Girls’ First team off to good start
The Girls’ First Hockey team continued their positive start to the term with an impressive win in the first round of the U18 National Cup. They hosted Norwich High School for Girls; the first time these two teams have ever met. An unknown and respected opponent meant that there were some nerves but also confidence in the ability of every player and the team as a whole.
Norwich drew first blood when they were justly awarded a penalty stroke in only the second minute of the game. This was confidently converted. Going behind did not deter the Woodbridge players and they stuck to their system and plans and slowly started to dominate more and more. In the 11th minute Sophie made the score level, scoring from a penalty corner rebound. Shortly after Ella made it 2-1 to Woodbridge. Momentum had now fully swung Woodbridge’s way and they players were controlling the ball well, building great attacks and dealing with anything Norwich tried to do to stop the tide. Sophie scored three more goals to complete a double brace in the first half – one goal a superb deflection straight from the practice ground, the ball being fed in hard and accurate by Clara. Harriet also scored in the first half, another perfect execution of a training drill, and making it count on match day. The score was 6-1 at half time.
Woodbridge knew they could not get complacent and went into the second half with the right mind-set. The game was far from over. Norwich also knew this and came back strong, scoring their second goal ten minutes into the second half. Ianthe restored Woodbridge’s lead five minutes later with a perfect low drag flick. The last ten minutes of the match were action packed. Ianthe scored another field goal. Norwich responded with a goal of their own after a well worked overload. But in the final minute of the match Ianthe completed her hat trick with a good solo run, weaving through the defence, rounding off a 9-3 win. What an exciting match: 12 goals and so much more.
Well done to every player who played their part. Congratulations to Tash who made her first team debut. Joint players of the match were Sophie and Ianthe.
