The J1 hockey team achieved a very satisfying and hard fought ‘come-back’ victory over Norwich School. Norwich are traditionally formidable opponents and their A team travelled to Woodbridge full of confidence to continue their winning ways. The young Woodbridge team put together their own team talk, proving how much they have learned so far this term, choosing the best tactics to implement during the match. After a delayed start, Norwich started the better and dominated the first half. Luckily Alfie Franklin was on top form and kept the ball out the goal time after time. Hugo Thomas was strong in defence and managed to build good counter attacks. 1 minute before the half, Norwich finally managed to break through the defences, slotting the rebound after another good save by Alfie.
Half time gave Woodbridge a chance to regroup and give themselves a talking to. From the start of the second half Woodbridge started to turn the tide. Alfie Franklin kept his resistance up at the back but now Woodbridge made attacks too. Jack Leith scored in the 4th minute to draw the teams level. A minute later some good link up play saw debutant, Tobias Juszt make it 2-1 to Woodbridge. Will Franklin scored an excellent 3rd goal for Woodbridge. Norwich didn’t lie down and scored a few minutes from full time, converting one of their many chances, this time Alfie not being able to do much about the goal. Daniel Norman continued to dominate the midfield and showed some mature captaincy during this tense period of the match, composing his players and playing a possessions game. The final whistle went; Woodbridge 3-2 victors.
Hugo Thomas played his best match of the season and was outstanding. He was just beaten to the man of the match award by Alfie Franklin who was a match winner in goal, keeping his team well and truly in the game.
