Category: Sport
Match won 21 – 0
The boys all said this was their favourite game of the year and it was a fitting finale to an encouraging season. This was a very physical encounter and both sides were up for the battle. For once Woodbridge were not having to defend the entire time match and we were able to play more flowing rugby with ball in hand. We took the lead through tries from Sam Garrington and Will Petheram, which were expertly converted by Rupert Clogg. In the second half we found ourselves under huge pressure but we held out valiantly and then scored another converted try late on through Sam Garrington to secure our third win on the bounce. We ended the season with four wins in total which is amazing given some of the beatings we took early on. Well done to all who took part – hope you enjoyed the donuts!
The U13 girls enjoyed an afternoon of success at Framlingham last Monday. They managed to secure a place at the regionals on the 12th March by making the final of the county championships.
We started the tournament against a relatively disorganised yet skillful OBH side. We drew 1-1, with Emma Hendry scoring two minutes from the end to salvage two points.
Our second match came against a powerful/physical Brandeston team. This was a tensely fought battle that ended 0-0; both teams spurning late chances to win the game.
Our third game against Orwell Park was now a must win, as results in the second round placed us outside of the automatic qualifying spots. We played some brilliant hockey against a talented Orwell team; superb individual brilliance and (at last) clinical finishing finished the game 2-0 and placed us back at the top of the group.
Our final game of the group stages came against another talented Ipswich High School team. In another close game, a resilient defence and attacking pressure finally broke down the opposition as we won 1-0.
The semi-final saw us play an Ipswich School side that we had beaten 4-0 only days earlier. Once again, the girls did not disappoint and, with flashes of brilliance from Ianthe Hill (Yr 7) and Vicky Burrows (Yr 7), we took an unassailable 2-0 lead early on. The score finished 2-0.
In the final we played a South Lee team that possessed two of the strongest individuals at the tournament (one was player of the tournament). In a game that was dominated by Woodbridge, we nonetheless could not seem to find the goal or convert the chances. A strong hit from a short corner put South Lee in front. This score was to stay the same until the final whistle.
The girls must be hugely proud of the work they have achieved this season. Being unbeaten in the regular season matches and making it through to the regionals are both very impressive feats.
We now look forward to our final fixture against Ipswich High where, if we win, we would finish the season undefeated.
We also look forward to the 12th March where we play in the regional finals and, I believe, we have the quality and desire to progress to the Nationals.
Score: Won 3 – 0
The girls’ target (which they set themselves as a team) was to score at least one goal , as a number of their games had been no-score draws, so they were ready to prove themselves and put into practice everything they have learnt during the season. Within the first minute, Ella Sambrook scored our first goal, after superb play from our pushback. This definitely raised the team spirits and they were after more so didn’t give up for the whole game. Next, Rosa McInerney scored a brilliant goal from a short corner along with Lucy Appell popping a shot in from a rebound off the post. Every single player should be congratulated, as they worked tirelessly throughout the game. But especially to Rosa, Jemima Hill and Millie Cave who played for the U15B team straight after!! Well done girls…a brilliant performance from the whole team and many thanks to Amy Graham who stepped in to play the day before due to injuries and illness!!
This was a nail biting game and we started off brilliantly reacting to the Umpire’s whistle and had some early chances. However, it was RHS who took the lead from a short corner and we were behind. The rest of the first half could have gone either way but they scored another goal from a short corner about 5 minutes before half time. We wanted to focus on staying wide, chasing the ball and actually turning up for the game in the second half.
The appearance of the Headmaster encouraged the girls and we scored from Maddy Craig’s stick as a result of a short corner, game on! It was then all Woodbridge, great pressure from our mid field of Mia King, Mollie Biddle and Chloe Outen and there were some great passes between Flora Johnston, Maddy Craig and Maddie Felton. Mollie Bioddle converted a short corner which had resulted from some clever play by Mia King and we were drawing……. The final 10 minutes were so important but we kept the pressure on RHS and were awarded another short which Mollie and Flora were able to convert. FANTASTIC, AMAZING and very well done. Thank you to the Headmaster and all the parents who came to watch.
Won 41-24
In their final game of the season the 1st XV were desperate to sign off with a win.
Woodbridge started up hill and were keen for a speedy start. With captain Rob Smith at scrum half, King’s Ely were put under pressure straight from the whistle. Smith stole the ball from a scrum and executed a great kick over the top of the King’s Ely defence. James Bellhouse scored from close range for 5-0. George Win then broke through the King’s Ely line and scored, with Ben Felton converting for 12-0. Bellhouse broke through the backline again and ran the length of pitch to score. Felton converted, making it a great start for Woodbridge- 19-0.
Pressure on the Woodbridge 5m line resulted in a King’s Ely catch and drive, bringing the score to 19-5. A few missed tackles proved costly as Kings stormed through to score. Woodbridge lost the ball in attack, and King’s Ely’s fly-half scored out wide to bring the score to 19- 12.
Woodbridge rallied and were back on the offensive. but still having to defend hard, and managed to push Kings out in the corner. The injured Captain Smith then slotted a long range penalty from the King’s Ely 10m line to sign off and leave the field. 27-12 at half time.
Woodbridge knew they had to impose their game plan. Tom Innes came on for Smith at scrum half, eager to continue the good distribution. After great work from Matt Sutton and George Williams, James Bellhouse secured his hat-trick. Felton converted from the touchline, bringing the score to 34-12.
Woodbridge were pinned back on their line and great defence led to King’s Ely making errors and missing opportunities. Charlie Butt cleared the ball from deep in the Woodbridge half, and gained a knock on from King’s Ely’s unfortunate full back. From the scrum, Bellhouse sprinted from the half way marka nd scored his fourth try. Felton converted, making it 41-12 with the final ten to play. The final play of the game brought a 41-24 score line. A great way for 7 year 13 stalwarts of Woodbridge Rugby to take their final bow.
Will Farthing, Felix Longbon, Frazer McKee, Charlie Butt, Rob Smith, Sam Stowe, Freddie Garnham. Thank you and your parents for all that you have given over the years.
Result: Win 4-1
The Junior 2 hockey team played a highly competitive match against RHS. Woodbridge came out on top winning 4-1. The first half was end to end with both teams having opportunities to score. Beth Turner was up to the test in goal when RHS broke through, making numerous important saves during the match. Lack of composure in the circle from Woodbridge meant that the score remained at 0-0 at half time.
During the second half Woodbridge managed to transfer play more effectively, creating more space and moving the RHS defence. This very quickly resulted in more scoring opportunities. Captain Emily Buchanen was rewarded for her work up and down the pitch when she shot from the left for the ball to sneak into the far corner of the goal to open the scoring.
Katherine Bye made a welcome return to the team after injury, starting off in her usual defensive position. In the second half she tested the waters up front and what a revelation she turned out to be. She controlled possession that came her way, passing the ball and repositioning. Katherine scored a hat-trick in 10 minutes calmly finishing passes into her in the D!
Charlotte Dinwiddy and Sarah Barker had very good performances in defence, making important tackles and marking very well. Charlotte provided a player of the match performance, showing good decision making, distribution and making crucial tackles and interceptions.
Player of the match: Charlotte Dinwiddy
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