Hockey Highlights from Across the Week – Nov 2025

This week’s Hockey report holds details of matches for our U14A, 1st XI, 2nd XI, Junior 1, 2, 3 and 4, as well as our U15A teams. With details of the games, players and their performance, our report from Mrs Rix, Head of Hockey, shares highlights and lessons learned.

Woodbridge U14A vs Gosfield

Last week started with a bang when our U14A team took on Gosfield, playing only the second ever Hockey matches between our two schools, so it is a bit of a discovery time. A big Year 9 squad created opportunities for plenty of players to gain experience and show off their skills.

Woodbridge started strong but was denied by the opposition goalkeeper in the opening minutes, however the floodgates did open up. Co-captain, India J opened the scoring, followed by a goal from Jemima P with almost her first touch of the game. Evie made it three to us before India J scored her second and Imogen M another before half time.

At the break Woodbridge set process targets for the second half and experimented with some things and players in different positions. It was exciting to see Alexandra in high positions and being rewarded with a goal . Imogen G was similarly rewarded for her discipline in the press and hard work in attack by getting on the scoreboard. A brace from Mariella completed the scoring.

Our team was dignified in their win and credit to the opposition for their resilience. Well done to Year 8, Najma, who made her debut for the U14s.

Woodbridge 1st XI vs Norwich School

Tuesday saw the senior teams take on the strong teams from Norwich School, a challenge we have not faced in the while but perfect prep for what lies ahead this term.

The 1st XI played an excellent first half to go into halftime 0-0. Year 12 GK, Freya was having an excellent game, as were pretty much everyone else, to go toe to toe with Norwich. Y12’s Lyrah and Millie and Year 13’s Eve again impressed with how they were combining at the back. The forwards worked tirelessly to press and lead to create chances, Year 11’s Amelie and Year 13’s Nancy particularly impressive.

Midway through the second half the opposition scored two goals in four minutes, which could have taken the wind out of our sails, but alas Woodbridge kept trusting their systems and kept pushing to get back in the game, moving the ball around and winning one-on-one battles. Two minutes from time Year 11’s Georgia drove through a couple of tackles, to get the ball to Year 11’s Eve for a nice lateral carry, moving the defenders. A powerful under the shoulder pass connected with Year 13’s Nancy in the D, who made no mistake to get our goal. Momentum had changed but not enough time left to potentially get the equaliser. Y

12’s Lyrah played a great game but the unquestionable Player-of-the-Match was our super GK, Freya.

Woodbridge 1st XI vs Norwich – U18 Regional Finals

The U18 Regional Finals later in the week would deliver more of the same; very good performances but luck not going our way. One goal defeats throughout the day means it is the end of the road for the England Hockey Competition for our first team, but by no means the end of their progress and very positive play.

Well done to Year 10’s Jemima B who made her 1st team debut at the finals and did so in style. Well done also to Year 12’s Charlie who was our excellent Player-of-the-Day.

Woodbridge 2nd XI vs Norwich – U18 Regional Finals

The 2nd XI also had a top performance against their counterparts from Norfolk. They took to the pitch in high spirits after a lively warmup, ready to face an unbeaten Norwich School side. Despite strong defending and composed build-up play, Norwich struck first and added a second before the break.

Undeterred, the girls battled tirelessly across the pitch, showing pace, passion, and determination. Year 13’s, captain Lily and Phoebe R delivered standout performances, driving the team forward and inspiring relentless effort. Even after conceding a third goal, the squad refused to let their heads drop, continuing to press with commitment and energy.

Their perseverance was rewarded in the final seconds. A swift counterattack saw Year 11’s Amelia break into space, drive into the circle, and smash the ball past the Norwich goalkeeper. The goal capped off a spirited display and gave the team a well-deserved moment of celebration.

This was a performance full of grit and pride—clear proof that the 2nd XI can rise to any challenge.

Woodbridge Junior 1 vs Finborough

Our Junior teams (Year 7 and 8 students) made it a clean sweep against Finborough, winning four out of four matches.

The Junior 1s made full use of their opportunities in the first half to take a two-goal lead. Year 7’s Issy scoring yet another goal before Year 7’s Darcey deflected in beautifully at the far post just before half time. Credit to Year 8’s Chloe and Martha for playing the perfect team patterns to set up this goal.

The team delivered a disciplined and controlled second half performance to deny Finborough any goals, also courtesy of a very mature and complete GK performance from Year 8’s Najma.

Another well-deserved win for the team in a near perfect team performance . Players-of-the-Match awards went to Year 8’s Juno and Year 7’s Issy.

Woodbridge Junior 2 vs Finborough

The Junior 2s enjoyed similar fortunes being technically and tactically superior to their opponents. This also ended in a two-goal victory with goals coming from Year 8’s Katherine and Year 7’s Coco and Florence. However it was not all plain sailing as Finborough came back strong in the second half and Year 8 GK, Nina, had to be alert, making a number of saves, including a great diving stop to her right. Year 8’s Grace was named Player-of-the-Match by her opponents.

Woodbridge Junior 3 vs Finborough

Finally getting to play on home astro, the Junior 3 team began brightly with a sharp warmup and immediate attacking intent. Woodbridge created multiple circle entries and tested the Finborough goalkeeper with several shots. Their pressure paid off when Year 8’s Daisy H struck cleanly from the top of the circle with an open-stick finish to give the hosts the lead.

Finborough responded with a rare chance of their own, converting to level the score. But Woodbridge kept pushing, and with just three minutes left, Yeat 8’s Isabella L – later named Player-of-the-Match; clinically converted to restore the advantage.

Year 8 Captain, Bella S, was outstanding in midfield, orchestrating play and driving forward phases that kept Woodbridge on the front foot.

A strong team performance, capped by determination and quality, secured a deserved victory for the Junior 3s.

Woodbridge Junior 4 vs Finborough

The Junior 4s put on their most impressive display yet with a dominating performance to win by some margin despite having their positions mixed up to avoid demoralising the opposition. It was as if they had not had a break over half-term and were playing fluid Hockey, putting into practice exactly the patterns of play from training sessions and being on the ball with rebounds off the keeper.

Finborough defended valiantly but the goals came from Year 8’s Emily W, Ellie D, Georgie M, Year 7’s Sophia P, Lola M, and two from Sophie M. A very good start to the second half of the season.

Woodbridge U15A vs Ipswich High School

To complete the week the U15A team travelled to Ipswich High School. This resulted in a satisfying win, with Year 10’s Eirran scoring twice. Captain, Annabelle was Player-of-the-Match, but well done to everyone, including Year 9’s India and Ella who made impressive and impactful debuts for the U15A team, playing up.