Hockey Matches and the County Cup for our U13 and U14 Teams – Feb 2026

Last week produced not only constant rain but some impressive Hockey, despite the bitterly cold and wet weather. This included wins for our Senior 1st and 2nd teams, the U14A team and Junior 1s playing in their respective County Cups and a win for our Junior 4s.

Woodbridge Senior 2 vs RHS

On Tuesday Mr Walsh’s 2nd team played their first match of the season against close rivals, RHS. Woodbridge started very strong and peppered the opposition goal but could not convert their possession into goals. What started looking like it may be a one-sided affair, slowing shifted momentum as the opposition got more into the game. What transpired for the rest of the afternoon was a quite exciting end-to-end match, forcing both defending units and GKs to be at their best. Year 11’s Barney finally broke the deadlock with a well take penalty corner strike, simply too fast for the keeper to block. Year 12’s Ben was awarded Player-of-the-Match for some pretty impressive tackling and play at left back. Other notable performances came from Year 11’s Oliver M and Ambrose and a solid Captain’s performance from Year 12’s Henry.

Woodbridge Junior 4 vs Ipswich High School

The Junior 4s followed this match with a good performance of their own against Ipswich High School under lights. The team showed resilience in the challenging conditions and their enthusiasm could not be thwarted. Goals came from Year 8’s Luke and Arthur and Year 7’s Joshi. Year 7’s Oliver W kept a clean sheet supported by Year 7 defenders, Augustin and Sam. Player-of-the-Match was awarded to Luke for some excellent ball control and contributions to this win. Well done to all the boys who were very well organised and so determined for this match.

Woodbridge Junior 1, 2, and 3 vs Old Buckenham Hall

The sun came out on Wednesday to bring some welcome warmth and brightness, but it did not bring winning smiles. A tough Junior block away against OBH saw our Junior 1s, 2s and 3s lose their matches. The Junior 2s did, however, again deliver a really promising performance in a one-goal defeat, progressing well in how they moved the ball, linked up with each other and attacking positioning. Final decision making and skill execution in the attacking D to get the rewards is the next step.

The Junior 3s were disappointed with their loss. The boys created plenty of big opportunities with some excellent Hockey but were unable to capitalise. OBH were clinical in their attacking third and converted their chances. Year 7’s Ben was the only Woodbridge goalscorer, on a day where many could have found themselves on the scoresheet. Year 7’s Nathaniel was named Player-of-the-Match.

The Junior 1s had to dig really deep in their match. The team went ahead courtesy of a field goal scored by Year 8’s Ollie in the 5th minute. The tides quickly turned and it was all OBH for the rest of the half. By half-time the match was well and truly over in terms of a score line and targets had to be reset. The team responded well and showed true character in how they came out to play, being much tougher and braver without the ball and more disciplined and faster with the ball to create chances. A big loss on the day, but big lessons learned which would put the team in good stead for the County Cup later in the week. Player-of-the-Match was Year 8’s Barney.

U14 County Cup Success – Another Team to the Regional Finals

The U14A team endured the worst of the weather all Thursday morning when they competed at the U14 County Cup. The top two team progress to the Regional Finals and with the talent and potential in this group the team set their sights high. The day did not start the way we had planned – Woodbridge was shocked against RHS when two goals against the run of play was enough to see RHS take the win, despite our boys being the better team. The players did not quite fire on all cylinders to make their early chances count and it would cost them in the end. A great penalty corner goal was scored by Year 9’s Joseph to bring the scores level but alas RHS had the last laugh.

The team knew any more ‘slip ups’ and it would be the end of their ambitions in this National Competition. We again went one goal down against Culford and it looked like it might possibly be the beginning of the end. But one thing is certain, this group of players never gives up! They got better and better and Culford could only compliment their play at the end of the match. Year 9’s Alfie P scored from a penalty corner before Year 9’s Dex scored a cracking winning goal a couple of minutes from the final whistle.

The last match was against Ipswich High School. Only a win would do, ideally a big one. Fatigue from giving all they had and having to manage the bitter cold was setting in and it took a mammoth mental effort to play well. This the team did well enough. Year 8’s Ollie put Woodbridge in front with a well-timed hit from the shoulder of the D before captain, Joseph, scored from a penalty stroke. Joseph scored his second of the match with the final play of the game, converting a perfectly executed penalty corner move. Job done! The U14A team securing their place at the Regional Finals in March, following in the footsteps of the Senior 1st team. Alfie, Dex and Joseph were contenders for Player-of-the-Day, with Alfie taking the honours.

Woodbridge 1st vs Framlingham 2nd

The 1st team hosted Framlingham 2nd team under lights and in front of an appreciating crowd on Thursday evening. Woodbridge had most of the possession in the first half but were not clinical enough with it in the attacking third. As the game progressed things seemed to slow down a bit. This was something Woodbridge had to fix after going into half time with nothing to show for their efforts.

The second half started with speed and power and almost instantly the reward came when Year 11’s Harry took advantage of a wayward defensive touch to tip the ball into the goal for Woodbridge before a minute had passed. Woodbridge hoped the floodgates would open, but it did not, and Fram stood strong in defence as well as creating chances of their own. Woodbridge continued to control the ball the better of the two teams and saw out the match for a well-earned win, and big plans of where they still want to get better.

U13 County Cup

The Junior 1s bounced back brilliantly at the end of the week, playing good hockey at the U13 County Cup. The team executed a new press with success against their toughest opponents and played the attacking style of hockey they have been working on. This takes hard work (mental and physical) and good decision making all the time!

Two wins (against Ipswich School and Barnadiston Hall) and a draw (against Orwell Park) on the day was a very good outcome for the team’s efforts and the boys received plenty of complements for their play and behaviour.

There were lots of highlights and magic moments, including the overall tactical execution, aerials thrown by Year 7’s Walter, great saves by Year 8’s GK Harry, incredible skill and work rate from Year 7’s Charlie and classic goals from Year 8’s Max and Jack (2), a hattrick from Year 8’s Ollie, and consistent good play by our Player-of-the-Day, Barney!