Hockey Updates – November 2024
After several last minute cancellations last week due to the adverse weather brought on by Storm Bert, Hockey was back in full swing, and the start of this week was a busy one.
But before that, one match was able to take place on Thursday last week for our 1st XI team, meaning they could finally get the second half of their season underway. Our astro held brilliantly, probably the only one in the county that didn’t freeze! A very good team performance pursued against Fram College 2s, with some entertaining Hockey being played between two well matched teams. Woodbridge were the more consistent in their attacking, but unfortunately the final touch in our attacking D just was not to be, as the Fram GKs kept even the best of efforts out. Huge congratulations to Year 9’s Bay, who made her first team!
Terrific Tuesday
Tuesday this week saw five different teams play at three different venues, in three different counties (Suffolk, Essex and Norfolk) against three different schools – and if that wasn’t enough, featuring over 65 girls from six different year groups! Huge shout out to the amazing team of Hockey staff who managed this like a well-oiled machine.
Our first team outplayed New Hall for most of the match. Year 11’s Charlie scored the goal of the season so far, a cracking flat reverse from the top of the D. The perfect pass was fed in by our Player of the Match, Year 13’s Sophia, after beautiful build up play up the right. An exciting match which saw so many of the skills the team has been working on during the season; including left foot attacks, V-drags, 3D lifts, squeeze, aerials, rolls, various goal scoring skills.
The second team travelled to New Hall, a worthwhile journey where they out played and out classed New Hall, coming away with a two goal win and a clean sheet at the other end. Year 11’s Freya dealt with a barrage of shots in the closing minutes of the game, and Year 11’s Aurelia and Margot did a top job in midfield. Year 11’s Lily F scored one of her trademark goals, while our second was scored by Year 12’s Tabitha from midfield.
The third team travelled to Norfolk to face Greshams, and as always this proved challenging in terms of their opposition testing our players’ skills and knowledge. Our team pushed themselves in a very well-matched and well-contested game. The win was not to be, but lots of positives to take from the narrow defeat. Year 12’s Libby was our Player of the Match with strong play on the right flack creating a lot for her team. Year 12’s Sophie scored our goal from a perfectly delivered cross from Year 11’s Evie. Well done to each of the players and Mrs Scahill.
After School, the action continued with our Junior 1 and Junior 2 teams (made up of Year 7 and 8 players) hosting Ipswich High School. The Junior 1 game was action-packed and fast-paced. The team knew they would have their work cut out for them, as Ipswich High features two of the top players in the county at that age group. Captain, Year 8’s India, worked tirelessly to keep her opposite number at bay, as did Year 8’s Ella, stepping into left back, with marvelous success.
Year 8’s Alexandra was a star again at right back in tackling and distribution, while Year 8’s Jasmin defended and attacked with determination and purpose. Woodbridge went a goal down but were not deterred. Creative and skillful team attacks pushed Woodbridge forward. Jasmin won a penalty corner and a great plan made on the pitch came together when India smashed the ball into the back of the goal from the set piece.
More action at both ends but our goalkeeper, Year 8’s Clem, had to do the most work and making some super technical saves. The players put their hearts and bodies on the line to keep the opposition out. Woodbridge made use of their next chance, as the ball found India again at the top of the D and her quick, hard shot flew into the backboard. Now to defend for the dying minutes – great work for a great win against a team who have been beating everyone! India was named Player of the Match by the opposition and she is joined by Alexandra and Ella who had such influential performances.
The Junior 2s finally put everything together against Ipswich High School to get the win they have deserved in so many matches before, but just didn’t have the luck before. Year 7’s Juno was again a stalwart for the team at right back, with Year 7’s Ava playing superbly in her best performance of the season,rightly awarded Player of the Match. The two-goal win came courtesy of goals from Year 8’s Evie and Rebecca.
Well done to each of the players and thanks to the staff who coach, drive, umpire, support, organise and more – we couldn’t do it without you!
