Cold Weather, Hot Hockey! Nov 2025

Last week the temperature took a serious dip, but there was no such thing in the Hockey action and the performances and passion from our players. The action was fast and furious with eleven matches in the week against five different schools, featuring more than 130 girls from Years 7 to 13! Read all about it in our reports.

Woodbridge U14B vs Ipswich High School

Our U14B team was the first match of the week, hosting Ipswich High School under the lights. Both teams grew into the game with Ipswich High probably having more chances, especially in the first half, but Imarah in goal denied every opportunity! Our team played with energy and growing composure to move the ball around and create chances, but the winning goal eluded both teams. Year 9’s Maizie managed the defensive line with good skills, decision making and communication; Year 9’s India B and Honor ran tirelessly to defend and attack while Year 9’s Mariella showed technical skill and vision. Well done to all involved who played with such enthusiasm and everyone who supported the match on the sideline.

Woodbridge U15A vs Fram College

The U15A team hosted Fram College on Tuesday after School. A most exciting 0-0 draw unfolded, both teams playing incredibly well and entertaining the ever-growing group of spectators. Woodbridge moved the ball all over the pitch, connecting so well with each other and creating numerous chances but just lacking accuracy in the final finish or being denied by the GK. Despite Woodbridge looking most likely to score throughout the game, our GK, Year 10’s Bay, had to be at her best in the last ten minutes especially as Fram threatened to sneak a goal on the counter. Captain, Year 10’s Jemima B, was on top form being a dominant player throughout the game, alongside Year 9, India J playing up, who was awarded Player-of-the-Match for her outstanding, game changing performance.

Woodbridge Senior 1st vs Ipswich School

Earlier in the day on Tuesday, the senior 1st team travelled to Rushmere to face Ipswich School’s 2nd team. Woodbridge started the brighter of the two teams, going a goal up early on when Year 11’s Amelie deflected in from a penalty corner. Another powerful carry from Year 12 ‘s Bea saw her beat several players and the GK to double the score. Before the opposition could regroup, another penalty corner strike, this time from Year 13’s Lara, took us three goals ahead. The team went into half time on a high, after a nearly perfect first half display, but they knew the job was not done. Ipswich School came back strong in the second half but struggled to break through defences, with Year 12’s Lyrah and GK Year 12’s Freya being influential to keep them out and force turnovers. Ipswich did get one goal back close to the end of the game but the damage was done in the first half, showing if you score your first chance and deny the opposition you come out on top. Captain, Lara was the Player-of-the-Match with another skilful and energetic performance.

Woodbridge Junior Teams vs Norwich High School

Wednesday it was the turn of our Junior, Year 7 and 8, teams to show their skill. A big block fixture against Norwich High School saw 6 matches take place at Harleston Magpies. Three wins, two draws and one loss was the outcome.

The Junior 1s delivered a clinical performance in almost all areas of the game, apart from converting well created goal scoring chances; good saves, near misses and perhaps indecision in the D, denying a more glorious scoreline. Woodbridge dominated the first half of the match but only had one goal to show for it, courtesy of Year 8’s Chloe, assisted by Year 8’s Matilda. More chances were created in the second half, but more (what might be considered) unlucky moments resulted. A bit of luck came, however, when Chloe saved a certain goal off the line to deny the opposition an equaliser. A slick penalty corner move saw Year 7’s Sofia smash the ball into the backboard a couple of minutes from the end to make the win a certainty. Player-of-the-Match went to Year 8’s Martha; she was excellent all match, showing skills to beat players in one-on-ones, vision and speed to carry through gaps, excellent pressing and ball winning and great decision making on the ball.

The Junior 2s started very brightly and looked like they would run away with things, however the goals didn’t come. Lovely passing patterns highlighted the game with Year 7’s Emma distributing with confidence. Year 7’s Florence was a delight to watch in midfield with creative play and flare. Frustratingly Norwich High School took the lead, somewhat against the run of play. Woodbridge kept fighting and a few minutes from the end of the match, Year 8’s Katherine slotted a penalty corner goal from a rebound. Woodbridge kept pushing for the winner, and just about executed the perfect move straight from the training ground with Year 8’s Ava running the baseline and feeding the ball into Florence in the nine-yard area to put the ball into the goal – but the final whistle went during this play and a great goal could not be awarded. So close but still so great. A wonderful game of Hockey played by the still unbeaten Junior 2nd team! Player-of-the-Match went to Florence.

Our Junior 3s played their part in a seven-goal thriller, coming out victorious. Year 8’s Issy L was the hattrick hero of the day with Year 8 Captain, Bella scoring our fourth. Issy was duly named Player-of-the-Match.

The Junior 4s could not convert their numerous chances, while the opposition seemed able to do the opposite, turning every chance into a goal. Not the result the team wanted, but lessons learned to take into the game against RHS.

The Junior 5s were the stronger team in their match and will be disappointed not to have come away with a win, but grateful to get their draw in the end. Numerous chances in the first half were scuppered, either by good saves or shots off target. Woodbridge would come to rue this as Norwich High School took the lead. It was with relief that we got the goal back the second half, thanks to a strike from Year 7’s Sophie M. Player-of-the-Match was Year 8’s Maddie. Well done to the team for the resilience and fight to come back from a goal down.

The Junior 6 team were elated with their win, goals coming from Year 7’s Tweel and Year 8’s Iris.

Woodbridge U15A & U15B vs Norwich School

The final matches of the week saw the U15A and U15B team take on the strong teams from Norwich School. Two great performances sadly didn’t lead to wins but two narrow losses. Alas, the players and teams know how well they played to push Norwich School to their limit and the players loved the matches. Goals for the U15B team were scored by Year 10’s Sophia P and Year 9’s Bella D. Bella was also awarded Player-of-the-Match.

The U15A team lost by two goals but played unbelievably well. Small moments in the final ten minutes swung things in favour of Norwich School, with both teams really deserving a win. But, so is sport! Player-of-the-Match went to Year 10’s Jemima B.

Next week we will report on some Regional Final action and more midweek fixture for our Senior and Junior teams.