Category: Sport

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!

The Under 12A team entertained Culford at home in with a good display to gain an excellent win.

Early exchanges set the game up to be a tough one against the unbeaten Culford side. Woodbridge started off stifling a number of attacks with some good tackling and covering defence. Culford spotted Woodbridge were defending narrowly and used their runners well attacking the wide channels.
Despite the Culford early pressure Woodbridge combined well for Tom Turner to score out wide after his work by Mak Zie. Culford faught back to level the score.
At this point Woodbridge improved considerably and attacked with real venom and exposed a number of gaps in the Culford defence. Henry Waldron broke free and after a trade mark run scored to put Woodbridge ahead for a 10-5 lead at half time.

The second half started well for Woodbridge who enjoyed the slope putting Culford back into their half. Will Franklin extended the lead after a break from close range but Culford clawed back with a fortuitous try out wide. With just 5 points slaying the teams Woodbridge raised their game again and returned to the original lineup. Mak Zie scored a deserved try after good play by Freddie Simpson, Jack Ward and debutant Prem Pohl. With seconds remaining Culford were dealt a killing blow with another Waldron try near the posts. The 25-10 scoreline was deserved but made hard work of gaining at times. Captain Seb Gifford should be proud of his charges.

Woodbridge School 36 : Thomas Mills 12

The Third match of the season was away and we were fired up. Woodbridge received the kick and attacked ferociously with awesome handling. Committing each player, before offloading to Lorry Bertram who finished despite multiple tacklers. Woodbridge weren’t rucked off the ball at the breakdown meaning the backs could run. While fly-half Oliver Bacon, distributed well and recognised the need to shift the focus of play out wide. This led to a series of impressive midfield phases with offloads that would have made New-Zealand. By half time, we had scored another try but also conceded one too.

In the second half the Woodbridge team kept shape, as we scored four more brilliant tries. The fearless tackling never wavered, despite us winning convincingly the effort never dropped. 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. Unfortunately they broke the line meaning they got a try in the second half but we kept going. Dom Ellice-Freeman scored three tries all of which were amazing to watch. James Eaton used his strength to get over the line and James Phelan did a try saving tackle on one of their biggest players. Ben Harper played extremely well for any player especially a new one, his running lines and commitment was brilliant.

Man of the match:   Dom Ellice-Freeman

Tries:

• Harry Brett
• James Eaton
• Lorry Bertram
• Dom Ellice-Freeman  3

Oliver Wroe continues his winning ways on the water. Last weekend he triumphed in the junior 16 single sculls division of the Ely small boats head, finishing the 3000m course (into wind and rain) in a time of 15:45 – nearly five minutes ahead of second in his category.  He raced in amongst J15, J16 and J17 scullers and double scullers, finishing eighth overall out of the 37 crews, but first in his category.

During half term our riders went to Wix Equestrian Centre in Essex and competed in an Inter Schools Show Jumping competition. It was a very busy, long day, starting at 9am and finishing at 9pm! Schools from all over East Anglia and London were taking part. The first 4 classes were qualifiers for the Grassroots Regional Final being held in December. Woodbridge School entered a team in all 8 classes and several individuals too.

It was certainly a day for coming 4th – our teams in the 40cm, 50cm and 90cm all came 4th! Individually, Neve Walker and Rohan Brooks did particularly well winning the 60cm and 90cm respectively, both classes had over 40 entries – so a great result.

Full results – 40cm – Oliver Reid 4th, 50cm Ada Marson 3rd, Tess Walker 5th, 70cm Fleur Ludgrove 4th, Tess 5th, Ada 6th. All riders qualifying for the Regional Finals – very well done! Also, Rowena Wilson –Smith came 4th in the 90cm individual.

B

A great start to our golf this year in the ISGA matchplay golf competition where we won 2-1, beating St Joseph’s College in the first round. Round 2 is against Langley to be completed by end of term.

Results
William Morcombe won 10 and 8
Guy Maynard won 2 and 0

Congratulations to Harriet Petley for her amazing success!