U14 Hockey Teams Shine! Mar 2026

Last week was a fantastic one for our U14 boys Hockey teams. We are so proud of the commitment and effort 30 of our Year 9 players put into weekly practices, and delighted their efforts are reaping rewards in their matches. Constant learning and improvement have been a theme this term, alongside passion, desire and marvellous motivation from the boys. Mrs Rix, Head of Hockey shares her report.

Woodbridge U14B vs Harleston Magpies

On Thursday last week the U14B team travelled to Harleston Magpies to play the U15B team from Langley. Our team proved to have superior skill and tactical ability which allowed them to dominate the match from start to finish and move people around in their positions to gain maximum experience.

Tom F delivered a Player-of-the-Match performance; his athletic ability and speed on the ball proving influential, on top of scoring a goal. Further goals were scored by George L (2), George T, Tom C and Alex C. Well done to this team.

Woodbridge U14A vs Ipswich School

At the same time a large U14A squad took on Ipswich School U14A at Rushmere Sport Centre. Congratulations to George B who made his A team debut in impressive fashion. Woodbridge started strong, stringing lovely passes together and feeding the forwards. This was duly rewarded when Giles pushed the ball past the Ipswich GK, some excellent composure and decision making. Josh made it two for Woodbridge, but Ipswich School pulled one back before half-time.

Throughout the match both goalkeepers were tested and showed their skill, Olly B making great saves for Woodbridge. Woodbridge created more chances with Alex W and Michael getting close to scoring. Ipswich School drew level and the last ten minutes of the match were tense and equally as exciting. Woodbridge was still the team getting more balls to their forwards and duly became the team to score the winning goal, again courtesy of Giles, who also went on to be named Player-of-the-Match.

Woodbridge U14A England Hockey Tier 2 Regional Finals

Still on high from a great win the previous day, a 16-strong U14A squad, including Year 8’s Max and Ollie W, departed early on Friday morning for their England Hockey Tier 2 Regional Finals at Redbridge Sport Centre.

The team delivered a convincing performance against Kimbolton in the opening match, executing their plans, skills and set-pieces with precision but being denied time and time again by great goalkeeping or last touches from defenders to keep the ball out. Not a win, but a point on the board thanks to the draw, which is what you need in tournaments. The team’s focus for the day was to be hard to score against and make their chances count. As the next two pool games were crucial to get to the semi-finals, this is what was needed and what was delivered! Olly in goal made telling, match winning saves at times, and Josh was instrumental in midfield winning the ball back time after time and launching attacks. As has become the norm, Alfie P worked tirelessly in midfield alongside Griff, making a welcome return from injury. Captain Joseph also led from the front in his play! Year 8’s Ollie was playing better and better, picking passes brilliantly and making good decisions on the ball. The desired outcomes were achieved against Chigwell and Hitchen to put the boys top of the pool!

The semi-final against Bancroft was a superb display of attacking play and defensive excellence. A 3-0 win and a hattrick for Joseph saw the team going into the final, mere minutes later. Not much time to recover at all!

Woodbridge started the final against their pool rivals, Hitchin, the stronger team, making some good chances in the opening minutes, to be denied by near misses and GK saves. Momentum shifted throughout the game, Hitchin sneaking a goal in during a positive passage for them. Woodbridge kept pushing, winning penalty corners, and a series of them in the final two minutes. The Hitchin defences could not be breached, and the boys heard the final whistle go, still in possession but with nothing on the score board.

Initial disappointment in getting so close, and just missing out on a spot at the National Finals, was quickly replaced by pride, satisfaction and joy at what the team had achieved, the hockey they played and the complements they received from everyone who saw them play. A silver medal on the day but a gold medal in our hearts, knowing everything was given and plenty more opportunities and the joy of sport with a great team still lie ahead.

Well done to Otto H, Griff, Olly B, Alfie P and Giles who were all acknowledged by their teammates for their consistent play on the day, and congratulations to Joseph and Josh who were our joint Players-of-the-Day.