Two Wins for Our Senior 1st and 2nd XI Hockey Teams
Woodbridge Senior 1st and 2nd XI Hockey teams played New Hall this week. With news of our players, those matches and our results, read our report below from our Head of Hockey, Mrs Rix.
Woodbridge 1st XI vs New Hall
Determined to respond after a frustrating result before half term, intent was clear from the first whistle. The warm‑up was sharp, the preparation had been strong all week, and the boys took the pitch with confidence. The start, however, was not what they had planned.
New Hall capitalised on a quick break down the right-hand side, slipping through a couple of missed tackles before walking the ball into the net inside three minutes. It was a disappointing blow, but also the spark Woodbridge needed. From that moment, the tempo lifted and the team began to take control.
Sustained pressure led to a series of short corners, and it was the fourth that finally brought the breakthrough. In classic fashion, Year 12’s Alex H stepped up and struck cleanly from the top of the circle, drawing Woodbridge level before the interval and giving the side real momentum.
The second half saw the team at their best; they moved the ball with purpose, created multiple 2v1 opportunities, and looked dangerous on every counterattack. Their reward came when Year 12’s Jasper picked up the ball at the top of the D and, with composure, slotted it into the bottom-left corner to give Woodbridge a deserved lead.
The final minutes demanded resilience. New Hall pushed hard for an equaliser and removed their goalkeeper for the last five minutes, throwing everything forward. Year 12 GK, Edward, produced several crucial saves, and the defence stood firm under intense pressure. In the final play of the match, Woodbridge faced a last‑second short corner, but the entire unit held their nerve to secure a fully earned victory.
A performance full of character, quality, and maturity — and a result the boys can be proud of. Player-of-the-match was awarded to Alex H.
Woodbridge 2nd XI vs New Hall
The 2nd Team produced almost a mirror match at home. After going behind in the opening minutes with a breakaway goal against the run of play, Woodbridge composed themselves and started to grow into the match.
They were up against an unorthodox playing style which was hard to break down, especially in deep defence as half chances remained unrewarded. The team stuck to their guns, tried to do the right things and improved as the game went on.
It looked like New Hall was going to get away with a lucky win, then, Year 12’s Arthur produced two fine goals with impressive individual skill in the last ten minutes of the game. The first a reverse stick strike and the second a pirouette squeeze shot into the top corner! Woodbridge ended worthy winners with Player-of-the-Match going to Arthur.
Big thanks to Year 11’s Jeremy, who helped out the opposition as an extra player, with a very impressive performance in defence, much to the frustration of his usual teammates.
