Rugby U12A, U13 and U16 Match Reports
U12A, U13 and U16 Rugby matches took place last week, details of the players, matches and scores can be found in our reports from our Head of Rugby and Cricket, Mr Simpson below.
Woodbridge U13A vs Farlingaye and Ipswich – Triangular competition report
Last Wednesday, 9 November, Woodbridge U13A team played against Farlingaye and Ipswich in a Triangular competition. With Woodbridge having already played Farlingaye earlier in the season it was a fantastic opportunity to see how much progress had been made in the training sessions throughout the weeks.
The Match vs Farlingaye started at a great pace with the ball being moved quickly from touchline to touchline, spreading the opposition defence out thinly across the field. This then allowed the Woodbridge runners to go through spaces, connect to team mates and score tries, which the boys did aggressively and with accuracy. The defence was excellent and restricted Farlingaye to limited attacking options ensuring a resounding victory for the team in the first match.
The second game was played against Ipswich school and playing up the hill the team never really got going; static handling and a passive defence saw Ipswich move into a 4-0 lead at half time.
The boys’ half time team talk was about moving onto the ball, going forward in defence and attack and being more aggressive. This team talk proved to be the catalyst for an excellent second half of rugby, which saw Woodbridge camped inside the Ipswich 22m for the entire of the half and restricting Ipswich to single carries and kicking out of their 22m. Woodbridge scored two tries, one held up over the line and in the last minute of the half a knock on over the line. A far better second half from the Woodbridge team, with an unfortunate 4-2 loss; however this was probably the best half game of rugby that the boys have played in their time at Woodbridge and the improvement is testament to their attendance at training and willingness to try new things constantly. Well done boys.
Woodbridge U16 v Thomas Mills – Match report
The U16s opened their season with an away trip to Thomas Mills. With the weather looking doubtful the game got underway and Woodbridge were straight on the attack. Some great hands in the centre of the field made sure it wasn’t long before the first score of the game by Woodbridge. Finding their flow in attack and scoring several more tries in quick succession, put them five tries up.
Thomas Mills however quickly found their stride and started putting together some great phases of play which really tested the Woodbridge defence. With a spell of five minutes in their own 22m Woodbridge managed to keep Thomas Mills at bay going into half time.
Despite the rain in the second half, both teams came out with great intentions which meant it took a while for the deadlock to be broken. Woodbridge however found a gap around the side of the ruck and with some great continuity scored the first try of the second half. Woodbridge then seemed to find their rhythm like the first half scoring a handful of tries through the centres and on the wing. Thomas Mills fought hard, however Woodbridge managed to claim a try right at the end with the conversion being the final play of the game. Full time score ended with 53-0 to Woodbridge. Well done boys.
Woodbridge U12A vs Farlingaye and Ipswich – Triangular competition report
The U12A team took part in a triangular, with Ipswich school and Farlingaye making their way over to Woodbridge. Taking on a very strong Ipswich side in their first game, Ipswich came out firing, testing the Woodbridge defence early on.
With some big tackles and great counter rucking Woodbridge managed to hold out Ipswich. Some great play by Ipswich found some holes in the Woodbridge defence to put them in the lead. Woodbridge however came fighting back with some great handling to get the ball to the wing, only to be denied just short of the line by a great try saving tackle. Woodbridge carried on with momentum, testing the Ipswich defence several times – but the visitors managed to hold them out.
Woodbridge came out firing for their second match against Farlingaye, with some end-to-end rugby from both teams in a game which was not short of tries. Woodbridge managed to go three tries up after some direct attacking rugby up the middle of the pitch, however, Farlingaye came back at them with some hard attacking play of their own, putting themselves on the score sheet.
After half time both teams started strongly, demonstrating some good attacking rugby only to be met by some equally great defence. Woodbridge managed to find a gap in the Farlingaye defence to score the first try of the second half.
The back-and-forth rugby continued with both teams scoring a few more tries before the final whistle. With a much better performance in their second match Woodbridge came away with the win to end a great afternoon of rugby for the U12As. Great rugby played by all!
