Category: Sport

After the one minute silence, the scene was set for a great game of open rugby on a very wide pitch. Woodbridge were on the back foot after early pressure from the Colchester 9 with a searing break. Only a great tackle by a George Williams saved the day. Woodbridge cleared their lines but were caught off side. 3-0 to Colchester.

Further pressure and another penalty but it was pushed wide. Unfortunately from a missed touch, Colchester put Woodbridge under pressure.

Woodbridge then started to string some good phases together; Will Farthing bulldozed through, and through slick backline passing Matt Sutton wriggled over, giving Woodbridge a 3-5 lead. Unfortunately, Colchester responded with a catch and drive, but the secondary drive punched a hole from close range giving them a try (8-5).

Unfortunately Woodbridge lost Ben Morgan with an elbow injury and George Cory came on. Colchester scored another well worked try, starting out wide and then winning the race for a clever in-field kick, giving a 13-5 score line. A further Colchester penalty followed by half time with the score poised at 16 -5.

Woodbridge started the second half well, but their early pressure unfortunately came to no reward.

Woodbridge were penalised for crossing in back line, and were subsequently pinned back into their own 22. This resulted in a soft try from fumble and regain under posts. 23-5. A further score from a 5m lineout and catch and drive put Colchester in a commanding 28-5 lead. A further counter attack into the Woodbridge 22 allowed Colchester to power over for a try under posts 35-5. As ever Woodbridge did not give up heart, and from the kick off the ball was stolen by Cherryman and he scored near posts and Robert Smith converted for 35-12. Smith soon was in the fray again with a great jackal, and Sam Stowe won the race for ball to score. At 35-19 Woodbridge, continued to pressure but lost the ball in the Colchester 22 and with that the chance to reduce the deficit any further.

On 14th October Will Morcombe came third in the English Schools’ Golf Association Suffolk Schools’ Championship played at Hintlesham with a 2 over par gross 73.

Will has been selected for the county under 18 squad and starts winter training in November.

Congratulations Will!

Woodbridge girls 1st hockey team showed great character in defeat against Wymondham this week.  Woodbridge’s match preparation was not ideal, having only limited time for warm-up and drills. However this did not deter the players and they started the match seemingly the stronger team. Captain, Lorna Bennel, leading from the front and opening the scoring with some good elimination skills and strike at goal.

Woodbridge was a bit naive in defence at times, allowing Wymondham too much space and time in dangerous areas. Despite a player-of-the match performance from goalkeeper Eloise Mabey, Wymondham scored three goals.

Woodbridge’s second goal was a good team effort with the forwards combining well.  Olivia Woodmansee was again in the right place at the right time, calmly putting away the rebound from the initial save.  Olivia nearly levelled the match at the death, her attempt going just over the cross bar.  Woodbridge may have been awarded a penalty stroke and Perhaps this chance could have levelled the scores.  Having to settle for a penalty corner, the team kept pushing for the equaliser but was beaten to it by the final whistle.

Despite the loss, the team can take confidence from their performance.  Many chances were created, players played well in different positions, and the work rate cannot be faulted.

Thanks to the parents who made the trip to Wymondham to support the team.

Final score: Wymondham 3 Woodbridge 2