Hockey Roundup – Sep 2026
Last week saw nine girls’ Hockey matches played, taking on Ipswich High School, Fram College, Ipswich School and Culford in what was a very busy week for players and staff alike; with Hockey practices also still being run and well attended. Below we share news from those matches – which gave us all a lot to smile about!
Our Junior teams (Year 7 and 8 students) played their first block fixture of the season, which was for some their first ever competitive Hockey experience, and for a number of Year 7s and Year 8s their first time representing Woodbridge School. That in itself is quite exciting, but then add the clean sweep of victories for all four of our teams and it’s been quite a week!
The Junior 2 and Junior 4 teams played away at Ipswich High School. The Junior 2s had a great second half, after spending the first half finding their feet and getting used to playing together. There were lots of improvements all across the pitch, which resulted in two goals from Year 8’s Florence and one from Year 7’s Ziyu. Mrs Johnson was immensely proud of the Year 8 ‘senior’ players for helping their less experienced team mates so well and giving them direction and advice on the pitch. The team encouraged one another throughout, speaking of the positive culture in the group. Florence and Year 7’s Alice B shared the Player-of-the-Match honours.
Miss Sanders was full of praise for the Junior 4s after their win. A superb and positive first match for the team! We had a few opportunities of scoring in the first half, but unfortunately, we could not convert. At the start of the second half, the girls were playing some fantastic Hockey and scored three goals within the first five minutes, with another two shortly after. The goal scorers on the day were Year 7’s Isobel A, Harper (2), Mollie and Beatrice! Further highlights were great transfers from defence, passing the ball down the right and finding our attackers in the D. Every player defended out of their skins – getting down low and hustling the opposition, which resulted in successful tackles. Well done to every player! Player-of-the-Match was Harper, with Beatrice also being noted for her good play.
The Junior 1 team was excited to have a home match and host Ipswich High. The team dominated from start to finish in terms of individual skill as well as their structural play. Year 8’s GK, Chloe, had a somewhat quiet afternoon, but when called upon showed calm, composed play, clearing the ball with power or being watchful to guide the ball over the back line. The team scored three times in the first half, to take things away from the opposition. When more goals followed in the second, the team experimented with a different formation and team numbers. Very good leadership was shown on the sideline and team leaders explained what needed to be done and how things would need to change to make a success of things. Year 7’s Harriet had an outstanding game, showing everything she has learned so far and executing her role in attack and defence with confidence; she was voted Player-of-the-Match by her teammates. Goals for Woodbridge were scored by Year 8’s Sofia (2), Issy P, Darcey and Coco – Harriet also got on the scoresheet. Well done to this group who continue to work hard and impress with the passion and desire to be the best they can be.
The Junior 3s had an excellent display of Hockey where targets were to close down the ball carrier, provide support out wide and get as many rebounds as possible. The girls did just this, working extremely hard all over the pitch and the majority of passes made either square or through! Goals were scored by Year 7’s Susie with an early shot from the top of the D, Year 7’s Sybil scored on the rebound and Year 8’s Lola M got her goal from an impossibly tight angle! Player-of-the-Match was unanimously given by our players to Year 7’s Ivy for her impeccable positioning in defence as well as support play and tracking back. The opposition named Year 7’s Gabi Player-of-the-Match for her strength in tackling and putting on pressure to win back the ball. Well done to this team and every player.
The Senior 1st team hosted a strong Ipswich High School team on Tuesday. Woodbridge were excellent in attack, playing good patterns and dominating central midfield. So many chances were created but the team kept being denied by excellent goalkeeping, or indeed goals being disallowed when the ball did cross the line. Player-of-the-Match, Year 12’s Eve, did a fantastic job to nullify the oppositions speedy and skilful playmaker, meaning they could not execute their plans. The match was scoreless at half-time, much to the home team’s frustration. The team had to keep guarding against counter attacks and Year 13’s GK Freya made sure she kept the defenders focused with good communication from the back.
Woodbridge kept peppering the Ipswich High D, losing count of the number of penalty corners they were awarded. Attacking free hits and long corners also kept the pressure on. After trying numerous routines and being denied time after time, Year 13’s Bea moved to the left slip position for yet another corner. With time and space she placed the ball into the goal to take Woodbridge ahead, much to our relief. Year 12’s Izzy scored another, practically dribbling the ball into the goal. The game seemed won, but Ipswich High scored to leave a tense final two minutes for Woodbridge to see out, which they did, to enjoy a well-earned victory.
The 2nd team travelled to Fram College to face their 3rd XI. Woodbridge started well and went to goals up courtesy of Year 11’s Eirrann. The 2-0 curse at half-time struck as Fram came back in the second half to level things and force a draw. Year 12’s Romilly was named Player-of-the-Match.
The Year 10 U15A and B teams played Ipswich School and Culford respectively. The U15A team faced a very strong Ipswich School side at Rushmere. The team battled for every ball and inch on the pitch, defending and attacking with numbers. Alongside some excellent individual performances from India J, Alexandra, Ella K and Jasmine there was superb learning, with players playing in various positions and lines and learning what is expected for each position. Ipswich School eventually broke through to score from a penalty corner and secure the one-goal win. The outstanding Player-of-the-Match, in her first match for Woodbridge School, was goalkeeper Sophie! Her saves, player organisation and excellent communication kept Woodbridge in the game and was the complete GK performance.
This was a great start to the season, facing tough opposition.
The U15B team came back from Tuddenham Road buzzing. Year 10’s Millie scored twice to secure the win for Woodbridge. Year 10’s India B was influential all over the pitch and throughout the game while Year 9’s goalkeeper, Kitty, was described as “a wall”, keeping things out, by team coach, Dr Winchester. Year 10’s Mariella impressed alongside Year 10’s Cecily who the opposition named as their Player-of-the-Match.
Well done and thanks to all the girls and teams who represented the school so well, showing good skills, knowledge, learning and above all, excellent sportsmanship.
