Junior and Senior Hockey Teams Keep Building!
It certainly was a memorable week for Hockey last week, with so much progress and many magic moments. Read our reports below, from Mrs Rix, our Head of Hockey.
The start of last week saw the best so far from the 1st Hockey team, playing against Ipswich High School after School on Monday, followed by an enthralling battle against Ipswich School 2nd team on Tuesday. Both matches saw Woodbridge go behind but come back to secure very satisfying draws! Which felt like wins.
The context of these games is important. Both opponents achieved convincing victories last year in the same fixture, but this Woodbridge team is special and has shown discipline, winning attitude, desire, work ethic, togetherness and attacking confidence which will continue to push them forward.
Woodbridge went into the match against Ipswich High School with a specific tactic to nullify the opposition’s strength. This was executed perfectly; Year 11’s Charlie H showing endless energy, discipline and mental application in this job. The team’s defending work, from front to back, with Year 13 co-captains Millie and Charlotte leading the forward and back lines respectively. Loads of chances were created at both ends, year 13’s Freya in goal doing her bit for Woodbridge while Year 11’s Bea and Year 12’s Nancy came agonisingly close to scoring, being denied by the IHS goalkeeper. Bea got the goal we needed to draw level and push for more. A massive credit to the character and desire of the team to defend a penalty corner well at the death to keep things level. Well done to Year 13’s Lola who made a confident debut for the team.
On Tuesday there was no sign of fatigue as Woodbridge got out the blocks fast against Ipswich School. Our half backs, Year 13’s Rose and Year 11’s Lily had a great day, attacking up the flacks and helping to feed the forwards. Woodbridge created numerous goal scoring chances, much to the excitement of those watching on. Year 12’s Eve was back to top from in defence for Woodbridge, making sure Ipswich School’s attacks were snuffed, well supported by excellent left-hand-low tackling from Charlotte H. One did sneak through but Woodbridge still looked the stronger team and matched fast runs by the Ipswich attackers, not giving them an inch to attack direct. The game was end-to-end and Woodbridge must be commended for their discipline and professional approach to the attacking and defensive structure, and how they executed set pieces. Rose scored for Woodbridge from a penalty corner, just deserves after getting close from open play. It looked like Charlie’s reverse strike in the dying seconds was going to get the win for us but the goalie stuck her left foot out and denied the bottom corner goal. Although every member of the squad must be credited with outstanding play the two player of the match candidates were Charlie and Rose, with Rose taking the honors on the day.
Late afternoon saw the heavens open up, as well as the goal scoring floodgates for the 3rd XI. The Tuesday after School match saw a replay from the draw the previous week, this time Woodbridge hosting Fram College. The team’s spirits were high despite the delayed start and relentless rain. The girls worked hard moving the ball around playing a passing game and were rewarded with four goals. The scoreline of 4-0 may sound one sided, but this was not the case. It was end-to-end but Woodbridge School goalkeeper, Year 11’s Poppy, proved the difference between the sides. Poppy was our Player of the Match, keeping everything out which Fram threw at her. A very positive performance, keeping the clean sheet and setting our team up for the win. Our Captain, Year 13’s Bee, also had an influential performance in the middle of the pitch, distributing well and excelling in one-on-one defending.
Juniors Make History
Four Junior teams (made up of Year 7 and 8 students) played against Fram College. Our Junior 3 and 4 teams showed true Woodbridge School values, in how they hosted and supported our visitors. Arriving without a goalkeeper for their team(s), Woodbridge GK’s Nina and Najma, both Year 7, were roped in to help the opposition out, and doing so very well. The Junior 4 team played an adjusted game and achieved a draw, while the Junior 3s dominated in a convincing win. Well done to the goal scorers for this team, Year 8’s Elle and Bella, and Year 7’s Katherine. Miss Hinton was very proud of this great team performance.
On the other half of the hockey pitch, the Junior 2nd team played out a closely contested draw, getting the equaliser close to the end. Year 8’s Imarah in goal, made plenty saves to keep the scoreline down and Woodbridge in the game. Year 8’s Imogen M got Woodbridge’s goal in the last few minutes, after battling hard. A lesson to learn for this team is to stick to their patterns and plans and not adopt those of the opposition. A strong performance from Year 8’s Rebecca in the second half, and drives from Year 8’s Issy helped Woodbridge build more attacks, attacking the opposition’s left foot, and create chances.
The Junior 1 girls made history in a dominant performance from start to finish, beating Fram College for the first time at this level! Every player delivered a clinical performance, executing the game plan to perfection and the opposition had no answer. When they tried to change Woodbridge was still too good. Captain, Year 8’s India, scored a hattrick of goals, playing her central midfield role perfectly on the day (also winning the Player of the Match award). Year 8’s Lottie played with class and confidence, executing all of her skills and her position to perfection. Year 7’s Martha scored her first goal for Woodbridge School, with Year 8’s Ella completing the scoring. Year 8’s Jasmine at forward was outstanding in pressing and attacking. Well done to this team on such a great performance and achievement.
The U15B team topped off the week with a well-earned draw against Norwich High School.
Well done to each of our players, who are working so hard in lessons, practices and matches. Thanks for all the support and hard work from staff too, who guide these teams and players to be their best.
