, finishing below the two eventual finalists, and the only team to beat the champions on the night.

Well played to all the boys and thanks to the parents for great support.

On Sunday 24 January at The Jays Stud, Bury St. Edmunds, the hotly-contested NSEA Qualifier to represent Suffolk at the Cortaflex National County Championships took place.

Classes started with a warm-up class of 60cm and then the first of the qualifier classes at 70cm.

In each class the highest placed Suffolk individual rider and the highest placed Suffolk-based school team would qualify for the class Championships to be held at Bury Farm Equestrian Centre on 23-24 April 2016.

Woodbridge School fielded a young team of riders for both the 60cm and 70cm classes.

The team produced confident clear rounds to win the 60cm with the youngest team member, Ada Marson (10yrs) on her 13.2hh pony, Rolly Rascal, winning the class individually.

With one member change, the team then contested the 70cm.

12 teams and 42 individuals contested the class; drawn to ride late in the class the Woodbridge team had seen some fast rounds already posted.

Ada went first and produced an excellent clear with tight turns to take the lead. A further two members (Olivia Brown & Francesca Aitchison) also went clear.

After a nail-biting wait to the end of the class the results announced a 3rd place for the team, missing qualification by one place, and a WIN for Ada Marson and Rolly Rascal qualifying them to represent Suffolk and Woodbridge School at the NSEA Cortaflex National County Championships.

Olivia Brown on Ashley Challenger was placed 6th.

Ada and Rolly Rascal will now travel to Bury Farm Equestrian Centre, Bedfordshire, in April for the Championships.

60cm team: Ada Marson, Olivia Brown, Olivia Lubbock and Oliver Reid

70cm team: Ada Marson, Olivia Brown, Olivia Lubbock and Francesca Aitchison

one place, and a WIN for Ada Marson and Rolly Rascal qualifying them to represent Suffolk and Woodbridge School at the NSEA Cortaflex National County Championships.

Olivia Brown on Ashley Challenger was also placed 6th.

Ada and Rolly Rascal now will travel to Bury Farm Equestrian Centre, Bedfordshire, in April for the Championships.

60cm Team: Ada Marson, Olivia Brown, Olivia Lubbock and Oliver Reid
70cm Team: Ada Marson, Olivia Brown, Olivia Lubbock and Francesca Aitchison