Hockey Teams Finish February on a High
Our Hockey teams ended the first half term on a high, with some good performances and excellent results; you can read more about them below.
Woodbridge Junior 1 vs Orwell Park
Wednesday before half term, all six of our Junior teams played against Orwell Park, coming away with four wins and one draw.
The Junior 1s started tentatively, neither team willing to be the aggressor but Woodbridge executing their plan without the ball expertly, to force Orwell Park to play in a different way. Year 8’s Theo and Alfie subbed on and changed the game with a positive injection of energy, communication and attacking intent. With his first touch, Theo drove inside and had a sharp shot at goal after beating three players; it missed, but now it was game on!
The next opportunity in the D, Year 8’s Griff had a hard shot to put Woodbridge ahead. The teams exchanged a few more ‘punches’ in the first half, both scoring one more goal but neither really getting the upper hand. The second half saw our boys do what they set out to do – dominate and take shots! Year 8’s Otto put Woodbridge ahead before Year 8’s Joshua extended the lead. A lapse in defensive concentration saw Orwell Park play up their favoured right and score a well worked team goal. This made for a tense finish to the game, if it was not for co-captain Otto firing a bouncing rebound into the back of the goal to restore the two-goal lead.
A well-deserved win for this hardworking and motivated team. Player of the Match was awarded to Otto.
The Junior 2s increased their goal tally for the season by four more! They made hard work of their fifth win on the trot though, going ahead early on and looking comfortable. However, Orwell Park would not just give up. Taking advantage of great play from their goalkeeper, and less intensity and indifferent decision making from Woodbridge in the second half, Orwell got back into the game scoring three goals. Excellent goalkeeping from Year 8’s Olly and Max prevented more. Woodbridge managed to hold on to their one goal lead as the final whistle went. Some relief but also showing how taking your early chances gives you the upper hand. Goals on the day came from Year 7’s Oliver W and Max R and Year 8’s Michael (2). Joint Players of the Match were our super goalies, Olly and Max.
The Junior 3s and 4s achieved comfortable wins, sharing pitch time around and players testing their skills and knowledge in a variety of positions. Goals for the Junior 3rd team were scored by Year 8’s Toby, Giles, Tom C and Alfie R.
The Junior 5s were disappointed with their performance in a one goal defeat. Basics and striking accuracy let them down, having created enough chances. At the other end Orwell Park manage to convert more, despite another Player of the Match performance from Year 7 goalkeeper, Arthur. Year 7’s Miles scored for Woodbridge.
The Junior 6 players remain unbeaten with their draw against Orwell Park. The cold weather didn’t help the performance but the team did enough and the goal from Year 7’s Willam was a highlight.
Woodbridge U14 vs Ipswich School
Thursday 13 Feb, the last match day of the half term, saw our U14s, U15A team and 1st team in action.
The U14 team, made up of Year 9 players, was really up for their match against Ipswich School U14B. The team set work rate and good ball speed as their non-negotiables and answered the call to be professional in all they do on and off the pitch. A bit against the run of play, Ipswich School went ahead thanks to a breakaway from their speedy and skillful midfielder. Shortly after, to much excitement, Anthony scored our first goal of the season – and what a cracker it was, with excellent passing play up the left hand side, two touches in the D and bang!
Woodbridge extended their lead soon after half time through George before Pranav scored a third. This was when the Ipswich School comeback started, scoring two unanswered goals to level the scored! In the closing minutes it looked unclear whether Woodbridge would be able to hold on to the draw, but goalkeeper, Seth made sure. And then, Harry scored the winner!
Deciding a Player of the Match was hard; Pranav and Barnaby played top matches without a rest in defence and midfield but the team decided it was against Arthur, for his excellent goalkeeping in the first half and then lending speed and aggression to the forward line in the second half.
Woodbridge U15A vs New Hall
The U15A team travelled to New Hall to face tough opponents. Having gone a goal behind in the opening minutes, the team’s character and skills were tested. Working hard to deny any more goals against them the team kept pushing, feeling they are the better team, but needing to prove it with goals. Finally, one was forthcoming, courtesy of Year 10’s Oliver R to get a draw. A very decent result at a tough away venue. Well done, gentlemen.
Woodbridge 1st vs Fram College Albert XI
The 1st team ended the first half of their season on a high. Good pre-match marketing saw a handsome crowd gather for the much-anticipated match against Fram College Albert XI after School. The game was played in good spirit, with both teams showing good discipline, sportsmanship and fluid skills. Woodbridge took an early lead thanks to a goal from captain, Year 13’s Luca. The lead was doubled, rather fortuitously, when a good penalty corner strike from Year 11’s Tom was deflected into the goal by the Fram defender. The game was end-to-end; Woodbridge having the better carries to break lines thanks to Year 13’s Alfie dominating the midfield, and midfielders and defenders passing the ball well to change channels and feed the forwards. Year 13’s Hugh had a composed performance at center back, setting the tone for the rest of the team. Year 11’s Arlo came close to scoring on his debut while Year 11’s Oscar P also had a strong first match for the 1st XI on the right flank.
Woodbridge scored their third early in second half, Luca again being clinical in the nine-yard area, to take the game beyond a come-back from Fram. The clean sheet was secured thanks to a great left hand save from Year 12’s Ethan, deflecting a great shot heading for the top corner.
Well done to the team for a clinical and controlled performance and thanks to staff, students and family who came to support the team.
