Strong End to the Hockey Season 2022
The Lent term is synonymous with boys Hockey and Netball for girls, and excitement was high at the start of the term as we have not been able to play competitive fixtures for such a long time, having lost one and a half seasons due to the pandemic. Our Head of Hockey Mrs Rix reports on the season.
It’s no surprise that students and staff were equally motivated to make the most of the season, learn and improve as much as possible and play as hard as they could in every match, lesson and practice.
There were perhaps some early nerves as the season got underway, but the boys got stronger and stronger – also shown by the very positive results at the end of the term.
As usual there are a number of highlights but too many to mention in such a short report. I will however try do it some justice!
The Junior 6 team, led by Mr Davis has been unbeaten during term, and absolutely full of enthusiasm! They scored 12 goals and conceded just four, taking convincing wins over Culford, Orwell Park and New Hall is no easy task. Well done, gentlemen.
The Junior 1st team have had an outstanding season – exactly what they deserved for the self-motivation, application and work ethic they showed throughout. The team won six matches and lost two (one of those a 2-3 loss to Culford, in one of the best 7-a-side matches I have ever seen. It could easily have been 7-5 to Woodbridge). 26 goals were scored in total this season, in a true team play fashion. Tom V (6) and Alex H (5) were the overall top goal scorers in all of the School.
The U14A and B teams got stronger and stronger throughout the season – getting used to 11-a-side hockey. Both teams ended with positive results, especially the U14As finding their goal-scoring touch, adding wins over New Hall and RHS (convincing in the long awaited rematch) to their tally. A lot has been said about the progress Year 10 boys made. Having missed out on the vital Year 9 introduction to the full pitch game, it was uncertain where the season would lead us. The players rose to the challenge and commitment, skill and motivation kept rising. 90% of boys represented the A and B teams in midweek or Saturday fixtures and we are so grateful for the fantastic support we had from parents and friends on the sideline, making things all the more exciting. 18 boys played for the A team over the course of the season, making competition for a selection very tough – a very good place to be in. Through hard work, teamwork and responding to their captain’s expectations they bounced back from a disappointing start, to win four of their last five matches. Some stunning deflection goals were scored, the U15s featuring some of the bravest players in front of goal.
The senior teams started the season with a big test – mocks for most of the players. This led to a somewhat slow start to playing but when we finally got groups together, time lost was quickly recovered by hard work and fun. A very young second team had a tough season, but good progress made by players who will hopefully use this experience well as sixth formers. Edward R in goal was a hero throughout the term.
The 1st team have been a wonderfully self-motivated group, leading the way for the younger pupils. The team has been frustrated not to build more momentum and had to settle for some close losses when their performances warranted more reward. However, in true Woodbridge character the players kept working hard not letting a setback throw them off track, earning three wins and a draw in eight full length games. William established himself as the top goal scorer in his first season, Edward never stopped running and dominating his side of the pitch in midfield, while Tom H marshalled the boys from the back and made telling tackles. After the satisfying win over RHS last week, confidence was high going into the last match against Culford. The performance delivered is one to be proud of, even if not the outcome we wanted. Many moves and moments to remember and build on next season.
Congratulations to the debutants playing their first matches for the School’s first team this year, and likewise to the Year 13’s playing their last. You will be missed.
