Hockey Season Back in Full Swing 

The Girls Hockey season is now in full swing with the first week of full-length fixtures under the belt.  

Woodbridge U14s vs Ipswich High School 

Monday saw the U14s (Year 9 players) play the first 11-a-side match for most of the team.  A squad of 20 players took on Ipswich High School on our fabulous astro after School.  The aim was to give many players experience and learn as much as possible; also trying to execute tactics which would be needed to nullify the opposition’s power players.   

India J and Jasmine worked tirelessly in the midfield to do just that!  Alexandra at center back was a picture of composure despite fast pressure, trying to facilitate transfers, counter attacks and making countless tackles.  Woodbridge came close to scoring a few times, particularly with good right-side build up plays, and balls across the goal mouth; the final finish was just not to be, despite great positional play.  

Ipswich High School, through a couple of skilful players, peppered our goal with front stick, reverse stick and deflection efforts, but GK and Player of the Match, Clem held strong in the second half to deny most chances.   

Ipswich High took the win with a goal in each half, however Woodbridge delivered the better team performance according to the opposition coaches.  Well deserved credit!  

Well done to the girls on this first outing and thanks to everyone who came out to support this first match of the season.   

Woodbridge Senior Team vs Norwich High School 

On Tuesday, new-look Senior teams travelled to Harleston Magpies to play their first matches against Norwich High School for Girls . The second team secured a great win, having dominated the first half and scoring early goals which took the game away from the opposition.  Year 11’s Amelia G scored two goals, one each scored by Year 13 veterans Lily G and Phoebe R.   

Special mention to outstanding players on the day Year 11’s Georgia, Frankie and Sukie. 

New first team captain Year 13’s Lara and the team showed real promise and resilience in a fast paced and skilful game, with lots to build on for the season. Despite a promising opening few minutes, Woodbridge was under pressure most of the first half.  Goalkeeper, Year 12’s Freya kept things respectable to go into half time 0-2 down.  

The second half saw Woodbridge play much better patterns and adjusting to a faster paced game.  This created more attacks, which naturally opened up gaps the other end, resulting in more goals against us.  Woodbridge’s best scoring chance came from a wonderful first time effort from Year 13’s Nancy, which went agonisingly wide of the top corner.  Our Player of the Match went to goalkeeper Freya, with further outstanding performances by captain Lara, Year 12’s  Charlie and Aurelia and Year 11’s Eve in the second half particularly.   

This was a good enough opening match against a tough opponent – just what we needed to understand the pace precision required to win at the top end of School Hockey.  

Well done to each player who made their debut for the first team. 

Woodbridge U15s vs Finborough 

Thursday saw the U15s (Year 10 players) travel to Finborough for a ‘double header’.  

First up was our U15A team.  After going 0-1 down in the first half the team came back strong, responding well to input from coaches Mr Brous and Mr Flatt, to score three goals and take the win.  Tabby scored one and Eirann twice to earn a Player of the Match award.  

The U15B players were frustrated by some ‘A-team ringers’ in the Finborough U15B team, but battled valiantly, learning lots in the match time.  The second half showed progress already but a one goal defeat was on the cards.   

Thanks to Miss Sanders, Mr Brous and Mr Flatt who managed these fixtures.   

Well done to all of our players, we hope to share more news about our U14 and U18 teams at the County Cups next week.