Junior Hockey Match Reports – January 2023
Our Junior hockey teams were in action on Wednesday 25 January, with all our Year 7 and 8 boys in matches against Framlingham College.
Woodbridge Junior 1 vs. Framlingham
The Junior 1s continued their good form with a superb performance against a very strong Fram College team. The team knew it would be a tough game but relished the chance to be the underdog and work for an upset. What resulted was an end-to-end game where both teams’ goalkeepers stole the show. Year 8’s Arthur in the Woodbridge goal was a metaphorical wall, making one great save after another, keeping us in the game. Woodbridge had chances of their own with Year 8’s Oliver Y using his pace to good effect, Harry his skill and Toby and Elijah excellent forward positioning, but were denied by equally good saves by the Fram goal keeper.
Year 8 defenders, Barney and Oliver M, played very well but eventually Fram managed to find the back of the goal, once in each half. The result was not to be, but the performance is up there with the best and the Woodbridge players stole the hearts of everyone watching, showing their own big hearts and character. Every player played their best match with Arthur being unanimously awarded player of the match.
Woodbridge Junior 2 vs. Framlingham
The Junior 2s also came up against a strong Framlingham team. A slow start from us saw the opposition score three quick goals. Despite conceding early, the boys played some great hockey in the first half and created a number of chances that weren’t converted. The second half was just as entertaining, with some excellent link up play resulting in lots of action in the opposing D, before one of the chances was finished well by player of the match, Year 8’s Toby.
Woodbridge Junior 3 vs. Framlingham
Another Wednesday and another cracking game of hockey for the Junior 3s. The team, with a new addition in year 7’s Frank, worked hard throughout the game and made significant inroads into the Framlingham defence in the initial ten minutes. Unfortunately no goals were scored in this time and once Framlingham had weathered the storm they came back strongly and they then had possession of the ball in our half for the next 10 minutes, which resulted in a goal by the big front man.
Early in the second half, Fram doubled their lead, however a few changes in position and Year 8’s Tom started making inroads down the right-hand-side. One of his powerful runs ended in a great cross and Lade scored with 15 minutes to play. Woodbridge were now on the attack and more strong runs by Tom saw the Woodbridge forwards hitting the post on two occasions and narrowly missing the goal on a further three occasions. Pushing for the equalising goal in the closing minutes, Woodbridge threw caution to the wind, playing with an attacking formation, however a lucky break away meant that Framlingham scored another to seal the win. And round up an excellent end to end game of hockey and some fantastic performances. Well done to Year 8’s Tom on his player of the match performance.
Woodbridge Junior 4 vs. Framlingham
The match started slowly in the first half, with neither team dominating. An opportunistic deflected goal by year 8’s Sam P in only his second hockey match gave the small band of dedicated supporters something to cheer about. The second half saw some hockey with attacking intent break out! Woodbridge had a series of one-on-ones that resulted in Year 8’s Oscar R bagging two quick goals and we also forced a number of promising penalty corners. Yes, we conceded a sloppy goal but generally year 8’s Edward made good goalkeeping decisions at the back assisted by a stout and dependable player of the match performance by Year 7’s Alex H. Year 8’s Ted settled everyone’s nerves by bagging a well-taken late goal. This was a great squad performance and it was good to see urgency, hunger and desire in the second half.
Woodbridge Junior 5 vs. Framlingham
The Junior 5s had a very close, competitive game against Fram which was an excellent challenge for both sets of players. Two contrasting styles saw Woodbridge with a good amount of territory and possession pushing numbers forward and Fram looking to counter quickly against the exposed defence. This led to some exciting goal mouth action at both ends but without any end product. Deep into the second half the game was decided; a strong attack by Woodbridge was denied by a superb save by the opposition goalkeeper and moments later the winning goal was scored. Woodbridge again attacked but Fram defended well, won the ball back and rapidly transitioned forward, winning the game with a composed finish.
This was a game that could very easily have been won by either side and we should be rightly proud of our performance, strong play throughout and a wonderful response to going behind so late in the game. Special mention to Year 7’s William and Pranav who defended so resolutely throughout and set up many attacks.
Woodbridge Junior 6 & 7 vs. Framlingham
The Junior 6 and 7 teams played Framlingham with the 6s playing the first half. Woodbridge started the game with some good speed getting the ball back early from the hit off. Some good play from the attack moved the ball out wide and played a good ball into the nine-yard area and tapped in by Year 8’s Callum. Some good defending saw Woodbridge keep Framlingham out and Woodbridge kept up the pressure with Callum scoring a hattrick before half time. After half time the Junior 7s took to the field and Woodbridge carried on the attack with a good run down the right wing from Year 7’s Jamie and a tap in by Year 7’s Max. Framlingham scored two goals in quick succession with some good link-up play. Both teams managed one more goal before the final whistle and Woodbridge holding on for the win.
