This Week’s Hockey Highlights from Woodbridge School
Last week was busy for Hockey players, especially Tuesday which saw four hockey matches featuring players from five Year groups.
Our 1st XI took on Ipswich School 2nd team at Rushmere Sport Centre, and as usual this was a tightly contested match, with neither team getting the upper hand in the first half but both scoring twice. It was Woodbridge who got the match winner in the second half and came away with bragging rights this season. Our goals were scored by Year 13’s Alfie and Hugh and Year 11’s Alex.
The 2nd team travelled to Ipswich High School, seeking their first win of the season, and the first half was a fiery affair! Woodbridge scored three times courtesy of Year 11’s Sam C, Sam L and Arthur and looking like they were going to run away with it. However, the second half saw a much more organised and disciplined opponent take to the field. Both teams now played constructive Hockey. Ipswich High School pulled one goal back via a great penalty corner strike, but thereafter nothing got past Year 12’s Ethan in goal, with him making some quality saves. At the other end, usual GK, Year 12’s Indie made his first appearance playing on pitch as a forward and got agonisingly close to scoring. Without any more goals being scored, Woodbridge saw the game out for the win they craved and have deserved for their play so far this season. Player of the Match went to captain, Year 13 Finlay for his solid performance at centre back, stopping attacks and starting Woodbridge attacking build-ups, and good leadership throughout the game.
Photo below: 2nd team after Ipswich High Win
The Junior 5 and 6 teams hosted Ipswich School last Tuesday evening. After a slow start, with a slightly altered squad, the Junior 5s started to play better passing hockey and created a number of chances . It took some sharp finishes from Year 7’s Miles to beat the Ipswich High keeper who had a decent game. At the back, Year 8’s Charlie stayed resolute in defence. This was a satisfying win in chilly after-school conditions. Well played to all the boys and hattrick-hero and our Player of the Match, Miles.
The Junior 6 team had a resounding and comprehensive victory over Ipswich High School U12C. Our players showed the knowledge and experience they had gained this season, playing against a less experienced team. Well done to all the goal scorers: Year 7’s Will and Stefan and Year 8’s Rufus and Alex and Year 7’s Luke for bagging three goals.
U16 Regional Finals
Last Friday, a 15-man strong squad set off for the East Regional Finals. Not knowing what to expect, being unfamiliar with every opponent, our team acquitted themselves very well. We faced Chigwell, a team on top goal scoring form this season (according to captain Sam’s research), in the first match. Woodbridge set out to defend with structure and discipline and attack creatively using width and height. Woodbridge did this well, but Chigwell finally broke the deadlock despite Year 10’s Arthur making a triple save in that play. A narrow loss in the first game only motivated the players, now knowing they will be a force in the pool.
Next up was a win against Southend High School, courtesy of an early goal from Year 11’s Sam L and a few minutes later from Year 10’s Seb from a penalty corner. Woodbridge enjoyed playing freely with a comfy lead and securing the three points with their win. Frustratingly the same fate hit Woodbridge in the next game, going two goals down in the opening ten minutes against Hitchin. It was too big a deficit to come back from despite Woodbridge giving it their all, including taking the goalkeeper off to play with 11 field players.
The last match of the day was against Stephen Perse. A very entertaining 0-0 draw played out. Goal chances and saves both ends entertained those watching. Woodbridge played some of their best patterns through midfield and up to the forwards, despite fatigue setting in. The team can be very proud and satisfied with their performance at this event. Lots of learning, magic moments, teamwork, mature choices for the team and leadership are just some things to take away. Our Player of the Day was our super goalie, Arthur.
Well done and thanks for each of the players who invested so well in the day. A very memorable day and one which motivates for the future. Looking forward to the next couple of seasons with these young men as senior players at Woodbridge School.
