HOCKEY 1st TEAM vs KING’S ELY – DREW 0-0

The 1st XI Hockey team finished their first half of the hockey season on a high, with a very exciting 0-0 draw against King’s Ely. Who would have thought a scoreless draw can produce such an exciting match! Woodbridge was under pressure in the opening exchanged with King’s Ely getting shots at goal and couple of penalty corners. Woodbridge defended well and managed to ride this initial wave and then got into the match. The team showed maturity and experience and quickly sussed out that their opponents relied heavily on their star England age group player, and came up with plans to reduce her influence. Double teaming and great working back from the likes of Poppy, Sophie G, Flora P and Flora F meant that she could only get so far. Flora P’s speed and ability to intercept and start counter attacks was a highlight of the match. Sophie L made important saves in goal supported brilliantly by Annabel, Maud and Eleanor who were all outstanding in defence – in their deep defending and distribution. Woodbridge midfielders moved the ball with confidence to make the match very entertaining to watch. Mollie and Ianthe in midfield were in a class of their own, in defence and attack, repeatedly winning one on one battles. Kiya, Georgia, Poppy and Victoria all got better and better as the match progressed and the movement of players and the ball upfront became very difficult for King’s Ely to contend with. This resulted in Woodbridge creating more chances and winning corners. Annabel and Harriet came very close to scoring but the side-post and the GK were up to it. Woodbridge was creative in open play and attacking penalty corners: it was an absolute joy to watch from the side. And indeed the growing crowd of spectators spurred the girls on who dominated the last 15 minutes. The match ended 0-0 but it felt like a win in effort, technical and tactical play. A top team performance, one in which every player had a good match and pushed to their limits! Poppy was a leader in the press for Woodbridge; Georgia, Mollie, Annabel all contended for player of the match; but in the end it was for their best performances to date that gave Harriet and Flora P the joint player of the match award.