HOCKEY 1ST TEAM VS RHS WON 5-2
The best of endings…
The Hockey first team put out a performance to remember in what was the last competitive hockey match of the girls’ hockey season. The match was special not only for a great 5-2 win over rivals from RHS, but because it was the last match for six of our Y13 students, who have contributed so much to the first team over the past 2-3 seasons.
Woodbridge started strongly and it looked like they would get on the scoreboard early. However a number of near chances went begging and it was RHS who opened the scoring in the 6th minute, against the run of play. Woodbridge bounced back through Ianthe who scored from a goalmouth scramble during a penalty corner. In the 20th minute it was Ianthe who put Woodbridge ahead with a good drag at another penalty corner. This joy was short lived as RHS came back a minute later to make it 2-2 going into half time.
At the half time, not many words had to be said. Woodbridge looked the stronger, more skilful and fitter side… The team knew the next goal would be crucial and put the scoring team in good stead for the rest of the match. Woodbridge did not have to wait long for this chance to go ahead, and it came along in the 3rd minute. They say fortune favours the brave. Woodbridge capitalised on a bit of good fortune when RHS players hesitated for a second expecting the whistle to go, but none was forthcoming. Woodbridge, reacting quickest, saw the ball end up in the back of the net from the stick of Sophie G. The very next minute Harriet scored a sharp chance to give Woodbridge some breathing space, taking full advantage of a now somewhat flustered RHS side. Woodbridge aimed to control the rest of the match but it was end to end. Joanne played a fantastic match at left back, and Eleanor was a solid as ever in defence, to add to her cracking runs up the right. Sophie L in goal had to make some important saves to make sure RHS don’t get a way back into the match. Mollie managed the centre of the pitch in professional style, always being in the way to stop anything RHS tried to put through the middle. Ianthe was in impressive form in any one-on-one and the opposition would have been best advised to avoid her area of the pitch. The forwards, led by co-captain Georgia did a sterling job in their press, varying their depth and dealing very well with one of RHS’s key players and floating centre back. Poppy, Kiya, Victoria, Harriet and Sophie G were outstanding in their attacking link ups in the second half and any number of goals could have been scored. Kiya and Georgia were denied numerous times in the match by great goalkeeping, and the goal post.
Ten minutes from the final whistle Harriet put the game out of reach for RHS, her goal taking the score to 5-2, the win making the perfect ending to a near perfect season for a great group of players.
Much more can be written about this memorable match in which Woodbridge were dominant, players showed off their skill and the team showed exactly what it means to be a team, with every player contributing to the positive outcome, but more importantly a great performance.
Well done to each player, and especially the Y13 leavers who played their last match. Chloe, Eleanor, Flora, Georgia, Mollie and Sophie L will be missed but they leave many memories with the team, and a legacy of growing the team and pushing it forward – through commitment, hard word, passion and pride. Well done and thank you to each of these players. They did what they set out to do!
