End of Season Boys Hockey Report 2026
As we speed towards the end of the Boys Hockey season, our players continued setting new standards and breaking barriers, achieving heights and results not reached before in the penultimate week of term.
England U18 Tier 2 Regional Finals
Our 1st team earned the place in the England Hockey U18 Tier 2 Regional Finals for the first time since the inception of the competition, and our team did themselves and the School very proud last Monday at Redbridge Sport Centre. The first pool match against Bedford Modern was a fiercely contested one with Woodbridge having to do slightly more deep defending and Year 12’s Ed in goal being called upon to make several good saves; Year 13’s Alistair also saved one off the line. Woodbridge started to attack more as the game drew to a close transferring the pressure well and truly onto the opposition. A penalty corner was won as the final whistle went. We would have one more chance to get a point on the board. Everything about the set piece was perfectly executed, as well as Year 13’s Sam B’s drag flick into the net. Great scenes as the game ended 1-1.
The longest break of the day followed before the team faced Hills Road. This time Woodbridge was the dominant team to be denied regularly but going ahead first, again courtesy of a Sam B penalty corner goal. The team could not hold onto the lead and the match ended in another 1-1 draw – a trend in our pool as things stayed very even, everyone in with a chance to make the semi-final.
The third pool game delivered a blow as Woodbridge lost 0-1 to Watford, somewhat against expectations, however the pool was still wide open and a win in the last game would result in a semi-final spot. The team went behind early but looked strong throughout. Then the turnaround came with two quick goals scored by Year 12’s Sam L and Year 11’s Harry. Woodbridge had the victory in their hands, and looking to manage the closing minutes of the game. Tired legs required regular substitutions and Coopers took advantage of such a moment to use and overload to cause confusion in the deep defensive area. With the seconds counting down, Woodbridge conceded a goal which took the scoreline level, 2-2, and saw the knock-out rounds disappear – much to the delight of the onlooking Bedford Modern who hoped for a draw to give them that longed-after semi-final spot.
Overall, a great display by our team; three draws and a narrow loss on the day was pretty impressive, facing unknown tough opposition. Well done to our Year 13 leavers, Sam, Alistair and Oscar T, who were all great throughout the day, and also to Ed who was so impressive as goalkeeper.
Woodbridge vs Norwich School
Motivated, but perhaps not as fresh from their long day before, the squad travelled to Harleston Magpies last Tuesday to take on Norwich School 2nd team in what is traditionally a fiercely contested fixture. The group was determined to turn a narrow defeat from last season around.
Woodbridge made a bright start and were rewarded early on when Harry unleashed a superb strike from the top of the circle. His calm celebration didn’t quite match the quality of the finish from the Year 11 forward. From that moment, however, the momentum shifted. A fresh and energetic Norwich side began to move the ball with pace, and with Woodbridge still feeling the effects of Monday’s tournament, the team found it difficult to stay in the contest. Five minutes before half-time, Norwich won a short corner. Year 12 GK, Ed produced an excellent initial save, but the rebound looped into the air and fell kindly for a Norwich attacker, who volleyed home to level the match.
Woodbridge regrouped at the break, with the team talk centred on mindset and rediscovering the standard of hockey they have shown throughout the season. The response was immediate. The team came out firing, creating multiple 2v1 opportunities and sustained pressure on the Norwich defence. Year 12’s Theo was outstanding, combining relentless work rate with powerful carries that caused constant problems for the opposition. He was duly rewarded with the Player-of-the-Match honours at the end of the game.
With the game still tied in the closing minutes, Woodbridge earned a crucial penalty corner. A well-executed routine allowed Year 12 vice-captain Tom to fire a reverse-stick shot on target, forcing a good save. The rebound fell perfectly for injector Oscar (Y13), who reacted quickest to flick the ball into the net to secure an excellent victory.
Fun fact: This is the first time two brothers have scored for the 1st XI in the same match!
The 2nd XI would come to rue a slow start which allowed Norwich School 3rd team to score two goals on the opening five minutes. After the initial onslaught, Woodbridge had more of the ball but struggled to get out of their 23m area. Once the boys sorted out their outletting, they had loads of success going forward and made multiple chances but just could not find the net. Lots of “ooohs” and “aaahs” and “so close” but unfortunately, the goals didn’t come. There were lots of positives to take from the second half especially, to put into action when the big RHS rematch takes place during the last week of term. Year 12’s Oscar P was awarded Player-of-the-Match.
Woodbridge Junior Boys vs Royal Hospital School
On Wednesday last week our Junior boys’ teams (Year 7 and 8) played their block fixture against Royal Hospital School. The Junior 1s played with reduced numbers and an adapted shape to compensate for the opposition missing multiple players from their usual U13A team due to a rugby event. Our team was mature in their efforts and put the experience they gained on the practice ground playing similar style of conditioned games to excellent use. Year 8 Co-Captain, Ollie scored a hattrick, while his Year 8 peers Max and Jack scored one each and Year 7’s Stuart scored a lovely goal to earn his first goal of the season. Well done to each of the team for their approach to this somewhat different match and the sportsmanship on show.
