Hockey Report for Woodbridge Junior, 1st XI, U14 and U15 Teams
Our Junior, 1st XI, U14A and U15A teams have played in a number of matches over the last few weeks, including games against Langley and Culford – with some cracking play and results. You can read more about all of this in our reports from those matches.
Woodbridge Junior 3 – 6 Teams vs Langley
Over the last couple of weeks we have played a number of hockey matches against Langley in various age groups, and many visits to our neutral venue, Harleston Magpies HC. Our Junior 3 to 6 teams took on the U13A and B, and U12 A and B teams from Langley; this would be a big challenge for our teams. Slow starts for the 3 and 5s after the bus journey led to going behind early, and they just could not get the goals back. All our teams stood strong in matches where the close scorelines perhaps flattered the opposition in terms of outcomes and doesn’t tell the true story of end-to-end hockey and multiple scoring chances once in full flow. Goals for our teams on the day were scored by Year 7’s Michael for the Junior 3 team, Year 8’s Albie for the Junior 4 team, Year 7’s George L and Lewis for the Junior 5 team, and Year 8’s James F for the Junior 6 team. Congratulations to Year 8’s Sam for a Player of the Match performance in goal for the 5s and to Year 8’s William on a debut hockey match, and also earning himself Player of the Match.
Woodbridge 1st X1 vs Langley
This was an end-to-end game that took a few moments of brilliance to decide the winner, thankfully Woodbridge produced these moments. In the first half Year 11’s Sam deflecting a shot past the keeper, Year 11’s Dylan flicking the ball goalwards with Year 12’s Luca volleying into the net – goal line technology was needed to see if the ball had already crossed the line! Half time saw Woodbridge ahead by one after their two good goals. The second half was more of the same; this time a well finished goal from Year 12’s Alfie and a superb individual run and score from team captain, Year 13’s Edward meant that Woodbridge doubled their scored and ended the game with a deserved victory.
Woodbridge U14 and U15 Teams vs Langley
Both our U14A and U15A teams played with bigger match day squads against Langley to maximise opportunities to give experience to our many committed players. The U14s (all Year 9 players) dominated in a convincing win. Goals by were spread around and scored by Oliver Y, Toby T, Toby C, Liam and Charlie.
The U15A team (all Year 10 players) had a much closer game. The physicality of the encounter was something new for the players to deal with. They adjusted well, but after Woodbridge dominated early on, Langley piled on more pressure and tried to use counter attacks and long through balls as their main form of attack. A sharp opening goal by Sam L was well taken before Jasper extended the lead in the second half. Langley got one back, and in the end it was a little bit too close for comfort, but Woodbridge came away with the win, standing firm in the dying minutes.
Woodbridge Junior 1 Team vs Culford U15B
It was a great afternoon of hockey for the Junior 1s against Culford. The team played two shorter matches against the travelling teams.
First up was a U13B team from Culford, their usual A team missing lots of players due to rugby 7s, the anticipated match was not quite a replay of the County Cup, for which Woodbridge was hoping to get a tiny bit of revenge after a last minute loss. Woodbridge dominated the game and did all but score, and so as a result the match was a lot tenser than it appeared. It looked like Culford might sneak a goal against the run of play as the match drew to a close, but GK Year 8’s Arthur kept his clean sheet. Year 7’s Josh finally managed to convert Woodbridge’s dominance into a goal, to much relief, to secure the win.
Woodbridge Junior 1 Team vs Culford U12A
Next the Junior 1s took on Culford’s U12A team. This was a game of goals galore and total dominance by our team. One of the many highlights or the game was play consisting of four slick passes, starting at a 16-yard hit and ending in the other goal. Goals by Year 7’s Dex (5), Joseph (3), Josh (2) and Otto. Congrats to Dex for scoring his first ever goal(s) in a competitive match!
Woodbridge Junior 2 Team vs Culford U12A
The Junior 2s also did themselves very proud. Two games played, and they were also goal-filled and very entertaining. The 2s beat Culford U12A in a dominant performance in which Year 8’s Oscar and Frank scored, as well as Griff from Year 7.
Woodbridge Junior 2 Team vs Culford U13
The match against Culford U13s went the other way, just losing out by one goal, but so nearly not. The team managed to get the ball into the goal for a late equaliser but time had just elapsed and it could not stand. Oscar and Frank found themselves on the score sheet again, with Year 7’s Alfie P getting his maiden goal for the Junior 2s.
Well done to everyone on all of the matches played, it’s always a great opportunity not only to demonstrate skills and talent, but to learn and develop from the opportunities competitive matches offer our students.
