Category: Sport

Harry Hobday reports
The Fifth match of the season was home and we were fired up despite the horrible weather conditions. It was very wet and windy so when Woodbridge kicked off we attacked ferociously causing handling errors. Woodbridge won lots of turnovers as the ball was slippery and it was very windy; however we also gave as many away ourselves, so we were often on the back foot. Our backs had three on one situations in defence as our forwards were committed in the rucks, and the game was being played 13-a-side, meaning the flankers were not on the pitch (and they contribute one of the strongest aspects of our game). By half time, they had scored two tries: but we were undeterred.

In the second half the Woodbridge team stayed committed to the game as the weather deteriorated. There were a series of crash ball where we really put them on the back foot showing our strength, and after some sublime handling Oliver Waldron scored to boost our moral. The fearless tackling never wavered, and despite their overwhelming numbers we put pressure on them turning the ball over and stopping them from scoring. We went on the attack again off a quick penalty, with the backs handling brilliantly in the weather conditions – notably Oscar Butcher with his evasive and aggressive running. The forwards then combined well for Louis Alexander to break the line and score under the posts. Unfortunately Langley responded in kind, but we kept going to the end. In particular Will Evans-Hendrick played in many positions and did well in all; and a mention goes to all the subs who stood on the side line in the awful weather and then came on and made an impact straight away.

Player of the match: Oscar Butcher and Louis Alexander

Tries: Oliver Waldron
Louis Alexander

Conversion: Saxon Gallo

Junior 3 played RHS on a blustery Wednesday afternoon away. The team played well with goal keeper Lauren Wilkes making some fine saves. They were rewarded for their hard work with a goal from Libby Martin and then Cecily Royal- Dawson hit a cracking shot from the top of the circle to make the final score 2- 0. Cecily played particularly well but both defenders Nell Pilkington and Julia Long also had good games.

Team of the Week
Hockey Junior 1’s
Junior 1’s represented the school well at the u13 County cup, remaining unbeaten. The Wednesday following this team continued their unbeaten run in a humble and efficient manner, beating Culford 7-1. The team showed resilience when 3 starting line up players could not play due to injury and illness, and helped the new players integrate and encouraged them. They did ever so well. It all resulted in one of the best performances of the season so far.

Individual of the Week
Harry Hobday

Harry, captain of the U15 rugby team, was tireless against Culford and led by example on the pitch with big hits and strong running. His positive and inspirational half time team talk turned the game around from a losing position to win 17-15 in a bruising encounter.

We unfortunately lost 2-1 to Langley yesterday in the golf ISGA in atrocious conditions. It was a great match and had to go to play off holes to decide the winner. Will Morecombe won his match 2-0, Jacob Hatfield lost 6 and 5 and then Guy Maynard, down 2 holes with 2 to play, managed to with the last two holes to tie the match and take the match into play-off holes to decide the overall team score. Unfortunately in the dark and wet, with the whole team watching on, two superb shots on the first play-off hole by Langley meant that they were putting for a birdie from 4 foot to win the match. At times the rain was driving horizontally and the wind was exceptionally strong. The course was also pretty waterlogged and boggy, meaning shots were extremely hard to play. Unfortunate to lose in this manner but the boys played exceptionally well.

The Under 14s played a very tough match against Culford. Not helped by the huge amount of rain. The match didn’t start of well. Culford scored an early try to take a five-nil lead. But from then on we got better. Moving the ball very well in the wet weather, we started to pile on the pressure. Soon we were near there try line. Eventually we scored thanks to a quick tap penalty from Charlie Mayhew. The try was converted making the score seven-five. The match stayed like this until the second half, when the team moved the ball superbly finding Daniel Davies in space to get the second try of the game. Quickly after, Oliver Juszt got the ball and powered over the line, making the score 17-5. Culford started to put on the pressure until our defense finally gave in. they scored out wide and missed the conversion. From there we held out until the last minute making the final score 17-10.

The Junior 4 hockey team had a very successful match against Culford this week. The girls started the match with a desire to win. They were well organised and determined to put into practice the set plays that they had been working on in their training session. From the start the girls pushed forward, passing the ball quickly and supporting each other so the person on the ball had more than one option. This order and control characterised the match. Zoe Newman scored a very pleasing goal, Phoebe Bell scored a textbook goal followed by Fleur Ludgrove and Emily Outen also scored a further two goals. Woodbridge won the match 5-0. Well done girls, an excellent team performance.

