Junior Boys’ Hockey report
A busy week for Junior hockey; our Head of Hockey Mrs Rix, reports on this week’s matches and players.
Woodbridge v Orwell Park
The Junior boys’ hockey teams hosted Orwell Park School U13s on a perfect sunny afternoon. The hockey that unfolded matched the glorious sunshine. A highlight of the afternoon included Junior 6 team raising the roof in goal celebrations as they won 2-1, keeping their winning streak going.
Frustration was the word to describe the close losses for the Junior 2s, 3s and 5s with some good hockey played, but just not getting the ball in the goal. Goalkeepers stole the show for both schools, Ernest (J2) and Arthur (J5) shining for Woodbridge on pitch 1.
The Junior 1s bounced back in style after a stunning goal against them in the second minute, to win 4-1. Orwell started strong and caught Woodbridge on the hop with a diving strike that flew into the net, silencing the home spectators and bench. And that was the end of that. Woodbridge dominated from then on in, playing just about perfect team hockey; playing fast, moving the ball sideways, forwards and back when needed, supporting well, making good choices and proving very skillful indeed! This was matched by immense work rate and desire. Captain, Tom, and vice-captain Jasper, scored two excellent team goals in the first half and Alex H blasted a straight strike home from a corner.
3-1 ahead at half time and the team was warned about the 2-goal danger yet again. They knew there was a lot more to do! And this they did, never letting off, never letting their press slip, never stopping working for each other. Despite their best efforts, Orwell Park could not break through a structured and disciplined defence, timed intercepts and quality tackling, and Sam’s kickers in goal. Tom scored a classy goal of his own to match the Orwell strike early on in the second half, this time to much more cheers at the home fans end of the pitch.
A 4-1 win to be proud of that has been earned through hard work, consistency in skill and plan execution and teamwork. Not only on the day, but hard work throughout the term so far by a very motivated squad who is always open to feedback, learning, implementing and improving. No Player of the Match could be picked as every single player excelled and the joint decision was that there is no I in team, when a performance is even bigger than the sum of its parts!
The day was topped off by having match teas! Thank you to the Tuckwell staff for great food as usual and welcoming our teams, our visitors and parents back with drinks and treats. Thanks for all the support on the side lines from parents and friends.
