Junior Hockey Report – March 2024
Junior and Intermediate Hockey Teams Excel Again as Season Draws to a Close
Our last Hockey report of the Lent term holds details of matches, players and outcomes for our U15, Junior 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 teams.
The U15A and U15B hockey teams both had a top performance to end of their seasons, showing just how much they developed during the course of the season and getting the outcomes they deserved for the performances on display.
Woodbridge U15A vs Fram College
The U15A team hosted Fram College, a replay of both teams’ first match of the season, so a pretty apt way to close the season out. The previous outing Woodbridge had to settle for a 0-1, despite playing some very good hockey. Our team turn the tables, scoreline and result around this time, in a dominant display of skill, team work, creativity, solid defending to attack from. Most of the match was played between the two Ds, both teams employing differing styles. In the first half the Woodbridge GK, Year 10’s Ernest had very little to do, while Woodbridge created some chances at the other end. Year 10’sSam L’s snapshot went just wide while Fram struggled to keep Year 10’s Tom under control as he had was making a real attacking impact as forward; Woodbridge won two corners for their efforts. The first corner saw Year 10’s Theo’s drag push well saved. However, for the second corner Year 9’s Oliver Y timed the pass back to the injector, Year 10’s Jasper, perfectly for Jasper to put Woodbridge ahead. Minimal details were addressed at half time to limit the pressure on our team and up the pressure on Fram.
Woodbridge kept dominating much of the mid-field play, courtesy of Year 10’s Jasper and Oscar and Year 9’s Seb and Oliver Y. Any through ball or player that made their way past the midfield was met by the formidable defensive trio of Year 10’s Theo and Alex, and Year 9’s Oliver M. Year 10’s Arthur, Sam L and Arlo, along with Year 9’s Harry, worked tirelessly as forwards both in attack and defence. Second half GK, Year 10’s Edward stayed alert to step up when called upon to keep the clean sheet. Woodbridge kept pushing and deserved more goals for their play but in the end one goal was enough to seal the day and a great win to end the season. Well done to all the boys who have made this group such a great team this season. It has been a pleasure to watch them play and see the development in so many areas, and achieve some impressive wins and consistently good performances.
Woodbridge Junior 1s vs Royal Hospital School
The Junior 1s started in style with a ‘champagne goal’ by Year 7’s Josh before RHS could blink! Despite creating a number of additional chances, Woodbridge could not capatalise; as the game progressed RHS got into their stride, putting their long ball strategy into place. Faced with a very different style of play, Woodbridge conceded two goals just before half time as RHS found gaps in the press. Frustrated to be behind at half time, we were confident we were the better team, so just had to settle on an effective press to nullify what RHS wanted to achieve. The team adjusted really well and executed with perfection. 44 seconds into the second half the scores were even as Year 7’s Otto deflected for the second ‘champagne goal’ of the game. Woodbridge never looked back, as the momentum swung completely, and good team goals were scored at regular intervals without reply from the opposition. Year 7’s Dex scored his second of the season in as many matches before Year 7’s Josh racked up two more goals, completing his third hattrick of the season in the final minute. Well done to every player who contributed so positively again to a good performance and win. Special mention to Year 8’s Arthur in goal for making important saves at key times and Year 8’s Oscar W for making a confident debut in the team.
Good luck to this team for their final match of the season against Ipswich High School. Unfortunately we will not be able to report on this.
Woodbridge Junior 2s vs RHS
The Junior 2 team went two goals behind early in the match, but then had the best second half performance of the season! Amazing flowing hockey was played as Woodbridge got themselves back into the game and created chance after chance. They got the two goals back courtesy of Year 8’s Frank and George and were unlucky to not win it end the end; but still it was a very satisfying draw to end the season. Well done to Frank for his Player of the Match performance.
Woodbridge Junior 2 vs Ipswich High School
The Junior 2s also played against Ipswich High School U12A the week before – a new look team took to the pitch with more Year 7’s included as well as players being promoted to the team following consistent performances for the 3s. The game was very close in terms of scoreline despite Woodbridge dominating. We saw a celebration of great goalkeeping from the Ipswich High GK. Joseph scored a great quick reverse stick goal to make sure Woodbridge take the win.
Woodbridge Junior 3s vs Royal Hospital School
The Junior 3s also went behind early and had to contend with quite a bit of breaking-down play from the opposition. Showing character to endure the number of stick tackles made, the threes came back strong to score two goals in the second half (both by Year 7’s Michael) to get the win.
Good luck to this team also for their final match of the season against Ipswich High School.
Woodbridge Junior 4s vs Ipswich High School
The first of two fixtures last week saw the Juniors 4s keep up their excellent form of play with another win. The game started fast with Year 8’s Albie opening the scoring, soon to be followed up by Year 8’s Tahir off a short corner. Woodbridge kept up the pressure only to see a few shots go just wide of the goal and the Ipswich High keeper making some excellent saves. Tahir got his second of the match following some great play down the wing. Year 8’s William also scored off a great drive from Year 7’s Tom C to pull the ball back. Ipswich High never backed down and when they got the ball looked dangerous in attack and managed to pull back a goal. Before the end of the match Albie scored another two to complete his hattrick and William scored his second. Player of the Match went to Tahir after an excellent performance, great work rate and attitude in all positions.
Woodbridge Junior 4s vs Royal Hospital School
After an excellent performance on Tuesday the Junior 4s were tasked to replicate the performance on Wednesday against RHS. And that they did. Woodbridge played some relentless hockey moving the ball quickly and troubled the RHS team. Year 7’s Otis and Alfie both scored hattricks, while Year 8’s Digby and Tahir both scored a brace. Year 8’s Albie, Year 7’s Oliver and Year 8’s William also got their names on the score sheet. Player of the Match went to Year 7’s Monty for an excellent all round performance. Well done on an excellent season which saw the team win six of their eight matches.
Woodbridge Junior 5s vs RHS – A very proud Mr Davis reports
Once again, competition for places meant an enlarged squad which necessitated a “Lions” and “Sharks” approach to this match. Both mini-teams had superior possession and territory but, in truth, wasted opportunities in front of goal. The RHS goalkeeper also had a fine second half and kept the scoreline down. Year 7’s Thomas F, Lewis and George L all chipped in with well-taken goals but it was Year 8’s Sam in goal who earned Player of the Match status; for long periods in the game he had very little to do but stayed alert and then, when called into action, made sure that his goal was not breached with some assured footwork. The Junior 5s have had an excellent season: played seven, won five, drawn one and lost one. Well done to all the boys who took part, especially to those who consistently came to practice and were promoted to a higher team. They have all been a pleasure to coach and it matters not that it has cost me an arm and leg in winning donuts!
Woodbridge Junior 6 vs RHS – Mr Miambo and Mr Davis report from the last Junior 6 match of the season
There’s nothing like finishing the season on a high! This was a scrappy but hotly contested match – high on industry and goals! Woodbridge were playing without a goalie and, as often happens at this level, it turns out to be an excellent strategy! The seven outfielders just have to keep the opposition out of the D and then overrun the opponents – and the proof of this pudding was in the very convincing victory with Woodbridge reaching double figures and RHS scoring two of their own. Well played to all the boys who have represented the Junior 6 team this year who can be proud of their winning record: played five, won three, lost two.