Harry Hobday reports

The fourth match of the season was home and off the back of the win last match we were fired up. It was very wet and windy so when Woodbridge received the kick we attacked ferociously but with cautious handling. Woodbridge turned over the ball a lot in the rucked thanks to the forwards, with James Eaton being a key part of this. We distributed well but we mostly shifted the ball out wide. This led to a series of impressive midfield phases but the backs had players swarming them. By half time, the opposition had scored two tries but we were undeterred.

In the second half the Woodbridge team kept shape, and as we had identified that we need to do more crash ball to keep the game tight, we had lots of room to run in. Soon, committing each player with pick and drives created a dog leg, and Dom Ellice-Freeman exploited the opportunity to score. Saxon Gallo converted what would become the game winning conversion. The fearless tackling never wavered, and despite their confusing scissor occasionally beating us, we kept chasing and stopping them from scoring. The most exciting moment was one occasion when we were on our line, stopped five phases and then scored ourselves. This is a Woodbridge team that is learning what makes a great team and demonstrated it, notably Harry Brett how was always in the action and scored a great try by going blind off a ruck. And then after huge pressure Dom Ellice-Freeman scored again. Unfortunately they broke the line meaning they got a try in the second half but we kept going. The team spirit was awesome: nothing could stop us. James Eaton used his strength and played no-nonsense rugby. The whole team should be proud to come back from a ten nil down: every player played his heart out and deserved this win.

Man of the match: James Eaton

Tries: Harry Brett; Dom Ellice-Freeman
Conversion: Saxon Gallo

Woodbridge junior seconds played Culford on the 11th of November. Home. Final score 7-0 to us.

After watching junior firsts win 7-1 we were nervous but excited to play our first match of the second half of the term. Despite our nerves we played to our best ability and won the first 20 minute half 2-0. We knew if we wanted to secure a win for us we had to score lots more.

In the second half we drove up the pitch at speed with some great passes. A great set up and we finished it off with a goal. After repeating some amazing and skilful passes we scored the goals we deserved, winning 7-0.

Congratulations to Ella Walker for scoring 3 goals, Verity Hobday scoring 2 goals, Jessica Elmer scoring 1 goal and finally Isabel Eaton scoring 1 goal.

Well played everyone. Some great defending by Lily Craig, Jemima Wayman and Charlotte Dinwiddy. And a great goalie Hope Jurstice. Keep it up Woodbridge.

On Wednesday the 11 The Junior 1st Hockey Team played an enthralling match against Culford. With three key players, including the goalie, missing Woodbridge embarked on the game with resolute determination to remain undefeated. The game started well right from the beginning, all the Junior First’s adapted quickly to how the new teammates played.

Using the wings Woodbridge made perfect transitions to keep clear out of trouble. Positional play and decision making were exemplary. Because of this a quick ball was received by Ianthe Hill at the top of the ‘D’. Ianthe out skilled all the defenders until face to face with the goalie; she took a powerful flick at the far right corner resulting in an early lead to Woodbridge. Another goal for Woodbridge was scored shortly after by Olivia Buchanan. Taking the ball down the right wing with speed, eliminating their defenders. She reached the top of the ‘D’ and with no one in the vicinity to help the stranded goal keeper she unleashed an unstoppable slap, boosting the team even further. Clara Simpson scored a brace as a result of excellent positioning and Ianthe Hill matched her with a brace of her own using great individual skill. By half time the score was 6-0.

Culford by no means we’re about to suffer an ignominious defeat. The Woodbridge defence were playing equally as well as the attack, reducing pressure on the new goalie for the day, Hope Jerstice. Annabel Yates and Minnie Wayman communicated well in defence changing channels to create space. A slight misunderstanding in defence, however gifted Culford in a goal. Woodbridge then scored the last and a phenomenal goal from Ianthe Hill. She was later awarded player of the match for her amazing skill and decision making.

A captivating game Woodbridge, One of the best this season, well done!