The Junior 1 hockey team played some excellent hockey at the U13 County Cup this week. Unfortunately the team started slowly against OBH, being ill-disciplined in defence allowing OBH to receive the ball with only the goalie to beat. Despite the best efforts from Alfie Franklin the team went 1-0 down. Jack Leith drew the scores level with a well taken team goal. But again the defence in the D let the team down, missing tackles and eventually a scramble goal resulted. Not enough time in the short tournament format matches to come back, Woodbridge had to settle for a 1-2 loss.
Next up was RHS. Woodbridge played the better hockey and was rewarded with two good goals by Charlie Eaton and Jack Leith. Alfie Franklin had some work to do in goal, as again the defence was a bit scrappy at times. But Alfie was up to the test. The RHS goalkeeper played a great game and kept the score respectable. 2-0 to Woodbridge.
Woodbridge completely outplayed Culford in the 3rd pool game, and did everything right, except for scoring. Someone had put clingfilm around the goal and the Culford goalkeeper stopped every shot, and was also helped by defenders clearly balls off the line. A near perfect team performance from Woodbridge but luck was just not on our side when it came to converting the many chances.
Next up was a crunch game against Ipswich, who had been dominating every opponent so far. The Woodbridge boys were not to be intimidated and took the game to Ipswich. The team played to the tactics and this time also defended with all it had. Alfie Franklin was a clear player of the match, making countless saves and keeping Woodbridge in it. Woodbridge built play up patiently and created some chances and forcing saves from the Ipswich GK. Finally a set of passes was just too much for Ipswich to deal with and Sam Betteridge slotted in a decisive goal.
With 4 minutes left to go, Ipswich threw everything at the team, but the defences stood strong. Everyone played to their best and the final whistle went 1-0 to Woodbridge.
Unfortunately Woodbridge had to settle for third in the pool, finishing below the two eventual finalists, and the only team to beat the champions on the night.
Well played to all the boys and thanks to the parents for great support.
