NATIONAL HOCKEY VICTORY

After all the snow, Woodbridge School was finally able to host The Skinners’ School in the second round of the National U18 Plate Competition.  Woodbridge dominated the opening minutes but could not capitalise in creating a clear cut chance.  Momentum slowly started to shift as Skinners’ grew in confidence, but player of the match, Joshua Graves came into his own leading the defence as Dom Ellice-Freeman, Toby McNally, James Martin and captain James Meakin all tackled well outside the D and dealt with scrambles within it to clear the danger.  Meanwhile at the other end a Woodbridge attack led to a penalty corner and Alex Weir-Simmons put his drag flick on target, forcing a double save from the goalkeeper only for Oliver Buchanan to pounce on the rebound and score.

The second half saw Woodbridge much more dominant as they moved the ball to all corners of the pitch to great effect.  Hugo Kelleway, Alex Weir-Simmons, Oliver Bacon and Patrick Frebel worked tirelessly and the forwards led, rotated, pressed and worked back zealously.  Chances flowed and nine minutes into the second half James Phelan was rewarded for all his hard work with a very good goal, and shortly after Charlie Mayhew scored the first of his two.  With a healthy cushion Woodbridge continue to grow in confidence and play with freedom.  The Skinners’ goalkeeper played very well but couldn’t stop Alex taking our tally to 5-0.

This was a very good team performance in which each player can be very proud of their own play and contribution to the positive outcome.  Gutsy defending gave the attackers confidence and the team must be commended for keeping a clean sheet in this end to end, physical game.