Woodbridge Hockey Highlights – Nov 2025
Our U14A, U14B and Senior 1st Hockey teams have been in action, with plenty of learning and development opportunities throughout. With news of matches versus Finborough and New Hall, our reports below share details of players and performance.
Woodbridge U14A and U14B vs Finborough
Our Year 9 U14A and U14B teams produced two great performances against Finborough before half term. Our teams showed determination and professionalism from their warm-up and all throughout the game, being a true credit to our School.
The U14B match was somewhat chaotic in the opening quarter, with players from both teams excited to play, but not both teams as focused on the task at hand. Once over the initial exchanges Woodbridge found a good structure and started to move the ball around with more control. Player-of-the-Match, Mariella was influential in this, getting the ball in midfield and making good passes or runs to beat lines. Mariella scored the opening goal from the top of the D before setting up India B for the second.
Woodbridge consolidated at half time, focusing on what has been going well and wanting to build on the positive play from the first half, but aware of traps to avoid. Maizie to tackle continued to distribute well, doing so with growing composure and accuracy as the game progressed, and also moved into central midfield with success. Isabella L was rewarded for her industrious play with a goal before Cecily scored her second in as many matches to secure a very well-deserved win for the team.
The big squad must be commended for how they responded to everything asked of them and for the learning throughout the match.
The U14A followed suit in how they prepared for the match, managing their own warm-up and target setting. Following a quick reminder about how they would press and a focus for out letting, the team went on the pitch determined to deliver a clinical display. This they did!
The defence and midfield lines provided good structure from the start which allowed for excellent build-up play to get the ball in the attacking area. Here India J and Jasmine were threatening, being very well supported by Kirsty and Rebecca. As the game progressed the forwards started to lead purposefully to fill key spaces and made more complementary runs which made for exciting attacking play. Alexandra as right back proved pivotal in attacks in our own half and as a threat outside the attacking D. Ella was a revelation at centre back, managing proceedings like a veteran. India J scored the opening goal before Imogen M added a second before half time.
In the second half the team continued to improve their defensive press which made it difficult for Finborough to find a flowing rhythm. With the opposition relying on physical carries and hard, direct passing, our players were up to it to intercept and slow runners down whenever needed. This took immense concentration and work ethic to never let up, as any gaps or a moment of not working back could result in goals against. The second half remained goalless but not short of action.
India J was named Player-of-the-Match. Special mention to Imogen G, Bella, Issy and Sienna who played their best matches of the season so far.
We are very proud of both U14 teams who showed how much they have learned tactically and improved technically during the first half of the season. Well done also to players in the A and B teams, who had run brilliantly in the Cross Country race earlier in the day, before playing their hearts out on the Hockey pitch in the afternoon.
Woodbridge Senior 1st vs New Hall
The Senior 1st team went straight into a match after half-term, playing their postponed match against New Hall at Ipswich Hockey Club last Tuesday.
The team continued their positive momentum from the first whistle. Fast paced Hockey was played, showing structure and skill and it was not long before chances were created. Year 12’s Charlie put Woodbridge ahead halfway through the 1st half. Our team definitely had the upper hand, but New Hall threatened to break through courtesy of some very speedy ball carriers. Luckily this was matched and Year 12’s Lyrah and Millie dealt with attacks up the flank. Shortly before half time, New Hall scored a reverse stick goal into the roof of the net, which was awarded after the umpires conferred.
Frustrated to be all square at half time, Woodbridge consolidated what they were doing well and knew they just had to keep playing in the same way and more goals will come. Year 12’s Bea was again a powerhouse in attack, threatening whenever in possession and giving good passes, and never letting up when defending. After another threatening carry by her there was a deliberate foul in the D. Bea slotted the resulting penalty stroke with composure to take Woodbridge ahead again. Through Year 13’s Lara, Nancy and Georgia and Year 12’s Eve the team kept pushing forward and got their third goal, scored by Year 11 debutant, Frankie. Seconds from the end New Hall got a second but the team had done enough for another great win, playing great Hockey!
Well done to each player who contributed so well to a complete team performance. Player of the Match went to Millie, for an outstanding all-round performance!
The team continued to work hard at practices for the rest of the week, working on their skills and team play, preparing for their Regional Finals, and always trying to better themselves and having fun in the process. Well done to this group for all that are putting in.
