Junior, U14 and U15 Hockey News – 14 March 2025
Our Junior Hockey teams had mixed fortunes last week, with our Junior 1 team playing two matches against Culford, while our Junior 2, 3, 4 and 5 teams, as well as our U14 and U15 teams took on Langley. Read more about the matches and our players in our reports below.
Junior 1 Team
The Junior 1st team played two matches on the trot against Culford’s top two teams. The first match was dominated in the first half by Woodbridge but they were denied time after time by an In-form Culford goalkeeper. Frustratingly, two goals went in at the other end against the run of play to put Woodbridge on the back foot. Woodbridge pulled one goal back before half time, through Year 8’s Michael, making his Junior 1 team debut.
The second half saw our team much more secure in defence and continue to dominate, but the penalty corners and goals just didn’t come. Year 8’s Dex made the scores level, but with Woodbridge pushing for the win that they deserved, Culford got the goal at the other end instead.
A short rest and it was onto the next game! Again, Woodbridge showed their skill and tactical knowledge, as well as staying mentally strong after their disappointment from the first match. This time two early goals, one nine-yard dribble and finish and one hit from the top of the D, from Year 8’s Joshua gave Woodbridge the early lead. Year 8’s Alfie and Theo put Woodbridge further ahead in the second half. The team was not going to let this victory slip out of their hands! Culford did score twice, but could not keep our team at bay.
Well done to our Player of the Day, Year 8’s Olly who played two outstanding matches!
Junior 2 Team
The Junior 2s took on the Langley U13A team at Magpies. For the first time this season, the team could not find their flow and lost their winning streak. Usual good decision making and work rate were lacking on the day, and this could not be afforded against a strong Langley A team. Good lessons learned to take into the remaining games.
Junior 3 Team
The Junior 3s, on the other hand, put their best foot forward against Langley U13B. In a close game, Woodbridge was the stronger team but did rely on Year 7 goalkeeper, Harry, to keep a clean sheet to secure the win. Using the whole width of the pitch, Mr Walsh was delighted with attacks up the flanks . The only goal of the match was scored by Year 8’s Alfie R. Well done to the Junior 3s who are on a good winning streak themselves.
Junior 4 Team
The Junior 4 team played Langley U13C in a very equally matched game. The game took a while to find its flow with both teams starting off slowly. Woodbridge managed to put together a string of attacks finding their way into the Langley D. However, with some good defending were quickly closed down. Langley were the first to open the scoring after a quick counterattack down the wing. Woodbridge levelled the score through Year 8’s Alex soon after half time and started to move the ball a little more freely. Before the final whistle Langley managed to bag another goal after a well worked move. Player of the Match went to Year 8’s George B.
Junior 5 Team
The Junior 5s had an enlarged squad to play Langley U13D. The team came away with a goal in each half, to take the win. Very promising depth indeed from our teams. Goals were scored by Year 8’s George B and Year 7’s Miles while the Player of the Match was Year 8’s George T.
U14 and U15 Teams
The U14s and u15s also played against Langley last week. The U15A team came away victorious while the U14s rued missed opportunities in a one-goal defeat.
In the U15 match, Year 10’s Tom was a force to be reckoned with as he used his speed and strength to break through and past Langley defences. Tom scored a goal on his way to winning Player of the Match and set up another. Year 10’s Jago and Year 10’s Charlie completed the scoring for Woodbridge – and it could have been a lot more with the number of chances created.
The U14 team was evenly matched with their Langley counterparts. Woodbridge had the better chances regularly throughout the match but was denied by sharp saves and a last bit of skill lacking in the D. Year 8’s playing up, Otto H, Otto P-S, Joseph and Griff all made an impact. Year 9’s William, Alex and George provided good build up play and balls into the D, linking up well with Year 9’s Anthony in particular in the first half. Langley scored what proved to be the winner a few minutes from the end of the match. The frustration with this close loss shows how the team keeps getting better, knowing they have the ability to compete with confidence and win this kind of game if all comes together at the right moment.
