Category: Sport

By Katherine Bye
Our second match for the U14A was against Farlingaye, with a large squad of 11 players we started off the first inside match with a steady pace and strong shooting. We ended the first quarter 9-4 up. A mix around of players swapping on lead into another strong quarter, but by end of the second quarter they had scored 4 more goals. However we still held our lead, 16-8. They had half our score at this stage in the match which would gain them a point in the league. We couldn’t let them have that so we came into the third quarter fighting strong with many great interceptions by Maud and Sarah in the middle third gaining us a score of 24-10. In the last quarter we started with morale high and rounded off the match by scoring 11 more goals. Combined with excellent defence only allowing Farlingaye to score two more goals meant we finished the match with a great final score of 34-12. Joanne was awarded player of the match by the other team with her great shooting shining through the score.

The 1st team boys had a revenge game against Norwich School on Saturday. The two teams met earlier in the term in the U18 Cup and Norwich took the spoils, after Woodbridge lost a two-goal lead.

Woodbridge was patient for the duration of the first half and controlled most of the ball possession. We were technically the better team, and it was clear that only mistakes from us would allow Norwich to gain momentum. Norwich had one chance in the half, which luckily hit the post and bounced to safety. Woodbridge on the other hand created numerous ones of their own, either by great passing play or individual runs, particularly by captain Callum Askins. We were finally rewarded when Ed Robson pounced on a rebound and pushed the ball over the line in the 25th minute.

Going into half time as deserving leaders, Woodbridge had to regroup soon after as Norwich struck on the counter thanks to a simple penalty corner goal. The scores were level, frustratingly so. This seemed to spur the players on and in the 12th minute Ben Kilburn converted a penalty corner move. Again Woodbridge continued to control the game and the boys were rewarded with one more goal 6 minutes from the end when Will Neall scored to make it 3-1 at the whistle.

The match saw Miles Budden make his debut in goal during the second half. Myles King, Ben Kilburn, Will Neall, Hugo Thomas and Callum Askins all had great games, to name a few. Collectively, this was a great team effort where each player delivered their performance of the season so far.

Our boys played a good, patient game against Gresham’s recently, much to their credit. The match started perfectly with a good penalty corner variation which allowed Ben Kilburn space to score at the post. However, an unfortunate corner after some slow decision making just before half time allowed Gresham’s to draw level. Soon after the restart, things got worse as an unstoppable strike at goal gave Chris Moody little chance, and the boys something of a challenge to overcome. They did so at first thanks to George Williams who showed a bit of individual brilliance, beating three players whilst travelling nearly half a pitch, before a brilliant behind the back lay-off to Myles King, who shot from the left, and then pounced on the rebound from a great save to score. A fantastic bit of play by both George and Myles: 2-2 the score!

One minute before the end Woodbridge earned a series of penalty corners, the final one resulting in the ball running loose in front of goal, and there was Ben Kilburn to pop it in. 3-2… but straight from the restart Gresham’s won their own corner… the Woodbridge defence held strong… and the final whistle signalled victory.

Hugo Kelleway was voted player of the match by his peers. George Williams, Ben Kilburn and Myles King also played very well. Ben Spence also impressed with his leadership upfront, being in the right place, at the right time.

By Neve Walker
On Tuesday 19 January the U13A had a sweaty match against Kesgrave. The first quarter was good with Woodbridge winning 11-2. This was a huge improvement when compared with the last couple of matches. That meant we would have to work very hard to keep the score difference the same. The pressure was on! In the second quarter we were still leading 17-4. This was looking good. In the third quarter we were driving ahead and still in the lead 21-7. Then came the last quarter when we only managed to get 4 goals, however our defence managed to stop most of Kesgrave’s goals. The end result was 25 – 8 to Woodbridge.

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)