Hockey County Cups 2023
Last week was filled with County Cups for hockey, with success from our Prep School’s U11 winning the County Championships, the U16 County Competition taking place in School and a Cup Competition at Rushmere for our U14s.
Woodbridge School hosts U16 County Competition
The Prep School’s U11 success (winning the U11 event!) inspired their senior School counterparts to also do their best at the U16 and U14 Suffolk County Cup. On Tuesday 31 January, Woodbridge School hosted a small U16 County Competition – it was great to have the event take place once again.
The U16 team had strong performances and wins in both their matches, and ultimately went on to win the event, scoring seven goals in the two games and conceding just two. This will be a frustration as both goals were conceded in a similar fashion and against the run of play. Lots of learning took place and the team started to link up well, playing together for this first time; the U16 team combines players from Year 11 and Year 10. The team now looks forward to the Regional Qualifiers next half term.
Cup Competition at Rushmere
On Thursday 2 February the U14s made the short trip to Rushmere for their Cup Competition. As usual, this was a strong field which would test the boys and see them produce some of their best hockey.
Woodbridge started the cup superbly, thoroughly dominating RHS in their first game; this was particularly impressive given they only managed to draw with them in the previous fixture. The defence remained resolute and the attack had height and speed. Two superb goals pushed Woodbridge over the line.
The next game against Framlingham was another superb game by our attack. The mid-field controlled the game and released our forwards, who pressurised from the outset. Again, Woodbridge took their early chances, shocking Fram with speed and power in their play, and the result highlighted the team’s dominance. It did not come easy though as the defence and goalkeeping had to be on top form to make sure the opposition didn’t get a look-in.
The team’s third match on the trot was against Culford and saw Woodbridge dominate the first 12 minutes of the 20 minute game. In contrast to the first match they failed to convert several good chances and when Culford scored a goal against the run of play, it was quite a blow. In search of an equaliser Woodbridge lost their attacking structure and tried to go to direct, desperately seeking the goal which would see the team qualify for the Regionals. This led to more opportunities and more unnecessary turnovers, which allowed Culford to score once more.
The last match was against eventual winners, Ipswich School, who it’s fair to say dominated the event. Woodbridge knew they were still in with a shout if they could even sneak a draw. Despite every effort, an early goal against the team was hard to come back from. The team stood strong, showed character and passion, but had to settle for a two goal loss in this must-win encounter. But it was indeed a very admirable displaying, with Woodbridge being the only team to hold Ipswich to only two goals.
A challenging morning of hockey which tested our players on every level – and they passed with pride. Third place finish this time but lots to look forward to and so much talent in the team. Well done to all involved, you were great ambassadors for the School.