The Junior 2nd team kept their winning momentum going in a very entertaining and end-to-end game against RHS U13B. Their attacking play was creative and they linked up well with each other while the defence was generally organised in their efforts, only letting the odd ball through for Year 7 GK Rupert to deal with. Year 7’s Ted and Year 8’s James C scored for Woodbridge before RHS got a goal back. With the game still in the balance going into the closing minutes, Year 7’s Fletcher produced some individual brilliance, weaving through three sticks attempting tackles before calmly pushing the ball into the goal to secure the win for the Junior 2s.
The Junior 3s also kept their winning ways going. They played fluent hockey throughout and scored some super goals. Year 8’s Charlie E again scored a double brace and Year 7’s Stanley added another. Year 7’s Joshi shared was awarded Player-of-the-Match with a rock-solid defensive performance, alongside Charlie for his goals. The team is playing such nice Hockey, and even more impressive, many members of the team were new to hockey just a few months ago! Well done to these boys for all the hard work they have put in!
It was a fantastic win for the Junior 4s coming back from a goal down at half time after a slow start. However, the boys bounced back brilliantly finishing the game worthy winners, courtesy of two late goals from Year 8 Player-of-the-Match, Will D.
On Thursday last week our Year 9 teams also played against Norwich School. The U14A team set their own new record, achieving our first win over Norwich School U14A since our Socs records began. During this time, we have suffered heavy defeats and managed one draw in 2019. Despite a bright start, Woodbridge went behind within two minutes after not showing their usual defensive discipline following a turnover. The rest of the first half saw both teams fighting to get the upper hand but neither doing so. At half time, Woodbridge refocused on their team principles and looked at some detail when it came to support positions and passing choices.
The next 25 minutes produced some of the best Hockey played by the team this season. Backline transfers, midfield transfers and forward connections made for entertaining watching and a fast paced game. The team was also very good at winning the ball back from the opposition, Josh and Otto H being particularly influential. Woodbridge started to win corners and Joseph successfully flicked two in, and narrowly missing two more. Woodbridge knew shots on target would test the keeper. Norwich School did not allow Woodbridge to stay ahead for long and scored a goal of their own to bring things level again. The boys were not deterred by the setback and kept pushing and dominating play in their opponent’s half. More chances were created and it was eventually a superb two-touch strike by Michael from the left side of the D that crashed into the backboard to take Woodbridge ahead again. The players aimed to manage the closing stages of the game by slowing things down and keeping the ball to one side of the pitch. Despite this more penalty corners were won, but no more goals resulted. A super win against a very tough opponent! Well done to the whole team and Player-of-the-Match, Joseph.
Woodbridge U14B vs Norwich High School
The U14B team went two goals down in the first half and just could not come back from that despite their best efforts. Goalkeeper Hexi was awarded Player-of-the-Match for his great goalkeeping throughout the game.
Woodbridge U15 vs Framlingham College
The U15 Team played away against Framlingham College. It was a balanced match, played in very good spirit by both teams. Framlingham started well, launching a few quick attacks, playing a quick and direct style of Hockey. Some excellent saves by Seth kept us in the game. A quick counterattack down the right, for our first visit into the opposition’s D earned our first goal, score by William. The second came quite quickly after that, with the defence and midfield working hard to release the players up front. Henri getting on the scoreboard this time. Pranav and George were working superbly together in the midfield, with Milo and Barnaby providing strong defence.
At the start of the second half, we let Framlingham back into the game. We failed to clear our lines a few times, and Framlingham scored two goals in quick succession. The defence regrouped, Seth made several more critical saves, and Alex scored on another counter-attack. Woodbridge held out for the remaining eight minutes to win the game 3-2. Mr Brous was full of praise for joint Players-of-the-Match, George and Seth for their outstanding efforts on the pitch. Seth for his many excellent saves, and George for defending like a trojan in the midfield, allowing us to launch several crucial counterattacks, and stopping any major threats. Milo also deserves a mention for his part in clearing our defensive lines. Well done to this Year 10 team on a thoroughly deserved win.
Last Senior Matches and Leavers vs Royal Hospital School
Final words in the last Hockey report of the season goes to our leavers as Sam, Alistair, Oscar and Ethan played their last matches for Woodbridge School on Tuesday against RHS. Our thanks to these young men for their efforts and commitment over the years and the impact they have had in so many matches, again in their last outings.
The first team hosted another fiery affair at the astro at Woodbridge. The battle ended in a draw, with captain Sam scoring in his last game for school and becoming the top goal scorer for the team this term.
Woodbridge 2nd XI vs Royal Hospital School
Mr Walsh reports:
A fantastic win to end the season for the super Senior Second Team. After a couple of results going against us in recent weeks Woodbridge were up for the challenge of defending the hotly contested fixture. Woodbridge started brightly but a moment of lapsed concentration led to RHS taking the lead. Woodbridge would not be deterred and managed to get back on level terms with a goal from Year 12’s Arthur just before half time.
The second half proved a nervy affair for the travelling supporters, with Woodbridge missing chances to put the game away. In the middle of the pitch Year 11’s Ambrose and Toby started to dominate and Year 12’s Oscar P driving up the right hand side of the pitch to good effect. With the game still in the balance RHS broke through and Year 13’s GK Ethan made an amazing one-on-one save and then calmly kicked the ball out to start an attack. Woodbridge finally broke through the RHS defences and Year 11’s Rory scored two late goals to leave the fans in a jubilant mood. Well done to Ambrose for being Player-of-the-Match and well done to Year 12’s Henry for captaining the side so fantastically this season.
