Hockey Highlights, Matches and Reports – November 2024
Yet another busy week of Hockey last week, and we could not be more proud of the effort, attitude, skill and enthusiasm of our players. Lots of highlights and magic moments to celebrate, which you can read about in the reports below.
Senior House Matches
Our senior Hockey players embarked on what will be the final House Matches for many at Woodbridge School. The skill, decision making, goalscoring, teamwork and leadership on show by our senior students sometimes sent goosebumps down your spine – or had staff jumping for joy. The small but mighty Seckford team came out as champions, winning all their games, followed by Burwell who pipped Willard to second place on goal difference.
The senior students also set the example for the rest of the School, proudly sporting their odd socks in support of Anti-Bullying Week, showing respect and acknowledging each of our differences.
Woodbridge Juniors vs Finborough
Our Junior 1 to 4 teams hosted Finborough School on our wonderful astro. It was great to play at home again and have so much support on the sidelines. Thanks to each parent and relative who cheered on our teams.
The Junior 1st team got back to winning ways, being determined before the game to get better outcomes for all the chances they create in matches. The team started brightly but went behind when a good PC strike from Finborough took a nasty deflection, leaving no hope of a save. This only served to spur Woodbridge on, as a few minutes later, a great build up and ball into the nine-yard area by Year 8’s India (also our Player of the Match) set off Year 8’s Jasmin, who made no mistake. A while later India scored herself to send us into the lead at half time.
A ‘champagne goal’ followed from our pushback in the second half. Year 7’s Chloe driving up the right and playing the cross in which Year 8’s Ella put into the goal, 30 seconds into the half. Woodbridge was now in full control and momentum stayed in their favour. Year 8’s Jasmin scored her second before Year 8’s Lottie slot the ball into the corner of the goal from the final penalty corner of the game. Well done to the team on showing resilience, continued motivation and hard work after a couple of setbacks.
Junior 2 Team
The Junior 2s did so many good things but also have lessons to learn. As well as tightening up their defensive structure, they need to work on positioning when defending to make sure they don’t let the opposition have too much space and too much joy with the ball. The final shooting instinct and aggression just lacked in the attacking D, which saw the team play out a scoreless draw. Some strong saves from Year 8’s Imarah was needed to keep the clean sheet. Year 8’s Imogen M was Player of the Match.
Junior 3 Team
The Junior 3 team dominated their match against Finborough, hogging the possession, keeping their defence and goalkeeper incredibly busy and building pressure. The pressure told as Year 7’s Tati scored our first goal from a rebound. The second goal came from a fantastic run down the right from Year 8’s Bella, crossing the ball across the face of the goal with the last touch coming off a defender. At half time, the team were reminded to be more assertive in the 50/50 balls and keeping the ball out wide, away from the congested centre. The second half was a scrappy affair with Woodbridge badgering the Finborough D but only getting one outcome, Year 7’s Katherine putting in a short corner. Another strong result but lots to work on for next week.
Junior 4 Team
The Junior 4s, featuring a number of new players who impressed no end, secured a big win on the day. Debutant Year 7’s Elodie was Player of the Match for her overall tenacious play and two goals. Further goal scorers were: Year 7s’ Georgie and Emily (getting her second hattrick in as many weeks) and Year 8s’ India B (2), Jemima C-O (2), Maizie, Lilia and Honor (also scoring on debut for the team). Well done to this group of smiling stars.
Woodbridge U14s vs Norwich High School
The week’s fixtures were capped off by two great games from our U14A and U14B teams, both made up of Year 9 players, against Norwich High School.
The U14Bs increased in skill and confidence throughout the game, securing their win with a very promising second half in particular. Goals were scored by Sophia and Georgia F-D while Lola was the Player of the Match.
Woodbridge U14A vs Norwich High School
This match was a real battle for our Year 9 players! Norwich had four key players and controlled the game for the first five minutes. Fortunately, after several attacks we launched a counterattack and scored straight away, through Eirann. Five minutes later, Norwich scored against the run of play. The defence and midfield worked so hard and again we were on the attack.
Our attack looked dangerous and when we were able to get the ball through to them we dominated the play. It was through this that Amelie scored the first of her goals, again Norwich counterattacked and equalised, but then Amelie scored her second, which for the third time was countered, Norwich equalising again.
In the final few moments Amelie hit the post, and also had an amazing shot to top right corner saved by the keeper, who definitely kept the opposition in the game and who we named player of the match for the opposition. This was a hard-fought match but our whole team performance shone out, with impressive learning about marking, especially considering how skilled some of their players were. Ella was named Player of the Match for excellent defence.
Well done to each of our players who represented the School so well and who keep giving their best in practices and lessons. Your desire to be your best and have fun together playing is aspirational.
