Rugby Reports – October 2023

With match reports from our U12B, U13 and 1^ST XV team, including a three team tournament and a triangular fixture, Mr Gage, Head of Rugby shares details of the players and their games.

Woodbridge U12A vs St Faiths & Woodbridge U12A vs Culford
This was a really well contested triangular fixture, played in an excellent spirit by well-matched teams.  Our first match, against St Faith’s ended in a draw, although we felt that we certainly should have won it based on balance of play, a gentle reminder that good play will still always require an end product in order to come out victorious.  Remembering to try and score as a team rather than as an individual was the biggest takeaway.

The second game against Culford was a far more complete performance, solid in defence and dominant in the ruck, this allowed us plenty of the ball and we created a lovely variety of scoring opportunities through clever kicks, sniping runs and attacking with width that resulted in four unanswered tries.  Particular highlights across the games came from Giles, showing great vision and composure both when scoring and setting up others.  A good day at the office for the boys and plenty of evidence of their continued learning and development as a group.  Well done to all involved.

Woodbridge U12A vs Orwell Park
This was a game where we were aiming for both performance and result and I am delighted to say we achieved both.  Although disappointed with the few tries we conceded, being punished for a lack of line speed resulting in a disjointed defence and ultimately missed tackles, we scored a number of excellent tries ourselves.  Having reached half time with a narrow lead we managed to go on and ultimately make the result a comfortable win.  I was delighted to see our ability to score in different ways and particularly seeing the team show an awareness of their positioning on the field and how to manage the game in order to create space and opportunity.  Putting into play what we had worked on in practice was very satisfying and the boys deserve real credit for this.  Tries for Dexter, Charlie, Alfie, Thomas, Toby and Giles.

Woodbridge U12B vs St Faith’s
The first match of the three team tournament was an absolute cracker.  Both teams expressed themselves in attack and were solid in defence.  The first real challenge Woodbridge have come up against all year and we managed to be up to it.  With the game hanging in the balance with Woodbridge one try up with seconds to play, St Faith’s went for the draw but Woodbridge held firm and won the ball back to score a break away try to secure a tightly fought game.

Woodbridge U12B vs Culford
Culford were up next and what a game we had in store.  The crowd didn’t think things could get any closer than the first game but with Woodbridge going three tries up in the first half to no reply from Culford, it looked like the game was over.  A resurgent second half performance from Culford saw the game going into the dying seconds with Woodbridge one try up and on their own try line defending.  Some incredible tackles were up to the challenge of stopping Culford getting over the line, and the disciplined defence was too much, forcing the error from Culford.  An amazing game played by both sides.  All the Woodbridge players agreed at the end that the tightly fought games meant it has been the best and most enjoyable week of rugby so far.

Woodbridge U13 vs Culford
Woodbridge travelled to Culford for a triangular fixture, which proved to be a challenging but great afternoon of rugby.  Woodbridge faced a strong Culford side who scored a couple of quick tries early on.  Woodbridge settled into the game defending some great Culford attacks turning the ball over for a break and some great link up play from Oscar D and Noah to open the scoring.  The scoring didn’t stop there, with both teams playing some great flowing rugby where the skills were on show, and the defences were tested; with Culford just taking the win in the first game.

Woodbridge U13 vs St Faith’s
The second game versus St Faith’s was also a close encounter.  St Faith’s end to end attacking rugby made for an enjoyable game to watch; they took the lead only to be snuffled out by a hattrick of try’s from Digby to put Woodbridge into the lead. St Faiths played to the final whistle and managed to clinch a try in the final play of the game.  Finishing four tries each.  A great afternoon of rugby from the U13’s, showing off what they have been learning in training, under heavy pressure from an opposition defense.  Well done to the U13’s

Woodbridge 1^st XV vs Farlingaye
This fixture was an exciting encounter against the neighbours, which was nothing short of physicality, attacking rugby, tries and great defensive efforts.  The first try didn’t come until 15 minutes into the game after some heavy forward play from Farlingaye.  Woodbridge had a couple of opportunities to even the score out after Year 13’s Abdhulla and James made some breaks, only to be tackled short of the line.  Farlingaye managed to score one more before half time going in two tries up.  Woodbridge came out fighting in the second half putting on a display for the big crowd from both schools who came to watch.  Their persistence paid off as Woodbridge managed to get a try of their own.  Woodbridge continue to develop week on week and this is evident in the performances they produce on the field.  A great performance by the 1^st XV, well done.